Patent Description:
Quick connect fluid connectors are commonly used to connect a first fluid system with a second fluid system for transferring fluids between the two fluid systems. Many examples of quick connect fluid connectors are known including those disclosed in <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a quick connect coupling device. <CIT> discloses a coupling device for rapid connection. <CIT> discloses a coupling. Patent application <CIT> discloses a pipe fitting with sensor. <CIT> discloses a wide tolerance fluid connector.

It is generally desirable to ensure connection and sealing of the quick connect fluid connector to the fluid system being connected to prior to any fluid being allowed to flow in order to prevent fluid leakage from the quick connect fluid connector and to prevent the quick connect fluid connector from disconnecting while under pressure.

A system that comprises a quick connect fluid connector, an electronic reader and a process controller is described that is according to appended independent claim <NUM>. The fluid connector is provided with sealing and gripping feature that are able to tolerate variations in a tube of a second fluid system to which the fluid connector connects. The fluid connector tolerates the variations while maintaining the sealing and gripping at high fluid pressures through the fluid connector. The fluid connector described herein is also provided with a verification means to verify that the fluid connector is properly connected to the tube.

The verification means is an RFID tag mounted on the fluid connector at a location whereby the presence of the RFID tag cannot be sensed or detected when the fluid connector is not properly attached to the tube of the second fluid system. The RFID tag can only be sensed when the fluid connector has been properly attached to the tube. Therefore, failure to sense the RFID tag can indicate to an operator that the fluid connector has not been properly attached and a flow of fluid in a processing operation through the fluid connector can be prevented until such time that the fluid connector is properly attached and the RFID tag is sensed.

In the quick connect fluid connectors described herein, the piston at least partially surrounds the collets and actuates the collets. This differs from conventional quick connect fluid connector designs where the collets are typically actuated by a movable sleeve or a body of the connector.

In the quick connect fluid connectors described herein, the position piston limits radial inward extrusion of the seal. In particular, at the retracted position of the piston and at the retracted position of the position piston and with the quick connect fluid connector connected to the tube, the seal is encapsulated at a radially inner side thereof by the position piston and the tube, at a radially outer side thereof by the piston, at one axial end thereof by the piston and at a second axial end thereof by an element such as a washer. During operation of the fluid connector, the seal is axially squeezed between the piston and the element. However, the position piston and the outer diameter of the tube limit the radial inward extrusion of the seal as the seal is being axially squeezed.

Other advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims.

Referring initially to <FIG>, an embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector <NUM> is illustrated. In this example, the fluid connector <NUM> is a generally cylindrical construction with a longitudinal axis A-A. The fluid connector <NUM> can be used to, for example, fluidly connect a first fluid system (not shown) with a tube <NUM> of a second fluid system for transferring fluids, including gaseous or liquid fluids, between the first and second fluid systems, or the fluid connector <NUM> can connect to the tube <NUM> of the second fluid system for sealing the second fluid system using the fluid connector <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the tube <NUM> has a flared or expanded end <NUM> that is flared or expanded radially outwardly so that the diameter of the flared end <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the rest of the tube <NUM>. As described in more detail below, the fluid connector <NUM> is designed to seal with and grip on the tube <NUM>. In addition, the fluid connector <NUM> is designed to accommodate variations in the tube <NUM> and the flared end <NUM> thereof. In addition, in some embodiments, the fluid connector <NUM> can be provided with a means to verify that the fluid connector <NUM> is properly connected to the tube <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, fluid connector <NUM> includes a body <NUM> (<FIG>), a piston <NUM> (<FIG>), a position piston <NUM> (<FIG>), a collet assembly <NUM> (<FIG>), a locking sleeve <NUM> (<FIG>), and a handle <NUM> (<FIG>). The body <NUM>, the piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM>, the collet assembly <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM> are each generally cylindrical.

The body <NUM> is a generally elongated, generally cylindrical structure that surrounds the piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM> (which is surrounded by the piston <NUM>), and the collet assembly <NUM>. The body <NUM> has a first or rear end <NUM> and a second or front end <NUM>, and defines an interior space <NUM> for receiving the piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM> and the collet assembly <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is connectable to tubing or other structure of the first fluid system, and fluid flowing through the fluid connector <NUM> can flow from or into the tubing via the interior space <NUM>, the piston <NUM>, and the position piston <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> further includes a plurality of circumferential spaced holes <NUM> each of which receives a locking ball <NUM>. The locking balls <NUM> are used to lock the position of the locking sleeve <NUM> as described further below.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> is a generally cylindrical structure that surrounds the body <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> is slidably disposed on the body <NUM> for sliding movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A between a retracted position (<FIG>) and a forward position (<FIG>). A biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring <NUM>, is engaged with the locking sleeve <NUM> and biases the locking sleeve <NUM> toward the forward position. The coil spring <NUM> has a front end engaged with a shoulder <NUM> defined on the locking sleeve <NUM>, and a rear end engaged with a snap ring <NUM> fixed around the body <NUM>. Forward travel of the locking sleeve <NUM> on the body <NUM> is limited by a snap ring <NUM> (or other structure) disposed on the body <NUM>.

