Fluid connection assembly verification device

Abstract

To provide a fluid connection assembly including a verification device that allows easy verification of the connection status of a fluid connection assembly.SOLUTION: A verification assembly 12 for a fluid connection assembly 10 includes: a retainer 20 including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one latch finger 26 connected to and extending from the first surface; and a verification device 100 including a ring portion 102, at least one arm 130 connected to and extending from the ring portion, and at least one indicator tab 116 pivotably connected to the ring portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application No. 63 / 383,604, filed November 14, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and more particularly to fluid connection assemblies that include a verification device that facilitates easily verifying that the fluid connection assembly is fully connected. [Background technology]

[0003] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are integral components for many applications, especially automotive applications. Because automotive systems are made up of various components such as the radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to move within each component as well as between components. An example of a fluid moving between components is transmission fluid moving from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler to reduce the temperature of the transmission fluid. Another example of a fluid moving between components is a cooling conduit carrying a refrigerant. Refrigerant is a substance or mixture (usually a fluid) used in heat pumps and refrigeration cycles and can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important that the fluid connectors of the cooling conduits are properly secured to prevent the refrigerant from being released.

[0004] Fluids are primarily transferred between components through flexible or rigid hoses connected to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retention feature that engages a shoulder on the tubing when the tubing is fully inserted into the connector body. However, it is possible for the tubing to be inserted into the connector body but not secured by the retention feature, resulting in fluid loss and component failure.

[0005] Therefore, there is a long felt need for a fluid connection assembly that includes a verification device that allows for easy verification of the connection status of the fluid connection assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to aspects presented herein, there is provided a validation assembly for a fluid connection assembly, the validation assembly comprising: a retainer having a first surface, a second surface, and at least one latch finger connected to and extending from the first surface; and a validation device having a ring portion, at least one arm connected to and extending from the ring portion, and at least one indicator tab pivotally connected to the ring portion.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device further includes at least one tensioner configured to bias the verification device against the retainer. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one arm includes a distal end including a flange, a proximal end connected to the ring portion, and a protrusion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion engages with the first surface in the non-triggered state. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange engages with the at least one latch finger. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indicator tab engages with the retainer in the non-triggered state, and the at least one indicator tab does not engage with the retainer in the triggered state. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indicator tab engages with an opening disposed in the retainer in the non-triggered state. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indicator is biased toward the triggered position. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device includes at least one alignment pin configured to engage with the retainer. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one latch finger is configured to connect the verification assembly to the fluid connection assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator tab comprises a machine readable code.In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator tab comprises a radio frequency identification tag.

[0008] According to aspects presented herein, there is provided a validation assembly for a fluid connection assembly, the validation assembly including a ring portion, at least one arm connected to and extending from the ring portion, at least one indicator tab pivotally connected to the ring portion and biased toward a trigger position, and a tensioner connected to the ring portion.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one arm extends from the ring portion in a first axial direction, and in the trigger position, the indicator tab extends from the ring portion in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one arm includes a distal end including a flange, a proximal end connected to the ring portion, and a protrusion disposed between the distal and proximal ends. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification assembly further includes at least one alignment pin extending axially from the ring portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator tab includes at least one of a machine-readable code and a radio frequency identification tag.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device further includes a retainer including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one latch finger extending from the first surface and configured to engage with the at least one arm. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indicator tab engages with the retainer in the non-triggered position and does not engage with the retainer in the triggered position. In an exemplary embodiment, a tensioner engages the second surface, and the tensioner biases the verification device axially against the retainer.

[0011] According to aspects described herein, a verification device is provided. The verification device verifies the connection status of a fluid connection assembly by providing a visual and / or electronic signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device is mountable on or in a lock assurance cap. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device may include digital information encoded thereon, such as a quick response (QR) code or a radio frequency identification (RFID) code. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device provides a quantitative method for recording connection verification and quality assurance. In an exemplary embodiment, the verification device is a secondary verification device mountable on the lock assurance cap.

