Connector with guided pilot

Abstract

A connector and an assembly of a connector and a tube are disclosed. The socket comprises a pilot in a mounted position. The pilot comprises an indicator and guide members, each guide member being located in a respective channel on the socket and being slidable within the channel from the mounted position to a final position. During the transition between the mounted position and the final position, a retaining clip having legs is pushed into a deployed state, wherein in the final position the legs of the retaining clip retract to a relaxed state, the indicator becomes visible on the socket, and the first and second guide members lock the pilot to the socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention relates to a connector for connecting a tube to a device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a connector having a guide member for capturing the end form of the tube. Background Technology

[0002] In fluid piping systems, a tube (such as a pipe or hose) is connected to another device (such as a pump, tank, or other pipe), and a connector can be used to connect the tube to the other device. The connector may have a tubular support for receiving the tube. The tube may include end-formed parts for snap-fit ​​engagement to enable quick connection with a retainer to provide a locking relationship between the tube and the connector. Typically, a wire retainer with a pair of engaging arms extends through slots in the support to clamp the end-formed parts in the connector.

[0003] Connectors may include a sealing ring located between the inner periphery of the socket and the outer periphery of the end-formed part within the connector to provide a fluid seal that prevents leakage. Insufficient insertion of the end-formed part into the connector can result in a lack of engagement between the seal, the end-formed part, and the connector, leading to leakage.

[0004] Fluid pipe connectors are used in the automotive industry. Connectors are typically equipped with indexing members to align with indexing members on the end-formed part, ensuring the end-formed part is inserted in the correct orientation. The end-formed part and connector are often adapted to multiple orientations, thus requiring a significantly increased number of connectors to support all orientations.

[0005] The wire retainer can be made of a material harder than the tube or the end forming on the tube. When the end forming of the tube is inserted into the connector, the inwardly biased retainer scrapes against the end of the tube to the extent that it prevents or inhibits the fluid-tight seal achieved by the sealing ring. The wire retainer mounted on the connector housing must remain in the mounting position to engage with the annular engagement protrusion of the tube.

[0006] Therefore, the wire retainer is configured such that each engagement arm is bent or radially inward at its front end to define an engagement portion, and when the wire retainer is mounted onto the connector housing, the engagement portion engages with the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing in the pull-out direction.

[0007] In practice, connectors of the above types are known to have different implementations. Known connectors generally have the following disadvantages: the convex insert portion used to secure the concave insert retainer is difficult to install, requiring considerable force to position it in its fixed position. The relatively complex assembly or disassembly of the retainer on known connectors often leads to incorrect connections or easily failing connections. Another disadvantage of known connectors is that the wire retainer is completely detachable from the connector, especially when moved to the open position, thus indicating the possibility of missing parts. Furthermore, at least in some known connectors, a functionally reliable and tight connection between the convex and concave insert portions is not always achievable.

[0008] It is also desirable to provide a connector whose indication of connection with the end molding is sufficient.

[0009] It is desirable to provide a connector that prevents contact between the tube or its end molding and the wire retainer during insertion. Summary of the Invention

[0010] A first embodiment of this disclosure provides a connector having a guided pilot for capturing an end-formed part of a tube. The connector includes a bracket comprising a pilot / pre-pilot in an installed position, the pilot including an indicator slidable from the installed position to a final position and first and second guide members in second and third channels on the bracket. Each of the first and second guide members is slidable from the installed position to the final position in its respective channel. During the transition between the installed and final positions, a retaining clip with legs is induced into an extended state. In the final position, the pilot passes through the legs of the retaining clip, whereby the legs of the retaining clip retract to a slack state, the indicator is visible on the bracket, and the first and second guide members lock the pilot onto the bracket.

[0011] In a second embodiment of this disclosure, an assembly of a connector and a tube is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket comprising a pilot member in an installed position and capable of sliding to a final position when the tube is inserted into the bracket, thereby causing the legs of a retaining clip to enter an extended state as the pilot member slides from the installed position to the final position. First and second guide members attached to the pilot member are located in second and third channels on the bracket, each of the first and second guide members being slidable from the installed position to the final position in its respective channel. An indicator attached to the pilot member is located in a first channel on the bracket. As the pilot member slides past the legs of the retaining clip to allow the legs of the retaining clip to retract to a relaxed state when the pilot member is in the final position, the first and second guide members lock the pilot member onto the bracket, and the indicator becomes visiblely positioned.

