Fluid line connector and assembly with fixed detection - Patents.com

Abstract

The fluid line connector and assembly provide the capability for remote, secure detection, and are therefore equipped for automated, robotic, and / or autonomous initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent maintenance techniques. In one embodiment, the fluid line connector includes a body, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a passage for fluid flow therethrough and has an opening. The retainer is movable through the opening in the body. The RFID tag is capable of communicating with an RFID interrogator. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 404,551, filed May 6, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 102,256, filed August 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 544,057, filed August 11, 2017.

[0002] Technical Field FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to connector assemblies used to join fluid lines together, and more particularly to manner of detecting proper and sufficient engagement of connector assembly members. [Background technology]

[0003] background Connector assemblies, especially those with quick connect features, are commonly used to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications. An example is cooling fluid lines in electric vehicles. Visual means may be employed in the design and construction of connector assemblies to ensure proper and sufficient engagement between members of the connector assembly for initial assembly and inspection as well as later maintenance. Examples include a secondary latch that can be closed upon sufficient engagement, and a window in one of the members of the connector assembly to observe the engagement. These means, as well as other similar means, require physical interaction and observation by the assembly, inspection, or maintenance personnel to ensure proper and sufficient engagement between members of the connector assembly.

[0004] overview In one embodiment, the fluid line connector can include a body, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passageway is present in the body and an opening is present in the body. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The retainer is movable through the opening in the body. The actuator member is located near the passageway in the body and near the retainer. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch changes its state when struck by the actuator member. The strike from the actuator member occurs upon both i) insertion of another connector into the fluid line connector and ii) movement of the retainer in a direction generally transverse to the direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector.

[0005] In another embodiment, the fluid line connector can include a body, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passageway is present in the body and an opening is present in the body. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The retainer is movable through the opening in the body. The actuator member has a base and an appendage depending from the base. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch changes its state when struck by the actuator member. The strike from the actuator member occurs based on both i) a first force acting on the appendage from another connector inserted into the fluid line connector, and ii) a second force acting on the base from the retainer.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the fluid line connector can include a body, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. A passageway is in the body and an opening is in the body. The retainer can move through the opening in the body. The actuator member has a base and an appendage. The base receives abutment from the retainer and the appendage receives abutment from another connector. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch can change its state when struck by the actuator member.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an exploded view of a fluid line connector of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a connector that can be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is another perspective view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5 with the connector assembled. [Figure 8] 6 is yet another perspective view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a side view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 6 is a side view of one embodiment of an actuator member and switch that can be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line connector. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Detailed Description Several embodiments of fluid line connectors and assemblies are detailed in this description that are designed and constructed to allow proper and sufficient locking between connectors to be detected without the need for secondary latches or windows that have in the past required some degree of physical interaction and observation by an assembly, inspection, or maintenance worker at the locking site.

[0010] Instead, the connectors and assemblies herein comprise means by which proper and sufficient fixation can be detected via a device located away from the immediate site of fixation of the connector, which device does not necessarily have to physically contact the site of fixation for detection. In this way, the connectors and assemblies are equipped for automated, robotic, and / or autonomous initial assembly, later quality inspection, and subsequent maintenance techniques, such as those found in advanced manufacturing facilities in the manufacture of automobiles. Thus, the connectors and assemblies may prove useful in many applications, such as where an immediate power source is not readily available or readily at hand. Although this description presents the connectors and assemblies in the context of automotive fluid lines, such as cooling fluid lines in electric vehicles, the connectors and assemblies have broader applications and are suitable for use in aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, agricultural fluid lines, and other fluid lines.

[0011] As used herein, the phrase "sufficiently secured" and grammatical variations thereof are used to refer to a state of securement in which a fluid-tight joint is established through the fluid line connector. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the terms radial, axial, and circumferential, and grammatical variations thereof, refer to directions relative to the generally circular shape of the passageway of the fluid line connector.

[0012] Fluid line connectors and assemblies can have various designs, structures, and components in various embodiments, possibly depending on what application the fluid line connector and assembly is used for. FIGS. 1-4 show a first embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly 10. The fluid line connector and assembly 10 here includes a fluid line connector 12 and another separate and distinct connector 14. The fluid line connector 12 has a quick connect feature for easy connection and disconnection operations with the connector 14 and is used to join the fluid lines of an automobile together. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector 12 is a female connector and the connector 14 is a male connector (often called a spigot). The fluid line connector 12 accepts insertion of the connector 14 at a first end 16 during installation and couples to a fluid line at a second end 18. The fluid line connector 12 has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but in other embodiments can have a straight and in-line configuration. The connector 14 may be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component, such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or may be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among other possibilities. With particular reference to Figures 2 and 4, the connector 14 has a first flange 20 projecting radially outwardly from its body and a second flange 22 located axially away from the first flange 20 and also projecting radially outwardly from the body of the connector. The first and second flanges 20, 22 extend circumferentially around the connector 14. The connector 14 has an exterior surface 24.

[0013] In this embodiment, the fluid line connector 12 includes a body 26, an O-ring 28, an insert 30, a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip 32, a switch 34, and an actuator member 36, although in other embodiments, the fluid line connector 12 can have more, fewer, and / or different components. Now referring to Figures 3 and 4, the body 26 has a passageway 38 defined within its structure to allow for fluid flow through the fluid line connector 12. Additionally, the body 26 has a compartment 40 for receiving and positioning the RFID chip 32. The compartment 40 is a separate space from the passageway 38. A removable cover 42 can be provided to close the compartment 40 and seal the RFID chip 32 therein. The body 26 further has a penetration 44 for positioning and seating the actuator member 36 within the body 26 during assembly. When the actuator member 36 is removed from the body 26 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), the passage 38 and the compartment 40 communicate with each other via a penetration 44 that opens into both the passage 38 and the compartment 40. The O-ring 28 is received within the passage 38, perhaps best shown by FIG. 4, where it forms a seal between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. An insert 30 is also received within the passage 38 and is used to help retain the connector 14 when the connector 14 and the fluid line connector 12 are secured together. In the illustrated example, the insert 30 has a pair of tangs 46 with hook ends 48 that capture the first flange 20 when the connector 14 is inserted into the fluid line connector 12 to the appropriate overlap depth, as shown in FIG. 4. The insert 30 includes a first ring structure 50 and a second ring structure 52 bridged together by the tangs 46. Squeezing the depressions 54 on either side of the second ring structure 52 releases the captured first flange 20 allowing the connector 14 to be disassembled from the fluid line connector 12 .