[0012] According to aspects described herein, an apparatus is provided that includes a lock assurance cap and a secondary verification device that provides secondary verification of the connection, e.g., visual or digital verification. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary verification device provides a quantitative method of documenting the connection of a fluid connection assembly, for example, through a 2D barcode, a 3D barcode, or an RFID tag. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary verification device includes a movable flag that includes a code or chip disposed therein or thereon. In a non-triggered state, the flag may be bent inward and inserted into a cavity in the lock assurance cap. The flag may be connected to the secondary verification device via a living hinge or a conventional metal spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary verification device may include one or more alignment pins, each individually sized to fit within a space (e.g., a living hinge) in the lock assurance cap. The secondary verification device includes one or more arms, each including an end flange and a protrusion that lies within a circular recessed step in the base of a lock assurance cap finger that is attached to the body of the lock assurance cap. When the lock assurance cap is applied to the fluid connection assembly, the lock assurance cap fingers flex radially outward, displacing the arms of the secondary verification device radially outward. This disengages the protrusions from the circular recessed steps, displacing the secondary verification device axially relative to the lock assurance cap and moving the flag from an untriggered state to a triggered state, thereby exposing and readable the code or chip. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more springs are used to facilitate the axial displacement of the secondary verification device relative to the lock assurance cap.

[0013] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, taken in light of the drawings and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts and in which:

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a side view of the fluid connection assembly with the verification assembly in an untriggered state.

[0016] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the verification assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the verification assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the verification device shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the verification device shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

[0022] [Figure 6] 2 is a front perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a triggered state.

[0023] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the verification device shown in FIG. 6.

[0024] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7 is a side view of the verification device shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] At the outset, it should be recognized that like drawing numbers on different drawing figures identify identical or functionally similar structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0026] Furthermore, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methods, materials, and modifications described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be understood that methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0028] It is to be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous with words such as "near," "very near," "about," "approximately," "approximately," "close," "essentially," "neighborhood," "vicinity," etc., and that such terms may be used interchangeably when appearing in the specification and claims. It is to be understood that the term "proximate" is synonymous with words such as "near," "close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "proximate," "adjacent," etc., and that such terms may be used interchangeably when appearing in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean a value within 10 percent of a specified value.

[0029] The use of "or" in this application should be understood to refer to a "non-exclusive" arrangement unless otherwise specified. For example, when it says "item x is A or B," this is understood to mean either (1) or (2) below: (1) item x is either A or B, or (2) item x is both A and B. In other words, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, the "exclusive or" arrangement of the statement "item x is A or B" requires that x is either A or B, and only B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to refer to a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be interpreted as any one of the following structural configurations: A device comprising a first element, a device comprising a second element, a device comprising a third element, a device comprising a first element and a second element, a device comprising a first element and a third element, a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element, or a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0030] It should be appreciated that the term "tube," as used herein, is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end formation, or any other suitable piping used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should further be appreciated that the term "tube" can refer to a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of gases or liquids.

[0031] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of a fluid connection assembly 10 with a validation assembly 12 in an untriggered state. Figure 2 is a front exploded perspective view of the fluid connection assembly 10. The fluid connection assembly 10 generally comprises a connector body 40, a retaining clip 70, and a tube 80. In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid connection assembly 10 further comprises a security cap or secondary retainer or retainer 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid connection assembly 10 further comprises a validation device 100. It should be appreciated that, as referred to herein, the validation assembly 12 comprises the secondary retainer 20 and the validation device 100.