[0012] In a third embodiment, a method for connecting a tube is disclosed. The method includes inserting the tube into a concave end of a bracket to a mounting position where it engages with a pilot mounted in the bracket. The pilot includes an indicator and first and second guide members located in corresponding channels on the bracket, wherein the indicator is not visible in the mounting position. The method further includes inserting the tube into the concave end of the bracket to cause the legs of a retaining clamp to enter an extended state while the pilot transitions from the mounting position to a final position. The pilot is guided during the transition by the indicator and the first and second guide members. The method also includes inserting the tube into the bracket to the final position, thereby allowing the legs of the retaining clamp to retract to a relaxed state and making the indicator visible to indicate that the tube is connected to the bracket. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary disassembled isometric view of the disassembled connector and tube is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A side view of an assembled exemplary connector is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A top view of an exemplary connector.

[0017] Figure 4 It shows the separation from the connector. Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary pilot component.

[0018] Figure 5 An isometric view of an exemplary connector is shown, with the pilot element in the mounted position.

[0019] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Rear view of an exemplary connector, with the leader in the mounting position.

[0020] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector is shown, with the leader in the mounting position.

[0021] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector is shown, with the leader in its final position.

[0022] Figure 9 An isometric view of an exemplary connector is shown, with the leader in its final position.

[0023] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A rear view of an exemplary connector, with the leader in its final position.

[0024] Figure 11 A top view of another exemplary pilot component detached from the connector is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 The arrangement for receiving is shown. Figure 11 A top view of another exemplary connector of the exemplary leader.

[0026] Figure 13 An isometric view of another exemplary connector is shown, in which a second exemplary leader is in the mounting position. Detailed Implementation

[0027] exist Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary connector 10 for connecting pipe 12 to another device is shown. For example, the other device could be another pipe, a tank, or a pump. Pipe 12 is... Figure 1 The portion shown is partially visible and includes an end-formed member 14 fixed to the end of the tube 12. The tube 12 may be a hose, pipe, or fluidly connected to another device. The end-formed member 14 may include a groove 13. The exemplary connector 10 may be tubular, defining a hollow channel through which fluid can enter and exit the tube 12. In one aspect, the connector 10 may have an annular configuration consisting of generally hollow cylindrical segments.

[0028] The connector 10 includes a bracket 16 for receiving the end form 14 of the tube 12. The bracket 16 may include two separate components. The first component of the bracket 16 is a receiver / socket 22. The receiver 22 has a concave end 18 and a connecting end 20. The concave end 18 of the receiver 22 receives the end of the tube 12. Specifically, the receiver 22 may receive the end form 14 of the tube 12 therein. The receiver 22 includes an annular outer wall 26 surrounding the concave end 18, which defines an annulus.

[0029] A latch 30 may be formed on the outer wall 26. In one aspect, multiple latches 30 may be formed on the outer wall 26. The latch may be rectangular and include a chamfered surface extending obliquely outward from the outer wall 26. An annular edge 37 extends around the lower periphery of the outer wall 26 below the latch 30. The edge 37 further includes a protrusion 38 extending vertically from the edge. In one aspect, multiple protrusions 38 may be formed on the edge 38.

[0030] The connecting end 20 can be used to connect the connector 10 to another device. The connecting end 20 may include a convex stem 32 for engaging with a bracket of the other device. The convex stem 32 may include one or more barbed flanges 34, which may, for example, frictionally engage with another tube to connect the connector 10 to the other tube. In this embodiment, fluid from the tube 12 can flow from the tube through the concave end 18 of the support 22 and through the convex stem 32 of the connecting end 20 of the connector 10 into another tube mounted on the stem 32, and vice versa. The connecting end 20 may extend at any convenient angle suitable for the intended use of the bracket 16, meaning that the connecting end 20 may have a longitudinal axis that extends obliquely from the axis of the concave end 18, thereby defining an angle not equal to 180 degrees between the connecting end 20 and the concave end 18.

