Quick connector with verification function

Abstract

A quick connector coupling for forming a separable connection in a fluid line having a male member. The quick connector coupling includes a connector body having a through hole for receiving the male member, the male member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through hole of the connector body, a retainer to releasably secure the male member within the connector body, and a verifier including at least one arm extending externally of the connector body. Further, the verifier is coupled to the connector body and moves from an unlatched position to a latched position when the male member is securely connected with the connector body. The connector body includes at least one verification element, the at least one verification element being at least partially covered by the at least one arm extending from the verifier in the unlatched position. When the verifier is moved to the latched position, the verification element of the connector body is exposed and is readable.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims the interest and priority of U.S. Application 17 / 205,301, filed March 18, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a quick connector coupling for forming a releasable connection in a fluid pipeline assembly. Background Technology

[0004] The statements in this section are provided only as background information in connection with this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Quick-connectors are well-known devices in the automotive and other fields, and connector assemblies allow for a convenient, quick, fluid-tight connection between two or more tubular, conduit, or similar components. Quick-connectors are commonly used to connect conduits used in engine cooling circuits, or more recently, to connect conduits used in cooling circuits for cooling batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles. Quick-connector assemblies typically include a convex member, such as a tubular or conduit, which is received and sealingly held within the concave connector body of the quick-connector, and the quick-connector assembly provides a fluid connection between the two components or conduits, thus establishing a fluid line between them.

[0006] Using quick-connectors to secure the convex member and concave connector body is advantageous because it allows for the creation of a sealed and robust fluid line with minimal time and cost. Such quick-connect assemblies are particularly useful, for example, in the fluid line systems of internal combustion engines in vehicles, and in the cooling circuits of vehicles, including electric or hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, reliable and robust quick-connect couplings can be used in brake line systems, fuel line systems, coolant line systems, and other conduit systems.

[0007] We have found that many conventional quick connectors suffer from numerous drawbacks associated with locking the components to be connected together, leading to failed connections, pressure leaks, and other issues. To efficiently assemble sealed and secure fluid lines, many methods and mechanisms for quick connectors are continuously being developed and applied to various fluid line systems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure relates to a quick connector for securing a convex member in a concave connector in a fluid line assembly.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a quick connector coupling for forming a separable connection in a fluid pipeline, having a convex member, comprises: a connector body having a through-hole for receiving the convex member, the convex member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through-hole of the connector body; at least one verification element formed on the connector body; and a verifier including at least one arm extending externally to the connector body. The verifier is coupled to the connector body, and when the convex member is securely connected to the connector body, the verifier moves from a latched position to a latched position. Furthermore, in the latched position, at least one verification element of the connector body is at least partially covered by at least one arm extending from the verifier, and when the verifier moves from the latched position to the latched position, at least one verification element of the connector body is exposed and readable.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the quick connector coupling also includes a retainer for releasably securing the convex member within the connector body. The convex member is formed with an upset portion to engage with the retainer.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one verification element is attached to the outer surface of the connector body and disposed between the rearward edge and the last edge of the connector body. Furthermore, at least one verification element is a readable code formed as a QR code, barcode, data matrix code, or color code.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the verifier is formed with a pair of arms, the arms including combined upper ends extending rearwardly from the connecting member of the verifier, and each arm including an extension end extending laterally from the pair of arms along the longitudinal axis of the connector body. Furthermore, the quick connector coupling includes a retainer for securing the convex member within the connector body, and the verifier includes a pair of fingers interacting with the retainer. The arms of the verifier are longitudinally spaced from the pair of fingers of the verifier.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the quick connector coupling includes a retainer that secures the convex member within the connector body, and the verifier and the retainer are formed as a single unit.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the extended end of the verifier is disposed between the rearward edge and the last edge of the connector body and moves along the outer surface of the connector body. Furthermore, in the unlatched position of the verifier, the verification element is at least partially covered by the extended end of the verifier, and when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, the verification element is fully exposed by the movement of the extended end.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, when the verification element is read, it generates information about the quick connector coupling. For example, the verification element may contain readable information related to the quick connector, particularly information related to the connector's manufacturer, product number, type and material, manufacturing date, and batch number. At least one verification element is attached to the outer surface of the connector body by printing, laser marking, labeling, or engraving.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a quick connector coupling for forming a separable connection in a fluid pipeline, having a convex member, comprises: a connector body having a through-hole for receiving the convex member, the convex member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through-hole of the connector body; a retainer securing the convex member within the connector body; and a verifier coupled to the connector body, and moving from a latched position to a latched position when the convex member is securely connected to the connector body. Furthermore, the connector body includes at least one verification element that is readable when the verifier moves from the latched position to the latched position.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the verifier includes at least one arm that partially covers the outer surface of the connector body, and the at least one arm moves along the outer surface of the connector body when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, when the verifier is in the unlatched position, at least one verification element attached to the outer surface of the connector body is at least partially covered by the arm of the verifier and is unreadable. Furthermore, when the verifier is moved to the latched position, the movement of the arm fully exposes at least one verification element attached to the outer surface of the connector body, making it readable.