[0032] Tube 80 includes end 82, section 83, shoulder 87, section 89, end 94, and through-hole 96. Through-hole 96 extends through tube 80 from end 82 to end 94. Section 83 is disposed between end 82 and shoulder 87 and includes radially outwardly facing surface 84. Radially outwardly facing surface 84 includes a substantially constant diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, radially outwardly facing surface 84 includes a frustoconical or curved taper at proximal end 82 (see FIG. 5 ). In an exemplary embodiment, section 83 further includes a raised section disposed between radially outwardly facing surface 84 and shoulder 87. Shoulder 87 is disposed between section 83 and section 89 and includes radially outwardly facing surface 86 and surface 88. As shown, radially outwardly facing surface 86 is a frustoconical surface extending from radially outwardly facing surface 84 to surface 88. Radially outwardly facing surface 86 increases in diameter in the axial direction AD2. In the exemplary embodiment, radially outward surface 86 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD1. In the exemplary embodiment, tube 80 includes a radially outward surface of constant diameter disposed between radially outward surface 86 and surface 88. Shoulder surface 88 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD2. Section 89 is disposed between shoulder 87 and end 94 and includes radially outward surface 92. Radially outward surface 92 includes a substantially constant diameter. In the exemplary embodiment, section 89 further includes a raised section, i.e., radially outward surface 90, disposed between shoulder surface 88 and radially outward surface 92. Radially outward surface 90 has a diameter greater than the diameter of radially outward surface 92.

[0033] Tube 80 is configured to be inserted, specifically end 82 first, into connector body 40, specifically through-hole 41. Tube 80 is inserted into connector body 40 until section 83, or radially outwardly facing surface 84, engages seal 62 (see FIG. 5 ) and shoulder 87 axially passes retaining clip 70 (i.e., shoulder 87 is located to the right of retaining clip 70 as shown in FIG. 5 ). It is engagement of protrusions 72A-C with shoulder surface 88 that secures tube 80 within connector body 40. It should be appreciated that tube 80 may be any conventional tube or tube end formation, including a bead, a radially outwardly extending protrusion or flange, or a ramp profile, which extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube to secure the tube within the connector body. In an exemplary embodiment, tube 80 comprises a metal. In an exemplary embodiment, tube 80 comprises a non-metal (e.g., a polymer, rubber, ceramic, etc.).

[0034] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of verification assembly 12. Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of verification assembly 12. Figure 4A is a rear perspective view of verification device 100. Figure 4B is a side view of verification device 12. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 5-5 of Figure 1.

[0035] Connector body 40 includes through bore 41 extending from end 42 to end 44, radially inward surface 46, radially inward surface 48, groove 50, radially outward surface 52, groove 54, head 58, and radially outward surface 48. Connector body 40 is configured to be connected to a component filled with or through which a fluid flows. For example, connector body 40 may be connected to a turbocharger, refrigeration compressor, or transmission via radially outward surface 60, which may include external threads. Connector body 40 may be threaded into a threaded hole in the component via head 58 (e.g., using a wrench) and then filled with oil, refrigerant, transmission fluid, coolant, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, head 58 is hexagonal, but it should be appreciated that head 58 may include any geometric shape suitable for applying torque to connector body 40. Another component to which fluid connector 10, and specifically connector body 40, may be attached is a condenser, evaporator, or pump. It should be appreciated that the fluid connection assembly 10 may be used with a variety of other components, assemblies, and subassemblies where a fluid connection is desired. The radially outward facing surface 60 may further include a groove 56. A seal or O-ring may be disposed within the groove 56 to form a fluid-tight seal between the connector body 40 and the component to which it is connected.

[0036] Seal 62 is disposed within connector body 40. Specifically, seal 62 is disposed within groove 50. Groove 50 is disposed on radially inwardly facing surface 48. In the exemplary embodiment, seal 62 is an O-ring. In the exemplary embodiment, radially inwardly facing surface 46 is a cylindrical surface extending from end 44 to surface 47. Radially inwardly facing surface 46 is connected to radially inwardly facing surface 48 via surface 47. In the exemplary embodiment, surface 47 is a frustoconical surface connecting generally cylindrical radially inwardly facing surface 46 to generally cylindrical radially inwardly facing surface 48. In the exemplary embodiment, surface 47 is an axial surface facing in axial direction AD2. In the exemplary embodiment, radially inwardly facing surface 48 is a cylindrical surface extending from end 42 to surface 47.

