Fluid line quick connector with data matrix

Abstract

The fluid line quick connector serves to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications, as well as industrial manufacturing, aircraft, marine, and agricultural applications, among other possibilities. The fluid line quick connector has a retainer assembly having a primary latch and a secondary latch. A data matrix is ​​provided, which may be in the form of, by way of example, a quick response (QR) code. In use, when the secondary latch is in an open position, the data matrix is ​​partially or more obscured. When the secondary latch is in a closed position, there is no partial or more obscuration and the data matrix can be properly read.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 144,721, filed on February 2, 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to quick connectors used to join fluid lines to each other and a method for verifying that a proper connection has been made between a quick connector and a suitable connection.

Background Art

[0003] Background Quick connectors are commonly used to join fluid lines to each other in vehicle applications or to join fluid lines to component lines. Quick connectors establish a liquid - tight joint. One example is fuel fluid lines in an automobile, and another example is cooling fluid lines in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Further, other examples exist in automotive applications as well as non - automotive applications such as industrial manufacturing, aerospace, marine, and agricultural applications. For initial assembly and inspection and subsequent spot checks, visual means may be employed in quick connectors to verify that a proper connection has been made. These means typically require physical interaction and visual inspection by assemblers, inspectors, and / or service personnel to confirm the establishment of the intended connection.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In another embodiment, the fluid line quick connector may include a housing, a retainer assembly, and one or more data matrices. The housing has a main passage and an outer surface. The retainer assembly is supported by the housing. The retainer assembly includes a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch has an open position relative to the primary latch. The secondary latch has a closed position relative to the primary latch. The retainer assembly has one or more arms. The arms have barrier walls. The data matrices are located on the outer surface of the housing. The data matrices are partially or completely concealed by the barrier walls when the secondary latch is in the open position. When the secondary latch is moved to the closed position, the barrier walls move, and the partial or complete concealment is removed with the movement of the barrier walls.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the fluid line quick connector may include a housing, a retainer assembly, a slide, and a data matrix. The housing has a main passage. The retainer assembly is supported by the housing. The retainer assembly includes a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch has an open position relative to the primary latch. The secondary latch has a closed position relative to the primary latch. The slide has a first position and a second position. When the secondary latch is in the closed position, the slide is prompted to move from the first position to the second position via collision with the retainer assembly. The data matrix resides on the slide. When the slide is in the first position, the data matrix is ​​partially or completely hidden. The data matrix can be read when the slide is in the second position.

[0007] Brief explanation of the drawing Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of one embodiment of a fluid line quick connector, with the secondary latch shown in the open position. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a quick connector, with the secondary latch shown in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a quick connector with the secondary latch in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a quick connector with the secondary latch in the closed position. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a quick connector retainer assembly. [Figure 6] Another perspective view of the retainer assembly. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line quick connector, with the secondary latch shown in the closed position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the quick connector. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view of the quick connector shown in Figure 7, with the secondary latch in the closed position. [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the retainer assembly of a quick connector, with the secondary latch in the open position. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer assembly with the secondary latch in the closed position. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retainer assembly. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the barrier wall of a retainer assembly. [Figure 14] This is a partial diagram of one embodiment of the housing. [Figure 15] Figures 13 and 14 are enlarged views showing the interaction between the barrier wall and the housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Detailed explanation Embodiments of a fluid line quick connector with a data matrix (hereinafter referred to as the quick connector) are described in detail in this description and shown in the figures. The quick connector and its data matrix enable the determination of a proper connection or absence thereof via a device located away from the direct fixing point of the quick connector, and the device does not necessarily need to be in physical contact with the fixing point for determination. Thus, connection detection and verification can be performed remotely, and in some cases in addition to other means of physical and visual verification. Its remote verification capability makes the quick connector suitable for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques by at least partially automated robots. Furthermore, the detection and verification capabilities facilitated by the data matrix are repeatable and can be performed during initial assembly and subsequent disassembly and reassembly. While this description presents the quick connector in the context of automotive fluid lines such as fuel fluid lines or coolant fluid lines, the quick connector has a broader range of applications and is suitable for use in industrial manufacturing fluid lines, aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, and agricultural fluid lines, among others. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms radial, axial, and circumferential, as well as their grammatical variations, refer to directions relating to the roughly circular and cylindrical shapes of the quick connector and its components as shown in the figure.