[0019] Further details and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings. The drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of a quick connector coupling according to an exemplary form of this disclosure is shown, and Figure 1A It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector body and the convex component in a quick connector assembly;

[0022] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side sectional view of the quick connector component in the image;

[0023] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the concave connector body, and Figure 3A A perspective view of a concave connector body according to another exemplary form of this disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Side view of the concave connector body;

[0025] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A side sectional view of the concave connector body;

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view of a quick connector according to another exemplary form of this disclosure is shown, and Figure 6A A perspective view of a quick connector with a different connector body, according to another exemplary form of this disclosure, is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the retainer in the image;

[0028] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A 3D diagram of the verifier in the image;

[0029] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Other 3D views of the verifier in the image;

[0030] Figure 10 It shows a structure including a retainer and a verifier, in... Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector body in the unlatched position of the verifier;

[0031] Figure 11 It shows a structure including a retainer and a verifier, in... Figure 10 Other perspective views of the connector body in the unlatched position of the verifier;

[0032] Figure 12 It shows a structure including a retainer and a verifier, in... Figure 10 A side sectional view of the connector body in the unlatched position of the verifier;

[0033] Figure 13 A perspective view of a quick connector having a validator combined with a retainer as a single unit, according to another exemplary form of this disclosure, is shown; and

[0034] Figure 14AIt shows a convex member with an insertion, in Figure 13 A perspective view of the quick connector assembly in its unlatched position, and Figure 14B It shows a convex member with an insertion, in Figure 13 A perspective view of the quick connector assembly in the latching position.

[0035] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0037] The quick-connect coupling disclosed herein is illustrated for connection to a fluid line assembly. This connection is shown as a releasable connection between a rigid tube and other fluid delivery components, particularly a flexible hose. However, the quick-connect coupling has many other applications where a fluid-tight yet releasable connection is required, such as the connection of rigid elements in fluid paths, whether pressurized or unpressurized, in motor vehicles.

[0038] See the attached diagram for more details. Figure 1 and Figure 1A A quick connector coupling 10 for forming a detachable connection in a fluid pipeline is shown. The quick connector coupling 10 includes a connector body 12 and a convex member 14. Figure 2 In the middle, the quick connector coupling 10 passes through the retainer 100 (e.g., the main latch portion; see also...). Figure 7 ) and verifier 200 (e.g., secondary latch; see also) Figure 8 and Figure 9 They are releasably secured together. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 1A As shown, the quick connector 10 includes at least one verification element 90 in the form of a code (e.g., a QR code, barcode, data matrix code, or monochrome or multicolor code). For example, a QR code is printed on the outer surface of the connector body 12. The function of the verification element 90 is explained in further detail below. A convex member 14 is formed at the end of a hollow tube that forms part of a fluid pipeline system. The connector body 12 and the convex member 14 are connectable to form a separable engagement in the fluid pipeline.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 1A and Figure 2As shown, the convex member 14 includes a radially increasing upset portion 16 formed at a given distance from the end or tip 18 of the open tube. The end or tip 18 may be rounded or tapered to facilitate insertion of the convex member 14 into the connector body 12. A smooth, generally cylindrical sealing surface 20, defined by the outer surface of the tube, extends between the upset portion 16 and the end or tip 18. The tube continues to extend beyond the upset portion 16 in a direction away from the end and defines a generally smooth cylindrical surface 22. The smooth cylindrical surface 22 has a diameter substantially the same as the cylindrical sealing surface 20. According to other forms of this disclosure, instead of the upset portion, the convex member 14 may include a groove formed on the outer surface of the convex member 14. Typically, the outer surface of the tube is recessed inward to form a groove, such that the groove of the convex member can be adapted to be held inside the connector body (not shown) by a retainer and / or a verifier.