[0037] Groove 54 is disposed on radially outward surface 52 and includes axial surfaces 54A, 54B, and 54C. The diameter of radially outward surface 54B is smaller than the diameter of radially outward surface 52. Surface 54A extends radially outward from radially outward surface 54B and faces axial direction AD1. Surface 54C extends radially outward from radially outward surface 54B and faces axial direction AD2. In the exemplary embodiment, surfaces 54A and 54C are parallel. Groove 54 is axially disposed between end 44 and head 58 and spaced apart from end 44 and head 58. In the exemplary embodiment, groove 54 is disposed immediately adjacent to head 58. Groove 54 further includes openings 55A-C circumferentially disposed therearound. Openings 55A-C extend from radially outward surface 54B to through-hole 41. Groove 54 is configured to be engageable with retaining clip 70 and secondary retainer 20, as described in further detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, connector body 40 comprises a metal. In an exemplary embodiment, connector body 40 comprises a non-metal (e.g., a polymer, ceramic, rubber).

[0038] Retaining clip or retaining ring or snap clip / ring 70 is disposed within groove 54 of body 40. Retaining clip 70 is generally ring-shaped with one or more protrusions extending radially inward. In the embodiment shown, retaining clip 70 comprises protrusions 72A-C, which extend radially inward through openings 55A-C in groove 54. Protrusions 72A-C are configured to engage shoulder 87, specifically surface 88, to secure tube 80 within connector body 40. Retaining clip 70 may comprise any material (e.g., metal, polymer, etc.) that can elastically deform and return to its original shape.

[0039] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the retaining clip 70 is placed into the connector body 40, engaging the groove 54 and causing the protrusions 72A-C to engage the openings 55A-C and protrude into the through-bore 41. The tube 80 is then inserted, end 82 first, into the connector body 40 in an axial direction AD1. The radially outward surface 84 engages the seal 62, and the section 83 is positioned inside the connector body 40 adjacent the radially inward surface 48. When the shoulder 87 engages the protrusions 72A-C, the retaining clip 70 expands radially outward in the radial direction RD1. Once the shoulder 87 clears the protrusions 72A-C (i.e., is axially positioned between the protrusions 72A-C and the surface 47), the protrusions 72A-C snap back radially inward in the radial direction RD2 to form a connected state. In the connected state, the shoulder 87 engages or is positioned adjacent to the surface 47 and / or the surface 46. Surface 47 prevents shoulder 87, and therefore tube 80, from being displaced in axial direction AD1, and protrusions 72A-C prevent shoulder 87, and therefore tube 80, from being displaced in axial direction AD2 relative to connector body 40. In this way, engagement of retainer 70 with connector body 40 and tube 80 prevents displacement of tube 80 relative to connector body 40 in the axial directions AD1 and AD2 and in the radial directions RD1 and RD2.

[0040] Secondary retainer 20 includes surface 22, surface 24, a radially outwardly facing surface 23 extending between surfaces 22 and 24, one or more latch fingers 26, one or more openings or cavities 30, and one or more engagement fingers 28. Surface 22 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in axial direction AD1. Surface 24 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in axial direction AD2. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 24 is parallel to surface 22. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 24 is non-parallel to surface 22. Secondary retainer 20 includes through-hole 21 extending therethrough, for example, from surface 24 to surface 22. Through-hole 21 forms a radially inwardly facing surface configured to be engageable with tube 80, specifically radially outwardly facing surface 92.

[0041] Fingers 26 are connected to and extend axially from surface 22. Each finger 26 includes a radially outwardly facing surface and a flange 27. The radially outwardly facing surfaces of fingers 26 are disposed radially inward from radially outwardly facing surface 23, thereby forming a recess in secondary retainer 20. As described in further detail below, protrusion 138 of verification device 100 engages this recess. Flange 27 is disposed at the distal end of finger 26 and extends radially inward in radial direction RD2. Flange 27 is configured to engage groove 54, specifically surfaces 54A and / or 54B, to connect secondary retainer 20 to connector body 40. In the exemplary embodiment, fingers 26 extend radially inward in axial direction AD1 and are disposed at an angle β relative to radially outwardly facing surface 23. In the exemplary embodiment, angle β is an acute angle (e.g., between 2 and 15 degrees).