[0014] The RFID chip 32 assists in detecting proper and complete fixation between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. The RFID chip 32 transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals with an RFID interrogator 56. The RFID interrogator 56 transmits an interrogation signal 58 to the RFID chip 32, which responds with an RF signal 60. In this manner, detection of proper and complete fixation is performed using RFID technology. For example, in a manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 56 can be placed in an assembly, inspection, and / or equipment manufacturing line to establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator 56 attempts to communicate with the RFID chip 32 as the fluid line connector and assembly 10 and the larger application are transported through the fixation zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 56 can establish an interrogation zone that extends to several meters from the RFID interrogator 56. In another environment, the RFID interrogator 56 may be a mobile device, such as a handheld device. The RF signal 60 may communicate various data and information to the RFID interrogator 56. In one embodiment, the communicated information may be an indication of a state of lock between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. For example, if the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 exhibit a complete lock, the RF signal 60 may communicate the complete lock information in the form of an on signal to the RFID interrogator 56. The RFID interrogator 56 may then process the communicated information. The communicated information may also include a serial number, an installation location, etc.

[0015] 3 and 4, the RFID chip 32 is carried by the body 26. The support between the RFID chip 32 and the body 26 can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In this embodiment, the RFID chip 32 resides within a compartment 40 and is protected by a cover 42 when installed. In this location, the RFID chip 32 is shielded from exposure to the fluid flow moving through the passageway 38 and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. The RFID chip 32 has an antenna 62 for exchanging (i.e., transmitting and receiving) RF signals and has an integrated circuit (IC) 64 for storing data and information, among other possible functions.

[0016] The switch 34 interacts with the RFID chip 32 to activate the RFID chip 32 and enable transmission and reception of RF signals with the RFID interrogator 56, and to deactivate the RFID chip 32 and disable transmission and reception of RF signals. Additionally, the interaction can affect the function of the RFID chip 32 in other ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 34 electrically couples to the RFID chip 32 and enables and disables transmission and reception of RF signals by the antenna 62. The switch 34 can have a variety of designs, structures, and components in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the RFID chip with which it interacts, as well as the design and structure of the associated connector. For example, the switch 34 can take mechanical, electrical, and magnetic forms. In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the switch 34 is in the form of a button 66 attached to the RFID chip 32. As best shown by FIG. 4, the button 66 is disposed between the RFID chip 32 and the actuator member 36, adjacent to the penetration 44. When bumped and physically pressed, button 66, due to its electrical coupling to RFID chip 32, activates antenna 62, enabling the transmission and reception of RF signals. Depending on the embodiment, a single press and release of button 66 can activate RFID chip 32, or maintaining the bump and depression can activate RFID chip 32 for the period of time that the bump and depression is sustained. Conversely, a single press and release of button 66 can deactivate RFID chip 32, or when the bump and depression is not held, can deactivate RFID chip 32 for the period of time that the bump and depression is not present.

[0017] Additionally, in other embodiments, the switch 34 can be prompted to activate and deactivate the RFID chip 32 by other means. With particular reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment implements the prompting by using a non-contact switch instead of a contact-based switch. A reed switch 68 is carried by the body 26 of the fluid line connector 12, and a magnetic element 70 is carried by the connector 14. Here, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 are fully secured, the proximity between the reed switch 68 and the magnetic element 70 prompts the activation of the RFID chip 32. Conversely, when not fully secured and thus the reed switch 68 and the magnetic element 70 are spaced apart from each other, the RFID chip 32 is deactivated. In this embodiment, the actuator member 36 may not be provided.

[0018] The actuator member 36, during the full locking movement, receives abutment at the full locking between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14, thereby urging the impact of the switch 34. The actuator member 36 may have a variety of designs, structures, and components in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the design and structure of the switch 34 and the associated connector. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the actuator member 36 spans between the passageway 38 and the switch 34, providing interrelationship between the connector 14 and the RFID chip 32. The actuator member 36 is carried within the body 26 of the fluid line connector 12 and is disposed and seated in the penetration 44. In its position, the actuator member 36 has one end at the passageway 38 and the other end at the switch 34. In the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4, the actuator member 36 is in the form of a cam member 72. The cam member 72 is one piece and has a U-shaped profile with a base portion 74 and a pair of protrusions 76 depending from the base portion 74. The base portion 74 has a first action surface 78 that resides on and maintains contact with the switch 34. Additionally, each of the protrusions 76 has a second action surface 80 that resides within the passageway 38 for abutment with the connector 14 upon insertion into the fluid line connector 12. The second action surface 80 may be angled relative to the axis of the connector 14 to facilitate abutment with the connector 14 and cause a concomitant displacement of the cam member 72.

[0019] When the fluid line connector and assembly 10 is put into use, proper and complete locking can be detected via RFID technology. The fluid line connector 12 and connector 14 approach each other when the connector 14 is inserted into the body 26 at the first end 16. The first flange 20 abuts the cam member 72, displacing the cam member 72 upward (with respect to the orientation of the figure) toward the button 66. The first flange 20 forms a face-to-face abutment with the second operative surface 80 of the cam member 72. The cam member 72 is forced upward and impacts the button 66 via face-to-face contact between the first operative surface 78 and the facing surface of the button 66. In this embodiment, the first flange 20 maintains abutment with the cam member 72, and thus the cam member 72 maintains impact with the button 66 at complete locking.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fluid line connector 12 includes multiple RFID chips. With particular reference to FIG. 3, in addition to the first RFID chip 32, a second RFID chip 33 is provided. Similar to the first RFID chip 32, the second RFID chip 33 assists in detecting proper and complete locking between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. In this embodiment, both the first and second RFID chips 32, 33 transmit and receive RF signals with the RFID interrogator 56. For example, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 exhibit a complete locking, the first RFID chip 32 can communicate information of the complete locking to the RFID interrogator 56. Conversely, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 are not completely locked to each other, the second RFID chip 33 can communicate information of the not completely locked to the RFID interrogator 56. Furthermore, in a fully locked state, the second RFID chip 33 does not communicate to the RFID interrogator 56 that it is not fully locked, and when not fully locked to each other, the first RFID chip 32 does not communicate to the RFID interrogator 56 that it is fully locked. As in the previous embodiment, the first and second RFID chips 32, 33 can communicate additional information, such as serial numbers, installation locations, etc. Whether the first RFID chip 32 communicates the fully locked information or the second RFID chip 33 communicates the not fully locked information is partly managed by the switch 34. In this embodiment, the switch 34 interacts with both the first and second RFID chips 32, 33 and is electrically coupled to both the first and second RFID chips 32, 33. The interaction and communication of information can be achieved in various ways. For example, upon collision, switch 34 can activate first RFID chip 32 and enable transmission of information that it is fully secured, and upon non-collision, switch 34 can activate second RFID chip 33 and enable transmission of information that it is not fully secured. The presence or absence of a collision of switch 34 can activate and deactivate first RFID chip 32 or second RFID chip 33.