[0040] Figures 3 to 5 The concave connector body 12 is illustrated in detail. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, the connector body 12 is defined by a generally cylindrical wall 24 with a radially stepped inner surface, and the connector body 12 includes a main body 26 as a single unit and a cylindrical rod 28, the main body 26 for receiving the convex member 14, and the cylindrical rod 28 extending from the main body 26. The cylindrical rod 28, including the hose connection end 34, is angled at 90 degrees, which is in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the main body 26. However, according to other forms of this disclosure, the cylindrical rod 28, including the hose connection end 34, can extend from the main body 26 along the longitudinal axis X in a straight line shape (180 degrees, see [reference]). Figure 6 (Extended). Furthermore, in other forms of this disclosure, the connector body may be formed without the rod 28, such that the connector body (tube end receiving portion) is covered by a cap having a closing surface instead of the rod (not shown).

[0041] According to another exemplary form of this disclosure, the connector body 12 may be composed of two different components, such as a retainer body 11 and a tube connection body 13. Figure 6A As shown, the tube connection body 13 is detachably coupled to the retainer body 11 by force fit, form fit, or material bonding (e.g., welding). Accordingly, in the connector body 12 formed by the tube connection body 13 and the retainer body 11, the verification element 90 is arranged in the tube connection body 13. However, according to other forms of this disclosure, the verification element 90 may be arranged in the retainer body 11. Furthermore, it must be understood that the exterior of the connector body 12 may take any desired shape without departing from this disclosure.

[0042] The connector body 12, comprising a main body 26 as a single unit and a cylindrical rod 28, is typically formed of a plastic material (e.g., polyamide). Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of wall 24 defines a through-hole 30 centered on the longitudinal axis X. The through-hole 30 of connector body 12 extends along the longitudinal axis X from the convex member receiving end 32 to the tube end receiving portion 40, passing completely through connector body 12, and further extends laterally to the hose connection end 34. It should be noted that the term "rearward" is used herein to refer to a direction generally along the longitudinal axis X from the convex member receiving end 32 toward the tube end receiving portion 40, while the term "forward" refers to a direction along the longitudinal axis X opposite to the rearward direction.

[0043] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the connector body 12 includes a housing section 36, a sealing chamber 38, a tube end receiving portion 40, and a rod 28. The housing section 36 is adjacent to the convex member receiving end 32. The housing section 36 is defined by a forward edge 42 and a rearward edge 48 spaced apart from the forward edge 42. The forward edge 42 has a forward-facing transverse planar surface 44, which defines an opening 46 leading to a through hole 30 at the convex member receiving end 32. The forward edge 42 and the rearward edge 48 are separated by a gap or space 50 leading to the through hole 30. Both the forward edge 42 and the rearward edge 48 are connected by a top support member 52 and a bottom support member 56. Furthermore, a central body post 54 extends from the forward-facing surface of the rearward edge 48. The lower curved surface of the bottom support member 56 is radially recessed from the radially outermost edge of the rearward edge 48, such that the bottom support member 56, the front edge 42 and the rearward edge 48 define a receiving portion 58 that receives the beam member 104 of the retainer 100.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 3A As shown, for example, a top support member 52 connects between a forward edge 42 and a rearward edge 48. The top portion of the rearward edge 48 includes a recess 60 that receives the inward surface 204 of the verifier 200. The recess 60 of the rearward edge 48 is arranged in the top support member 52. Figure 3 As shown, the connector body 12 also includes a rearward edge 84 that extends radially around the connector body 12 and is located between the sealing chamber 38 and the tube end receiving portion 40. Furthermore, the rearward edge 48 and the rearward edge 84 are connected to a support member 86 that extends axially along the longitudinal axis X. However, according to other forms of this disclosure, the connector body 12 may be formed without the rearward edge 84 (see [link to disclosure]). Figure 3A ).like Figure 3A As shown, at least one verification element 90 is attached to one or both sides of the outer surface of the connector body 12.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connector body 12 includes at least one verification element 90, which is in the form of a code. For example, in this application, the verification element 90 is formed as a QR code. The QR code is arranged and attached to the outer surface of the connector body 12 between the rearward edge 48 and the last edge 84. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the QR code is printed or embedded in the two side surfaces of the sealed chamber 38, which are in a readable or visible location. However, the verification element 90 (e.g., the QR code) can be attached to other locations on the connector body 12, depending on the operation of the quick connector coupling 10. Furthermore, the verification element 90 can be attached to other components, such as the verifier 200 or the retainer 100, which are in other readable or visible locations according to this disclosure.

