Patent Description:
The present invention relates to connector assemblies to join fluid lines together, and in particular, connector assemblies providing machine readable connection verification.

Quick connectors are often used in the automotive industry to provide a fluid connection between two components. Quick connectors function by joining the connector to a male fitting, the male fitting optionally being in conformance with SAE J2044. For example, known quick connectors engage a raised annular bead on the male fitting, thereby preventing withdrawal of the male fitting. Quick connectors can be used to connect fuel lines, fuel vapor lines, fuel tank filler necks, and in-tank fuel applications, to name but a few applications, and must adhere to stringent engineering requirements, particularly for automotive applications.

Quick connectors sometimes include a pre-installed assembly check to provide visual verification that the male fitting has engaged the quick connector. In use, the pre-installed assembly check retracts from the quick connector when the male fitting is engaged. When in the retracted position, the assembly check can be manually removed from the quick connector and discarded. In some applications, however, the pre-installed assembly check can become dislodged from the quick connector during shipment, preventing use of the quick connector by the vehicle manufacturer. Accordingly, there remains a continued need for an improved quick connector having an assembly check. In particular, there remains a continued need for an improved quick connector having a separate assembly check that can be readily assembled to the quick connector by the manufacturer for providing visual confirmation of a secure connection.

The document <CIT> discloses Quick acting connector with insertion check element.

The document <CIT> discloses a quick connector.

The document <CIT> discloses a quick connector assembly with a verification tab.

An improved quick connector assembly is provided. The quick connector includes an assembly check that is partially received within an input end of a quick connector. The assembly check is separate from the quick connector and includes a pull tab and a shielding portion. Upon insertion of a male connector within the input end of the quick connector, the assembly check retracts from the input end of the quick connector and can be manually removed via the pull tab. When the assembly check is removed from the quick connector, a machine readable verification indicia can be read. The verification indicia is visible on an underside of the shielding portion or visible on the quick connector once the shielding portion is removed.

In one embodiment, the quick connector includes a connector body and one-button or two-button sliding lock latch. The connector body defines a fluid passage between a fluid input end and a fluid output end and defines a transverse opening proximate the fluid input end. The sliding lock latch is housed within the transverse opening. The assembly check is partially received within the input end of the connector body and includes a pull tab and a shielding portion. The shielding portion is optionally a rectangular element and extends orthogonal to the pull tab. Further optionally, the shielding portion can include a locking tab on a distal end thereof for engaging a collar portion of the connector body. The underside of the shielding portion includes a visual indicia, optionally a machine readable visual indicia, and further optionally a QR code or a bar code. Upon insertion of a male connector within the input end of the connector body, the assembly check retracts from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed via the pull tab, such that the verification indicia is visible on the underside of the shielding portion.

In another embodiment, the assembly check does not include a verification indicia but extends over a verification indicia on the connector body to conceal the verification indicia from view. Upon insertion of a male connector within the input end of the connector body, the assembly check retracts from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed via the pull tab. Once removed, the verification indicia is visible on the connector body. The shielding portion is optionally a rectangular element and extends orthogonal to the pull tab. The shielding portion can include a locking tab on a distal end thereof for engaging a collar portion of the connector body. The verification indicia is optionally a machine readable verification indicia, and further optionally a QR code or a bar code.

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

Referring to <FIG>, a quick connector assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated and generally designated <NUM>. The quick connector assembly <NUM> includes a quick connector <NUM> and an assembly check <NUM>, the assembly check <NUM> being separate from the quick connector <NUM>. Upon insertion of a male connector <NUM> within the input end of the quick connector <NUM>, the assembly check <NUM> retracts from the input end of the quick connector <NUM> and can be manually removed via a pull tab <NUM>. Once removed from the quick connector <NUM>, a machine readable verification indicia can be read. Each such feature of the quick connector assembly <NUM> is separately discussed below. Though primarily described below in connection with fuel lines, the quick connector assembly <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 quick connector <NUM> includes a connector body <NUM> and an optional sliding lock latch <NUM>. The connector body <NUM> defines a fluid passage between an input end <NUM> and an output end <NUM>. The terms "input end" and "output end" are recited for clarity and are not intended to be limiting, as the moving fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, coolant) may move in the opposite direction in some applications. The connector body <NUM> further includes an enlarged connector collar <NUM> at the input end <NUM> and a barbed stem <NUM> and the output end <NUM>. The connector body <NUM> comprises a straight coupling in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments the connector body <NUM> can comprise an angled coupling between two fluid lines. For example, the connector body <NUM> can comprise an elbow fitting, such that the fluid passage includes an approximately ninety-degree bend between the input end <NUM> and the output end <NUM>. The connector body <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material, optionally a durable, chemical-resistant and lightweight polymerized material.