[0021] 5-11, yet another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly 110 is shown. This embodiment has some similarities to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, which may not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-11. The fluid line connector and assembly 110 includes a fluid line connector 112 and another separate and distinct connector 114. The fluid line connector 112 has a quick connect feature for easy connection and disconnection operations with the connector 114, and is used to join automotive fluid lines, as well as other fluid lines in other applications. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector 112 is a female connector and the connector 114 is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector 112 accepts the insertion of the connector 114, as best shown by FIG. 7. The fluid line connector 112 has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but in other embodiments, it can have a straight and in-line configuration. The connector 114 may be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component, such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or may be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among other possibilities.

[0022] With particular reference to FIG. 6, the connector 114 has an enlarged portion 115 and a slot 117 located at the end of the connector 114 that is inserted into the fluid line connector 112. The enlarged portion 115 is receivable into a complementary cavity in the fluid line connector 112 for purposes of relative rotational alignment between the connectors 112, 114, but may not be provided in some embodiments. The enlarged portion 115 may abut a first actuator member (described below) of the fluid line connector 112 in some embodiments, thus facilitating actuation thereof. If provided, the enlarged portion 115 extends axially to the inserted end of the connector 114 and projects radially outward from the circumferential body of the connector. The slot 117 accommodates insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector 112, as described below. The slot 117 extends circumferentially around the connector 114. Additionally, the connector 114 has an angled portion 119. The ramp 119 presents an increasing diameter at the connector 114. The exterior surface 113 is located from the slot 117 and the ramp 119. The connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112 such that the ramp 119 is received in the fluid line connector 112 before the enlarged portion 115 and the slot 117 are received in the fluid line connector 112 (i.e., from right to left in the orientation of FIG. 6 ).

[0023] In the embodiment shown by Figures 5-11, the fluid line connector 112 includes a body 126, a retainer 129, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 132, one or two switches 134, 135, and one or two actuator members 136, 137, although in other embodiments, the fluid line connector 112 can have more components, fewer components, and / or different components. Turning now to Figures 5 and 7-9, the body 126 has a passageway 138 defined within its structure to allow fluid flow through the fluid line connector 112. Additionally, the body 126 has a compartment for receiving and placing the RFID tag 132. A cover 142 is provided to close the compartment and seal the RFID tag 132 therein (the compartment and cover are only shown in Figures 5 and 7, although the depictions of Figures 8 and 9 can have similar structures for receiving the RFID tag 132). 5, an insert assembly 143 may be provided and carried within the interior of the fluid line connector 112 and within the passageway 138. Depending on its design and construction, the insert assembly 143 may facilitate mating, receiving, and / or sealing between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114. The insert assembly 143 may include, for example, an O-ring 145 and a carrier 147, and may also include a bushing, depending on the embodiment.

[0024] The body 126 has a structure that cooperates with the retainer 129 to provide a quick connect feature for the fluid line connector 112. Referring again to Figures 5 and 7-9, a first opening 149 and a second opening 151 are defined on opposite sides of the wall of the body and extend completely therethrough to communicate with the passageway 138. On the exterior of the wall are a first recess 153 and a second recess 155 for temporarily deploying the retainer 129 when the retainer 129 is pulled radially outward to release the connector 114 from the fluid line connector 112. A flange 157 projects radially outward from the wall of the body and partially surrounds a portion of the retainer 129 to prevent unintentional removal of the retainer 129 received in the slot 117.

[0025] Additionally, the body 126 has a structure intended to accommodate the assembly and installation of the actuator members 136, 137. The exact design and structure of that structure may vary and may depend on the design and structure of the actuator members and switches utilized in the fluid line connector 112. In the embodiment shown by the figures, turning now to Figs. 5, 8 and 9, a first socket 159 and a second socket 161 are present in the body 126. The first socket 159 receives and holds the first actuator member 136, and in this embodiment is in the form of a slot structure. The first socket 159 is disposed at the entrance 163 of the passageway 138 for locating the first actuator member 136 therein, and is defined in the wall of the body near the entrance 163. To fully receive the first actuator member 136, the axial depth of the first socket 159 may be approximately equal to the length of the first actuator member 136. Similarly, the radial width of the first socket 159 may be approximately equal to the width of the first actuator member 136. The axial depth of the first socket 159 is generally aligned with the axis of the passageway 138 at the inlet 163. Although the figures show an enlarged structure of the body wall to accommodate the first actuator member 136 and mount the first socket 159, in other embodiments the accommodation may be more coherent and integrated into the body 126 such that enlargement can be minimized.

[0026] 9, the second socket 161 receives and holds the second actuator member 137 and is in the form of a slot-like structure in this embodiment. The second socket 161 is located outside the passageway 138 and on the side of the body wall to locate the second actuator member 137 therein. The radial depth of the second socket 161 may be approximately equal to the length of the second actuator member 137 to fully receive the second actuator member 137. Similarly, the axial width of the second socket 161 may be approximately equal to the width of the second actuator member 137. The radial depth of the second socket 161 is generally aligned with the radius of the passageway 138 at the inlet 163. Although the figure shows an enlarged structure protruding from the side of the body wall to receive the second actuator member 137 and mount the second socket 161, in other embodiments the reception may be more coherent and integrated into the body 126 such that the enlarged structure can be minimized. In FIG. 9, a bottom wall 165 and a pair of side walls 167 depending from the bottom wall 165 cooperate to partially enclose the second actuator member 137 and help protect the fluid line connector 112 from unintentional contact with foreign objects when the fluid line connector 112 is in use.