[0046] The verification element 90 is a readable code, and preferably a machine-readable code such as a QR code or barcode. For example, the code can be read by a reading device such as a scanner or a mobile device (not shown). This verifies that the protruding member 14 is fully inserted into the connector body 12 and that the quick connector coupling 10 is correctly connected, i.e., latched by the retainer 100 and the verifier 200. Furthermore, the code may include readable information associated with the quick connector coupling 10, which can be read after the connector body 12 and the protruding member 14 have been correctly connected.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, a sealing chamber 38 is formed at the axial rear end of the housing section 36. The sealing chamber 38 is defined internally by a reduced-diameter portion of the wall 24 relative to the housing section 36. The sealing chamber 38 is configured to accommodate a sealing element to form a fluid seal between the connector body 12 and the convex member 14. Figure 2 As shown, two O-ring seals 62, 64, separated by a rigid spacer ring 66, are radially positioned between the sealing chamber 38 and the convex member 14. The O-ring seals 62, 64 are sized to fit snugly within the sealing chamber 38 and to fit snugly around the sealing surface 20 of the convex member 14. The O-ring seals 62, 64 are secured in the sealing chamber 38 by a hollow spacer sleeve 68. The hollow spacer sleeve 68 includes a raised annular portion 70 on its outer periphery for providing enhanced fixation of the spacer sleeve 68 within the through-hole 30.

[0048] A tube end receiving portion 40 is formed at the axial rear end of the sealing chamber 38. The tube end receiving portion 40 is defined by a reduced diameter portion of the wall 24 relative to the sealing chamber 38, and extends axially rearward. The tube end receiving portion 40 is sized to receive and guide or direct the sealing surface 20 of the convex member 14. Furthermore, the rod 28 includes a fluid passage 72 defined by the smallest diameter portion of the wall 24. The fluid passage 72 extends laterally from the small diameter portion of the tube end receiving portion 40 to the hose connection end 34. The rod 28 is configured to facilitate connection to another component in the fluid line. For example, the connector body 12 is formed for connection to a flexible hose (not shown). As described above, any other suitable connection arrangement can be used to complete the fluid line system.

[0049] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a retainer 100 in a quick connector coupling 10. The retainer 100 is preferably formed of an elastic, flexible material, such as plastic. The retainer 100, extending laterally through a bottom groove 74 in a housing segment 36, is detachably coupled to the connector body 12. The retainer 100 includes a pair of elongated, generally parallel legs 102 extending from and engaging at one end of a beam member 104. A release protrusion 106 is formed on the radially inner surface of the beam member 104 and extends axially rearward from the legs 102. The beam member 104 provides a spacing between the legs 102 approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical sealing surface 20 of the convex member 14. The axial length of the legs 102 is approximately equal to, but slightly less than, the axial length of the bottom groove 74 in the housing segment 36. Understandably, in order to allow the leg 102 to extend outward to allow for the insertion and release of the convex member, the lateral width of the leg 102 is significantly smaller than the lateral width of the bottom groove 74. Furthermore, the crossbeam member 104 has an axial length substantially greater than the axial length of the leg 102.

[0050] Each leg 102 includes a latch 108 formed at an end remote from the crossbeam member 104. When the retainer 100 is fully inserted into the connector body 12, the latch 108 locks the retainer 100 in place relative to the connector body 12. The latch 108 engages with a locking shoulder 76 to releasably lock the retainer 100 in place, the locking shoulder 76 being defined by a top support member 52 of the connector body 12. Figure 7 As shown, each leg 102 also includes an angled surface 110 having a guide region 112. The guide region 112 is formed to enter the front 114 of the leg 102. The guide region 112 is radially inward and axially rearward from the front 114 of each leg 102 and terminates approximately midway between the front 114 and the rear 116 of each leg 102.

[0051] The spacing between the guide edges of the guide region 112 is greatest near the front 114. This spacing is approximately equal to the outer diameter or outer surface of the upset portion 16 formed on the convex member 14. At the inner edge 118 of the guide region 112, this spacing is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the sealing surface 20 of the convex member 14. The portion of the guide region 112 closer to the latch portion 108 curves inward to match the annular profile of the upset portion 16 of the convex member. This shape facilitates the guidance and centering of the convex member 14 through the connector body 12.

[0052] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The illustration shows a verifier 200, which includes elements located within a top slot 78 and a side slot 80. The verifier 200 is detachably coupled to the connector body 12. Preferably, the verifier 200 is also molded from an elastic and flexible material such as plastic. The verifier 200 is slidable within the connector body 12, laterally relative to the top support member 52, toward and away from the curved bottom support member 56, and thus toward and away from the retainer 100, between a radially latched position and a radially unlocked position.