[0010] Quick connectors can have various designs, structures, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases, among other possible factors, on the application in which the quick connector is installed, the accompanying spigot, hose, and / or tube, and the desired attributes of the established connection and fitting. Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a fluid line quick connector 10. The quick connector 10 has a quick-connect function for easy connection and disconnection with a spigot and can connect to, for example, a rubber hose or plastic tube. The spigot is a separate, distinct connecting component inserted into the first open end 12 of the quick connector 10. In this sense, the quick connector 10 is the female counterpart and the spigot is the male counterpart. The spigot typically has a flange that projects radially outward from its outside for interaction with the quick connector 10, but it may also have some other end forming portion. The flange or end forming portion is usually spaced axially away from the end of the spigot. The spigot can be part of a larger component of the accompanying vehicle. Although the quick connector 10 has an in-line configuration in the figure, in other embodiments it may have an elbow or L-shaped configuration, or any other configuration.

[0011] In the first embodiment, the quick connector 10 includes a housing 14, a retainer assembly 16, and a data matrix 18. In other embodiments, the quick connector 10 may have more, fewer, and / or different components. The housing 14 serves as the body of the quick connector 10 and is typically made of a plastic material. The housing 14 has an outer surface 20. A main passage 22 is defined to penetrate the housing 14 completely from end to end to allow fluid flow through the quick connector 10 during use. The main passage 22 penetrates the housing 14 axially between a first open end 12 and a second open end 13 on the opposite side. To form a seal and to facilitate the fastening between the quick connector 10 and the spigot when they are together, one or more O-rings, spacers, and / or bushings may be placed within the main passage 22, as will be understood by those skilled in the art and as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 9, indicated by OR, S, and B. Furthermore, a through-hole 24 is defined to penetrate the entire housing 14 on one side. The through-hole 24 is for installing the retainer assembly 16 within the housing 14. The retainer assembly 16 is received within the through-hole 26. The through-hole 24 is surrounded on all four sides by the walls of the housing, is located adjacent to the first open end 12, and penetrates the housing 14 radially throughout. When the retainer assembly 16 is not inserted, the through-hole 24 opens to the main passage 22. Adjacent to the through-hole 24, a groove 26 (Figure 8) exists inside the housing 14 and is defined in the inner wall of the housing to receive the insertion of the retainer assembly 16.

[0012] The retainer assembly 16 holds the spigot in place once it is inserted into the quick connector 10 and the retainer assembly 16 is closed, preventing the spigot from accidentally and unintentionally coming out of the quick connector 10. The retainer assembly 16 also helps to partially or completely conceal the data matrix 18 when the retainer assembly 16 is open, preventing it from being fully read, and helps to reveal the data matrix 18 for proper reading when the retainer assembly 16 is closed. For assembly with the housing 14, the retainer assembly 16 is supported by the housing 14 and is located in particular within the through-hole 24. In different embodiments, the retainer assembly 16 can have various designs, structures, and components. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the retainer assembly 16 includes a primary latch 28 and a secondary latch 30.

