阅读说明：本技术 具有固定检测的流体管线连接器和组件 (Fluid line connector and assembly with securement detection ) 是由 布赖恩·T·伊格纳茨卡 R·辛得勒 T·A·普福格尔 于 2020-05-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：流体管线连接器和组件提供远程固定检测能力,并且因此被装备用于初始组装、后续质量检查以及自动化、机器人和/或自主的后续服务技术。流体管线连接器包括本体、射频识别(RFID)标签、一个或多个致动器构件和一个或多个开关。本体具有用于流体从中流过的通道。RFID标签可以与RFID询问器通信。当致动器构件致动时,致动器构件改变开关的状态。开关与RFID标签电耦合。(Fluid line connectors and assemblies provide remote fixture detection capability and are therefore equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and automated, robotic, and/or autonomous subsequent service techniques. The fluid line connector includes a body, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, one or more actuator members, and one or more switches. The body has a passage for fluid to flow therethrough. The RFID tag may communicate with an RFID interrogator. When the actuator member is actuated, the actuator member changes the state of the switch. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag.)

1. A fluid line connector, comprising:

a body having a channel;

a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag carried by the body;

an actuator member located adjacent to said passage of said body, said actuator member being active when another connector is inserted into said fluid line connector; and

a switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag and located proximate the actuator member, the switch changing its state when the other connector is inserted into the fluid line connector.

2. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein abutment from said other connector when inserted into said fluid line connector actuates said actuator member, and when actuated said switch is struck by said actuator member and the state of said switch changes.

3. A fluid line connector according to claim 2, wherein said switch is brought to a closed state when said actuator member is actuated and said switch is struck.

4. A fluid line connector as defined in claim 1, wherein a socket is in said body adjacent said passage, said actuator member being received in said socket and retained therein.

5. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member is devoid of actuation when said other connector is not inserted into said fluid line connector, and the state of said switch remains unchanged when said actuator member is devoid of actuation.

6. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has an outer working surface located in said passage of said body, and said other connector abuts said outer working surface to actuate said actuator member when said other connector is inserted into said fluid line connector.

7. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has a base and said base carries said switch.

8. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has a longitudinal extension arranged substantially in line with an insertion direction of said further connector into said fluid line connector.

9. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has a base and an appendage depending from said base, said appendage moving relative to said base when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated.

10. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has an appendage having a hinged proximal end and a free terminating distal end, said appendage moving about said proximal end when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated.

11. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has an attachment with a hinged end having an axis about which said attachment moves when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated, said axis being arranged substantially orthogonal to the direction of insertion of said other connector into said fluid line connector.

12. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said actuator member has an inner working surface generally facing said switch, said inner working surface being in face-to-face impact with said switch when said actuator member is active when said other connector is inserted into said fluid line connector.

13. A fluid line connector according to claim 1, wherein said switch is a push button.

14. The fluid line connector of claim 1, further comprising:

a holder carried by the body;

a second actuator member located adjacent to the retainer, the second actuator member being actuated when the retainer is moved in a direction transverse to an insertion direction of the other connector into the fluid line connector; and

a second switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag and located proximate the second actuator member, the second switch being struck by the second actuator member when the second actuator member is actuated.

15. A fluid line connector assembly comprising a fluid line connector according to claim 1 and including an RFID interrogator in communication with said RFID tag of said fluid line connector and further comprising said further connector having an extension in face-to-face abutment with said actuator member to actuate said actuator member.

16. A fluid line connector, comprising:

a body having a passageway, an opening in the body and opening into the passageway;

a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag carried by the body;

a retainer movable through the opening of the body;

an actuator member located adjacent to the retainer, the actuator member being actuated when the retainer is moved through the opening and against the retainer; and

a switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag and located proximate to the actuator member, the switch being struck by the actuator member when the actuator member is actuated.

17. A fluid line connector as defined in claim 16, wherein said retainer remains in abutment with said actuator member and said actuator member remains actuated prior to insertion of another connector into said fluid line connector, said retainer lacks abutment with said actuator member and said actuator member lacks actuation when a ramp of said another connector engages said retainer, and said retainer subsequently abuts said actuator member and said actuator member actuates when said retainer is received in a slot of said another connector.

18. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein a socket is located in said body, said actuator member being received in said socket and retained therein.

19. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has an outer working surface and said retainer abuts said outer working surface to actuate said actuator member as said retainer is moved through said opening of said body.

20. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has a base and said base carries said switch.

21. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has a longitudinal extension arranged substantially transverse to an insertion direction of said further connector into said fluid line connector.

22. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has a base and an appendage depending from said base, said appendage moving relative to said base when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated.

23. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has an appendage having a hinged proximal end and a free terminating distal end, said appendage moving about said proximal end when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated.

24. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has an attachment with a hinged end, said hinged end having an axis about which said attachment moves when said actuator member is in the process of being actuated, said axis being arranged substantially in line with the direction of insertion of another connector into said fluid line connector.

25. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said actuator member has an inner working surface generally facing said switch, said inner working surface making a face-to-face impact with said switch when said actuator member is actuated.

26. A fluid line connector according to claim 16, wherein said switch is a push button.

27. The fluid line connector of claim 16, further comprising:

a second actuator member located adjacent to said passage of said body, said second actuator member being actuated when said other connector is inserted into said fluid line connector, abutment from said other connector actuating said second actuator member; and

a second switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag and located proximate the second actuator member, the second switch being struck by the second actuator member when the second actuator member is actuated.