[0027] A retainer 129 interacts with the body 126 to provide the quick connect feature of the fluid line connector 112 so that the connector 114 can be easily inserted and retained in the fluid line connector 112, and released and removed therefrom as needed or desired. The retainer 129 may be of a variety of designs and constructions. With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, in this embodiment, the retainer 129 is a one-piece stainless steel wire spring that is inwardly biased. The retainer 129 has a first leg 169, a second leg 171, and a bridge 173 spanning the legs. The first and second legs 169, 171 may be substantially similar in shape and size. A first use position of the retainer 129 is shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9. In the first use position, the retainer 129 is carried by the body 126 with the first and second legs 169, 171 moved through the first and second openings 149, 151. The first and second legs 169, 171 are partially within the passageway 138. In the first use position, the connector 114 is not inserted into the fluid line connector 112. The second use position of the retainer 129 is not specifically shown in the figures. In the second use position, the connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112 and the ramps 119 engage the first and second legs 169, 171. The engagement can force the first and second legs 169, 171 apart (i.e., radially outward) and move the bridge 173 radially outward. Continued insertion of the connector 114 brings the retainer 129 to a third use position where the retainer 129 is received in the slot 117. The first and second legs 169, 171 are allowed to bounce back over the ramp 119 to the location of the first use position, but are now received in the slot 117. The first and second legs 169, 171 move through the first and second openings 149, respectively. Reception of one or both of the first and second legs 169, 171 in the slot 117 secures the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 to one another.Movement of the retainer 129 between the first, second, and third use positions moves the retainer 129 in a direction generally transverse and perpendicular to the insertion direction 179 (FIG. 5) of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112; in other words, the movement of the retainer is radially outward and radially inward, or up and down. When an operator pulls on the retainer 129 to release and remove the connector 114 from the fluid line connector 112, a distal foot 173 (FIG. 9) of the first leg 169 can seat in the first recess 153, and similarly, a distal foot (not specifically shown) of the second leg 171 can seat in the second recess 155.

[0028] Turning now to FIG. 11, the RFID tag 132 aids in the detection of proper and complete fixation between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114. The RFID tag 132 communicates with an RFID interrogator or reader 156 (FIG. 7). The RFID interrogator 156 transmits an interrogation signal 158 to the RFID tag 132, which then communicates with the RFID interrogator 156. In this manner, detection of proper and complete fixation is performed using RFID technology. For example, in a manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 156 can be placed in an assembly, inspection, and / or equipment production line to establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator 156 attempts to communicate with the RFID tag 132 as the fluid line connector and assembly 110 and the larger application are transported through the fixation zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 156 may establish an interrogation zone that extends several meters from the RFID interrogator 156. In another environment, the RFID interrogator 156 may be a mobile device, such as a handheld device.

[0029] The RFID tag 132 is in the form of a passive RFID tag in this embodiment, but may be in another form, such as an active RFID tag. Communications received from the RFID tag 132 may convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator 156. In one embodiment, the conveyed information may be an indication of a state of lock between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114. For example, if the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 exhibit a complete lock, the RFID tag 132 may convey information to the RFID interrogator 156 in the form of an on signal that they are completely locked. Conversely, if the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 lack a complete lock, the RFID tag 132 may convey information to the RFID interrogator 156 in the form of an off signal that they are not completely locked. The RFID interrogator 156 may then process the conveyed information. The conveyed information may also include a part serial number, an installation location, and the like. In embodiments in which the fluid line connector 112 includes both switches 134,135 and both actuator members 136,137, the RFID tag 132 can communicate the state of each actuator member 136,137 based on the collision or non-collision of the switches 134,135. For example, the RFID tag 132 may communicate one or more of: i) neither of the actuator members 136, 137 is actuated and therefore both the first and second switches 134, 135 are open; ii) the first actuator member 136 is not actuated and therefore the first switch 134 is open and the second actuator member 137 is actuated and therefore the second switch 135 is closed; iii) the first actuator member 136 is actuated and therefore the first switch 134 is closed and the second actuator member 137 is not actuated and therefore the second switch 135 is open; and / or iv) both the first and second actuator members 136, 137 are actuated and therefore both the first and second switches 134, 135 are closed.

[0030] The RFID tag 132 is carried by the body 126. The support between the RFID tag 132 and the body 126 can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 132 resides within a compartment of the body and is protected by a cover 142 when installed. In this location, the RFID tag 132 is shielded from exposure to fluid flow moving through the passageway 138 and shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. As shown in FIG. 11, the RFID tag 132 has an antenna 162 and an integrated circuit (IC) 164 that stores data and information, among other possible functions. The antenna 162 and the IC 164 can be carried on a substrate of the RFID tag 132. If both are provided, in one embodiment, the first and second switches 134, 135 can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag 132 in a series arrangement. The series arrangement serves in some embodiments to establish a continuous loop with useful circuit and detection capabilities. For example, if a continuity loop is not established in one or both of the switches 134, 135, detection of the resulting discontinuity can be readily performed. In other embodiments, the electrical coupling between the first and second switches 134, 135 and the RFID tag 132 can have a siring arrangement in the IC 164 other than a series arrangement, for example, to provide the ability to communicate the state of each switch 134, 135 independently of one another, as described above. Additionally, as previously described with reference to FIG. 3, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-11, the fluid line connector 112 can include multiple RFID tags.

[0031] In alternatives to the embodiment of Figures 5-11, the fluid line connector 112 can include i) only the first switch 134 and the first actuator member 136, ii) only the second switch 135 and the second actuator member 137, or iii) both the first and second switches 134, 135 and both the first and second actuator members 136, 137. Although the third [iii)] alternative is shown in the figures, one skilled in the art can easily imagine the first [i)] and second [ii)] alternatives by removing the other from the fluid line connector 112 in the figures.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 10, the first and second switches 134, 135 are electrically coupled to the RFID tag 132 to communicate their state to the RFID tag 132 based on collision or non-collision of the switches 134, 135 by the first and second actuator members 136, 137. The electrical coupling may be in the form of a wire 175 extending from the first and second switches 134, 135 to the RFID tag 132. The wiring may establish a serial arrangement. In the example of the wire 175, the wire 175 may be routed through one or more grooves present in the body 126 or may be embedded in the wall of the body, among other possibilities. The first and second switches 134, 135 may take various forms in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the design and structure of the RFID tag with which they interact, as well as the associated actuator members. In embodiments in which both switches 134, 135 are present, the first and second switches 134, 135 may take different forms relative to each other. 10, the first and second switches 134, 135 are in the form of a button 166. When struck and physically depressed by a respective actuator member, the button 166 is in a closed state. When not struck and physically depressed by a respective actuator member, the button 166 is in an open state.