[0013] The primary latch 28 is inserted into the through-hole 24. Referring particularly to Figures 5 and 6, the primary latch 28 has a pair of retaining prongs 32 extending radially inward from each of its side walls to engage with the flange or other end-forming portion of the spigot and secure the spigot to the quick connector 10. When the spigot is not inserted into the quick connector 10, the retaining prongs 32 are suspended in the main passage 22 within the spigot's insertion path, and shoulders 34 on each retaining prong 32 act as stoppers to prevent the secondary latch 30 from moving radially downward. The secondary latch 30 cannot be closed due to interference caused by the shoulders 34 when the spigot is not inserted into the quick connector 10. When the spigot is inserted, the flange or other end-forming portion of the spigot collide with the retaining prongs 32, bending the retaining prongs 32 backward and radially outward. As the flange or end forming portion passes the retaining prong 32, the retaining prong 32 is biased toward the outside of the spigot, but not entirely back to their previous suspension position. The retaining prong 32 remains biased toward the outside of the spigot. Upon hitting the outside of the spigot, the shoulder portion 34 is displaced radially outward, deviating from the path of radially downward movement of the secondary latch 30. The interference caused by the shoulder portion 34 is now eliminated, and the secondary latch 30 can be closed. In addition to the retaining prong 32, the retaining rim 36 also engages with the flange or other end forming portion of the spigot. Furthermore, a pair of guides 38 extend axially from the primary latch 28. The guides 38 have hook-shaped ends that are received in the slit 40 of the secondary latch 30 and capture the secondary latch 30 so as not to axially separate it from the primary latch 28, while still allowing some radial movement of the secondary latch 30 relative to the primary latch 28. The slit 40 is partially established by a curved upright portion 42 that provides some resistance to the free radial downward and radial upward movement of the secondary latch 30. Finally, the primary latch 28 has a tab 44 provided on the outside of the housing 14 for user operation. The tab 44 can be pressed to assemble the retainer assembly 16 into the housing 14 and can be pulled for disassembly and removal.The tab 44 can be sized for operation by the user's hand.

[0014] The secondary latch 30 is coupled to the primary latch 28 via a guide slit interengagement and is then inserted into the through portion 24 together with the primary latch 28. The secondary latch 30 provides a physical and visual verification that the spigot is inserted into the main passage 22 of the housing to a sufficient depth. The secondary latch 30 moves between an open position and a closed position. The open position is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and the closed position is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The open position functions to indicate that the connection between the quick connector 10 and the spigot is incomplete. On the other hand, the closed position functions to indicate that the connection between the quick connector 10 and the spigot is complete. The movement of the secondary latch 30 between the open position and the closed position is with respect to the housing 14 and with respect to the primary latch 28. The secondary latch 30 moves radially downward to the closed position and, conversely, radially upward to the open position. Its movement is orthogonal and transverse to the direction in which the spigot is inserted into the main passage 22 of the housing. Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, to engage the outside of the spigot and the flange or other end formation and to help secure the spigot to the quick connector 10, the secondary latch 30 has a retaining wall 46. When the secondary latch 30 is closed, the retaining wall 46 abuts the outside of the spigot. The retaining wall 46 extends downward from the body 48 of the secondary latch 30. The bridge portion 50 of the body 48 spreads left and right and presents a pressing mechanism for the user to press the secondary latch 30 to the closed position.

[0015] In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the ability and impossibility of reading and scanning the data matrix 18 is achieved in coordination with the opening and closing movement of the secondary latch 30. In the first embodiment, for example, the secondary latch 30 has a first arm 52 that conceals the data matrix 18 in the open position and a second arm 54 that reveals the data matrix 18 in the closed position. The first arm 52 extends from one side of the body 48, in particular from the bridge portion 50, and the second arm 54 extends from the opposite side of the body 48 and the bridge portion 50. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first and second arms 52, 54 remain outside the housing 14 when the retainer assembly 16 is assembled therein and when the retainer assembly 16 is in the closed and open positions, and the first and second arms 52, 54 remain outside the main passage 22 and the through portion 24. The first and second arms 52 and 54 are integrated extensions of the main body 48, and move downward and upward with the main axis of the main passage 22 when the secondary latch 30 moves up and down to the closed and open positions.