[0042] Fingers 28 are connected to and extend axially from surface 22. In the exemplary embodiment, fingers 28 are aligned with through-hole 21. Fingers 28 are configured to be engageable with tube 80, specifically surface 88 and / or surface 90. When secondary retainer 20 is connected to connector body 40 via engagement of fingers 26 with groove 54, fingers 26 engage with surface 88 and / or surface 90 within through-hole 41 of connector body 40 to prevent tube 80 from being removed from connector body 40. Because retaining clip 70 is the primary element configured to prevent tube 80 from being removed from connector body 40, retainer 20 is referred to as a secondary retainer. The length of fingers 28 prevents secondary retainer 20 from being secured to connector body 40 unless tube 80 is fully inserted into connector body 40 (i.e., shoulder 87 is positioned to the right of retaining clip 70). Thus, when secondary retainer 20 can be fully assembled onto fluid connection assembly 10, secondary retainer 20 acts as a secondary retention device in the event of failure of retaining clip 70 and also ensures that tubing 80 is fully connected to connector body 40. In this manner, secondary retainer 20 can be referred to as a security cap.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment, secondary retainer 20 may further include one or more protrusions 29 connected to and extending from surface 22. Protrusions 29 are configured to engage end 44 and prevent axial displacement of secondary retainer 20 relative to connector body 40. For example, when secondary retainer 20 is connected to connector body 40, protrusions 29 engage end 44 and flange 27 engages surface 54A, thereby preventing or limiting displacement of secondary retainer 20 in axial directions AD1 and AD2 relative to connector body 40. In the exemplary embodiment, protrusions 29 are connected to fingers 28 and extend radially outward from fingers 28.

[0044] As described in more detail below, opening 30 extends from surface 24 and is configured to be engageable with indicator tab 116. In the exemplary embodiment, opening 30 extends partially from surface 24 to surface 22. In the exemplary embodiment, opening 30 extends from surface 24 to surface 22. Opening 30 is radially disposed between radially outward surface 23 and through-hole 21 and spaced apart from radially outward surface 23 and through-hole 21.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, secondary retainer 20 includes two sections hingedly connected via hinge 32. In the exemplary embodiment, hinge 32 is a living hinge. The two sections can be secured together, for example, via engagement between a male connector 36 and a female connector 38. As shown, male connector 36 is disposed on a first section of secondary retainer 20 and engages with a female connector 38 on a second section of the secondary retainer, securing the two sections together. In the exemplary embodiment, male connector 36 is hook-shaped (radially outward) and includes a groove and a protrusion. The groove is disposed on radially outward surface 23. The protrusion extends generally radially outward from the groove in radial direction RD1. In the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion includes a tapered section near its upper end configured to more easily engage the protrusion with female connector 38, specifically the opening in female connector 38. The protrusion may further include a channel. The channel may include a bottom and two tapered sidewalls extending from the bottom, and the channel is configured to engage the protrusion of the female connector 38 to properly align the protrusion of the male connector 36 with the opening of the female connector 38.

[0046] The female connector 38 includes an opening extending radially inward from the radially outward surface 23. The opening is configured to engage with the protrusion of the male connector 36 to lock the two sections of the secondary retainer 20 together. The female connector 38 may further include a protrusion including at least two tapered surfaces. The tapered surfaces of the protrusion are configured to engage with the channel of the male connector 36 to precisely align the protrusion of the male connector 36 with the opening of the female connector 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the female connector 38 further includes a radial gap disposed radially between the opening of the female connector 38 and the protrusion. The radial gap is configured to allow radial displacement of the female connector 38. For example, when the first section of the secondary retainer 20 is displaced toward the second section of the secondary retainer 20, the female connector 38 engages with the protrusion of the male connector 36 and is displaced radially outward in the radial direction RD1. When the openings in female connector 38 align with the protrusions on male connector 36, female connector 38 snaps back radially inward in radial direction RD2, thereby securing the first and second sections of secondary retainer 20 together. The radial gap allows for increased radial flexion of female connector 38.