[0031] The second component of the support 16 is a modular head 40. The modular head 40 has a mating end 42 with an annular outer wall 44 extending around the periphery of the modular head 40 at its lower end. An opening 46 is located on and extends through the outer wall 44. Additionally, the outer wall 44 includes a protrusion receiving portion 48 adapted to receive an associated protrusion 38 when the modular head 40 is mounted on the support 22. In one aspect, a plurality of openings 46 and protrusion receiving portions 48 may be formed around the periphery of the outer wall 44 of the mating end 42.

[0032] Modular head 40 mates with insert 22 to provide support 16. The mating end 42 of modular head 40 is arranged to insert onto the outer wall 26 of insert 22. The mating of modular head 40 with insert 22 is accomplished by aligning protrusion 38 with associated protrusion receiving portion 48 and pressing the modular head downward toward edge 37, allowing the chamfered portion of latch 30 to move against the inner surface of outer annular wall 44 until they are received within associated opening 46, thereby forming a snap-fit ​​mechanical connection between modular head 40 and insert 22. When modular head 40 is fully inserted into insert 22, the mating end 42 of modular head 40 rests on edge 37, as... Figure 2 As best seen in the middle. The support plug 22 and the modular head 40 can be molded separately from a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide or polyphthalamide.

[0033] The modular head 40 can mate with the support 22 in multiple opposing orientations. The opening 46 and multiple latches 30 are equidistantly positioned around the periphery of the outer wall 44 of the modular head 40 and the outer wall 26 of the support. In other words, the latches 30 are located in equivalent radial positions. Therefore, the modular head 40 is adapted to mate with the support 16 in multiple orientations. Additionally, protrusions 38 are located on the edge 37 in multiple opposing orientations, further facilitating the mating of the modular head 40 in multiple orientations. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the opening 46 and the protruding receiving portion 38 in the mating end 42 of the modular head 40 are located at four equidistant positions at 90 degrees to each other. The latch 30 and the protrusion 38 on the connector 22 are also located at four equidistant positions at 90 degrees to each other. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that, due to the orientation of the latch 30 and the opening 46, and the protrusion 38 and the protruding receiving portion 48, the connector 10 with the modular head 40 can be adapted to be mounted between the connector 10 and the end form 14 of the tube 12 in four different orientation configurations. Advantageously, only one set of tools is required to install the connector 10 for the four different orientations in the final product, such as an automobile.

[0034] Refer again Figure 1 The modular head 40 may include an indexing member 50 thereon for alignment with an indexing member 52 on the end form 14 of the tube 12 to ensure proper orientation therebetween. The indexing member 50 on the modular head 40 may be a groove, and the indexing member 52 may be a tab extending from the end form 14. The tab 52 is arranged to be received in the groove 50 to ensure proper alignment when the end form 14 is inserted into the modular head 40. In one aspect, the tab may be the indexing member 50 on the modular head 40, while the groove may be the indexing member 52 on the end form 14 of the tube 12. The end form may omit the indexing member 52, and it may also include an additional indexing member 53.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, connector 10 includes a wire retainer 60 surrounding a modular head 40. The wire retainer 60 has a U-shaped configuration and includes two opposing legs 62, 64 extending from a bend 66. When mated with a retainer 22, the wire retainer 60 is held onto the modular head 40, but it can also be held directly onto the retainer 22. The wire retainer 60 can be made of steel. The bend 66 surrounds an outer wall 68 of the modular head 40; however, the legs 62, 64 extend through slots in the wall 68, allowing the legs to extend into the interior 72 of the modular head 40 when the retainer 60 is in a relaxed state. Each leg 62, 64 terminates in an upturned tip 61, which is assembled onto the modular head 40 by passing through a slot that is continuous and orthogonal to the slot in the wall 68.