As best seen in <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> defines an inner ramp surface <NUM> near a forward end thereof, and a detent groove <NUM> to the rear of the ramp surface <NUM>. At the retracted position in <FIG>, the ramp surface <NUM> is adjacent to the locking balls <NUM>. The detent groove <NUM>, which can be circumferentially continuous, is intended to receive radially outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> at the forward position of the locking sleeve <NUM>. In use of the fluid connector <NUM> as discussed further below, the ramp surface <NUM> pushes the balls <NUM> radially inward as the locking sleeve <NUM> moves toward the forward position. When the balls <NUM> are pushed inward, the locking sleeve <NUM> can slide over the locking balls <NUM> to the forward position where the radially outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> sit within the detent groove <NUM> (<FIG>) to releasably lock the locking sleeve <NUM> at the forward position.

Referring to <FIG>, the collet assembly <NUM> is disposed within the interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> adjacent to the second end <NUM> thereof. The collet assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of individual collets <NUM> arranged in a circle around the longitudinal axis A-A. The collets <NUM> are configured so as to be movable radially during operation of the fluid connector <NUM> between an expanded position (<FIG>) where the collets <NUM> define a first diameter and a collapsed position (<FIG>) where the collets <NUM> define a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The motion of the collets <NUM> is radial (inward or outward) only; the collets <NUM> do not pivot. The collets <NUM> are biased to the expanded position by a spring ring <NUM> that is disposed around the position piston <NUM> and disposed within a circumferential channel defined by the inner surfaces of the collets <NUM>. The collets <NUM> are held within the interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> by a washer <NUM> and a snap ring <NUM> that retains the washer <NUM> in the body <NUM>. Each of the collets <NUM> has a radial flange <NUM> extending therefrom, with the flange <NUM> being disposed between the washer <NUM> and a shoulder <NUM> defined on the interior surface of the body <NUM> when the collets <NUM> are at the expanded position. In addition, a washer <NUM> is disposed at the opposite sides of the collets <NUM> so that the collets <NUM> are axially fixed between the washers <NUM>, <NUM>, with the washer <NUM> contained within the inner diameter of the piston <NUM>. During operation of the fluid connector <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are forced radially inward by the piston <NUM> from the expanded position in <FIG> to the collapsed position in <FIG>. As best seen in <FIG>, the collets <NUM> are at the collapsed position when the locking sleeve <NUM> is at the forward position.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the piston <NUM> is slidably disposed within the interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> for sliding movement relative to the body <NUM> in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A between a retracted position (<FIG>) and a forward position (<FIG>). A biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring <NUM>, is engaged with the piston <NUM> and biases the piston <NUM> toward the forward position in <FIG>. The spring <NUM> has a front end engaged with a shoulder defined on the interior of the piston <NUM>, and a rear end engaged with an interior shoulder defined on the body <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> is generally hollow and has a first or rear end <NUM>, a second or front end <NUM>, and a passage <NUM> extending longitudinally therethrough. The first end <NUM> receives the front end of the spring <NUM> therein. The second end <NUM> includes an angled ramp surface <NUM> that is engageable with a corresponding angled ramp surface defined on the collets <NUM> at the retracted position of the piston <NUM> shown in <FIG>. At the retracted position of the piston <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are at their expanded position. As the piston <NUM> is actuated toward the forward position in <FIG> (and the position piston <NUM> is moved out of the way as described further below), the ramp surface <NUM> engages the ramp surface on the collets <NUM>, forcing the collets <NUM> radially inward to their collapsed position and the second end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> is up and over the collets <NUM>, surrounding the collets <NUM> to retain the collets <NUM> at the collapsed position and preventing the collets <NUM> from moving radially outward to return to the expanded position. So in the fluid connector <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are actuated by the piston <NUM>. In prior fluid connectors, the collets are encompassed by and actuated by either the sleeve or the body of the fluid connector.

The piston <NUM> further includes a detent groove <NUM> formed in the exterior surface thereof between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, but positioned closer to the first end <NUM> than to the second end <NUM>. The detent groove <NUM>, which can be circumferentially continuous, is intended to receive radially inner ends of the locking balls <NUM> at the forward position of the piston <NUM> and the forward position of the locking sleeve <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In use of the fluid connector <NUM> as discussed further below, the radially outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> sit within the detent groove <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> while the radially inner ends of the locking balls <NUM> sit within the detent groove <NUM> of the piston <NUM> (<FIG>) at the connected state of the fluid connector <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> receives a sealing assembly <NUM> therein. The sealing assembly <NUM> is disposed between an interior shoulder <NUM> defined on the interior of the piston <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. In operation of the fluid connector <NUM>, the sealing assembly <NUM> is designed to be squeezed between the washer <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> as the piston <NUM> moves to its forward position in <FIG>. Since the sealing assembly <NUM> is effectively encapsulated outwardly as well as axially, the sealing assembly <NUM> extrudes radially inwardly as it is being squeezed. This causes the sealing assembly <NUM> to seal with the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> and come into contact (but not necessarily seal) with the outer diameter of the front end of the position piston <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to prevent fluid leakage and limit radial inward extrusion of the sealing assembly <NUM>. Because the sealing assembly <NUM> engages with the outer diameter of the position piston <NUM> and the sealing assembly <NUM> is encapsulated between the outer diameter of the position piston <NUM>, the inner diameter of the piston <NUM>, the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>, the washer <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, extrusion of the sealing assembly <NUM> when being squeezed is limited, resulting in a consistent sealing force and longer life for the sealing assembly <NUM>.