[0053] The verifier 200 includes a connecting member 202 and a pair of laterally spaced, curved, and generally resilient fingers 208. The connecting member 202 has a radially inward-facing surface 204 from which a retainer beam 206 extends. The fingers 208 extend downward from the connecting member 202 in the same direction as the retainer beam 206. When assembled to the connector body 12, the inward-facing surface 204 generally covers a top groove 78 of the connector body 12, in which the retainer beam 206 is slidably arranged. Each finger 208 is located in a side groove 80.

[0054] Each finger 208 includes a knuckle 210 having a laterally inwardly oriented hook 212. When the verifier 200 is in its unlocked position, the hook 212 of the finger 208 engages with a locking ridge 82 defined by the top support member 52 to releasably secure the verifier 200 to the connector body 12. The retainer beam 206 of the verifier 200 includes a laterally extended portion 214 and a narrowed portion 216. The lateral width of the extended portion 214 is slightly smaller than the lateral width of the extended portion of the top groove 78 formed on the top support member 52, and the lateral width of the narrowed portion 216 is slightly smaller than the lateral width of the narrowed portion of the top groove 78, allowing the verifier 200 to move between a latched position and an unlocked position.

[0055] like Figure 8As shown, each finger 208 of the verifier 200 also includes an extension beam 218 extending from the end of the phalanx 210 and terminating in a verification protrusion 220 formed at the free end or distal end of the extension beam 218. The rearward 222 of the extension beam 218 and the verification protrusion 220 is planar together with the rear surface of the phalanx 210. However, the forward 224 of the extension beam 218 and the verification protrusion 220 is axially spaced rearward from the forward 224 of the phalanx 210, such that the axial thickness of the extension beam 218 and the verification protrusion 220 is less than the axial thickness of the phalanx 210. The difference between the thickness of the extension beam 218 and the verification protrusion 220 and the thickness of the phalanx 210 is such that this difference is at least as large as the thickness or axial length of the upset portion 16 of the convex member 14.

[0056] Each verification protrusion 220 includes an inlet ramp surface 226 formed to enter the front face 224 of the verification protrusion 220. The inlet ramp surface 226 is radially inward and axially rearward from the front face 224 of each verification protrusion 220. The shape and spacing of the inlet ramp surfaces 226 match the annular profile of the upset portion 16 of the protrusion member 14, thereby allowing the upset portion 16 to contact the inlet ramp surface 226 once the protrusion member 14 is inserted into the connector body 12 when the verifier 200 is in its unlatched position. Therefore, the spacing between the opposing verification protrusions 220 is greater than the spacing required for the cylindrical sealing surface 20 to insert into the connector body 12 when the verifier 200 is in the unlatched position, without contacting the verification protrusion 220. In the assembled configuration, the shape and size of the verification protrusion 220 are configured to engage with the central body post 54 of the connector body 12, such that the verifier 200 is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position.

[0057] The verifier 200 also includes at least one arm 228 extending outside the connector body 12. Figure 9 In an exemplary embodiment, the verifier 200 includes a pair of arms 228 that also extend downward from the connecting member 202 and are in the same direction as the pair of fingers 208. The arms 228 and the fingers 208 are spaced apart from each other on the longitudinal axis X of the connector body 12, such that a space 234 is formed between the fingers 208 and the arms 228 to receive the rearward edge 48 of the connector body 12 (see [link to example]) when the verifier 200 is initially assembled to the connector body 12. Figure 1 and Figure 1A ).like Figure 9As shown, the pair of arms 228 includes a combined upper end portion 230 that extends rearward from the connecting member 202 of the verifier 200, such that the pair of fingers 208 of the verifier 200 are engaged inside the connector body 12, and the pair of arms 228 of the verifier 200 are arranged outside the connector body 12. Specifically, when the verifier 200 is assembled to the connector body 12, the pair of arms 228 are arranged radially (or circumferentially) outside the circular sealing chamber 38 of the connector body 12.