[0036] As described above, the modular head 40 allows for various orientations relative to the support element 22. The modular head 40 can also be rotatable to provide desired positioning of the characteristic structure of the bracket 16 in the installation environment. For example, the modular head 40 can be oriented relative to the support element 22 to ensure access to the bend 66 during installation, in addition to other equipment.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 3 An internal annular groove 74 in the insert 22 is shown. The annular groove 74 holds an elastic sealing component such as an O-ring 76 within the groove 74. When the tube 12 is inserted into the insert 22, the O-ring 76 presses against the end form 14 of the tube 12 and prevents fluid leakage through it.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 4 Another feature of the exemplary connector 10 is shown. A pilot member 80 including an annular crown member is shown. The pilot member 80 includes an indicator 90, which may include a flat surface 91 and a wedge-shaped locking member 92. The locking member 92 includes a chamfered surface that extends outward from the flat surface 91 at its apex. The pilot member 80 has a forward-sloping wall 88, the inner and outer diameters of which are larger at the mating end 93 than the inner diameter at the engaging end 94. A similar wall 89 is located on the rear end of the pilot member 80. Thus, the inner and outer surfaces of walls 88 and 89 are tapered inward along the insertion direction. The pilot member 80 also includes first and second L-shaped guide members 82 and 83 extending outward from the rear outer wall 89. The upper portions of legs 82 and 83 include ends 84 and 85 having chamfered surfaces oriented obliquely relative to the vertical orientation of the guide legs.

[0039] like Figure 4As shown, the pilot member 80 also includes side members 95 and 98, which complete the side portion of the pilot member 80 between walls 88 and 89. Wall 88 terminates at another member 97 on each side of the pilot member 80. Similarly, wall 89 terminates at members 96 on both sides of the pilot member 80. Legs 62 of the wire retainer 60 are located between members 96 and 97 and side members 95. Similarly, legs 64 of the wire retainer 60 are located between members 96 and 97 and side members 98. Members 96 and 97 also facilitate the mounting of the end forming member 14 onto the legs 62 and 64 of the wire retainer, which will be described in more detail later. The pilot member 80 is mounted in the modular head 40 and becomes part of the bracket 16 when the connector 22 and the modular head 40 mate. The pilot member is mounted in the modular head 40, wherein the indicator 90 is received in a first channel 55 formed on one end of the modular head 40. Similarly, each guide leg 82 and 83 is arranged to be received in associated second and third channels 56 and 58, respectively formed on the opposite end of the modular head 40 opposite channel 55. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The best view is from the center of the first channel 55, the second channel 56, and the third channel 58.

[0040] Figure 5 The pilot member 80 is shown in an isometric view in its mounting position within the modular head 40. This mounting position is the location of the pilot member 80 before the end form 14 is inserted into the module head 40 of the bracket 16. It can be seen that the indicator 90 is mounted in the channel 55, where the latch 92 is received and held in the first opening 100. Figure 6 As best seen, the pilot legs 82 and 83 are mounted in their associated second and third channels 56 and 58. Channels 56 and 58 include openings along the rear wall of each channel, allowing ends 84 and 85 to extend outward from the channel openings. The top surfaces 110 and 120 of legs 82 and 83 rest against the bottom surface of a first rib 130. Rib 130 extends from the rear of the modular head 40. A second rib 135 is located below and parallel to the first rib 130, and a frictional fit is applied between the chamfered surfaces of ends 84 and 85 and the second rib 135 they abut against.

[0041] Pilot 80 can be from Figure 7 The installation position shown slides to Figure 8 The final position is shown. The end forming 14 of the tube 12 is inserted into the modular head 40 of the bracket 16 so that the end forming 14 engages with the pilot 80 to transition the pilot 80 from the mounting position to the final position.