The sealing assembly <NUM> can have any construction that allows it to perform the sealing functions described herein. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly <NUM> can be a pair of side-by-side elastomeric o-rings (as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) where the o-rings are separate from one another or are integrated together into a unitary single-piece construction. In another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the sealing assembly <NUM> can be a single, unitary elastomeric element.

Referring to <FIG>, together with <FIG>, the piston <NUM> further includes a cam channel <NUM> formed in the exterior surface thereof. The cam channel <NUM> can be circumferentially continuous and receives therein part of an actuation mechanism that is connected to the handle <NUM> for actuating the piston <NUM> between the retracted and forward positions thereof. In particular, the handle <NUM> is pivotally connected to the body <NUM> so that the handle <NUM> is pivotable relative to the body <NUM> between a disconnect position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a connect position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). At the disconnect position of the handle <NUM>, the piston <NUM> is in the retracted position, while the piston <NUM> is at the forward position when the handle <NUM> is at the connect position.

The handle <NUM> can have any construction that allows the handle <NUM> to be actuated between the disconnect and connect positions, and actuate the piston <NUM> as the handle <NUM> moves between these position. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is illustrated as including a pair of arms 88a, 88b disposed on opposite sides of the body <NUM>, with a central member <NUM> connecting the arms 88a, 88b. The central member <NUM> includes an angled finger lift section <NUM> by which a user can actuate the handle <NUM> between the disconnect and connect positions.

Referring to <FIG>, a cam <NUM> is fixed to each one of the arms 88a, 88b and rotate therewith about a rotation axis Ra. A cam follower or bushing <NUM> is fixed to each one of the cams <NUM>, for example by a pin <NUM>, at a location offset from the rotation axis Ra so that the cam follower <NUM> rotates about the rotation axis Ra. The cam followers <NUM> are disposed within the cam channel <NUM> of the piston <NUM> so that as the cams <NUM> are rotated by the handle <NUM>, the cam followers <NUM> move from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. In operation, as the handle <NUM> rotates from the disconnect position in <FIG> and <FIG> to the connect position in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cams <NUM> rotate with the handle <NUM>. This rotates the off-center cam followers <NUM> disposed in the cam channel <NUM> thereby driving the piston <NUM> from the retracted position to the forward position. When the handle <NUM> is rotated from the connect position back to the disconnect position, the piston <NUM> is driven back to the retracted position.

The position piston <NUM> controls the radial inward movement of the collets <NUM> which in turn controls movement of the piston <NUM> to the forward position which in turn controls radially inward movement of the locking balls <NUM> to permit the locking sleeve <NUM> to move to the forward position. The position piston <NUM> is slidably disposed within the piston <NUM> and the position piston <NUM> is slidable relative to the piston <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A between a retracted position (<FIG>) and a forward position (<FIG>). At the forward position of the position piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM> is within the collets <NUM> preventing movement of the collets <NUM> to the collapsed position. In order for the collets <NUM> to move radially inward to the collapsed position, the position piston <NUM> must be moved to the retracted position.

Referring to <FIG>, a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring <NUM>, is engaged with the position piston <NUM> and biases the position piston <NUM> toward the forward position in <FIG>. The spring <NUM> has a front end engaged with a shoulder defined on the interior of the position piston <NUM>, and a rear end engaged with an interior shoulder defined on the body <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is coaxially disposed within the spring <NUM>.

The position piston <NUM> has a first end engaged with the spring <NUM>, a second end opposite the first end, and a fluid passageway <NUM> extending between the first end and the second end. The second end of the position piston <NUM> is configure to engage with the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the second end of the position piston <NUM> has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> so that the outer diameter of the second end of the position piston <NUM> effectively forms a continuation of the flared end <NUM>.