[0047] The verification device 100 generally comprises a ring portion 102, at least one indicator tab 116, at least one spring or tensioner 122, and one or more arms 130. The ring portion 102 has a surface 104 ,surface 106 , a through hole 101 forming a radially inward surface 108, and a radially outward surface 110. 104 is an axial surface at least partially oriented in the axial direction AD1, and the surface 106 is an axial surface that at least partially faces the axial direction AD2. 106 is a surface 104 In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 106 is a surface 104 is non-parallel to

[0048] Indicator tab 116 is pivotally connected to ring portion 102. In the exemplary embodiment, indicator tab 116 is connected to and extends from surface 106, as shown. FIGS. 1-5 show indicator tab 116 in a non-triggered state. In the non-triggered state, indicator tab 116 folds radially inward so as to be pressed into ring portion 102. As shown in FIG. 5, indicator tab 116 is maintained in the non-triggered state via engagement with opening 30. Indicator tab 116 is biased toward the triggered state by a hinge, living hinge, or spring device 114, as shown in FIGS. 6-7B. Indicator tab 116 comprises surface 118 and surface 120. In the exemplary embodiment, surface 118 comprises an indicator element, for example, a visual indicator such as a machine-readable code (e.g., a barcode or QR code), a color, a shape, a symbol, an RFID chip, or the like. Thus, when the indicator tab 116 is triggered, the indicator element can be read by the naked human eye, a code scanner, and / or an RFID reader. In an exemplary embodiment, the ring portion 102 may further include at least one channel 112. The channel 112 extends radially outward from the radially inward facing surface. In an untriggered state, the indicator tab 116 may at least partially engage with the at least one channel. Operation of the indicator tab 116 is described in more detail below.

[0049] Spring 122 is connected to ring portion 102 and is configured to engage end 24 of secondary retainer 20 to bias verification device 100 in an axial direction AD2 relative to secondary retainer 20. In the exemplary embodiment, spring 122 extends radially inward from radially inward facing surface 108. In the exemplary embodiment, spring 122 includes a curved surface 124 that extends in an axial direction AD1 relative to surface 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved surface is convex in the axial direction AD1, or toward axially facing surface 24 of secondary retainer 29.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, verification device 100 further includes at least one alignment pin, such as alignment pin 126 and / or alignment pin 128. Alignment pins 126 and 128 are configured to engage with spaces within the secondary retainer to align indicator tab 116 with opening 30. For example, alignment pin 128 engages with space 35 formed between male connector 36 and female connector 38, and alignment pin 126 engages with space 34 formed by living hinge 32. Alignment pin 126 is connected to surface 104 and extends from surface 104 in the axial direction AD1. In the exemplary embodiment, alignment pin 126 extends radially inward from radially inward surface 108. Alignment pin 128 is connected to surface 104 and extends from surface 104 in the axial direction AD1. In the exemplary embodiment, alignment pin 128 extends radially inward from radially inward surface 108.

[0051] The arms 130 are connected to and extend from the ring portion 102. Each arm 130 generally extends in the axial direction AD1 from the ring portion 102 and engages with the secondary retainer 20. In the exemplary embodiment, each arm 130 includes a radially inwardly facing surface 134, a flange 136 extending radially inward from the radially inwardly facing surface 134, and a protrusion 138 extending radially inward from the radially inwardly facing surface 134. The flange 136 is disposed at the distal end of the arm 130 and is configured to be engageable with the finger 26, specifically the radially outwardly facing surface of the finger 26. The protrusion 138 is spaced apart between the flange 136 and the proximal end of the arm 130. The protrusion 138 is configured to be engageable with the surface 22 in the non-triggered state of the verification device 100, as best shown in FIG. 5 . In the exemplary embodiment, the arm 130 may further include a portion 132. Portion 132 is connected to and extends radially outward from radially outward surface 110. In an exemplary embodiment, arm 130 and / or radially inward surface 134 are disposed at an angle α relative to radially outward surface 110. Angle α may be, for example, an acute angle of 5 to 20 degrees.