[0058] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 1A In this connector body 12, each arm 228 includes an extension end 232 that extends rearward along the longitudinal axis X of the connector body 12, such that the extension end 232 is positioned between the rearward edge 48 and the rearmost edge 84 of the connector body 12. The extension end 232 is radially positioned within the range of the edges 48 and 84, such that these edges facilitate guiding the movement of the arm 228; however, the arm 228 and the extension end 232 may also have portions extending radially beyond the edges 48 and 84. The extension end 232 is sized such that, in the unlatched position of the verifier 200, it is sufficient to cover the verification element 90 attached to the connector body 12. Therefore, when the verifier 200 is in the unlatched position, the extended end 232 of the verifier 200 covers the verification element 90 attached to the outer surface 88 of the connector body 12, making the verification element 90 unreadable or undetectable; and when the verifier 200 moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, the extended end 232 of the verifier 200 moves laterally (or downwards along the outer surface of the connector body) to expose the verification element 90, allowing the verification element 90 to be read by a scanner or moving device (not shown). Furthermore, when the verifier 200 moves laterally from the latched position back to the unlatched position, the verification element 90 is covered again and becomes unreadable once more.

[0059] Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a connector body 12 with a mounted retainer 100 and a validator 200, in the unlatched position of the validator 200. Legs 102 of the retainer 100 are inserted into a bottom groove 74 in a housing section 36, and a crossbeam member 104 is positioned in a receiving portion 58 of the housing section 36. When the legs 102 are inserted into the housing section 36, they spring inward, where a latch 108 engages with a locking shoulder 76 of a top support member 52 to secure the retainer 100 to the connector body 12. Furthermore, when the retainer 100 is secured in the connector body 12, the guide region 112 of the legs 102 faces the receiving end 32 of the convex member.

[0060] The connection is completed by positioning the verifier 200 from the unlatched position to the latched position. In the unlatched position, the axial and radial movement of the verifier 200 relative to the connector body 12 is restricted. The forward and backward contact of the knuckles 210 with the forward edge 42 and the rearward edge 48 restricts the axial movement of the verifier 200 within the housing section 36. The engagement of the hooks 212 of the finger portion 208 with the locking ridge 82 of the top support member 52 restricts the radially inward or laterally upward movement of the verifier 200. Furthermore, the contact of the verification protrusion 220 with the central body post 54 restricts the radially outward or laterally downward movement of the verifier 200. Therefore, in this situation, the verifier 200 cannot be moved from the unlatched position, and the verification element 90 of the connector body 12 is covered by the extended end 232 of the verifier 200, making the verification element 90 unreadable or undetectable.

[0061] When the retainer 100 and the verifier 200 are correctly attached to the connector body 12 and are in the unlatched position, such as Figure 1 , Figure 1A and Figure 2 As shown, the protruding member 14 is then inserted into the connector body 12. The cylindrical sealing surface 20 of the protruding member 14 passes between the legs 102 and into the sealing chamber 38. When the upset portion 16 of the protruding member 14 contacts the legs 102, the guide region 112 of the legs 102 allows the upset portion 16 to pass between the legs 102 once sufficient axial inward force is applied. As the upset portion 16 passes between the legs 102, it travels along the guide region 112 and bends the legs 102 radially outward. Once the upset portion 16 has passed through the legs 102, the legs 102 spring back to a position behind the upset portion 16, reaching a locked position. The rearward 116 of the legs 102 abuts against the upset portion 16 to prevent the protruding member from being unintentionally withdrawn from the connector body 12 subsequently. Furthermore, the convex member 14 is removed from the connector body 12 by pushing the beam member 104 of the installed retainer 100 inward.

[0062] With the leg 102 of the retainer 100 in the locked position, the upsetting portion 16 causes the finger portion 208 of the verifier 200 to bend laterally outward in the side groove 80. Since the verification protrusion 220 is laterally located above the axis X of the through hole 30 and also above the axis X of the convex member 14, the upper hemisphere of the upsetting portion 16 contacts the guide ramp surface 226 of the finger portion 208 when the convex member 14 is inserted rearward into the connector body 12. The upper hemisphere of the upset portion 16 contacts the finger portion 208, applying not only a rearward directional force to the finger portion 208 but also an upward directional force to the finger portion 208, thereby pushing the verifier 200 away from the axis X of the convex member 14 laterally upward or radially outward. This allows the verifier protrusion 220 to disengage from the central body post 54, enabling the finger portion 208 to expand radially outward or laterally outward without interference.