Operation of the fluid connector <NUM> should be apparent from the description above. To connect to the tube <NUM>, the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> is inserted into the end of the fluid connector <NUM>. This insertion will drive the position piston <NUM> back to the retracted position (<FIG>) which will allow the collets <NUM> to be driven radially inward to the collapsed position against the biasing force of the spring ring <NUM>. The collets <NUM> are driven radially inward to the collapsed position via the piston <NUM> being actuated toward the forward position due to mechanical action of the cam followers <NUM> in the cam channel <NUM> of the piston <NUM> by rotation of the handle <NUM> from the disconnect position to the connect position. When the piston <NUM> reaches the forward position, the detent groove <NUM> is disposed underneath the locking balls <NUM> which will allow the locking balls <NUM> to be driven radially inward. The locking balls <NUM> will be automatically driven radially inward by the ramp surface <NUM> on the locking sleeve <NUM> via the biasing force of the spring <NUM> acting on the locking sleeve <NUM>. When the fluid connector <NUM> is fully connected and while under fluid pressure, the detent groove <NUM> on the locking sleeve <NUM> will be radially above the locking balls <NUM> and the outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> will be disposed within the detent groove <NUM> preventing retraction of the locking sleeve <NUM> to the retracted position. If the position piston <NUM> is not driven backward by the insertion of the tube <NUM>, then the collets <NUM> cannot move radially inward, the piston <NUM> cannot move forward to the forward position, the operator cannot rotate the handle <NUM> to the connect position to mechanically drive the piston <NUM> to the forward position, and the locking balls <NUM> will not move radially inward. The piston <NUM> prevents the sleeve <NUM> from moving to the retracted position, due to the detent groove <NUM> on the sleeve <NUM> that will prevent the sleeve <NUM> from being actuated, even when the operator is attempting to move the handle <NUM> to the disconnect position when the fluid connector <NUM> is pressurized.

For safety reasons, the piston <NUM> is a pressure piston which is difficult to move backward when the fluid connector <NUM> is pressurized. In particular, the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid connector <NUM> will act on the piston <NUM> and tend to force the piston <NUM> to the right in <FIG>. This will apply an increased radially upward force on the locking balls <NUM> to increase the force on the detent groove <NUM>. So the detent groove <NUM> on the locking sleeve <NUM> and the detent groove <NUM> on the piston <NUM> act to prevent unintended movement of the locking sleeve <NUM> or the piston <NUM> when pressurized. The locking balls <NUM> will be driven into the detent groove <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> if the operator attempts to rotate the handle <NUM> to the disconnect position without first moving the locking sleeve <NUM> backward to the retracted position. In addition, when pressurized fluid is flowing through the fluid connector, the piston <NUM> is pressurized and the locking sleeve <NUM> cannot move to the retracted position because the piston <NUM> will be driving the locking balls <NUM> into the detent groove <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> and the operator will be unable to overcome this force.

To reverse and remove the tube <NUM> from the fluid connector <NUM>, the flow of pressurized fluid must be stopped, and then the operator will pull the locking sleeve <NUM> back to the retracted position and then rotate the handle <NUM> to the disconnect position which will actuate the piston <NUM> to the retracted position. The spring ring <NUM> will automatically separate the collets <NUM> from the tube <NUM>, and the operator will pull the fluid connector <NUM> free from the tube <NUM>. Simultaneously, the spring <NUM> will bias the position piston <NUM> back to the forward position to maintain the collets <NUM> at the expanded position waiting for connection to the next tube <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector <NUM> that can be used to, for example, fluidly connect the first fluid system (not shown) with the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. In this embodiment, elements that are similar to elements in <FIG> and <FIG> are referenced using the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, the fluid connector <NUM> includes the body <NUM> (<FIG>), the piston <NUM> (<FIG>), the position piston <NUM> (<FIG>), the collet assembly <NUM> (<FIG>), the locking sleeve <NUM> (<FIG>), and the handle <NUM> (<FIG>). This embodiment of the fluid connector <NUM> further includes a main seal piston <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> is a generally elongated, generally cylindrical structure that surrounds the piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM> (which is surrounded by the piston <NUM>), the main seal piston <NUM> and the collet assembly <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes the plurality of circumferential spaced holes <NUM> each of which receives one of the locking balls <NUM> that lock the position of the locking sleeve <NUM> as described further below.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> is a generally cylindrical structure that surrounds the body <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> is slidably disposed on the body <NUM> for sliding movement parallel to the longitudinal axis between a retracted position (<FIG>) and a forward position (<FIG>). A biasing mechanism, such as the coil spring <NUM>, is engaged with the locking sleeve <NUM> and biases the locking sleeve <NUM> toward the forward position. The coil spring <NUM> has a front end engaged with a shoulder defined on the locking sleeve <NUM>, and a rear end is engaged with the body <NUM>. In this embodiment, forward travel of the locking sleeve <NUM> on the body <NUM> is limited by an enlarged diameter portion <NUM> (or other structure) of the body <NUM> as best seen in <FIG>.

As with the locking sleeve <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG> has the inner ramp surface <NUM> near a forward end thereof. At the retracted position in <FIG>, the ramp surface <NUM> is adjacent to the locking balls <NUM>. In use of the fluid connector <NUM> as discussed further below, the ramp surface <NUM> pushes the balls <NUM> radially inward as the locking sleeve <NUM> moves toward the forward position. When the balls <NUM> are pushed inward, the locking sleeve <NUM> can slide over the locking balls <NUM> to the forward position (<FIG>) where the radially outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> are engaged with an engagement surface <NUM> of the locking sleeve <NUM> to releasably lock the locking sleeve <NUM> at the forward position.