[0042] like Figure 7As shown in the cross-sectional view, the inner diameter of the pilot member 80 at the engagement end 94 can be larger than the outer diameter do of the end form 14 to allow the end 102 of the end form 14 to pass through the inner diameter of the pilot member 80 during insertion without moving the pilot member. The end 102 of the end form 14 extends into the receiving insert 22 and is arranged to be pressed by the O-ring 76 when the end form 14 reaches its final position. The end form 14 has an annular ramp 99 adjacent to the groove 13, which tapers inward in the insertion direction Di to match the inner taper / inner taper of the inclined walls 88 and 89. The inclined walls 88 and 89 have inner tapers that receive the annular ramp 99 of the end form 14 after the end form 14 has moved sufficiently through the pilot member 80 in the insertion direction Di. The ramp 99 engages with the inner surfaces of the inclined walls 88 and 89 of the pilot member 80 during insertion and allows the pilot member 80 to slide toward its final position in the insertion direction Di. During the transition from the installation position to the final position along the insertion direction Di, the inclined walls 88 and 89 of the pilot member 80, supported by the ramp 99, engage with the member 97, thereby aiding in the disengagement of the legs 62 and 64 of the retaining clamp 60 away from the ramp 96, as the legs 62 and 64 unfold away from the annular ramp 99. The unfolding of the legs 62 and 64 of the retaining clamp 60 allows the pilot member 80 to enter... Figure 8 The final position.

[0043] like Figure 8 As shown, upon reaching the final position, the inclined surface 99 of the end-formed member 14 moves the pilot member 80 downward; however, the legs 62 and 64 of the retaining clamp 60 remain in their original mounting positions. When the end-formed member 14 reaches the final position, the legs 62 and 64 retract to a relaxed state and are held within the annular groove 13 of the end-formed member 14, thereby holding the end-formed member 14 within the support 16. In the final position, the end 102 is compressed by the O-ring 76, thereby forming a fluid seal.

[0044] Figure 9 An isometric view of the pilot member 80 in its final position within the bracket 16 is shown, without the end-formed member 14 to better illustrate the final position of the pilot member 80 within the bracket 16. The indicator 90 is located in the mounting position within a channel 55, which is concealed behind the hole 103 above the rib member 105, as... Figure 5As shown. During the transition from the installed position to the final position, the tab 53 of the end forming 14 engages with the indicator 90 to disengage the latch 92 from the hole 100. The chamfered surface of the latch 92 travels downward along the channel 55 until it is received and captured therein by the second retaining hole 103. In the final position, the indicator 90 moves to a position below the rib member 105. When the indicator is below the rib member 105, in particular, the face 91 leaves the channel 55 and becomes visible from the outside of the connector 10. As the pilot 80 is pressed downward by the end forming 14, the chamfered surfaces 84 and 85 of the second leg 82 and the third leg 83 also disengage from the rib member 130 and are pushed downward and inward by the rib member 135 along the openings at the rear of the channels 56 and 58.

[0045] like Figure 10 As shown, as the chamfered surfaces travel past the rib member 135, they enter their relaxed position and elastically extend outward from the openings of channels 56 and 58 to engage surfaces 110 and 120 against the bottom surface of the rib member 135. The tabs 52 of the end-formed member are further received by the channel 50 and guided to their final position.

[0046] Figure 11Another exemplary pilot member 180 is shown. Pilot member 180 comprises an annular crown member and includes an indicator 190, which may include a flat surface and a wedge-shaped locking member 192 extending from the flat surface. Locking member 192 includes a chamfered surface extending outward from the flat surface at the top of the flat surface. Indicator 190 further includes integral guide members 201 and 202 located on either side of locking member 192. Support 203 attaches indicator 190 to the front surface of inclined wall 188. The inner and outer diameters of the front inclined wall 188 are larger than the inner diameter at engagement end 194. A similar wall 189 is located at the opposite end of pilot member 180. Therefore, the inner and outer surfaces of walls 188 and 189 are tapered inward toward engagement end 194 along the insertion direction of end forming member 14. The pilot member 180 further includes a first L-shaped guide member 182 and a second L-shaped guide member 183 extending outward from the rear surface of the outer wall 189. The upper portions of the legs 182 and 183 include end portions 184 and 185, which include chamfered surfaces oriented outward from the vertical direction of the guide legs 182 and 183. The pilot member 180 further includes side members 195 and 198 completing the sides of the pilot member 180 between walls 188 and 189. Wall 189 further includes members 196 adjacent to members 195 and 198 located on each side of the pilot member 180. Similarly, wall 188 includes members 197 adjacent to members 195 and 198 located on each side of the pilot member 180. Members 196 and 197 facilitate mounting the end-formed member 14 onto the legs 62 and 64 of the wire retainer, as previously described, for example, with respect to the pilot member 80. Wall 189 may further include a notch 204 formed on the rear portion of wall 189 between legs 182 and 183. The notch 204 is arranged to receive the tab 52 of end form 14 when the end form is mounted in the mounting position into the bracket 16. The notch 204 also facilitates the application of a downward force D1 by the tab 52 to the pilot 180 during transition from the mounting position to the final position, as previously described. Figure 7 and 8 As explained.