[0052] To assemble verification assembly 12, indicator tabs 116 are pushed radially inward and verification device 100 is slid axially in axial direction AD1 onto secondary retainer 20 until indicator tabs 116 engage respective openings 30, flange 136 engages fingers 26, protrusion 138 engages surface 22, and spring 122 engages surface 24. Arm 130 may be displaced radially outward during assembly to clear radially outward surface 23. In this assembled state of verification assembly 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 , engagement of spring 122 with surface 24 biases verification device 100 in axial direction AD2 relative to secondary retainer 20. However, engagement of protrusion 138 with surface 22 prevents verification device 100 from being displaced axially in direction AD2 relative to secondary retainer 20.

[0053] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the fluid connection assembly 10 in a triggered state, with the tubing 80 hidden to better show the verification assembly 12. Figure 7A is a rear perspective view of the verification 100 with the indicator tab 116 in the triggered position or state. Figure 7B is a side view of the verification device 116 with the indicator tab 116 in the triggered position or state.

[0054] As verification assembly 12, it is displaced axially AD1 along tube 80 toward connector body 40. When flange 27 engages the connector body, specifically end 44, fingers 26 are displaced radially outward in radial direction RD1. As fingers 26 are displaced radially outward, arms 130 are displaced radially outward due to engagement with fingers 26 (i.e., via flange 136). This radially outward displacement of arms 130 disengages projection 138 from surface 22, at which point spring 122 urges verification device 100 axially AD2 against secondary retainer 20, allowing indicator tab 116 to disengage from opening 30, creating a triggered condition. In the triggered condition, indicator tab 116 is released from opening 30 and extends axially AD2 from surface 106, thereby exposing surface 118 radially outward for viewing or reading, as previously described. As previously mentioned, it should be appreciated that the secondary retainer can only be attached to the fluid connection assembly 100 when the tubing 80 is fully connected to the connector body 40, and therefore the confirmation assembly 12 cannot be triggered unless the tubing 80 is fully connected to the connector body 40.

[0055] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the above-disclosure and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated substitutions, variations, modifications, or improvements therein may occur to those skilled in the art, and are also intended to be within the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Fluid Connection Assembly 12 Confirm assembly 20 Secondary Retainer 21 Through hole 22 sides 23 Radial outward facing surface 24 sides 26 Finger 27 flange 28 Finger 29 Protrusion 30 Opening 32 Hinge 34 spaces 35 spaces 36 male connector 38 female connector 40 Connector body 41 Through hole 42 End 44 End 46 Radial inward facing surface 47 Radial inward facing surface 48 Radial inward facing surface 50 grooves 52 Radial outward facing surface 54 Groove 54A side 54B side 54C side 55A opening 55B opening 55C opening 56 Groove 58 head 60 Radial outward facing surface 62 stickers 70 retaining clip 72A Protrusion 72B Protrusion 72C Protrusion 80 tubes 82 End Section 83 84 Radial outward facing surface 86 Radial outward facing surface 87 Shoulder 88 sides Section 89 90 Radial outward facing surface 92 Radial outward facing surface 94 End 96 Through Hole 100 Confirmation device 101 Through hole 102 Ring section 104 sides 106 sides 108 Radial inward facing surface 110 Radial outward facing surface 112 channels 114 Hinge part 116 Indicator Tab 118 sides 120 sides 122 Spring or tensioner 124 sides 126 Alignment protrusion 128 Alignment protrusion 130 Arm 132 copies 134 Radial inward facing surface 136 flange 138 Protrusion AD1 Axial direction AD2 axial direction RD1 Radial direction RD2 Radial direction α angle β angle