[0033] The first and second actuator members 136, 137 operate by receiving abutment at full lock between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 during full lock operation, resulting in impacting the first and second switches 134, 135, respectively, and closing the switches. The first and second actuator members 136, 137 can have a variety of designs, structures, and components in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the design and construction of the individual switches and connectors. In embodiments in which both actuator members 136, 137 are present, the first and second actuator members 136, 137 can take different forms relative to one another.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, now referring to Figures 5, 8 and 10, the first actuator member 136 is intended to facilitate detection of axial insertion of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. The first actuator member 136 is located near the inlet 163 of the passageway 138. Generally, the first actuator member 136 resembles an inverted V-shape. A longitudinal extent 177 of the first actuator member 136 is generally aligned with a direction of insertion 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112 when assembled. The longitudinal extent 177 is generally aligned with the axis of the passageway 138 at the inlet 163. The first actuator member 136 has a base 181 and an appendage 183 depending from the base 181. The base 181 carries the first switch 134 and is inserted into and received in the first socket 159 of the body 126. The appendage 183 can move relative to the base 181 in an arcuate path 185 when the first actuator member 136 receives abutment from the connector 114. The appendage 183 partially floats within the passageway 138 prior to insertion of the connector 114, perhaps best shown by FIG. 5, so that the ramp 119 of the connector can abut the appendage 183 upon such insertion. At rest, the appendage 183 remains in this expanded, floating position when not abutting the ramp 119, which constitutes an unactuated state of the first actuator member 136 and thus an open state of the first switch 134. Upon abutment, the appendage 183 moves towards the base 181 and impacts the first switch 134, which constitutes an actuated state of the first actuator member 136 and thus a closed state of the first switch 134.

[0035] The appendage 183 has, on one side, an outer working surface 187 that continues to generally face the passageway 138 and the connector 114. The appendage 183 has, on the opposite side, an inner working surface 189 that continues to generally face the first switch 134. A protrusion 191 can extend from the inner working surface 189 for direct impact with the first switch 134. The appendage 183 has a proximal end 193 and a distal end 195, and the appendage 183 bends relative to the base 181 about the proximal end 193. The proximal end 193 functions as a hinge and the distal end 195 constitutes the free end of the appendage 183. With respect to the first actuator member 136, the axis 197 of the hinge is in an arrangement that is generally perpendicular to the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, and is also generally perpendicular to the axis of the passageway 138 at the inlet 163.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second actuator member 137 has a similar design and structure as the first actuator member 136. Referring now to FIG. 9, the second actuator member 137 is intended to facilitate detection of when the retainer 129 is properly positioned and thus the legs 169, 171 are received in the slot 117. The second actuator member 137 is located at a position outside the passageway 138 and at a side wall of the body, although in other embodiments not shown, the second actuator member can be located inside the body 126 and need not be external. Due to its location, unlike the first actuator member 136, the longitudinal extent 177 of the second actuator member 137 is generally transverse to the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. The longitudinal extent 177 is generally perpendicular to the axis of the passageway 138 at the inlet 163. The base 181 of the second actuator member 137 carries the second switch 135 and is inserted and received in the second socket 161 of the body 126. The appendage 183 is positioned outside the body with a distal end 195 positioned to intersect with the path along which the distal foot 173 moves downward when the retainer 129 is in the first and third use positions. In this way, the distal foot 173 can abut the appendage 183 as the legs 169, 171 move within the slot 117, thus causing actuation of the second actuator member 137. Actuation of the second actuator member 137 by abutment of the distal foot 173 is shown in FIG. 9. At rest, the appendage 183 remains in this spread position when not abutting the distal foot 173, which constitutes the unactuated state of the second actuator member 137 and therefore the open state of the second switch 135. When the retainer 129 is in the second use position, the distal foot 173 does not abut the appendage 183. Upon abutment by the distal foot 173, the appendage 183 moves towards the base 181 and impacts the second switch 135, which constitutes an actuated state of the second actuator member 137 and therefore a closed state of the second switch 135.With respect to the second actuator member 137 , the hinge axis 197 is generally aligned with the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112 and is also generally aligned with the axis of the passageway 138 in the inlet 163 .

[0037] An embodiment of the fluid line connector 112 employing the use of both switches 134, 135 and both actuator members 136, 137 improves the full locking resolution and eliminates false negative detection readings. Referring now to FIG. 6, a first bar schematic 200 represents the state of the first switch 134 at a particular axial insertion depth of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, and a second bar schematic 202 represents the state of the second switch 135 at the same axial insertion depth of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. The first and second bar schematics 200, 202 are examples and may be different in other embodiments. In FIG. 6, the first and second bar schematics 200, 202 are positioned adjacent to and parallel to the axis of the connector 114, which serves as a representation of the corresponding axial portion when the connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112 and the two overlap axially. Although not necessary in all embodiments, the first and second bar schematics 200, 202 are based on the assumption that the retainer 129 is initially in a first use position. In this embodiment, at a first axial insertion depth 204 (or initial axial insertion depth) of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, the first switch 134 should be in an open state. At a first axial insertion depth 206 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, the second switch 135 may be in a closed state. Additionally, at a second axial insertion depth 208 (or intermediate axial insertion depth), the state of the first switch 134 may be uncertain, or the first switch 134 may be in a closed state. As shown, at the second axial insertion depth 208, the retainer 129 is now engaged with the ramp portion 119, with the ramp portion 119 or the enlarged portion 115 abutting the appendage 183 of the first actuator member 136. At the second axial insertion depth 209, the state of the second switch 135 may be uncertain or may be closed. At the third axial insertion depth 210, the second switch 135 should be open. Again, the ramp 119 provides a first 3At the third and fourth axial insertion depths 212, 214, the first and second legs 169, 171 are received in the slots 117, and the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 are fully secured to one another. Also, the first and second actuator members 136, 137 are actuated at the third and fourth axial insertion depths 212, 214, and impinge on the first and second switches 134, 135. During the insertion movement of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, in this embodiment, the first switch 134 goes from an open state to an uncertain state and then to a closed state, and the second switch 135 goes from a closed state to an uncertain state to an open state and then back to a closed state. The second switch 135 behaves in a sense like a momentary switch, being closed only when the second actuator member 137 is being impacted. Furthermore, at the time when the first switch 134 is initially closed (or may at least be closed) at the second axial insertion depth 208, the second switch 135 is now in an open state at the third axial insertion depth 210, thus eliminating false negative detection readings. In other words, at least one of the first or second switches 134, 135 remains open until the third and fourth axial insertion depths 212, 214.

