Quick connector with verification and assembly checker

Abstract

An improved quick connector is provided. The quick connector includes an assembly verifier that is partially received within an input end of a connector body. The assembly verifier includes a pull tab and a shield portion. After a male connector is inserted within the input end of the connector body, the assembly verifier is withdrawn from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed by the pull tab. Once removed from the connector body, a machine-readable verification mark can be read. The verification mark is visible on a bottom surface of the shield portion or is visible on the connector body once the shield portion is removed.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 148,712, filed February 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to connector assemblies for connecting fluid lines together, and in particular connector assemblies that provide machine-readable connection verification. Background Technology

[0004] Quick-connectors are commonly used in the automotive industry to provide fluid connections between two components. A quick-connector functions by attaching a connector to a male fitting, which may optionally conform to SAE J2044. For example, known quick-connectors engage a raised annular flange on the male fitting to prevent it from detaching. Quick-connectors can be used to connect fuel lines, fuel vapor lines, fuel tank filler hoses, and in-tank fuel applications, to name a few, and must adhere to stringent engineering requirements, especially for automotive applications.

[0005] Quick connectors sometimes include a pre-installed assembly checker to provide visual verification that the male accessory has engaged with the quick connector. In use, the pre-installed assembly checker retracts from the quick connector when the male accessory is engaged. When in the retracted position, the assembly checker can be manually removed from the quick connector and discarded. However, in some applications, the pre-installed assembly checker may detach from the quick connector during transport, preventing vehicle manufacturers from using the quick connector. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved quick connector with an assembly checker. In particular, there remains a need for an improved quick connector with a separate assembly checker that can be easily assembled by the manufacturer onto the quick connector to provide visual confirmation of a secure connection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An improved quick connector assembly is provided. The quick connector includes an assembly inspector partially received within the input end of the quick connector. The assembly inspector is independent of the quick connector and includes a pull tab and a blocking portion. After the male connector is inserted into the input end of the quick connector, the assembly inspector retracts from the input end of the quick connector and can be manually removed via the pull tab. When the assembly inspector is removed from the quick connector, a machine-readable verification mark is readable. Once the blocking portion is removed, the verification mark is visible on the underside of the blocking portion or on the quick connector itself.

[0007] In one embodiment, a quick connector includes a connector body and a single or double button slide latch. The connector body defines a fluid passageway between a fluid input end and a fluid output end and defines a transverse opening proximate the fluid input end. The slide latch is housed within the transverse opening. An assembly verifier is partially received within the input end of the connector body and includes a pull tab and a shield portion. The shield portion is optionally a rectangular element and extends perpendicular to the pull tab. Additionally optionally, the shield portion can include a locking tab on its distal end for engaging a collar portion of the connector body. The underside of the shield portion includes a verification mark, optionally a machine readable verification mark, and further optionally a QR code or bar code. When a male connector is inserted within the input end of the connector body, the assembly verifier is withdrawn from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed by the pull tab such that the verification mark is visible on the underside of the shield portion.

[0008] In another embodiment, the assembly verifier does not include a verification mark, but rather the assembly verifier extends over a verification mark on the connector body to conceal the verification mark from view. When a male connector is inserted within the input end of the connector body, the assembly verifier is withdrawn from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed by the pull tab. Upon removal, the verification mark is visible on the connector body. The shield portion is optionally a rectangular element and extends perpendicular to the pull tab. The shield portion can include a locking tab on its distal end for engaging a collar portion of the connector body. The verification mark is optionally a machine readable verification mark and further optionally a QR code or bar code.

[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent upon reading the attached specification wherein the application is described in detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a quick connector and assembly verifier.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a double button slide latch.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the quick connector of Figure 1

[0013] Figure 4 is a first perspective view of the assembly verifier of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 5 is a second perspective view of the assembly verifier of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 6 ​​​is a cross-sectional view of the male connector within the quick connector.

[0016] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the quick connector including a data matrix.

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assembly verifier including a locking tab.