Referring to <FIG>, the collet assembly <NUM> is disposed within the interior space of the body <NUM> adjacent to the second end <NUM> thereof. The collet assembly <NUM> includes the plurality of individual collets <NUM> arranged in a circle around the longitudinal axis A-A. The collets <NUM> are configured so as to be movable radially during operation of the fluid connector <NUM> between an expanded position (<FIG>) where the collets <NUM> define a first diameter and a collapsed position (<FIG>) where the collets <NUM> define a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The motion of the collets <NUM> is radial (inward or outward) only; the collets <NUM> do not pivot. The collets <NUM> are biased to the expanded position by the spring ring <NUM> that is disposed around the position piston <NUM> and disposed within the circumferential channel defined by the inner surfaces of the collets <NUM>. The collets <NUM> are held within the interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> by an inward flare <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

Each of the collets <NUM> has the radial flange <NUM> extending therefrom. In addition, the washer <NUM> is disposed at the opposite sides of the collets <NUM> so that the collets <NUM> are axially fixed between the inward flare <NUM> and the washer <NUM>, with the washer <NUM> contained within the inner diameter of the main seal piston <NUM>. During operation of the fluid connector <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are forced radially inward by the piston <NUM> from the expanded position in <FIG> to the collapsed position in <FIG>. As best seen in <FIG>, the collets <NUM> are at the collapsed position when the locking sleeve <NUM> is at the forward position.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the piston <NUM> is slidably disposed within the body <NUM> for sliding movement relative to the body <NUM> in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A between the retracted position (<FIG>) and the forward position (<FIG>). The coil spring <NUM> or other biasing mechanism is engaged with the piston <NUM> and biases the piston <NUM> toward the forward position in <FIG>. The first end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> is connectable to tubing or other structure of the first fluid system, and fluid flowing through the fluid connector <NUM> can flow from or into the tubing via the piston <NUM> and the position piston <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> is generally hollow and has the second or front end <NUM>, and a passage <NUM>. The second end <NUM> includes the angled ramp surface <NUM> that is engageable with the collets <NUM> at the retracted position of the piston <NUM> shown in <FIG>. At the retracted position of the piston <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are at their expanded position. As the piston <NUM> is actuated toward the forward position in <FIG> (and the position piston <NUM> is moved out of the way as described further below), the ramp surface <NUM> engages the collets <NUM> forcing the collets <NUM> radially inward to their collapsed position and the second end <NUM> of the piston <NUM> is up and over the collets <NUM>, surrounding the collets <NUM> to retain the collets <NUM> at the collapsed position and preventing the collets <NUM> from moving radially outward to return to the expanded position. So in the fluid connector <NUM>, the collets <NUM> are actuated by the piston <NUM>. In prior fluid connectors, the collets are encompassed by and actuated by either the sleeve or the body of the fluid connector.

The piston <NUM> further includes the detent groove <NUM> formed in the exterior surface thereof between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, but in this embodiment positioned closer to the second end <NUM> than to the first end <NUM>. The detent groove <NUM>, which can be circumferentially continuous, is intended to receive radially inner ends of the locking balls <NUM> at the forward position of the piston <NUM> and the forward position of the locking sleeve <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In use of the fluid connector <NUM> as discussed further below, the radially outer ends of the locking balls <NUM> are retained by the locking sleeve <NUM> while the radially inner ends of the locking balls <NUM> sit within the detent groove <NUM> of the piston <NUM> (<FIG>) at the connected state of the fluid connector <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the main seal piston <NUM> is generally cylindrical and is disposed within the piston <NUM> and is positioned between the piston <NUM> and the position piston <NUM>. In this embodiment, the main seal piston <NUM> is a structure that is physically separate from the piston <NUM>. However, the main seal piston <NUM> can be considered part of the piston <NUM>. In this regard, as described further below, the main seal piston <NUM> performs some of the functions of the piston <NUM> described above in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The main seal piston <NUM> travels with the piston <NUM> between the retracted position (<FIG>) and the forward position (<FIG>) due to a shoulder <NUM> defined on the main seal piston <NUM> and a corresponding shoulder defined on the piston <NUM>. The main seal piston <NUM> includes a first or rear end <NUM> and a second or front end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> abuts against a snap ring <NUM> or the like that is fixed to the piston <NUM>. In addition, a seal <NUM>, such as an o-ring, seals between the main seal piston <NUM> and the piston <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the main seal piston <NUM> receives the sealing assembly <NUM> therein. The sealing assembly <NUM> is disposed between the interior shoulder <NUM> which is in this embodiment is defined on the interior of the main seal piston <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. In operation of the fluid connector <NUM>, the sealing assembly <NUM> is designed to be squeezed between the washer <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> as the main seal piston <NUM> together with the piston <NUM> move to their forward position in <FIG>. Since the sealing assembly <NUM> is effectively encapsulated outwardly as well as axially, the sealing assembly <NUM> extrudes radially inwardly as it is being squeezed. This causes the sealing assembly <NUM> to seal with the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to prevent fluid leakage and limit radial inward extrusion of the sealing assembly <NUM>. Because the sealing assembly <NUM> is encapsulated between the inner diameter of the main seal piston <NUM>, the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>, the washer <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> of the main seal piston <NUM>, extrusion of the sealing assembly <NUM> when being squeezed is limited, resulting in a consistent sealing force and longer life for the sealing assembly <NUM>.