[0063] As described above, the fingers 208 of the verifier 200 can only expand laterally outward after the upset portion 16 of the protruding member 14 has completely passed through the two legs 102 of the retainer 100 (i.e., the protruding member 14 is fully inserted into the connector body 12 and the legs 102 of the retainer 100 are in the locked position). When the protruding member 14 is fully inserted into the connector body 12, the verifier 200 is positioned in the latching position by a laterally downward or radially inward force (towards the connector body 12) applied to the connecting member 202, thus completing the quick connector coupling 10. In the latching position, the rear surface of the retainer beam 206 is in axial contact with the upset portion 16 of the protruding member 14. This axial contact between the retainer beam 206 and the upset portion 16 provides the verifier 200 with a verifier function to retain the protruding member 14 in the connector body 12 if the retainer 100 fails to lock the protruding member 14. Furthermore, the radially inner surface of the retainer beam 206 abuts against the outer surface of the convex member 14. The ability of the verifier 200 to move radially inward to the latch position provides the user with visual verification that the convex member 14 has been correctly inserted into the connector body 12.

[0064] In addition to providing visual verification as described above, the verifier 200 of this disclosure also allows a readable machine, such as a scanner or mobile device, to read or detect the connector coupling status, indicating that the protruding member 14 has been correctly inserted and properly connected to the connector body 12. Figure 1 and Figure 1A As shown, the quick connector 10 of this disclosure includes a verification element 90 such as a QR code or barcode, which is readable and / or detectable when the verifier 200 is in the latched position, and unreadable and / or undetectable when the verifier 200 is in the unlatched position. In the unlatched position of the verifier 200 (see...), Figure 1A The verification element 90, attached to the outer surface 88 of the connector body 12, is partially or completely covered by the extension end 232 of the verifier 200, such that the verification element 90 is blocked by the extension end 232, making it unreadable or undetectable and unreadable by a readable machine. When the protruding member 14 is inserted into the connector body 12 and the verifier 200 moves downward from the unlatched position to the latched position (see...), the verification element 90 is partially or completely covered by the extension end 232 of the verifier 200, such that the verification element 90 is blocked by the extension end 232, making it unreadable or undetectable and unreadable by a readable machine. Figure 1 When the extension end 232 moves downward along the outer surface of the connector body, this is in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the connector body 12, so that the verification element 90 is no longer covered by the extension end 232. The verification element 90 is readable or detectable and can be read by a readable machine. Therefore, in this disclosure, the readable or detectable verification element 90 is a clear indication that the convex member 14 is correctly inserted into the connector body 12.

[0065] According to another exemplary form of this disclosure, Figure 13 A verifier 300 is shown, formed as a single unit with the retainer 302. The retainer 302 and the verifier 300 are either one-piece components or connected by force-fit or form-fit. The connector body 312 includes at least one verification element 90 disposed in the outer surface of the connector body 312. Figure 13 As shown, the connector body 312 has a connection with... Figure 1 and Figure 1A The connector body 12 has largely the same features as the connector body 312, except that the housing section 336 receives the verifier 300 combined with the retainer 302. The retainer 302 includes two retainer legs 301, and the verifier 300 includes a pair of locking fingers 303 such that the two retainer legs 301 and the pair of locking fingers 303 are attached to a crossbar 306 formed in the verifier 300. Furthermore, the verifier 300 includes at least one arm 328 extending outside the connector body 312 and having an extending end 332 to cover the verification element 90 when the verifier 300 is in the unlocked position (see [link to connector body 312]). Figure 14A ),like Figure 14B As shown, when the verifier 300 moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, as described above... Figure 1 and Figure 1A As described in the embodiments, the verification element 90 is exposed and read out.

[0066] like Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, the housing segment 336 of the connector body 312 is formed to receive the verifier 300 and also secure the connection of the protruding member 14, which is inserted into the connector body 312. The connector body 312 having the verifier 300 combined with the retainer 302 is used in the TI Easy Loc connector, which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US9,677,699B2, filed October 23, 2014, entitled "Coupling," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] In this disclosure, the terms "readable" or "detectable" specifically refer to code that can be fully and correctly read by a readable machine. For example, in the unlatched position of verifier 200 ( Figure 1A Because the code is completely or partially covered by the extension end 232 of the verifier 200, the code (verification element 90) cannot be fully read. Therefore, the verification element 90 of the connector body 12 is unreadable or undetectable. When the protruding member 14 is correctly inserted into the connector body 12, the verifier 200 can move downward to the latch position, and the code is fully exposed, such that... Figure 1 As the example shows, the code is readable and can be fully read by a readable machine.

