Quick connector with confirmation

Abstract

An improved quick connector is provided. The quick connector includes a connector body, a connector head, a verification tab, and a locking clip. The connector body is capable of being coupled to the connector head in multiple rotational orientations, and the connector head includes a retaining ring integrally formed therein. The connector head includes an axial slot for the verification tab and first and second tangential slots for the locking clip. Upon insertion of a male fitting into the connector head, the verification tab is slidably displaced from a concealed position to a visible position, and the locking clip prevents backout of the male fitting from the connector head.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 312,984, filed February 23, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a connector assembly for connecting fluid lines, and more particularly to a connector assembly that allows visual confirmation of the connection. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention Quick connectors are frequently used in the automotive industry to make a fluid connection between two components. For example, VDA quick connectors (named after the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)) are commonly used in engine cooling circuits and battery cooling in electric or hybrid vehicles. Known VDA quick connectors include a barbed tube on one end and a push-and-lock collar on the other end. The push-and-lock collar may include an internal retaining ring configured to fit around a male fitting. When the retaining ring and male fitting are inserted into the collar, a locking element, such as a metal clip or spring, extends around the collar to prevent it from being pulled out.

[0004] VDA quick connectors may include a verification tab to visually verify that the male fitting is securely engaged within the quick connector. Such a quick connector is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,363, entitled "Quick Connector Assembly with Verification Tab," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The quick connector includes a verification tab that is slidably displaced along a slot in the quick connector collar. When the male fitting is fully inserted into the open end of the collar, the verification tab moves from a bad verification position to a good verification position to provide visual (and optionally machine-readable) verification of a secure connection.

[0005] Despite these advantages, there remains a need for improved push-and-lock quick connectors that provide visual confirmation of a secure connection. In particular, there remains a need for improved VDA quick connectors to provide versatility for a variety of physical configurations, including straight and angled connections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0355308 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention An improved quick connector is provided. The quick connector includes a connector body, a connector head, a confirmation tab, and a locking clip. The connector body is capable of mating with the connector head in multiple rotational orientations, and the connector head includes a retaining ring integrally formed therein. The connector head further includes an axial slot for the confirmation tab and includes first and second tangential slots for the locking clip. Upon insertion of a male fitting (e.g., a VDA-type spigot) into the connector head, the confirmation tab is slidably displaced from a hidden position to a visible position, and the locking clip prevents backout of the male fitting from the connector head.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector head includes an outer sidewall coupled to the inner sidewall by an annular shelf. The inner sidewall and the annular shelf are functionally a VDA retaining ring. The connector head includes a plurality of resilient latch arms spaced circumferentially about the outer sidewall. The resilient latch arms are angled inwardly to engage locking tabs disposed on the connector body. The outer sidewall also includes a plurality of keyed recesses to permit insertion of the connector body into the connector head in a finite number of rotational orientations. The outer sidewall further includes lower and upper engagement openings in communication with the axial slot, the engagement openings shaped to receive the angled protrusions of the verification tabs.

[0009] In this and other embodiments, the connector body includes a collar having a plurality of locking tabs. The collar also includes an alignment recess (or protrusion) that is keyed to an alignment protrusion (or recess) in the connector head. Optionally, the alignment recess is defined in a leading periphery of the collar, and the alignment protrusion is formed in an annular shelf between the inner and outer sidewalls of the connector head. The connector body can include a wide variety of fittings, including elbow fittings or straight fittings. Additionally, the connector body can include a sensor port. During assembly, an O-ring is compressed between the collar of the connector body and the annular shelf of the connector head to provide a fluid-tight connection between the connector head and the connector body.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a quick connector with a retaining ring integrally molded into the connector head. All other components of the quick connector are separate, including the connector body, confirmation tabs, O-rings, and locking clips. The connector body can be snap-fitted into the connector head using the alignment projections as a visual guide. The connector head can be used with a wide variety of connector bodies for various fluids (e.g., coolant, oil, fuel), simplifying tooling and assembly of the quick connector. For example, the connector head can be mated to an elbow connector body, a straight connector body, or a connector body with a sensor port without modification to the tooling or assembly of the connector head, confirmation tabs, or locking clips.