[0016] Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, the design and structure of the first and second arms 52, 54 are similar. Each arm 52, 54 has an elongated body 56 and a barrier wall 58. The elongated body 56 extends from the proximal end 60 of the body 48 to the distal end 62 of the barrier wall 58. The elongated body 56 has a curve within its extent to complement the exterior of the housing 14 and positions the barrier wall 58 adjacent to and near the data matrix 18 when assembled and in use. The barrier wall 58 constitutes the free and terminal ends of a particular arm 52, 54. The barrier wall 58 physically shields and blocks the data matrix 18 from being readable and scannable when the secondary latch 30 is open and then has a shape and size suitable for unblocking and unshielding the data matrix 18 for proper reading and scanning when the secondary latch 30 is closed. The barrier wall 58 is rectangular in this embodiment and hangs axially orthogonally from the elongated body 56. As best demonstrated perhaps by FIG. 1, the barrier wall 58 only partially shields and blocks the data matrix 18 in the open position. The partial shielding has been found to prevent the ability to properly read and scan the data matrix 18. In other embodiments, the barrier wall 58 can have different shapes and sizes and can more fully or completely shield and block the data matrix 18. Further, a slight clearance can exist between the opposing surface of the barrier wall 58 and the data matrix 18.

[0017] The data matrix 18 assists in detecting and verifying the intended and proper connection between the quick connector 10 and the spigot, or the absence of such connection. The data matrix 18 can only be properly read and scanned by the device when the retainer assembly 16 is closed with the secondary latch 30 in its closed position. If these conditions are not met, such as the secondary latch 30 being in its open position, the device cannot properly read and scan the data matrix 18. The ability to read the data matrix 18 serves as an indication that the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position and that a proper connection has ultimately been made between the quick connector 10 and the spigot. Conversely, the inability to read the data matrix 18 serves as an indication that the secondary latch 30 is in the open position and that a proper connection has ultimately not been made between the quick connector 10 and the spigot. Furthermore, the detection and verification provided by the data matrix 18 can, in certain embodiments, supplement other means of physical and visual verification indicated by the quick connector 10. In the embodiments of the drawings, for example, the connection is also verified by closing the secondary latch 30. Additional verification via the data matrix 18 may be desired and useful in applications where the intended connection is of increased importance. Furthermore, the device can read and scan the data matrix 18 located away from the quick connector 10, and can do so without physical contact with the quick connector 10. The device may be a data matrix scanner or reader. For example, in a manufacturing setting, the device may be located on the assembly, inspection, and / or installation production line, as well as elsewhere. The device may also be a handheld device.

[0018] The data matrix 18 can take various forms in different embodiments. The data matrix 18 can be, for example, a two-dimensional machine-readable code consisting of a black and white pattern. Examples include quick response (QR) codes, barcodes, and many others. Depending on its form, the data matrix 18 can encode information and data in letters and / or numbers and communicate partial indications, installation indication locations, installation indication dates, or other things. The data matrix 18 can be marked on a label or other substrate which is then adhered to a predetermined position on the quick connector 10, or it can be marked directly on a predetermined position on the quick connector 10 or its components by printing or laser etching, etc. In the first embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4, the data matrix 18 includes a first data matrix 64 and a second data matrix 66. The first and second data matrices 64 and 66 are located on the outer surface 20 of the housing 14 and are positioned near the first open end 12. The first data matrix 64 is positioned on one side of the housing 14 to interact with the first arm 52, and the second data matrix 66 is positioned on the opposite side of the housing 14 to interact with the second arm 54. While the first and second arms 52, 54 are moving, the first and second data matrices 64, 66 remain stationary relative to them. In this embodiment, having a pair of data matrices at different locations on the housing 14 allows for reading and scanning of at least one of the first or second data matrices 64, 66 in various orientations of the quick connector 10 during installation, where only one may be accessible and the other inaccessible. Here, the ability to read or scan only one of the first or second data matrices 64, 66 may in itself serve as an indication that the secondary latch 30 is closed. Furthermore, in an alternative form of the first embodiment, the secondary latch may have a single arm and provide a single data matrix. In a more specific example of the first embodiment, the first and second data matrices 64 and 66 are laser-etched directly onto the outer surface 20 of the housing 14 at their respective locations.Each data matrix 64, 66 can, in one example, have the shape of a 5 mm × 5 mm (5 mm × 5 mm) square, and in other examples, other shapes and sizes are also possible.