As best shown in <FIG>, the connector collar <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> that defines a transverse opening <NUM>. The transverse opening <NUM> is shaped to receive the sliding lock latch <NUM>. The sliding lock latch <NUM> includes a two-button sliding lock latch in the illustrated embodiment, while other configurations can be used in other embodiments, including a single-button sliding lock latch. In particular, the sliding lock latch <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a flexible retainer having a pair of externally accessible buttons <NUM>. The externally accessible buttons <NUM> are connected to a pair of laterally moveable snap-fit barbs <NUM> by diagonal bridging arms <NUM>. Each snap fit barb <NUM> is arcuate when viewed from an end, and is also tapered with a greater diameter closest to the female end. The snap-fit barbs <NUM> prevent removal of the male connector <NUM> from the quick connector <NUM>. However, when it is desired to remove the male connector <NUM> from the quick connector <NUM>, an operator depresses the opposing buttons <NUM> toward an axial centerline of the quick connector body <NUM> while pulling out the male connector <NUM>. Inward movement of the buttons <NUM> serves to laterally expand the barbs <NUM> away from the centerline. It should be noted that alternate configurations of quick connectors can be used in other embodiments, including dual-latch and single-latch quick connectors for example.

In addition to the sliding lock latch <NUM> noted above, the connector body <NUM> houses a primary O-ring <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, a secondary O-ring <NUM>, and a seal lock washer <NUM>, each being visible in cross-section in <FIG>. Collectively, the primary O-ring <NUM>, the spacer <NUM>, the secondary O-ring <NUM>, and the seal lock washer <NUM> provide a seal arrangement, however a seal arrangement is not required and other seal arrangements can be used in other embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an assembly check <NUM> in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated. The assembly check <NUM> includes the above pull tab <NUM> in combination with a body portion <NUM> and a shielding portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a C-shaped flange <NUM> that partially surrounds the opening at the input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>. The C-shaped flange <NUM> includes first and second terminal portions <NUM> that are spaced apart from each other by a distance at least equal to the outer diameter of the male fitting <NUM>, such that the C-shaped flange <NUM> can be removed from the male fitting <NUM> by pulling on the pull tab <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> also includes first and second locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. The first locking tab <NUM> and the first retention tab <NUM> comprise a first S-shaped element that is rotatably supported by adjacent mounting arms <NUM>, the mounting arms protruding from an axial projection <NUM>. Similarly, the second locking tab <NUM> and the second retention tab <NUM> comprise a second S-shaped element that is rotatably supported by adjacent mounting arms <NUM>. The locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> extend radially inward, and the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> extend radially outward. The assembly check <NUM> can be integrally formed from any suitable material, for example a thermoplastic resin, optionally a nylon resin, such that the mounting arms <NUM>, the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are integrally joined to each other.

Each locking tab <NUM>, <NUM> includes a ramped engagement surface <NUM> for deflecting the locking tab <NUM>, <NUM> when engaged by the raised annular bead <NUM> of a male fitting <NUM>. Each engagement surface <NUM> is arcuate when viewed from an end, and is also tapered with a greater diameter closest to the input end. The raised annular bead <NUM> causes rotation of the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> via torsion of the mounting arms <NUM>. Rotation of the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> causes rotation of the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> via a see-saw action. Rotation of the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> releases the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> from their engagement with the inner annular surface of the quick connector collar <NUM>. In particular, the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> no longer engage the quick connector collar <NUM>, and the assembly check <NUM> moves against the direction of the male fitting <NUM>, away from the opening at the input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, the shielding portion <NUM> extends orthogonally from the pull tab <NUM>. The shielding portion <NUM> is rectangular, being generally coextensive with the quick connector collar <NUM> and vertically offset from the collar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the underside of the shielding portion <NUM> includes a verification indicia <NUM>. In other embodiments as discussed below in connection with <FIG>, the verification indicia <NUM> is applied to the collar <NUM>, rather than to the shielding portion <NUM>. In these and other embodiments, the verification indicia <NUM> comprises a visual cue to indicate that the quick connector <NUM> is fully seated over a male fitting <NUM>. The verification indicia <NUM> can include for example a one-dimensional barcode (e.g. UPC code, EAN code, code <NUM>, code <NUM>, ITF, code <NUM>, codabar, GS1 databar, MSI Plessey, etc.), a two-dimensional barcode (e.g. QR code, datamatrix code, PDF417, AZTEC, etc.), a holographic code, a human-readable alpha-numeric code, or other codes, whether known or hereinafter developed, that are interpretable by machine or human. In other embodiments the indicia <NUM> is not machine readable and includes a color, a pattern, an icon, or other feature.