[0011] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a quick connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of the connector body of FIG.

[0014] [Diagram 3] 3 is a second perspective view of the connector body of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector head of FIG.

[0016] [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0017] [Figure 6]6 is a side view of the connector head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0018] [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram of a verification tab for the quick connector of FIG. 1.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking clip of FIG.

[0020] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the confirmation tab in the incorrect confirmation position.

[0021] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the verification tab in the proper verification position.

[0022] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a connector body in multiple rotational configurations.

[0023] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a connector body including a sensor port.

[0024] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a connector head including an alternative structure.

[0025] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a connector body including an alternative structure.

[0026] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a connector head for use with the connector body of FIG.

[0027] [Figure 16] 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector head of FIG. 15. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Details of the current embodiment 1, a quick connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and designated 10. The quick connector 10 includes a connector body 12, a connector head 14, a verification tab 16, and a locking clip 18. An O-ring 20 provides a seal between the connector body 12 and the connector head 14. Each such feature of the quick connector 10 is described below. Although described primarily in relation to coolant lines, the quick connector 10 can be used in a wide variety of other applications as desired, including, by way of non-limiting examples, connecting brake lines and fuel lines.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector body 12 defines a fluid passageway between an input end 22 and an output end 24. The terms "input end" and "output end" are provided for clarity and are not intended to be limiting, as moving fluids (e.g., coolant, oil, fuel) may move in opposite directions in some applications. The connector body 12 comprises an angled fitting, such as, for example, an elbow fitting, in the illustrated embodiment, such that the fluid passageway includes an approximately 90 degree bend between the input end 22 and the output end 24. In other embodiments, the angled fitting may be, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the connector body 12 may comprise a straight fitting.

[0030] 2 and 3, the connector body 12 includes a barbed stem 26 at the output end 24 and a collar 28 at the input end 22. The collar 28 includes a cylindrical sidewall having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the connector head 14 such that the collar 28 is received within the connector head 14. Additionally, the collar 28 includes a plurality of locking tabs 30 spaced at regular intervals along the outer radial surface of the collar 28. In the illustrated embodiment, four locking tabs 30 are spaced at 90 degree intervals, although other embodiments may include a greater or lesser number of locking tabs 30 (e.g., three locking tabs spaced at 120 degree intervals, or six locking tabs spaced at 60 degree intervals). The locking tabs 30 include an angled surface opposite an engagement surface to facilitate insertion of the collar 28 into the connector head 14.

[0031] As shown, the locking tabs 30 are adjacent the leading edge of the collar 28. For each locking tab 30, the collar 28 includes a circumferential rib 32 axially offset from the locking tab 30. The circumferential rib 32 and the locking tab 30 have approximately the same width in the tangential direction. Between adjacent circumferential ribs 32, the collar 28 includes flat sides 34 or alignment protrusions 36. The flat sides 34 provide a sliding surface for the verification tab 16, and two flat sides 34 are shown in Figures 2 and 3. The alignment protrusions 36 are triangular shaped protrusions in the illustrated embodiment, and functionally are a mistake-proofing feature to prevent mis-attachment to the connector head 14, which will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment protrusions 36 are located at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of the collar 28, and the flat sides 34 are located at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of the collar 28. A circumferential flange 38 separates the collar 28 from the remainder of the connector body 12 and, as mentioned above, can include a wide variety of configurations including, by way of non-limiting example, the illustrated elbow fitting.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector head 14 includes an outer sidewall 40 having an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the collar 28 of the connector body 12. The connector head 14 is configured for locking attachment to the connector body 12 in one of a finite number of rotational orientations (two in the illustrated embodiment). In particular, the connector head 14 includes four latch arms 42 extending radially inward from the outer sidewall 40 and engaging the collar locking tabs 30. The latch arms 42 are radially resiliently deformable such that an inclined surface of each locking tab 30 flexes the latch arms 42 upon insertion of the collar 28 into the connector head 14. When the collar 28 is fully inserted into the connector head 14, the flat engagement surface of each locking tab 30 prevents removal of the connector head 14. As also shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall includes an axial recess 44 aligned with each latch arm 42 for receiving the circumferential rib 32 therein.