[0019] During use, the barrier wall 58 of the first arm 52 partially shields and blocks the full and proper readability and scanability of the first data matrix 64 when the secondary latch 30 is in the open position (e.g., Figures 1 and 3), while the barrier wall 58 of the second arm 54 partially shields and blocks the full and proper readability and scanability of the second data matrix 66 when the secondary latch 30 is in the open position. Conversely, when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position (e.g., Figures 2 and 4), the first and second data matrices 64, 66 are fully exposed and revealed for full and proper readability and scanability. In the closed position, the first matrix 64 is not shielded and blocked, and the second matrix 66 is not simultaneously shielded and blocked. In other words, the barrier wall 58 of the first arm 52 no longer partially shields or partially blocks the first data matrix 64, and the barrier wall 58 of the second arm 54 no longer partially shields or partially blocks the second data matrix 66.

[0020] A second embodiment of the fluid line quick connector 10 is shown in Figures 7 to 11. Many components of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and these similarities may not be repeated here in the description of the second embodiment. In Figures 7 to 11, the ability and impossibility of reading and scanning the data matrix 18 are achieved in a different manner than described above. Unlike the first embodiment, this second embodiment of the quick connector 10 includes a slide 68 supporting the data matrix 18. The slide 68 can be moved during use, as described later, and the data matrix 18 supported on it can then be moved. To accept the insertion of the slide 68, the primary latch 28 has a slot 70 and a through hole 72. The slot 70 is defined within a tab 44, extends longitudinally in the axial direction, and has an open end 74 for initially receiving the slide 68. The slot 70 may also have a lip 76 on each of its sides. The lips 76 protrude slightly circumferentially toward each other, helping to guide the translational sliding movement of the slide 68 during use and helping to hold the slide 68 in place within the slot 70. The through-hole 72 penetrates the tab 44 axially, and in particular through the bridge portion 78 of the tab 44. The through-hole 72 opens into the slot 70 on one axial side and into the secondary latch 30 on the opposite axial side. The through-hole 72 and the slot 70 are in open communication with each other. The through-hole 72 accepts the insertion of the attachment 80 of the slide 68. The attachment 80 is an integrated extension of the slide 68, having a smaller size compared to the larger body of the slide 68, perhaps best shown in Figure 8. The data matrix 18 is present in the body of the slide but not in the attachment 80.

[0021] Referring particularly to Figure 11, the secondary latch 30 of this second embodiment has an inclined surface 82 to facilitate and operate the sliding motion of the slide 68. The inclined surface 82 is located on an extension 84 of the secondary latch 30 and is established by a plane inclined with respect to the radial direction. The extension 84 hangs radially downward from the bridge portion 50. It protrudes downward in the left and right intermediate portions of the bridge portion 50. The extension 84 hangs directly from the inclined surface 82 and has a stop surface 86 that hangs from the underside of the bridge portion 50. Unlike the inclination of the inclined surface 82, the stop surface 86 is oriented vertically downward from the bridge portion 50, in line with the radial direction, according to the orientation in Figure 11. The data matrix 18 is located on the upper surface 88 of the slide 68 and can, in one example, be laser-etched directly onto the upper surface 88, or can be provided on the upper surface 88 by other techniques as described elsewhere in this specification. In the assembled state, as shown in Figure 7, for example, the top surface 88 and the data matrix 18 face vertically upward relative to the housing 14.