[0038] Further alternatives are possible for the embodiment of Figures 5-11. In one alternative, a collision from the first and second actuator members 136, 137 causes the state of the respective first and second switches 134, 135 to change, for example from an initial open state to a later closed state upon collision, or conversely, from an initial closed state to a later open state upon collision. In another alternative, the first switch 134 itself can abut against the connector 114, with the first actuator member 136 being indirectly acted upon and indirectly moved by the abutment via the first switch 134.

[0039] 12 and 13, there is shown yet another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly 310. This embodiment has some similarities to the embodiment of Figures 1-4 and the embodiment of Figures 5-11, and the similarities may not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13.

[0040] The fluid line connector and assembly 310 includes a fluid line connector 312 and another separate and distinct connector 314. The fluid line connector 312 has a quick connect feature for easy connection and disconnection with the connector 314 and is used to join automotive fluid lines, as well as other fluid lines in other applications. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector 312 is a female connector and the connector 314 is a male connector (often called a spigot). The fluid line connector 312 accepts insertion of the connector 314 as shown by FIGS. 12 and 13. The fluid line connector 312 has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but in other embodiments can have a straight and in-line configuration. The connector 314 can be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component, such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities.

[0041] 13, the connector 314 in this embodiment has a ramp 319 and a slot 317. The ramp 319 is located away from the distal end 321 but closer to the distal end 321 than the slot 317. The ramp 319 establishes an increased diameter at the outer portion of the connector 314. The slot 317 receives insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector 312, as described below. The slot 317 extends circumferentially around the connector 314.

[0042] The fluid line connector 312 can have a variety of designs, structures, and components in various embodiments. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the fluid line connector 312 includes a body 326, a cover 342, a retainer 329, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 332, a switch 334, and an actuator member 336, although in other embodiments the fluid line connector 312 can have more, fewer, and / or different components. Turning specifically to FIG. 13, the body 326 has a passage 338 defined within its structure to allow for fluid flow through the fluid line connector 312. An insert assembly can be provided within the passage 338 within the interior of the fluid line connector 312. Depending on its design and structure, the insert assembly can facilitate mating, receiving, and / or sealing between the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314. In the embodiment herein, the insert assembly includes an O-ring 345. Additionally, the body 326 has a structure that cooperates with the retainer 329 to provide a quick-connect function for the fluid line connector 312. Referring to FIG. 12, a first opening 349 and a second opening (not visible) are defined on opposite sides of the body wall and extend completely therethrough to communicate with the passageway 338. On the exterior of the wall are a first recess 353 and a second recess (also not visible) for temporary deployment of the retainer 329. A flange 357 projects radially outwardly from the body wall and partially seals a portion of the retainer 329 to prevent unintentional removal of the retainer 329 received in the slot 317. To accommodate utilization of the actuator member 336, a penetration 344 is defined in the body wall and extends completely therethrough to communicate with the passageway 338. The actuator member 336 is accessible by the penetration 344 at the passageway 338. The actuator member 336 resides within the penetration 344 and moves through the penetration 344. As shown by FIG. 13, a penetration 344 is disposed near the end of the body 326 that receives insertion of the connector 314 so that the actuator member 336 can interact with the connector 314, as described below.

[0043] The cover 342 is carried by the body 326 and at least partially surrounds the RFID tag 332 to protect the RFID tag 332 from exposure to foreign objects and extraneous objects during use of the fluid line connector 312. The cover 342 can have a variety of designs and structures. In this embodiment, when in place, the cover 342 is located at the outer boundary of the body 326 and completely surrounds the RFID tag 332. For attachment with the body 326, the cover 342 has a pair of extensions 343 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 12 ) located on each side of its structure and which establish attachment with the body 326 by mating with an interconnect structure on the body 326. Furthermore, as will also be described below, the actuator member 336 is a monolithic structure of the cover 342 in the embodiment presented herein. The actuator member 336 extends integrally from a front end 345 of the cover 342. Here, the actuator member 336 extends at a periphery 347 of the cover 342. This structure facilitates assembly and installation of the actuator member 336 as it is carried by the cover 342 and received in the through hole 344 when the cover 342 is attached to the body 326. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the cover 342 and the actuator member 336 do not necessarily have to exhibit the monolithic structure described herein.

[0044] A retainer 329 interacts with the body 326 to provide the quick connect feature of the fluid line connector 312 so that the connector 314 can be easily inserted and retained in the fluid line connector 312, and released and removed therefrom as needed or desired. The retainer 329 may be of various designs and constructions. With particular reference to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the retainer 329 is a one-piece stainless steel wire spring biased inwardly. The retainer 329 has a first leg 369, a second leg (not visible), and a bridge 373 spanning between the legs. The first and second legs 369 may be substantially similar in shape and size. In the first use position, the retainer 329 is carried by the body 326 with the first and second legs 369 moved through the first and second openings 349. The first and second legs 369 are partially within the passage 338. In the first use position, the connector 314 is not inserted into the fluid line connector 312. In the second use position, the connector 314 is in the process of being inserted into the fluid line connector 312 and the ramps 319 engage the first and second legs 369. The engagement can push the first and second legs 369 apart (i.e., radially outward) and move the bridge 373 radially outward. Continued insertion of the connector 314 brings the retainer 329 to a third use position, or fixed position, in which the retainer 329 is received in the slot 317. The third use position is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The first and second legs 369 are allowed to bounce back over the ramps 319 to their location in the first use position, but are now received in the slot 317. The first and second legs 369 move through the first and second openings 349, respectively. The first and second legs 369 are received in the slots 317, thereby securing the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314 to one another.Movement of the retainer 329 between the first, second, and third use positions moves the retainer 329 in a direction generally transverse and perpendicular to a direction 379 (FIG. 13) of insertion of the connector 314 into the fluid line connector 312; in other words, movement of the retainer is generally radially outward and radially inward, or up and down. When an operator pulls on the retainer 129 to release and remove the connector 114 from the fluid line connector 112, the distal foot 173 (FIG. 9) of the first leg 169 can seat in the first recess 153, and similarly, the distal foot (not specifically shown) of the second leg 171 can seat in the second recess 155.