In use, the assembly check <NUM> pops out from the quick connector <NUM> when the quick connector is fully inserted over a male fitting <NUM>, generally shown in <FIG>. In particular, the raised annular bead <NUM> causes rotation of the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, which causes rotation of the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. Rotation of the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> releases the retention tabs <NUM>, <NUM> from their engagement with the inner annular surface of the quick connector collar <NUM>, and the assembly check <NUM> moves against the direction of the male fitting <NUM>, away from the opening at the input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>. The operator then pulls the assembly check <NUM> vertically, e.g., in the direction of the pull tab <NUM>. The assembly check <NUM> is not part of the final assembly, however the operator can scan the verification indicia <NUM> to confirm assembly of the quick connector <NUM> onto the male fitting <NUM>. In other embodiments, the verification is printed on, or supported by, the quick connector collar <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>, such that the verification indicia becomes visible only after removal of the assembly check <NUM>.

As further optionally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shielding portion <NUM> can extend beyond the collar <NUM> and can include at least one ramped projection <NUM>. The ramped projection <NUM> extends downwardly from the distal edge of the rectangular shielding portion <NUM>, farthest from the pull tab <NUM>. In addition, the ramped projection <NUM> includes a flat surface <NUM> that extends perpendicular to the shielding portion <NUM>. The flat surface <NUM> abuts a rearward-facing surface <NUM> of the quick connector collar <NUM> to prevent accidental removal of the assembly check <NUM>. The pull tab <NUM> can rotate relative to the shielding portion <NUM> (clockwise in the illustrated views). In this respect, the body <NUM> of the assembly check <NUM> can retract from the input end of the quick connector <NUM> while the shielding portion <NUM> remains in position over the quick connector collar <NUM>. Advantageously, the ramped projection <NUM> improves retention of the assembly check <NUM> to the quick connector <NUM>. The verification indicia <NUM> is applied directly to the underside of the shielding portion <NUM> (as in <FIG>) or to the quick connector collar <NUM> (as in <FIG>). The verification indicia <NUM> becomes visible only after the shielding portion <NUM> is removed from the collar <NUM>, which is performed by pulling on the pull tab <NUM>.

To reiterate, the embodiments discussed above include an assembly check <NUM> that is partially received within an input end of a quick connector <NUM>. The assembly check <NUM> has broad versatility and can be shipped separately from the quick connector <NUM> or pre-installed within the input end of the quick connector <NUM> (e.g., shipped as shown in <FIG>). Upon insertion of a male connector <NUM> within the input end of the quick connector <NUM>, the assembly check <NUM> retracts from the input end of the quick connector <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and can be manually removed via the pull tab <NUM>, which can terminate in a loop or an eyelet <NUM> for gripping and removal. When the assembly check <NUM> is removed from the quick connector <NUM>, a verification indicia <NUM> can be read. The verification indicia <NUM> is visible on an underside of the shielding portion <NUM> or visible on the quick connector collar <NUM>. The shielding portion <NUM> protects the verification indicia <NUM> from being scanned accidentally before final assembly is complete. Once the verification indicia <NUM> is visible, the operator can scan the bar code (or other indicia) to verify a secure attachment of the quick connector <NUM> to the male connector <NUM>, for example a fuel line. The quick connector <NUM> and assembly check <NUM> can be used in other applications as desired, including the connection of brake lines and coolant lines for example.

Claim 1:
A quick connector assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>) defining a fluid passage between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the connector body (<NUM>) including a collar (<NUM>) proximate the first end (<NUM>);
an assembly check (<NUM>) that is partially received within the first end (<NUM>) of the connector body (<NUM>), the assembly check (<NUM>) including a pull tab (<NUM>) and a shielding portion (<NUM>), the shielding portion (<NUM>) extending over at least a portion of the collar (<NUM>) of the connector body (<NUM>); and
the quick connector being characterized in that it further comprises a verification indicia (<NUM>) on an underside of the shielding portion (<NUM>) or on an exterior surface of the collar (<NUM>) beneath the shielding portion (<NUM>), wherein, upon insertion of a male connector (<NUM>) within the first end (<NUM>) of the connector body (<NUM>), the assembly check (<NUM>) retracts from the connector body (<NUM>) and can be manually removed via the pull tab (<NUM>), such that the verification indicia (<NUM>) becomes viewable.