[0022] During use, as shown in Figure 10, the slide 68 is initially set in a fixed position within the slot 70 and then slid axially forward with the secondary latch 30 in the open position. The attachment 80 is inserted into the through hole 72. The slide 68 is received within the slot 70, and the attachment 80 is received within the through hole 72. To achieve a snap fit or press-fit between the attachment 80 and the through hole 72, the attachment 80 may have a barbed end or some other similar end forming portion or end enlargement. Since the secondary latch 30 and extension 84 are positioned radially above the attachment 80 in the open position, the gap between the inclined surface 82 and the attachment 80 corresponds to the axial forward movement of the slide 68. According to Figure 10, the free end or end of the attachment 80 can contact the inclined surface 82 when the slide 68 is axially forward. In this initial or retracted position of the slide 68, the data matrix 18 is partially obscured by the bridge portion 78, blocking readability and scanability. The bridge portion 78 physically masks the lower portion of the data matrix 18. As shown in Figure 10, only the upper portion of the data matrix 18 may be exposed, exposing the longitudinal range 71 of the slot 70. As previously noted, partial shielding has been shown to impede the ability to read and scan the data matrix 18. In other embodiments, the bridge portion 78 can more completely shield and block the data matrix 18. Furthermore, in other embodiments, shielding may be partially or more caused by a portion of the secondary latch 30, instead of, or in addition to, shielding caused by the primary latch 28. For example, the bridge portion 50 may have an extension that causes shielding. As the secondary latch 30 moves radially downward toward the closed position, direct surface contact between the inclined surface 82 and the free end of the attachment 80 facilitates the sliding movement of the slide 68 and the data matrix 18 in opposite directions and axially backward. The inclined surface 82 facilitates the movement of the slide 68. The sliding movement is relative to the slot 70. Furthermore, the sliding movement is linear with respect to the axial direction, but is perpendicular to and transverse to the radially downward movement of the secondary latch 30.This second position or extended position of slide 68 is shown in Figures 7, 9, and 11. Here, the data matrix 18 is not shielded or blocked. Here, the device can perform a complete and proper readout and scan. The attachment 80 may remain in contact with the stop surface 86, as best shown in Figure 11, and as a result, when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position, slide 68 cannot move axially forward from the second position, and therefore the data matrix 18 remains exposed for readout and scan.

[0023] The movement of the slide 68 and the full exposure of the data matrix 18 are caused by the radially downward movement of the secondary latch 30, and in this embodiment, are not caused by direct and immediate component-to-component collision between the slide 68 and the spigot or other male mating to enter the quick connector 10. In other words, the movement of the slide 68 does not depend on collision with the male mating to enter the quick connector 10, but rather on collision with the secondary latch 30 as it moves radially downward.

[0024] A third embodiment of the fluid line quick connector 10 is shown in Figures 12 to 15. Many components of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and these similarities may not be repeated here in the description of the third embodiment. In Figures 12 to 15, the ability and impossibility of reading and scanning the data matrix 18 are achieved in a manner somewhat similar to that of the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, in this third embodiment, the housing 14 defines an opening that interacts with the projection of the secondary latch 30. Referring to Figure 14, a first opening 90 is located on one side of the housing 14, and a second opening (not specifically shown) of similar size and shape is located on the opposite side of the housing 14. The first opening 90 corresponds to the reception of the projection of the first arm 52, and the second opening corresponds to the reception of the projection of the second arm 54. The first opening 90 and the second opening are located near the first open end 12. The first opening 90 is circumferentially adjacent to and located below the first data matrix 64, as shown in Figure 14. Similarly, the second opening is circumferentially adjacent to and located below the second data matrix 66. The first opening 90 may have a square, rectangular, or other shape, and the second opening may also have a square, rectangular, or other shape. The first and second openings 90 penetrate the housing 14 radially. Taking the first opening 90 in Figure 14 as an example, the first opening 90 is surrounded on all four sides by the walls of the housing. The axial front wall edge 92 borders one side, the axial rear wall edge 94 borders the other side, the radial upper wall edge 96 borders the other side, and the radial lower wall edge 98 further borders the other side. Furthermore, the openings may have other designs, structures, and arrangements in other embodiments. For example, the opening does not need to completely penetrate the housing 14.

[0025] Referring here to Figures 12 and 13, in this embodiment, the first arm 52 has a pair of first projections 100, and the second arm 54 has a pair of second projections 102. The first projections 100 are received into the first opening 90, and the second projections 102 are received into the second opening. Acceptance occurs when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position. Depending on the particular embodiment, acceptance can result in one or more of the following: acting as a movement limiter, helping to guide the assembly of the retainer assembly 16 with the housing 14 when the components are first placed together; acting as a return stopper, helping to maintain the secondary latch 30 in the closed position; and preventing and inhibiting unintentional unwanted movement of the secondary latch 30 when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position, as well as movement of its first and second arms 52, 54. The projections can have various designs, structures, and arrangements in different embodiments. Their precise design, structure, and placement may be determined, among other possible influences, by the intended function and purpose of the associated openings, associated arms, and / or projections.