[0047] See now Figure 12Another exemplary modular head 140 is shown, configured to receive a pilot member 180. The pilot member 180 is mounted in the modular head 140, wherein an indicator 190 is mounted in a first channel 155, and guide members 201 and 202 are received in front of walls 157 and 159. Walls 157 and 159 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a cavity 160 therebetween. The indicator 190 of the pilot member 180 is mounted in the first channel 155, wherein guide members 201 and 203 are located in front of walls 157 and 159, respectively, and a bracket 203 is mounted in the cavity 160. Similarly, each guide leg 182 and 183 is arranged to be received in associated second channels 156 and third channels 158, wherein the second channels 156 and third channels 158 are formed on the opposite end of the modular head 140 opposite to channel 155.

[0048] Figure 13 An isometric view of the pilot member 180 mounted in the modular head 140 is shown. This mounting position is the position of the pilot member 180 before the end form 14 is inserted into the modular head 140 of the bracket 16. The mounting of the pilot member 180 into the modular head 140 will now be described. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The indicator 190 is installed into the channel 155, wherein the latch 192 is received and held by the first recess 200. Figure 13 As can be best seen from the mounting position, in the mounting position, indicator 190 is located in channel 155 in front of members 157 and 158, and bracket 203 is received in cavity 160. In the mounting position, indicator 190, particularly the front of the indicator, is located in channel 155 above rib member 105. In the mounting position, legs 182 and 183 of pilot member 180 are mounted in associated second and third channels 156 and 158. Channels 156 and 158 include openings along the rear wall of each channel 156 and 158, thereby allowing ends 184 and 185 to extend outward from the channel openings during transition from the mounting position to the final position. The tops of legs 182 and 183 rest in recesses 215 and 225 formed on the top surface of modular head 140. Frictional engagement is applied between the chamfered surfaces of ends 184 and 185 and the abutting second rib member 130, as in holding pilot member 180 in the mounting position. Figure 6 As shown and explained in the text.

[0049] The pilot component 180 is able to be with Figure 7 and Figure 8 The tube 12 slides from the mounting position in a similar manner to that shown and illustrated. The end form 14 of the tube 12 is inserted into the modular head 140 of the bracket 16 such that the end form 14 engages with the pilot 180, as is done with the pilot 80, to transition from the mounting position to the final position.

[0050] like Figure 13 As shown, the indicator 190 in the installed position is located in the channel 155 and concealed above the rib member 105 by the front wall of the channel 155. During the transition from the installed position to the final position, the tab 53 of the end form 14 engages with the bracket 203 of the indicator 190 to move the latch 92 from the recess 200. The chamfered surface of the latch 92 travels downward along the channel 155 until it is received and captured in the retaining hole 103. During the transition, the guide members 201 and 202 of the indicator 190 are guided by the channel walls 157 and 159 of the channel 155, sliding downward within the cavity 160 together with the bracket 203. In the final position, the indicator 190 exits the channel 155 and moves to a position below the rib member 105. When the indicator is positioned below the rib member 105, in particular, the front of the indicator enters the region 250 to become visible from the outside of the connector 10. The front of the indicator 190 may include a scan code. The scan code can be read by the scanning device to indicate to the controller that the pilot is in the final position and that the tube 12 and connector 10 are securely connected. At the same time, when the pilot 180 is pressed downward by the end forming member 14, the chamfered surfaces 184 and 185 of the second leg 182 and the third leg 183 also disengage from the grooves 215 and 225 and are pushed downward along the openings at the rear of the channels 156 and 158.