The length of the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> can vary greatly so that in some instances the seal assembly <NUM> may interface with the outer diameter of the position piston <NUM> while in other instances it may not. For example, in <FIG>, the flared end <NUM> is relatively long so that the seal assembly <NUM> when squeezed engages only the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> in the radial inward direction. <FIG> shows a quick connect fluid connector that is identical to the connector in <FIG>, but shows the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> that is relatively shorter than in <FIG> so that when squeezed the seal assembly <NUM> simultaneously engages the outer diameter of the flared end <NUM> and the end of the position piston <NUM>, similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The sealing assembly <NUM> can have any construction that allows it to perform the sealing functions described herein. In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the sealing assembly <NUM> is illustrated as a single, unitary elastomeric element. However, in other embodiments, the sealing assembly <NUM> can be a pair of side-by-side elastomeric o-rings (as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) where the o-rings are separate from one another or are integrated together into a unitary single-piece construction.

In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, actuation of the piston <NUM> by the handle <NUM> can be achieved in the same manner described above with respect to <FIG> using the cam channel <NUM> and the actuation mechanism with cams (<FIG>) connected to the handle <NUM> for actuating the piston <NUM> between the retracted and forward positions thereof. The handle <NUM> is pivotally connected to the body <NUM> so that the handle <NUM> is pivotable relative to the body <NUM> between a disconnect position (shown in <FIG>) and a connect position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). At the disconnect position of the handle <NUM>, the piston <NUM> is in the retracted position, while the piston <NUM> is at the forward position when the handle <NUM> is at the connect position.

The position piston <NUM> controls the radial inward movement of the collets <NUM> which in turn controls movement of the piston <NUM> and the main seal piston <NUM> to the forward position which in turn controls radially inward movement of the locking balls <NUM> to permit the locking sleeve <NUM> to move to the forward position. The position piston <NUM> is slidably disposed within the main seal piston <NUM> and the position piston <NUM> is slidable relative to the main seal piston <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A between a retracted position (<FIG> and <FIG>) and a forward position (<FIG>). At the forward position of the position piston <NUM>, the position piston <NUM> is within the collets <NUM> preventing movement of the collets <NUM> to the collapsed position. In order for the collets <NUM> to move radially inward to the collapsed position, the position piston <NUM> must be moved to the retracted position.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the coil spring <NUM> or other biasing mechanism is engaged with the position piston <NUM> and biases the position piston <NUM> toward the forward position in <FIG>. The spring <NUM> has a front end engaged with a shoulder defined on the interior of the position piston <NUM>, and a rear end engaged with an interior shoulder defined on the piston <NUM>.

The position piston <NUM> has the fluid passageway <NUM> extending therethrough between the first end and the second end thereof. The second end of the position piston <NUM> is configured to engage with the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the second end of the position piston <NUM> has a chamfer so that the flared end <NUM> can fit around the chamfered end of the position piston <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Operation of the fluid connector <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> should be apparent from the description above. To connect to the tube <NUM>, the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> is inserted into the end of the fluid connector <NUM>. This insertion will drive the position piston <NUM> back to the retracted position (<FIG> and <FIG>) which will allow the collets <NUM> to be driven radially inward to the collapsed position against the biasing force of the spring ring <NUM>. The collets <NUM> are driven radially inward to the collapsed position via the main seal piston <NUM> and the piston <NUM> being actuated toward the forward position due to the biasing force of the spring <NUM>. When the main seal piston <NUM> and the piston <NUM> reach the forward position, the detent groove <NUM> is disposed underneath the locking balls <NUM> which will allow the locking balls <NUM> to be driven radially inward. The locking balls <NUM> will be automatically driven radially inward by the ramp surface <NUM> on the locking sleeve <NUM> via the biasing force of the spring <NUM> acting on the locking sleeve <NUM>. If the position piston <NUM> is not driven backward by the insertion of the tube <NUM>, then the collets <NUM> cannot move radially inward, the main seal piston <NUM> and the piston <NUM> cannot move forward to the forward position, and the locking balls <NUM> will not move radially inward.