[0026] In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first projection 100 is located on the lower surface 104 of the first arm 52, particularly its barrier wall 58, and projects radially inward from there. Similarly, the second projection 102 is located on the lower surface 104 of the second arm 54, particularly its barrier wall 58, and projects radially inward from there. The first projection 100 can directly face and contact the first data matrix 64 when the barrier wall 58 of the first arm 52 shields and blocks the first data matrix 64 in the open position of the secondary latch 30. Similarly, the second projection 102 can directly face and contact the second data matrix 66 in the open position of the secondary latch. In this embodiment, the first and second projections 100 and 102 exhibit similar design, structure, and arrangement relative to one another. Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the second projection 102 as an example, and the description of the second projection 102 here is the same for the first projection 100. Each of the pair of projections 102 has the same shape and size, and each resembles a cylinder cut in half. The halved cylinders are separated and spaced apart from one another.

[0027] On the radially oriented side, each of the second projections 102 has a rounded outer surface 106 with a curved transition portion 108 extending from the lower surface 104. The rounded outer surface 106 and the curved transition portion 108 provide a return-to-back function for the first and second projections 100, 102, resisting radially upward movement of the first and second arms 52, 54 when the first and second projections 100, 102 are received in the first and second openings 90 and when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position. The return-to-back function and resistance are the result of surface engagement interference between the rounded outer surface 106 and the curved transition portion 108 and the radially upward wall edges 96 of the first and second openings 90. The resistance can be overcome by applying a sufficiently large radially upward force to the secondary latch 30. Next, the first and second projections 100, 102 are released from the first and second openings 90, allowing the secondary latch 30 to be opened. Each of the second projections 102 also has a flat end face 110 on the axial front and axial rear sides. The end faces 110 prevent and obstruct the forward and backward axial movement of the first and second arms 52, 54 when the first and second projections 100, 102 are received in the first and second openings 90 and when the secondary latch 30 is in the closed position. Such forward and backward axial movement is often undesirable and can be inadvertently caused during the initial assembly of the secondary latch 30 in the housing 14 and during subsequent installation and use. The movement is prevented by surface engagement interference between the end faces 110 and the axial front wall edges 92 of the first and second openings 90, and between the opposite end faces 110 and the axial rear wall edges 94.

[0028] Furthermore, as an example of various possible embodiments, the first and second protrusions 100, 102 may have different quantities, including a single protrusion on each arm or three or more protrusions on each arm, or only one of the arms and one of the barrier walls may have one or more protrusions, while the other arm and barrier wall lack protrusions.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing description is not a definition of the present invention, but rather a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the following claims. Furthermore, the statements contained herein should not be construed as limitations on the definitions of terms used in the scope of the present invention or in the claims, except in relation to a specific embodiment and where the term or phrase is clearly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] As used herein and in the claims, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” and “such as,” as well as the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with an enumeration of one or more components or other items, should each be interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the enumeration should not be considered to exclude any other additional components or items. Other terms should be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context requiring a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A fluid line quick connector, A housing having a main passage and a penetration, A retainer assembly having at least one latch, The at least one latch includes a primary latch and a secondary latch, The primary latch is insertable through the through-hole, The secondary latch can be positioned adjacent to the primary latch. The secondary latch has an open position and a closed position, and comprises a retainer assembly. Data matrix and, A slide wherein the data matrix is ​​located on the slide, and the primary latch or the secondary latch at least partially obscures the data matrix when the secondary latch is in the open position, and at least partially obscures it when the secondary latch is in the closed position. Equipped with, A fluid line quick connector wherein, when the secondary latch is in the open position, the data matrix is ​​at least partially concealed, and when the secondary latch is in the closed position, at least the partial concealment does not exist.

2. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the secondary latch from the open position to the closed position is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the individual connecting components in the main passage of the housing.

3. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the secondary latch has an arm, the arm at least partially obscures the data matrix when the secondary latch is in the open position, and at least partial obscuration by the arm is absent when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

4. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 3, wherein when the secondary latch is in the closed position, the arm moves together with the secondary latch, and when the secondary latch is in the closed position and the arm moves together with the secondary latch, the data matrix remains stationary relative to the housing.

5. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 3, wherein the arm extends from the body of the secondary latch and is located outside the housing, the main passage, and the through-hole when the secondary latch is in the open position and when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

6. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the secondary latch has a first arm and a second arm, the data matrix includes a first data matrix and a second data matrix, the first arm at least partially shields the first data matrix when the secondary latch is in the open position, and the second arm at least partially shields the second data matrix when the secondary latch is in the open position.

7. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, further comprising an arm that at least partially shields the data matrix when the secondary latch is in the open position, wherein the at least partial shielding by the arm is absent when the secondary latch is in the closed position, and the arm has a lower surface having a projection, the projection of which helps to maintain the secondary latch in the closed position.

8. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion prevents the secondary latch from moving axially forward, axially backward, or both axially forward and axially backward when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

9. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 7, wherein the housing has an opening, and the protrusion is received in the opening when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

10. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein when the secondary latch is in the closed position, the slide is prompted to move.

11. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the secondary latch has an inclined surface, the inclined surface contacts the slide when the secondary latch is in the closed position, and the contact facilitates the movement of the slide.

12. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the primary latch has a slot for receiving the slide, and the slide moves relative to the slot when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

13. A fluid line quick connector, A housing having a main passage and an exterior surface, A retainer assembly supported by the housing, wherein the retainer assembly includes at least one latch, the at least one latch having an open position and a closed position, and the retainer assembly has at least one arm having a barrier wall, At least one data matrix present on the outer surface of the housing, which is at least partially concealed through the barrier wall when the at least one latch is in the open position, and the barrier wall moves to remove at least the partial concealment when the at least one latch is in the closed position, and A fluid line quick connector equipped with the following features.

14. The at least one latch includes a primary latch and a secondary latch, the secondary latch having an open position relative to the primary latch and a closed position relative to the primary latch, The at least one arm includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending from the body of the secondary latch on one side thereof, the second arm extending from the body of the secondary latch on the opposite side thereof, the first arm having a first barrier wall, and the second arm having a second barrier wall. The at least one data matrix comprises a first data matrix and a second data matrix, wherein the first data matrix is ​​located on the outer surface of the housing on one side thereof, and the second data matrix is ​​located on the outer surface of the housing on the opposite side thereof, the first data matrix is ​​at least partially concealed through the first barrier wall when the secondary latch is in the open position, the second data matrix is ​​at least partially concealed through the second barrier wall when the secondary latch is in the open position, and the first and second barrier walls move to remove at least partial concealment when the secondary latch is in the closed position. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 13.

15. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 13, wherein the housing has an opening, the barrier wall has at least one projection, the at least one projection is received in the opening when the at least one latch is in the closed position, and the reception of the at least one projection in the opening resists radial upward movement of the at least one arm and prevents movement of the at least one arm in the axial forward direction, the axial backward direction, or both the axial forward direction and the axial backward direction.

16. A fluid line quick connector, A housing with a main passageway, A retainer assembly supported by the housing, comprising a primary latch and a secondary latch, wherein the secondary latch has an open position relative to the primary latch and a closed position relative to the primary latch, A slide having a first position and a second position, wherein when the secondary latch is in the closed position, the slide is prompted to move from the first position to the second position by contacting the retainer assembly, A data matrix present on the slide, wherein the data matrix is ​​at least partially obscured when the slide is in the first position and readable when the slide is in the second position. A fluid line quick connector equipped with the following features.

17. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 16, wherein the slide is received in the slot of the primary latch and moves within the slot from the first position to the second position by contacting the retainer assembly when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

18. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 16, wherein the secondary latch has an extension, and the slide is prompted to move from a first position to a second position by contacting the extension when the secondary latch is in the closed position.

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