[0045] The RFID tag 332 assists in the detection of proper and complete fixation between the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314. The RFID tag 332 communicates with an RFID interrogator or reader 356 (FIG. 12). The RFID interrogator 356 transmits an interrogation signal 358 to the RFID tag 332, which then communicates with the RFID interrogator 356. In this manner, detection of proper and complete fixation is performed using RFID technology. For example, in a manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 356 can be placed in an assembly, inspection, and / or equipment manufacturing line, and an interrogation zone can be established in which the RFID interrogator 356 attempts to communicate with the RFID tag 332 as the fluid line connector and assembly 310 and larger applications are transported through the fixation zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 356 can establish an interrogation zone that extends to several meters from the RFID interrogator 356. In another environment or just as another example, the RFID interrogator 356 may be a mobile device, such as a handheld device.

[0046] The RFID tag 332 is in the form of a passive RFID tag in this embodiment, but may be in another form, such as an active RFID tag. Communications received from the RFID tag 332 may convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator 356. In one embodiment, the conveyed information may be an indication of a state of lock between the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314. For example, if the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314 exhibit a complete lock, the RFID tag 332 may convey information to the RFID interrogator 356 in the form of an on signal that they are completely locked. Conversely, if the fluid line connector 312 and the connector 314 lack a complete lock, the RFID tag 332 may convey information to the RFID interrogator 356 in the form of an off signal that they are not completely locked. The RFID interrogator 356 may then process the conveyed information. The conveyed information may also include a part serial number, an installation location, an installation date, and the like.

[0047] The RFID tag 332 is carried by the body 326. The support between the RFID tag 332 and the body 326 can be achieved in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 332 is located at the outer boundary of the body and is protected by a cover 342 when installed. In this location, the RFID tag 332 is shielded from external sources of contamination, away from exposure to the fluid flow moving through the passage 338, depending on the particular application. The RFID tag 332 can have a design similar to that shown by FIG. 11 and thus can have an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) that stores data and information, among other possible functions. The antenna and IC can be present on the substrate of the RFID tag 332. Of course, the RFID tag 332 can have other designs different from that of FIG. 11.

[0048] Turning now to FIG. 13, a switch 334 is electrically coupled to the RFID tag 332 for communicating its state to the RFID tag 332 based on the collision or non-collision of the switch 334 by the actuator member 336. The electrical coupling may be in the form of a wire. In this embodiment, the switch 334 is directly attached to and carried by the RFID tag 332. The switch 334 is carried in a position on the RFID tag 332 such that, upon assembly, the switch 334 is physically sandwiched by the actuator member 336, as shown in FIG. 13. In the orientation of FIG. 13, the switch 334 is on the underside of the RFID tag 332. The switch 334 can take a variety of forms in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the design and construction of the RFID tag with which it interacts, as well as the associated actuator member. In FIG. 13, the switch 334 is in the form of a button 366. When struck and physically pressed by the actuator member 336, the button 366 is in a closed state. When the actuator member 336 is not bumped and not physically depressed, the button 366 is in an open state.

[0049] The actuator member 336 serves to impinge on the switch 334 upon actuation to change its state (e.g., from open to closed or vice versa). In this embodiment, the actuator member 336 is actuated to impinge on the switch 334 only if two actions occur: a) insertion of the connector 314 into the fluid line connector 312, and b) movement of the retainer 329 to the fixed position. If one of these two actions is missing or absent, the actuator member 336 remains unactuated and does not impinge on the switch. The actuator member 336 can have a variety of designs, structures, and components in various embodiments, depending in some cases on the design and construction of the individual switch and connector. In the embodiment of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the actuator member 336 is an integral extension of the cover 342, as previously described. The actuator member 336 is received in the penetration 344 during assembly and installation, as shown in FIG. 13. In this position, the actuator member 336 partially floats within the passage 338 for abutment with the connector 314 during insertion of the connector 314 into the fluid line connector 312, and is partially exposed outside the body 326 for abutment with the retainer 329. The actuator member 336 is located proximate the entrance 363 of the passage 338. A longitudinal extent 377 of the actuator member 336 is generally aligned with an insertion direction 379.

[0050] In this embodiment, actuator member 336 has a base 381 and an appendage 383 depending from base 381. Generally, base 381 is disposed outside of passageway 338 and faces retainer 329, while appendage 383 is disposed in passageway 338 and floats partially therein and faces connector 314. Relative to switch 334, base 381 is located radially outwardly thereof and appendage 383 is located opposite and radially inwardly thereof. This allows switch 334 to be sandwiched between actuator member 336 and actuator member 336 to press switch 334 from both sides. Base 381 extends directly and immediately from cover 342, and appendage 383 extends directly and immediately from base 381.

[0051] A first extension 385 joins the cover 342 and the base 381, and a second extension 387 joins the base 381 and the appendage 383. The second extension 387 has an internal bend that wraps the actuator member 336 over and around the edge of the RFID tag 332, positioning the appendage 383 below the base 381 with respect to the orientation of FIG.

[0052] Opposite the second extension 387, the appendage 383 has a distal free end 388 (FIG. 13). The base 381 has a first working surface 389 directly facing the retainer 329 for abutment therewith, and the appendage 383 has a second working surface 391 facing the connector 314 for abutment therewith. The first working surface 389 faces generally radially outward, and the second working surface 391 faces generally radially inward. The first working surface 389 faces the retainer 329 and the second working surface 391 faces the connector 314. A curved seat 393 (FIG. 13) is on the base 381 for receiving and supporting the bridge 373 of the retainer 329 when the retainer 329 is brought into the fixed position. Also opposite the second working surface 391, the appendage 383 has an inner working surface 392 that generally faces the switch 334 for direct impact with the switch.