[0018] Figure 9 is the quick connector of the assembly verifier including Figure 8 a data matrix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to Figures 1 to 9 FIG. 1, a quick connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown and is generally designated 10. The quick connector assembly 10 includes a quick connector 12 and an assembly verifier 14 that is independent of the quick connector 12. When a male connector 100 is inserted into an input end of the quick connector 12, the assembly verifier 14 is withdrawn from the input end of the quick connector 12 and can be manually removed by pulling the tab 16. Once removed from the quick connector 12, a machine-readable verification mark can be read. Each of these features of the quick connector assembly 10 are discussed below separately. While the following description is primarily directed to connections with fuel lines, the quick connector assembly 10 can be used for other applications as desired, including connections with brake lines and coolant lines.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1 FIG. 2, the quick connector 12 includes a connector body 15 and an optional slide lock 18. The connector body 15 defines a fluid passageway between an input end 20 and an output end 22. The terms "input end" and "output end" are recited for clarity and are not intended to be limiting as, in some applications, the moving fluid (e.g., fuel, oil, coolant) can move in opposite directions. The connector body 15 also includes an enlarged connector collar 24 at the input end 20 and a barbed tube 26 at the output end 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 15 includes a straight coupling. In other embodiments, the connector body 15 can include an angled coupling between the two fluid lines. For example, the connector body 15 can include an elbow fitting such that the fluid passageway includes a bend of about 90 degrees between the input end 20 and the output end 22. The connector body 15 can be formed of any suitable material, optionally a durable, chemically resistant, and lightweight polymeric material.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1As shown, the connector collar 24 includes a sidewall 28 that defines a transverse opening 30. The transverse opening 30 is shaped to receive the slide latch 18. The slide latch 18 includes a dual button slide latch in the illustrated embodiment, although other configurations can be used in other embodiments, including a single button slide latch. In particular, Figure 2 The slide latch 18 of FIG. 1 includes a flexible retainer with a pair of externally accessible buttons 32. The externally accessible buttons 32 are connected to a pair of laterally movable snap-in barbs 34 by diagonal bridge arms 36. Each of the snap-in barbs 34 is arcuate when viewed from one end, and each of the snap-in barbs 34 is also tapered, with a larger diameter closest to the female end. The snap-in barbs 34 prevent the male connector 100 from being removed from the quick connector 12. However, when it is desired to remove the male connector 100 from the quick connector 12, the operator depresses the opposing buttons 32 toward the axial centerline of the quick connector body 15 while pulling the male connector 100. The effect of moving the buttons 32 inward is to laterally expand the barbs 34 away from the centerline. It should be noted that alternative configurations of quick connectors can be used in other embodiments, such as dual latch quick connectors and single latch quick connectors.

[0022] In addition to the slide latch 18 mentioned above, the connector body 15 also houses a primary O-ring 40, a spacer 42, a secondary O-ring 44, and a seal lock washer 46, each of which is visible in cross-section in FIG. 1. Figure 3 In general, the primary O-ring 40, the spacer 42, the secondary O-ring 44, and the seal lock washer 46 provide a sealing arrangement, although a sealing arrangement is not necessary and other sealing arrangements can be used in other embodiments.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, Figures 4 to 5The image shows an assembly inspector 14 according to a first embodiment. The assembly inspector 14 includes the aforementioned pull-out protrusion 16, which engages with the body portion 50 and the shielding portion 60. The body portion 50 includes a C-shaped flange 52 that partially surrounds an opening at the input end 20 of the connector body 15. The C-shaped flange 52 includes a first end portion and a second end portion 53, which are spaced apart from each other by a distance at least equal to the outer diameter of the male fitting 100, such that the C-shaped flange 52 can be removed from the male fitting 100 by pulling the pull-out protrusion 16. The body portion 50 also includes a first locking protrusion 54 and a second locking protrusion 56, as well as a first retaining protrusion 66 and a second retaining protrusion 68. The first locking protrusion 54 and the first retaining protrusion 66 form a first S-shaped element, which is rotatably supported by adjacent mounting arms 58 that project from an axially projecting protrusion 62. Similarly, the second locking protrusion 56 and the second retaining protrusion 68 constitute a second S-shaped element rotatably supported by adjacent mounting arms 58. The locking protrusions 54, 56 extend radially inward, and the retaining protrusions 66, 68 extend radially outward. The assembly inspector 14 can be integrally formed from any suitable material, such as thermoplastic resin, optionally nylon resin, such that the mounting arms 58, the locking protrusions 54, 56, and the retaining protrusions 66, 68 are integrally engaged with each other.