[0051] As the chamfered surfaces travel beyond grooves 215 and 225, they are in a relaxed position and elastically outward from the openings of channels 156 and 158 to engage their top surfaces against the bottom surface of rib member 135, in a manner similar to that described above. Figure 10 The pilot member 80 is illustrated in the following manner. As described above, the tab 52 of the end forming member 14 engages with the notch 204, and the tab 52 helps guide the pilot member to the final position by traveling within the channel 150.

[0052] Although the foregoing description has been made in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the description is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the scope of the foregoing description and the appended claims.

[0053] Without further elaboration, it is believed that those skilled in the art, utilizing the foregoing description, can fully utilize the invention and readily identify its essential characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, in order to make various changes and modifications to adapt it to various uses and conditions. Therefore, the foregoing preferred embodiments should be interpreted as illustrative only and not as limiting the remainder of this disclosure in any way, and are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0054] In the above text, unless otherwise stated, all temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius, and all portions and percentages are by weight.

Claims

1. A connector comprising a receptacle (16) including a pilot (80, 180) in an installed position, the pilot (80, 180) comprising: an indicator (90, 190) slidable from the installed position to a final position; first and second guide members (82, 182, 83, 183) in second and third passages (56, 156, 58, 158) on the receptacle (16), each of the first and second guide members (82, 182, 83, 183) being slidable in its respective passage from the installed position to the final position; a retention clip (60) having legs (62, 64) that are urged into a deployed state during transition between the installed position and the final position; and in the final position, the pilot (80, 180) is captured by the legs (62, 64) of the retention clip (60) with the legs (62, 64) of the retention clip (60) retracting to a relaxed state and the indicator (90, 190) being visibly located on the receptacle (16), the first and second guide members (82, 182, 83, 183) latching the pilot (80, 180) to the receptacle (16).

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The retention clip (60) encloses an outer wall (68) of the receptacle (16) and the legs (62, 64) of the retention clip extend through slots into an interior of the receptacle (16).

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The pilot (80, 180) has openings on both sides of the pilot (80, 180) and each opening receives a leg (62, 64) of the retention clip (60) to enable access to the pilot (80, 180) in the installed position.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein, The pilot (80, 180) has a ramped wall (88, 89, 188, 189) adjacent the openings, the ramped wall including a member (96, 97, 196, 197) arranged to urge the legs (62, 64) of the retention clip (60) away from the wall (88, 89, 188, 189) as the pilot (80, 180) slides into the final position.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The indicator (90, 190) is in a first passage (55, 155) in the receptacle (16) and is not visible when the pilot (80, 180) is in the installed position.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, Each of the first and second guide members (82, 182, 83, 183) includes a latching member, each latching member being arranged to be urged into an opening in the final position to thereby latch the pilot (80, 180) to the receptacle (16).

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein, The indicator (90, 190) includes a locking member (92, 192) and the first channel (55, 155) includes an opening (103) that the locking member (92, 192) of the indicator engages when the pilot (80, 180) is in the final position.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein, The indicator (90, 190) includes a scannable code that when readable indicates that the pilot (80, 180) is in the final position.

9. The connector of claim 7, wherein, The indicator (90, 190) and the first (82, 182) and second (83, 183) guide members are attached to the pilot (80, 180) and are arranged to guide the pilot (80, 180) in its transition from the installed position to the final position.

10. An assembly of a connector and a tube (12), the assembly comprising: a receptacle (16) including a pilot (80, 180) in an installed position that is slidable to a final position upon insertion of the tube (12) into the receptacle (16) to thereby urge legs (62, 64) of a retaining clip (60) into a deployed state as the pilot (80, 180) slides from the installed position to the final position; first (82, 182) and second (83, 183) guide members attached to the pilot (80, 180) and located in second (56, 156) and third (58, 158) channels on the receptacle (16) and each of which is slidable in its respective channel from the installed position to the final position; and an indicator (90, 190) attached to the pilot (80, 180) and located in a first channel (55, 155); wherein, as the pilot (80, 180) slides past the legs (62, 64) of the retaining clip (60), the legs of the retaining clip are permitted to recoil to a relaxed state when the pilot (80, 180) is in the final position, the first (82, 182) and second (83, 183) guide members lock the pilot (80, 180) to the receptacle (16), and the indicator (90, 190) becomes visibly positioned on the receptacle (16).

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