[0033] As also shown in FIG. 4, the connector head 14 includes keyed recesses 46 for the collar alignment projections 36. The keyed recesses 46 allow for insertion of the collar 28 into the connector head 14 in only a finite number of rotational configurations (two in the illustrated embodiment). The outer sidewall 40 projects radially outward at each recess 46, thereby providing an operator with a tactile guide for insertion of the connector body 12 into the collar 28. Like the alignment projections 36, the keyed recesses 46 are triangular in shape, although other shapes are possible, provided the keyed recesses 46 include a shape complementary to the alignment projections 36. Also as shown, the outer sidewall 40 is cylindrical and defines a first tangential slot 48 opposite a second tangential slot 50 for the locking clip 18. Each such slot 48, 50 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector head 14 and entirely through the thickness of the sidewall, thereby enabling the locking clip 18 (extending around the outside of the connector head 14) to establish a lockable engagement with a male fitting (received inside the connector head 14).

[0034] As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the verification tab 16 is received in an axial slot 52 in the side wall 40 of the connector head. The axial slot 52 is defined in the side wall 48 and extends entirely axially therethrough. The axial slot 52 is generally rectangular in shape to accommodate the verification tab 16 therein. The side wall 40 of the connector head includes two axially offset engagement openings 54, 55 for securing the verification tab 16 in one of two positions: a bad verification position (where the verification tab 16 is concealed) and a good verification position (where a portion of the verification tab 16 having the verification indicia 60 is visible). The engagement openings 54, 55 are shown as rectangular through holes in the illustrated embodiment, but may include other shapes in other embodiments. As also shown in cross section in Figure 5, the interior of the connector head 14 includes an annular shelf 56 for the O-ring 20. The annular shelf 56 abuts an inner sidewall 58, which is functionally a retaining ring integrally molded into the connector head 14. The inner sidewall 58 is sized to receive an appropriate male fitting (e.g., VDA and SAE spigots). When the quick connector 10 is assembled, the O-ring 20 is sandwiched between the collar 28 and the annular shelf 56, providing a fluid-tight connection between the connector body 12 and the connector head 14.

[0035] The verification tab 16 according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. The verification tab 16 is configured to be received within the axial slot 52 of the connector head 14 and includes a verification indicia 60. The verification indicia 60 may include, for example, a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., UPC code, EAN code, Code 39, Code 128, ITF, Code 93, codabar, GS1 databar, MSI Plessey, etc.), a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR code, Data Matrix code, PDF417, AZTEC, etc.), a holographic code, a human readable alphanumeric code, or other machine or human interpretable codes, whether now known or later developed. In other embodiments, the verification indicia 60 is not machine readable and includes a color, pattern, logo, or other feature. The verification tab 16 also includes a locking member 62. While the locking member 62 is illustrated as an angled protrusion, other embodiments may include other configurations, such as nubs or barbs. The locking member 62 is sized to be received within the lower engagement opening 54 in the incorrect confirmation position and within the upper engagement opening 55 in the correct confirmation position. The confirmation tab 16 includes a rectangular projection 66 on the opposite side of the locking member 62 for directly engaging a male fitting as described below. The confirmation tab 16 further includes a side projection 68 along its side to limit movement of the confirmation tab 16 within the axial slot 52. The side projection 68 also provides a mistake-proofing feature during assembly into the axial slot 52 to ensure that the operator properly inserts the confirmation tab 16 in the correct orientation.