[0024] Each locking protrusion 54, 56 includes an inclined engagement surface 64 for deflecting the locking protrusions 54, 56 when engaged by the raised annular edge 102 of the male fitting 100. Each engagement surface 64 is arcuate when viewed from one end, and each engagement surface 64 is also tapered, having a larger diameter at the point closest to the input end. The raised annular edge 102 causes rotation of the locking protrusions 54, 56 by the torsion of the mounting arm 58. The rotation of the locking protrusions 54, 56 causes rotation of the retaining protrusions 66, 68 by a seesaw action. The rotation of the retaining protrusions 66, 68 releases them from engagement with the inner annular surface of the quick connector collar 24. In particular, the retaining protrusions 66, 68 are no longer engaged with the quick connector collar 24, and the assembly checker 14 moves against the direction of the male fitting 100, away from the opening at the input end 20 of the connector body 15.

[0025] like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the blocking portion 60 extends vertically from the pull-out protrusion 16. The blocking portion 60 is rectangular, typically extends along with the quick connector collar 24, and is vertically offset from the collar 24. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the blocking portion 60 includes a verification mark 70. (See below for more details.) Figure 7In other embodiments discussed, the verification indicia 70 is applied to the collar 24, rather than to the shroud portion 60. In these and other embodiments, the verification indicia 70 includes a visual cue to indicate that the quick connector 12 is fully seated on the male fitting 100. The verification indicia 70 can include, for example, a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., a UPC code, an EAN code, Code 39, Code 128, ITF, Code 93, Codabar, GS1 databar, MSI Plessey, etc.), a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code, a Data Matrix code, PDF417, AZTEC, etc.), a holographic code, an alphanumeric code readable by a human, or other code interpretable by a machine or human, whether known or later developed. In other embodiments, the indicia 70 is not machine-readable and includes a color, pattern, icon, or other feature.

[0026] In use, when the quick connector is fully inserted onto the male fitting 100, the assembly verifier 14 pops out of the quick connector 12, as shown in Figure 6 Particularly, the raised annular rim 102 causes rotation of the locking tabs 54, 56, which in turn causes rotation of the retaining tabs 66, 68. Rotation of the retaining tabs 66, 68 releases the retaining tabs 66, 68 from their engagement with the inner annular surface of the quick connector collar 24, and the assembly verifier 14 moves against the direction of the male fitting 100, away from the opening at the input end 20 of the connector body 15. The operator then pulls the assembly verifier 14 vertically, e.g., in the direction of the pull tab 16. The assembly verifier 14 is not part of the final assembly, but the operator can scan the verification indicia 70 to confirm that the quick connector 12 has been assembled to the male fitting 100. In other embodiments, the verification is printed on or supported by the quick connector collar 24, e.g., as shown in Figure 7 so that the verification indicia is only visible after the assembly verifier 14 is removed.