To disconnect the fluid connector <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, a two-step process is required. First, the sleeve <NUM> must be pulled back from the position in <FIG> and <FIG> so that the larger inner diameter portion of the sleeve <NUM> is above the locking balls <NUM>. Then, the handle <NUM> is collapsed (i.e. rotated in a clockwise direction) from the position shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. When this happens, the cam actuation mechanism retracts the piston <NUM> together with the main seal piston <NUM> to the retracted position (<FIG>). The spring ring <NUM> then expands the collets <NUM> to their expanded position releasing the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag <NUM> can optionally be incorporated into the fluid connector <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In one possible implementation, the RFID tag <NUM> can be used to verify that the fluid connector <NUM> is properly connected to the tube <NUM>. In addition to or alternatively to connection verification, the RFID tag <NUM> can be used for purposes such as, but not limited to, identifying the fluid connector <NUM>, ensuring that the correct fluid connector <NUM> is connected to the tube <NUM>, counting the number of operation cycles of the fluid connector <NUM>, tracking the fluid connector <NUM>, tracking the working life of the fluid connector <NUM>, and tracking maintenance intervals on the fluid connector <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate one example embodiment of the RFID tag <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> can be a passive RFID tag in that the RFID tag <NUM> does not have its own power source but is instead powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader. In another embodiment, the RFID tag <NUM> can be an active tag that is provided with its own power source or is electrically connected to a source of electrical power. A single one of the RFID tags <NUM> can be used, or a plurality of the RFID tags <NUM> can be provided. When used for connection verification, the RFID tag <NUM> is positioned on the body <NUM> (or elsewhere on the fluid connector <NUM>) such that the RFID tag <NUM> is not detectable when a movable part of the fluid connector <NUM> is at a first position where the fluid connector <NUM> is not connected, but the RFID tag <NUM> is detectable when the movable part moves to a second position that is achieved only when the fluid connector <NUM> is properly connected.

For example, in the case of the RFID tag <NUM> being passive, the RFID tag <NUM> could be mounted at a location relative to the movable part such that the movable part, when at the first position, interferes with the RFID tag <NUM> receiving sufficient electromagnetic energy from a reader to prevent sufficient energizing of the RFID tag <NUM> and thereby preventing detection or sensing of the RFID tag <NUM>, or the movable part interferes with a signal from the RFID tag <NUM> from reaching the reader. However, when the movable part moves to the second position, the RFID tag <NUM> can receive sufficient electromagnetic energy from a reader to sufficiently energize the RFID tag <NUM> and transmit a signal that can be sensed or detected by the reader, or the movable part no longer interferes with the signal from the RFID tag <NUM> from reaching the reader.

In the case of the RFID tag <NUM> being active, the RFID tag <NUM> could be mounted at a location such that the movable part blocks the signal from the RFID tag when the part is at the first position, but does not block the signal when the part is at the second position. Alternatively, movement of the part between the first and second positions could control the power source of the active RFID tag <NUM>, such that power is shut off (or significantly reduced) when the part is at the first position so that no signal is transmitted, while power is supplied to the RFID tag <NUM> when the part is at the second position.

In one example implementation, the RFID tag <NUM> is positioned at a location on the body <NUM> near a metal part mounted on the body <NUM> that is movable relative to the body <NUM> between a first position and a second position, such that when the part is at the first position at least a portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered by the part, and when the part is at the second position no portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> is attached to an outer surface of the body <NUM> near the locking sleeve <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> is closer to the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> than to the second end <NUM> thereof. As shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered by the locking sleeve <NUM> (which is made of metal) when the locking sleeve is at the retracted position, and as shown in <FIG> no portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered by the locking sleeve <NUM> when the locking sleeve <NUM> is at the forward position.

Similarly, in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> is attached to an outer surface of the body <NUM> near the locking sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered by the locking sleeve <NUM> (which is made of metal) when the locking sleeve is at the retracted position, and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> no portion of the RFID tag <NUM> is covered by the locking sleeve <NUM> when the locking sleeve <NUM> is at the forward position.