[0036] A locking clip 18 according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. The locking clip 18 is generally U-shaped, formed from metal, and has a base 70 and first and second legs 72, 74. The legs 72, 74 are received within tangential slots 48, 50 in the connector head 14 (shown generally in FIG. 6). The locking clip 18 includes first and second tangs 76, 78 to prevent removal from the connector head 14. When a male fitting (e.g., a VDA-type spigot) is inserted into the connector head 14, the legs 72, 74 expand radially outwardly around the raised annular bead of the male fitting, and the legs 72, 74 spring back to rest behind the raised annular bead. At the same time, the male fitting impinges on the rectangular projection 66 of the verification tab 16, moving the verification tab 16 from the incorrect verification position to the correct verification position.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, for example, the verification tab 16 is illustrated in an incorrect verification position. In this position, the locking member 62 is received within the lower engagement opening 54. When the male fitting is inserted into the connector head 14, the male fitting contacts the verification tab 16, specifically the rectangular projection 66, and the verification tab 16 moves to the correct verification position. As shown in Figure 10, in this correct verification, the verification indicia 60 is visible above the axial slot 52. The locking member 62 is received within the upper engagement opening 55, and the side projections 68 prevent further axial movement of the verification tab 16.

[0038] In the embodiment described above, the outer sidewall 40 of the connector head 14 includes framed recesses 41 between adjacent locking arms 42 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). However, in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 13, the framed recesses are omitted from the outer sidewall 40 of the connector head 14, thereby simplifying tooling of the connector head 14.

[0039] 14-16, a quick connector according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and designated 100. The quick connector 100 of FIGS. 14-16 is similar in structure and function to the quick connector 10 of FIGS. 1-12, except that the connector body 12 (shown in FIG. 14) includes an alignment notch 102 that corresponds to an alignment protrusion 104 on the connector head 14 (shown in FIG. 15) to ensure that the connector head 14 is attached to the connector body 12 in a finite number of rotational configurations (e.g., one rotational configuration in the illustrated embodiment). This configuration can be reversed in other embodiments, such that an alignment notch is defined on the connector head 14 and an alignment protrusion is defined on the connector body 12. In yet other embodiments, each of the connector body 12 and connector head 14 includes an alignment notch and an alignment protrusion.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 14 , the connector body 12 defines a fluid passageway between the input end 22 and the output end 24. The connector body 12 comprises an angled fitting, e.g., an elbow fitting, in the illustrated embodiment, such that the fluid passageway includes an approximately 90 degree bend between the input end 22 and the output end 24. The connector body 12 can include essentially any configuration, including, by non-limiting example, an elbow fitting, a straight fitting, and / or a fitting having a sensor port 90. The connector body 12 includes a barbed stem 26 at the output end 24 and a collar 28 at the input end 22. The collar 28 includes a cylindrical sidewall having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the connector head 14 such that the collar 28 can be received within the connector head 14. Additionally, the collar 28 includes a plurality of locking tabs 30 spaced at regular intervals along an outer radial surface of the collar 28. In the illustrated embodiment, four locking tabs 30 are spaced at 90 degree intervals, although other embodiments may include a greater or lesser number of locking tabs 30.

[0041] 15, the connector head 14 includes an outer sidewall 40 having an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the collar 28. The connector head 14 is configured for locking attachment to the connector body 12 in one of a finite number of rotational orientations. The connector head 14 includes four latch arms 42 that extend radially inward from the outer sidewall 40 and engage the collar locking tabs 30. The latch arms 42 are radially resiliently deformable such that an angled surface of each locking tab 30 deflects the latch arms 42 upon insertion of the collar 28 into the connector head 14. When the collar 28 is fully inserted into the connector head 14, a flat engagement surface of each locking tab 30 prevents removal of the connector head 14. The connector head 14 according to this embodiment lacks the O-ring 20 seen in FIG. 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 15, the annular shelf 56 of the connector head 14 includes a projection 104 that aligns with a notch 102 on the input end 22 of the connector body 12. The projection 104 interconnects the inner sidewall 56 and the outer sidewall 40 and is disposed between two of the latch arms 42. The notch 102 allows the collar 28 to be inserted into the connector head 14 in only a finite number of rotational configurations (one in the illustrated embodiment). As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the alignment notch 102 is defined in a leading periphery 110 of the input end 22 of the connector body 12 that is otherwise uninterrupted about its periphery. Although the alignment notch 102 is depicted at the 3 o'clock position in FIG. 14, the alignment notch 102 (or two or more alignment notches) can be located at other locations on the collar 28. The alignment notch 28 ensures that the connector head 14 is installed in the connector body 12 in the correct orientation. 16, the alignment projections 104 physically abut against the leading periphery 110 of the collar 28, preventing the latch arms 42 of the connector head 14 from engaging the locking tabs 30 of the connector body 12. As a result, misassembly of the quick connector 100 is prevented.