Claims

1. A retainer, A first surface; A second surface; at least one latch finger connected to and extending from the first surface, the latch finger configured to be engageable with a connector body of a fluid connection assembly; a retainer comprising: A verification device, A ring portion and at least one arm connected to and extending from the ring portion and configured to be engageable with the retainer; at least one indicator tab pivotally connected to the ring portion and including an indicator element; a verification device comprising: the at least one indicator tab is capable of forming a triggered state in which the indicator element is readable and a non-triggered state in which the indicator element is not readable; In the untriggered state, the at least one indicator tab engages the retainer; In the triggered state, the at least one indicator tab is not engaged with the retainer. Verification assembly for fluid connection assembly.

2. the verification device further includes at least one tensioner configured to bias the ring portion against the retainer. The verification assembly of claim 1 .

3. The at least one arm a distal end including a flange configured to be engageable with the at least one latch finger; a proximal end connected to the ring portion; a protrusion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to be engageable with the first surface; The verification assembly of claim 1 .

4. In the non-triggered state, the protrusion engages with the first surface. The verification assembly of claim 3 .

5. In both the untriggered state and the triggered state, the flange maintains engagement with the at least one latch finger. The verification assembly of claim 3 .

6. In the non-triggered state, the at least one indicator tab engages with an opening disposed in the retainer. The verification assembly of claim 1 .

7. the at least one indicator tab is biased toward the triggered state; The verification assembly of claim 1 .

8. the verification device includes at least one alignment pin configured to be engageable with the retainer; The verification assembly of claim 1 .

9. the at least one latch finger is configured to connect the verification assembly to the fluid connection assembly. The verification assembly of claim 1 .

10. the indicator tab comprises a machine-readable code; The verification assembly of claim 1 .

11. the indicator tab comprises a radio frequency identification tag; The verification assembly of claim 1 .

12. A verification device, A ring portion and at least one arm connected to and extending from the ring portion, the arm configured to be engageable with a retainer that engages with a connector body of a fluid connection assembly; at least one indicator tab pivotally connected to the ring portion and biased toward a trigger position; a tensioner connected to the ring portion and configured to be able to bias the ring portion against the retainer; a verification device including: Verification assembly for fluid connection assembly.

13. the at least one arm extends from the ring portion in a first axial direction, and in the trigger position, the indicator tab extends from the ring portion in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.

13. The verification assembly of claim 12.

14. The at least one arm a distal end including a flange configured to be engageable with the retainer; a proximal end connected to the ring portion; a protrusion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to be engageable with the retainer; Equipped with 13. The verification assembly of claim 12.

15. further comprising at least one alignment pin extending axially from the ring portion; 13. The verification assembly of claim 12.

16. the indicator tab comprises at least one of a machine readable code and a radio frequency identification tag; 13. The verification assembly of claim 12.

17. The device further includes a retainer, wherein the retainer is A first surface; A second surface; at least one latch finger extending from the first surface and configured to be engageable with the connector body, the at least one arm configured to be engageable; Including, 13. The verification assembly of claim 12.

18. The at least one indicator tab has an indicator element that is readable in the trigger position and is unreadable in a non-trigger position different from the trigger position; The at least one indicator tab comprises: engages the retainer in the non-triggered position; not engaging the retainer in the trigger position; 20. The verification assembly of claim 17.

19. the tensioner engages the second surface, the tensioner biasing the ring portion axially against the retainer; 20. The verification assembly of claim 17.

20. A verification device comprising: A ring portion and at least one arm connected to and extending from the ring portion, the arm configured to be engageable with a retainer that engages with a connector body of a fluid connection assembly; a distal end including a flange configured to be engageable with the retainer; a proximal end connected to the ring portion; a protrusion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to be engageable with the retainer; At least one arm comprising: at least one indicator tab pivotally connected to said ring portion; a verification device including: Verification assembly for fluid connection assembly.

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