In the case of the RFID tag <NUM> being passive, Applicant has discovered that covering just a small portion of the RFID tag <NUM> with a metal structure, such as the locking sleeve <NUM> at the retracted position, can prevent sensing of the RFID tag <NUM> by an RFID reader. However, when the structure, such as the locking sleeve <NUM>, no longer covers any portion of the RFID tag <NUM>, sensing and reading of the RFID tag <NUM> can take place as implied by the symbols <NUM> in <FIG>. This partial covering and uncovering of the RFID tag <NUM> could occur with any movable structure of the fluid connector <NUM>. However, when used in conjunction with the locking sleeve <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM> can be used to verify the connection of the fluid connector <NUM> with the tube <NUM>. In particular, if the locking sleeve <NUM> does not move fully forward to the connect position to uncover the RFID tag <NUM>, sensing of the RFID tag <NUM> would not take place thereby indicating to the operator that connection has not been achieved. Therefore, if the position piston <NUM> is not driven backward by the insertion of the tube <NUM>, then the collets <NUM> cannot move radially inward, the piston <NUM> (and the main seal piston <NUM> in <FIG>) cannot move forward, the locking balls <NUM> will not move downward, and the locking sleeve <NUM> will not move forward to uncover the RFID tag <NUM>. However, if the connection verification function of the RFID tag <NUM> is not required, then the RFID tag <NUM> can be positioned at other locations on the fluid connector <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, more than one RFID tag <NUM> is provided. In particular, depending upon the size of the RFID tag <NUM>, enough of the RFID tags <NUM> are provided such than when arranged substantially end to end, the RFID tags <NUM> substantially encircle the outer surface of the body <NUM>. In addition, a cap <NUM>, for example made of plastic or other material that does not interfere with electromagnetic waves, can be provided over the RFID tag(s) <NUM> to protect the RFID tags <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can be sealed with the outer surface of the body <NUM> by seals <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a system <NUM> using the fluid connector <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG> and the RFID tag <NUM> for connection verification. The fluid connector <NUM> is illustrated as being connected to the tube <NUM>. If the fluid connector <NUM> is properly connected, an RFID reader <NUM> will be able to sense or detect the RFID tag <NUM>. If the RFID tag <NUM> is sensed/detected, a signal can be sent to a process controller <NUM> to indicate that the fluid connector <NUM> is connected and ready for use. The process controller <NUM>, which is suitably interfaced with a valve <NUM> and/or with a valve <NUM>, can then send a signal to the valve <NUM> and/or to the valve <NUM> to open the valve <NUM> and/or the valve <NUM> to allow flow of pressurized fluid into the fluid connector <NUM>. In the instance where an operator does not properly connect the fluid connector <NUM> to the tube <NUM> so that the locking sleeve <NUM> covers at least a portion of the RFID tag <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM> is not sensed by the RFID reader <NUM>, and the RFID reader <NUM> can send a signal to the process controller <NUM> to indicate that the fluid connector is not in the correct position and is not ready for use in the manufacturing process thus preventing the start of the manufacturing process. Similarly, if the RFID reader <NUM> previously sensed the RFID tag <NUM> and no longer senses the RFID tag <NUM>, a signal can be sent to the process controller <NUM> to stop the flow of the fluid by closing the valve <NUM> and/or the valve <NUM>.

As used herein (unless explicitly indicated to the contrary) sensing of the RFID tag <NUM> during connection verification refers to the RFID reader <NUM> being able to detect that the RFID tag <NUM> is present, regardless of whether or not data is read from or written to the RFID tag <NUM>. Therefore, sensing the presence of the RFID tag <NUM> by the RFID reader <NUM>, without reading data from or writing data to the RFID tag <NUM> may be sufficient to verify connection. If additional functionality beyond connection verification is desired, then reading of data from and/or writing of data to the RFID tag <NUM> can also take place.

The following tables lists additional interactions (whether sensing the RFID tag, reading data from the RFID tag, or writing data to the RFID tag) that can also take place and example benefits. The information in the tables assumes that the fluid connector <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG> is intended to be connected to an air conditioner moving along an assembly line during manufacture, assembly and testing of the air conditioner. It is to be realized that the fluid connector <NUM> can be used in other applications.

The RFID tag <NUM> described herein not only acts as a sensor to indicate correct attachment of the fluid connector <NUM>, but also provides a way to uniquely identify the fluid connector <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> can be passive and not require its own power source, or the RFID tag <NUM> can be active and have its own power source or be connected to a power source. Erroneous reading of the RFID tag <NUM> prior to proper connection of the fluid connector <NUM> is prevented by the position piston <NUM> and locking the sleeve <NUM> into a position where the RFID tag <NUM> cannot be sensed or read. The flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> must be inserted into the fluid connector <NUM> in order to actuate the fluid connector <NUM> correctly. The seal assembly <NUM> is positioned to seal with the flared end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> and ensures a successful seal between the fluid connector <NUM> and the tube <NUM> at wider tube tolerances.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) that comprises a quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>), an electronic reader (<NUM>), and a process controller (<NUM>);
the quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>) is detachably connectable to a tube (<NUM>) of a fluid system to process a fluid into or from the fluid system through the quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>), and the quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>) comprises:
a generally cylindrical construction that includes a body (<NUM>);
a metal part (<NUM>) mounted on the body (<NUM>) and movable relative to the body (<NUM>) between a first position and a second position;
characterized in that it comprises at least one radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) attached to an outer surface of the body (<NUM>);
wherein the radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) is positioned at a location on the outer surface of the body (<NUM>) such that at least a portion of the radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) is covered by the metal part (<NUM>) when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the first position, and no portion of the radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) is covered by the metal part (<NUM>) when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the second position;
wherein the quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>) is in a disconnected state when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the first position, and the quick connect fluid connector (<NUM>) is in a connected state when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the second position; the radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) cannot be detected by the electronic reader (<NUM>) when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the first position, and the radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>) can be detected by the electronic reader (<NUM>) when the metal part (<NUM>) is at the second position; and
wherein the electronic reader (<NUM>) is connected to the process controller (<NUM>).