[0043] As also shown in FIGS. 14-16, the connector head 14 and the connector body 12 each include mutually opposing flat sliding surfaces 106, 108. With respect to the connector head 14, the radially inner surface of the outer sidewall 40 includes three flat sliding surfaces 106 spaced at 90 degree intervals around the inner circumference of the connector head 14, with the middle sliding surface 106 being opposite the axial slot for the identification tab 16. With respect to the connector body 12, the radially outer surface of the collar 28 includes four flat sliding surfaces 108 spaced at 90 degree intervals around the outer circumference of the collar 28. The mutually opposing flat sliding surfaces 106, 108 allow the connector body 12 to easily slide into the connector head 14 in a finite number of rotational positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, four rotational positions are available. Also as shown, the connector body 12 includes four sliding surfaces 108, while the connector head 14 includes three sliding surfaces 106. The alignment notch 102 extends partially into one of four flat sliding surfaces 108 of the collar 28. When seated on the connector head 14, the connector body 12 is prevented from rotation by the action of the opposing flat sliding surfaces 106, 108. In this manner, the opposing sliding surfaces 106, 108 facilitate assembly of the connector head 14 to the connector body 12 in a finite number of rotational positions according to predefined assembly requirements. For example, if assembly instructions call for the connector head 14 to be assembled to the connector body 12 in a 90 degree position (as shown in FIG. 14), the sliding surfaces 106, 108 and the notch 102 assist an operator in successfully assembling the connector head 14 while avoiding assembly errors.

[0044] To reiterate, the above-described embodiments include quick connectors 10, 100 having a retaining ring integrally molded into the connector head 14. All other components of the quick connectors 10, 100 are separate, including the connector body 12, the confirmation tab 16, the locking clip 18, and the O-ring 20. The connector body 12 and connector head 14 may be formed from any suitable material, optionally a durable, chemically resistant, and lightweight polymeric material. The confirmation tab 16 may be shipped in an incorrect confirmation position, as shown in FIG. 9. The connector body 12 may be snap-fitted into the connector head 14 using the flat side 34 and the alignment projection 36 as a visual guide. The connector body 12 cannot be assembled to the connector head 14 unless the alignment projection 36 is aligned with the corresponding recess 46 in the connector head 14. As a result, each connector body 12 may be mated to the connector head 14 in one of two orientations, as shown in FIG. 11 as a non-limiting example. The connector body 12 allows for ease of tooling and assembly since the connector head 14 can be used with a wide variety of connector bodies 12. For example, the connector head 14 can be mated to a connector body 12 having a sensor port 90 as shown in Figures 12 and 14 without requiring modification of the tooling or assembly of the connector head 14, identification tab 16, and locking clip 18. As discussed above, the connector body 12 can have essentially any configuration, including, by way of non-limiting examples, elbow fittings, straight fittings, and fittings having a sensor port.

[0045] The above description relates to the current embodiment of the invention. Various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and broad aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims as interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. The present disclosure has been presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention, nor should it be construed to limit the claims to the specific elements shown or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, individual elements of the invention described may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide suitable operation. This includes, for example, currently known alternative elements, as may be currently known to those of skill in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that may be recognized as alternative elements by those of skill in the art at the time of development. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments include multiple features that may be described in cooperation and that may cooperate to provide a set of advantages. The invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or provide all of the described advantages, except to the extent expressly defined in the issued claims. Ordinal terms for referring to claim elements, such as "first," "second," and "third," are used for clarity and are not to be construed as limiting the order in which the claim elements appear. References to claim elements in the singular, such as using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said," are not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

1. A quick connector, a connector body defining a fluid passageway between a first end and a second end, the connector body including an outer surface defining a first plurality of planar sliding surfaces; a connector head adapted to mate with the connector body during pre-assembly of the quick connector, the connector head including an outer surface defining a second plurality of planar sliding surfaces, the second plurality of planar sliding surfaces in sliding engagement with the first plurality of planar sliding surfaces; a locking clip extending around the connector head and including first and second legs received in first and second tangential slots of the connector head; an identification tab disposed in an axial slot of the connector head, the identification tab being slidably displaced axially from a concealed position to a visible position upon insertion of a male fitting into the pre-assembled quick connector; A quick connector.