[0053] The actuator member 336 moves during insertion of the connector 314 into the fluid line connector 312 and securement of the retainer 329, as described further below. To facilitate movement of the actuator member, a first hinge end 395 is at the first extension 385 and a second hinge end 397 is at the second extension 387. In this embodiment, the first hinge end 395 is a wall portion that is thinned relative to the thickness of the immediately surrounding wall portions. The first hinge end 395 defines a first axis 399 (FIG. 12). Part of the movement of the actuator member can include deflection and displacement of the base 381 about the first hinge end 395 and the first axis 399 relative to the cover 342. Similar to the first hinge end 395, the second hinge end 397 defines a second axis 401 (FIG. 12). Another portion of the movement of the actuator member can include deflection and displacement of the appendage 383 relative to the base 381 about a second hinge end 397 and a second axis 401. The first axis 399 and the second axis 401 are parallel to one another in this embodiment and are disposed generally perpendicular to the insertion direction 379.

[0054] In the embodiment of Figs. 12 and 13, the actuator member 336 is actuated to impinge on the switch 334 only upon the occurrence of i) full and complete insertion of the connector 314 into the fluid line connector 312, and ii) positive and complete movement of the retainer 329 to the secured position. Conditions i) and ii) are illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. If one of the two conditions i) or ii) does not exist, or if both conditions i) and ii) do not exist, the actuator member 336 is not actuated and does not impinge on the switch 334. Thus, the switch 334 changes its state only when both conditions i) and ii) are met, and thus the fluid line connector 312 signals proper and complete securing only when both conditions i) and ii) are met. Thus, unlike previous approaches, the fluid line connector 312 utilizes the use of a single switch and a single actuator member to provide for the detection of two conditions: the connector 314 condition [i.e., i)] and the retainer 329 condition [i.e., ii)].

[0055] During use of the fluid line connector 312, the connector 314 is inserted into the fluid line connector 312 and the ramp 319 abuts the appendage 383. The second working surface 391 directly contacts the outer surface of the ramp. A first force is exerted from the ramp 319 on the appendage 383. The first force is generally transverse to the insertion direction 379. Thus, when the connector 314 reaches its full insertion depth as shown in FIG. 13, both the appendage 383 and the base 381 can undergo some movement if the retainer 329 is not in a fixed position, and the movement of the appendage 383 and the base 381 does not result in a collision of the switch 334. The appendage 383 moves about the second axis 401 along an arcuate path relative to the base 381. On the other hand, the base 381 moves about the first axis 401 slightly outward relative to the cover 342 in response to the movement of the appendage. The movement of the base 381 occurs because the retainer 329 is not in the fixed position, and is, so to speak, allowed. In fact, the movement of the base 381 prevents the switch 334 from being struck. When the retainer 329 moves to the fixed position and the legs 369 are received in the slots 317, the retainer 329 abuts the base 381. The first working surface 389 is in direct contact with the outer surface of the bridge 373 of the retainer. A second force acts from the retainer 329 to the base 381. Like the first force, the second force is generally transverse to the insertion direction 379. The second force has a generally opposite direction to the first force. The first and second forces act as opposing forces that react against each other in this respect. Thus, base 381 moves inwardly relative to cover 342 about first axis 401 to a position best shown in Figure 13. This movement, along with the opposing first and second forces, actuates actuator member 336, causing actuator member 336 to impact and depress switch 334. The impact of switch 334 is a result of being pinched between base 381 and appendage 383 and the first and second forces.

[0056] It should be understood that the above description is not a definition of the invention, but rather a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is defined only by the following claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the above description relate to specific embodiments and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention or the definition of the terms used in the claims, unless the terms or expressions are expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the technical scope of the appended claims.

[0057] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for example," "for example," and "such as," as well as the verbs "comprise," "have," "include," and other verb forms thereof, when used in combination with a list of one or more components or other items, should all be construed as non-exclusive, i.e., the list should not be viewed as excluding other additional components or items. Other terms should be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context requiring a different interpretation.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid line connector comprising: a body having a wall, a passageway in the body, and an opening in the body, the opening penetrating the wall and communicating with the passageway; a radio frequency identification tag carried by said body; a retainer having legs and movable through the opening in the body; an actuator member positioned adjacent the passageway of the body and adjacent the retainer; a switch electrically coupled to the radio frequency identification tag, the switch changing its state from an open state to one of a closed state or from the closed state to the open state upon impact by the actuator member, the impact occurring based on both insertion of another connector into the fluid line connector and movement of the retainer in a direction generally transverse to a direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector; The actuator member has a base and an appendage; the base extends from the fluid line connector cover via a first hinge end; the appendage extends from the base through a second hinge end; the base is movable relative to the cover about the first hinge end; the appendage is movable relative to the base about the second hinge end; The base portion faces the retainer, The switch is sandwiched by the actuator member, The fluid line connector, wherein the actuator member impacts the switch when abutment occurs both from the other connector and from the retainer.

2. 2. The fluid line connector of claim 1, wherein the actuator member impacts the switch upon receipt of both a first force exerted from the other connector and a second force exerted from the retainer.

3. the actuator member has a first active surface exterior to the passageway; the actuator member has a second working surface at least partially exposed in the passageway of the body; The fluid line connector of claim 1 , wherein the actuator member impacts the switch when both the actuator member abuts against the first action surface and the actuator member abuts against the second action surface.

4. The abutment against the first working surface is caused by the retainer, The fluid line connector of claim 3 , wherein abutment against the second working surface is caused by the other connector.

5. 2. The fluid line connector of claim 1, wherein collision by the actuator member does not occur in the absence of at least one of full insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector or full movement of the retainer to a fixed position.

6. The appendage depends from the base, The fluid line connector of claim 1 , wherein the appendage moves relative to the base upon insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector.

7. The cover is supported by the body, the cover encloses at least a portion of the radio frequency identification tag; The fluid line connector of claim 1 , wherein the base depends from the cover and moves relative to the cover upon insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector.

8. A fluid line connector as described in claim 1, wherein the base and the appendage sandwich the switch and impinge on the switch based on both insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector and movement of the retainer in a direction generally transverse to the direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector.

9. abutment from the other connector during insertion into the fluid line connector displaces the actuator member about at least one of the first hinge end and the second hinge end; abutment from the retainer during movement of the retainer to a locked position displaces the actuator member about the at least one hinge end; The fluid line connector of claim 1 , wherein both displacements result in an impact of the switch by the actuator member.

10. The first hinge end has a first axis, the second hinge end having a second axis; The fluid line connector of claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the second axis are disposed generally parallel to one another.

11. A fluid line connector assembly comprising the fluid line connector of claim 1 and a radio frequency identification interrogator for communicating with the radio frequency identification tag of the fluid line connector.

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