[0027] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9Further optionally shown, the shield portion 60 can extend beyond the collar 24 and can include at least one angled tab 80. The angled tab 80 extends downward from the distal edge of the rectangular shield portion 60 furthest from the pull tab 16. Further, the angled tab 80 includes a planar surface 81 that extends perpendicular to the shield portion 60. The planar surface 81 abuts a rearward facing surface 82 of the quick connector collar 24 to prevent accidental removal of the assembly verifier 14. The pull tab 16 can be rotated (clockwise in the view shown) relative to the shield portion 60. In this regard, the body 50 of the assembly verifier 14 can be withdrawn from the input end of the quick connector 12 while the shield portion 60 remains in place over the quick connector collar 24. Advantageously, the angled tab 82 improves the retention of the assembly verifier 14 on the quick connector 12. The verification indicia 70 is applied directly to the underside of the shield portion 60 (as shown in Figures 4 to 5 ) or the quick connector collar 24 (as shown in Figure 7 ). The verification indicia 70 becomes visible only after the shield portion 60 is removed from the collar 24, which is accomplished by pulling the pull tab 16.

[0028] Reiterating, the embodiments discussed above include an assembly verifier 14 that is partially received within the input end of the quick connector 12. The assembly verifier 14 has broad versatility and can be shipped separately from the quick connector 12 or preloaded within the input end of the quick connector 12 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 ). When the male connector 100 is inserted within the input end of the quick connector 12, the assembly verifier 14 is withdrawn from the input end of the quick connector 12 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 ) and can be manually removed by pulling the pull tab 16, which can terminate in a loop or eyelet 84 for grasping and removal. When the assembly verifier 14 is removed from the quick connector 12, the verification indicia 70 can be read. The verification indicia 70 can be visible on the underside of the shield portion 60 or on the quick connector collar 24. The shield portion 60 protects the verification indicia 70 from being inadvertently scanned prior to final assembly completion. Once the verification indicia 70 is visible, the operator can scan the bar code (or other indicia) to verify the secure attachment of the quick connector 12 to the male connector 100, e.g., a fuel line. The quick connector 12 and assembly verifier 14 can be used for other applications, e.g., brake line and coolant line connections, as desired.

[0029] The above description is that of current embodiments of the application. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the application as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner, including equivalently. The disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, but not by way of limitation, any single implementation of the described application can be provided either alone or in any sub-combination of elements with one another. This includes, for example, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims. The disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, but not by way of limitation, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims can be provided either alone or in any sub-combination of elements with one another. This includes, for example, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims. The disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, but not by way of limitation, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims can be provided either alone or in any sub-combination of elements with one another. This includes, for example, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims. The disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, but not by way of limitation, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims can be provided either alone or in any sub-combination of elements with one another. This includes, for example, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims. The disclosure is intended to be illustrative only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, but not by way of limitation, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims can be provided either alone or in any sub-combination of elements with one another. This includes, for example, any single element or sub-combination of elements in any of the claims.

Claims

1. A quick connector assembly comprising: a connector body defining a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end, the connector body including a collar proximate the first end; an assembly verifier partially received within the first end of the connector body, the assembly verifier including a pull tab and a shield portion, the shield portion extending over at least a portion of the collar of the connector body; and a verification mark located on an underside of the shield portion or on an outer surface of the collar below the shield portion, wherein upon insertion of a male connector within the first end of the connector body, the assembly verifier is withdrawn from the connector body and can be manually removed by the pull tab such that the verification mark becomes visible.

2. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The verification mark is machine readable and includes a QR code, a bar code, or a holographic code.

3. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The shield portion includes a tab projecting downwardly from a distal end of the shield portion, the tab for engaging the connector body.

4. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The shield portion is a rectangular element extending perpendicular to the pull tab.

5. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The assembly verifier includes a first locking tab and a second locking tab extending radially inwardly.

6. The quick connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, The assembly verifier includes a first retaining tab and a second retaining tab extending radially outwardly.

7. The quick connector assembly of claim 6, wherein, The first retaining tab is rotationally synchronized with the first locking tab, and wherein the second retaining tab is rotationally synchronized with the second locking tab.

8. The quick connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, The first and second locking tabs include a sloped engagement face defining a maximum diameter closer to the first end of the connector body.

9. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The assembly verifier includes a C-shaped flange having a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion spaced apart from one another.

10. The quick connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a slide latch received within a transverse opening of the connector body.

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