2. 2. The quick connector of claim 1, wherein said connector head includes a collar, said first plurality of planar sliding surfaces being spaced apart on an outer radial surface of said collar.

3. 3. The quick connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second plurality of planar sliding surfaces are spaced apart on an inner radial surface of the connector head.

4. 4. The quick connector of claim 1, wherein the connector body includes a collar defining an alignment notch in the collar, and the connector head includes an alignment projection shaped for insertion into the alignment notch.

5. 5. The quick connector of claim 4, wherein said connector head includes an outer sidewall spaced from an inner sidewall by an annular shelf, said alignment projection being between said inner sidewall and said outer sidewall.

6. 6. The quick connector of claim 4 or 5, wherein the alignment notch is defined in a leading periphery of the collar.

7. A quick connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector head is configured for locking attachment to the connector body in a finite number of rotational orientations.

8. The quick connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connector body includes a plurality of locking tabs that engage a corresponding plurality of latch arms in the connector head.

9. A quick connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the verification tab comprises a machine-readable visible indicia, said visible indicia being a QR code or a barcode.

10. The quick connector of any preceding claim, wherein the verification tab includes an angled projection received within an engagement aperture defined in the outer sidewall.

11. The quick connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connector head further defines a lower engagement opening and an upper engagement opening in the outer sidewall.

12. The quick connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connector body includes a flat side surface disposed adjacent the identification tab when the identification tab is in the visible position.

13. A connector head for a quick connector, the connector head comprising: an outer sidewall defining an axial slot for the verification tab and defining first and second tangential slots for the locking clip; an inner sidewall spaced from said outer sidewall and connected to said outer sidewall by an annular shelf; a plurality of resilient latch arms spaced circumferentially about said outer sidewall, said resilient latch arms being angled inwardly; With The outer sidewall defines a plurality of spaced apart planar sliding surfaces for sliding engagement with the connector body. Connector head.

14. The connector head of claim 13 further comprising an alignment projection between said inner sidewall and said outer sidewall, said alignment projection extending axially for insertion into an alignment notch in said connector body.

15. The connector head of claim 13 or 14, wherein the axial end of the outer sidewall defines a plurality of keyed recesses therein.

16. The connector head of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the outer sidewall defines lower and upper engagement openings extending outwardly from the axial slot.

17. the outer sidewall, the annular shelf and the inner sidewall are unitarily molded from a thermoplastic resin. A connector head according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. A connector head according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first tangential slot and the second tangential slot are located on opposite sides of the outer sidewall.

19. A connector body for a quick connector, the connector body comprising: a first end and a second end defining a fluid passageway between the first end and the second end, the first end comprising a collar and the second end comprising a barbed fitting; the collar includes a cylindrical sidewall defining a leading periphery and an outer radial surface, and a plurality of spaced apart planar sliding surfaces are defined on the outer radial surface such that the collar is configured to be inserted into a connector head of a quick connector in a finite number of rotational orientations. Connector body.

20. The connector body of claim 19 , wherein an alignment notch is defined in the leading periphery of the collar.

21. 21. The connector body of claim 19 or 20, wherein the connector body includes a plurality of locking tabs that engage a corresponding plurality of latch arms in the connector head.

22. Each of the plurality of locking tabs is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of planar sliding surfaces.

22. The connector body of claim 21 .

23. The connector body according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the plurality of planar sliding surfaces includes four planar sliding surfaces equally spaced around the circumference of the collar.

24. The connector body of any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising a sensor port between the input end and the output end.

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