[0068] According to this disclosure, the verification element 90 is attached to the connector body 12 by at least one method such as printing, laser marking, labeling, engraving, etc. Furthermore, the verification element 90 may contain readable information related to the quick connector, particularly the connector's manufacturer, product number, type and material, manufacturing date, and batch number. This information is advantageous during connector assembly and maintenance, allowing the verification element 90 of this disclosure to combine verification of correct connection with connector-specific information of the quick connector.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 1A As shown, the above-described simple measures provide a clear indication of or verification of the correct connection of the quick connector coupling 10. Therefore, the quick connector coupling 10 with verification element 90 of this disclosure can be manufactured at a low cost. Furthermore, the simple and reliable process of verifying or demonstrating the correct connection of the quick connector coupling 10 reduces the susceptibility to errors in quick connector connections, making it possible to largely prevent connection errors.

[0070] The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications or variations can be made based on the foregoing teachings. The forms discussed have been chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various forms and modifications suitable for the specific intended use. These modifications and variations are all within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims when interpreted with the fair, lawful, and equitable enjoyment of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A quick connector coupling for forming a separable connection in a fluid pipeline, the quick connector coupling having a convex member, the quick connector coupling comprising: A connector body having a through hole for receiving the convex member, the convex member having a tubular shape, the tubular shape being sized to extend into the through hole of the connector body; At least one verification element is formed on the connector body; and A verifier, comprising at least one arm extending outside the connector body, the verifier being coupled to the connector body, and wherein, when the convex member is securely connected to the connector body, a lateral downward force on the verifier moves the verifier from a non-latch position to a latch position. In the unlatched position, the at least one verification element of the connector body is at least partially covered by the at least one arm extending from the verifier, and wherein, when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, the verification element of the connector body is exposed and readable. The quick connector assembly further includes a retainer for securing the convex member within the connector body, and the verifier includes a pair of laterally spaced, curved, and resilient fingers that extend downward from the verifier's connecting member and interact with the retainer.

2. The quick connector coupling according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one verification element is attached to the outer surface of the connector body.

3. The quick connector coupling according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one verification element is arranged between the rear edge and the last edge of the connector body.

4. The quick connector coupling according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one verification element is a readable code formed as a QR code, barcode, data matrix code, or color code.

5. The quick connector coupling according to claim 1, wherein, The verifier has a pair of arms, the pair of arms including combined upper ends that extend rearward from the connecting member of the verifier, and wherein each arm includes an extension end that extends laterally from the pair of arms along the longitudinal axis of the connector body.

6. The quick connector coupling according to claim 5, further comprising a retainer for securing the convex member within the connector body, and wherein, The verifier and the holder are formed as a single unit.

7. The quick connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arm of the verifier is longitudinally spaced from the pair of fingers of the verifier.

8. The quick connector coupling according to claim 5, wherein, The extended end of the verifier is disposed between the rear edge and the last edge of the connector body and moves along the outer surface of the connector body.

9. The quick connector coupling according to claim 8, wherein, In the unlatched position of the verifier, the verification element is at least partially covered by the extended end of the verifier, and when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, the verification element is fully exposed by the movement of the extended end.

10. The quick connector coupling according to claim 1, wherein, When the verification element is read out, the verification element generates information about the quick connector coupling.

11. The quick connector coupling according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one verification element is attached to the outer surface of the connector body by printing, laser marking, labeling, or engraving.

12. A quick connector coupling for forming a separable connection in a fluid pipeline, the quick connector coupling having a convex member, the quick connector coupling comprising: A connector body having a through hole for receiving the convex member having a tubular shape and the tubular shape being sized to extend into the through hole of the connector body, the connector body including at least one verification element; A retainer that secures the convex member within the connector body; and A verifier, coupled to the connector body, moves the verifier from a latched position to a latched position by a laterally downward force when the convex member is securely connected to the connector body. The verifier includes a laterally spaced, curved, resilient pair of fingers extending downward from the connecting member of the verifier and interacting with the retainer. Wherein, when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position, at least one verification element of the connector body is readable.

13. The quick connector coupling according to claim 12, wherein, The verifier includes at least one arm that partially covers the outer surface of the connector body, and the at least one arm moves along the outer surface of the connector body when the verifier moves from the unlatched position to the latched position.

14. The quick connector coupling according to claim 13, wherein, When the verifier is in the unlocked position, the at least one verification element attached to the outer surface of the connector body is at least partially covered by the arm of the verifier and is unreadable.

15. The quick connector coupling according to claim 13, wherein, When the verifier moves to the latch position, the movement of the arm fully exposes and makes the at least one verification element attached to the outer surface of the connector body readable.

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