28. A fluid line connector as defined in claim 16, wherein said retainer has a pair of legs, one of said pair of legs abutting said actuator member to actuate said actuator member.

29. A fluid line connector assembly comprising a fluid line connector according to claim 16 and comprising an RFID interrogator in communication with the RFID tag of the fluid line connector.

30. A fluid line connector, comprising:

a body having a channel;

a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag carried by the body;

a retainer carried by the body, the retainer receivable in a slot of another connector when the other connector is inserted into the fluid line connector;

a first actuator member located adjacent the passage of the body, abutment from the other connector actuating the first actuator member when the other connector is inserted into the fluid line connector;

a first switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag, the first switch changing its state when the first actuator member is actuated;

a second actuator member located adjacent to said retainer, abutment from said retainer actuating said second actuator member when said retainer is moved in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of said other connector into said fluid line connector; and

a second switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag, the second switch changing its state when the second actuator member is actuated.

31. A fluid line connector according to claim 30, wherein said first actuator member strikes said first switch upon actuation thereof, and said second actuator member strikes said second switch upon actuation thereof.

32. A fluid line connector according to claim 30, wherein at least one of said first or second actuator members has a base and an appendage depending from said base, said appendage moving relative to said base when said at least one first or second actuator member is in the process of being actuated.

33. A fluid line connector according to claim 30, wherein said first actuator member has a first longitudinal extent and said second actuator member has a second longitudinal extent, said first longitudinal extent being arranged generally transverse to said second longitudinal extent.

34. A fluid line connector assembly comprising a fluid line connector according to claim 30 and comprising an RFID interrogator in communication with the RFID tag of the fluid line connector.

35. A fluid line connector, comprising:

a body having a channel;

a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag carried by the body;

a holder carried by the body;

an actuator member located adjacent to the retainer, the actuator member actuating when the retainer is moved in a direction transverse to an insertion direction of another connector into the fluid line connector; and

a switch electrically coupled with the RFID tag and located proximate to the actuator member, the switch changing its state when the actuator member is actuated.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to connector assemblies for joining fluid lines together, and more particularly, to detecting proper and complete engagement of connector assembly components.

Background

Connector assemblies, particularly those having quick connect functionality, are commonly used to connect fluid lines together in vehicular applications. One example is a coolant fluid line in an electric vehicle automobile. For initial assembly and inspection and subsequent servicing, visual measurements are sometimes employed in the design and construction of the connector assembly in order to verify that proper and complete engagement has been made between the components of the connector assembly. Examples include secondary latches that can be closed when fully engaged, and windows framed in one member of the connector assembly for viewing engagement. These measures, and others similar to these measures, require physical interaction and observation by assembly personnel, inspection personnel, or service personnel to ensure that proper and complete engagement has been made between the components of the connector assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a channel. An RFID tag is carried by the body. The actuator member is located adjacent the passage of the body. The actuator member is active when another connector is inserted into the fluid line connector. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch is located adjacent the actuator member. The switch changes its state (i.e., from an open state to a closed state, or vice versa) when the other connector is plugged into the fluid line connector.

In another embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a channel. An opening is in the body and opens into the channel. An RFID tag is carried by the body. The holder may be moved in and out and through the opening. The actuator member is located at a position near the holder. The actuator member actuates when the retainer moves through the opening and when the retainer abuts the actuator member. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch is located at a position near the actuator member. When the actuator member is actuated, the switch is struck by the actuator member.

In yet another embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a holder, a first actuator member, a first switch, a second actuator member, and a second switch. The body has a channel. An RFID tag is carried by the body. A retainer is carried by the body. The retainer may be received in a slot of another connector when the other connector is inserted into the fluid line connector. The first actuator member is located at a position adjacent the passage of the body. Abutment of the further connector with the first actuator member actuates the first actuator member during insertion of the further connector into the fluid line connector. The first switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. When the first actuator member is actuated, the first switch changes its state. The second actuator member is located at a position adjacent the holder. Abutment of the retainer with the second actuator member actuates the second actuator member when the retainer is moved in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector. The second switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The second switch changes its state when the second actuator member is actuated.

In yet another embodiment, a fluid line connector may include a body, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a channel. An RFID tag is carried by the body. A retainer is carried by the body. The actuator member is located adjacent the retainer. The actuator member is actuated when the retainer is moved in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector. The switch is electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The switch is located adjacent the actuator member. When the actuator member is actuated, the switch changes its state.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a fluid line connector of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid line connector;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a connector that may be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5 with the connector assembled thereto;

FIG. 8 is yet another perspective view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the fluid line connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of an actuator member and switch that may be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that may be used with the fluid line connector of FIG. 5.

Detailed Description

Several embodiments of fluid line connectors and assemblies are described in detail in this specification. The connectors and assemblies are designed and constructed to enable detection of proper and complete securement between the connectors without the need for past secondary latches and windows that require some degree of physical interaction and observation at the securement site by assembly personnel, inspection personnel, or service personnel. Rather, the connectors and assemblies of the present description are provided with a means in which proper and complete securement can be detected via a means located away from the direct securement site of the connector, and which does not necessarily have to be in physical contact with the securement site for detection. In this manner, the connectors and assemblies are equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent servicing techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous, such as those found in advanced manufacturing facilities in automotive production. Thus, the connectors and assemblies may prove useful in many applications, such as when an immediate power source is not readily available and not readily accessible. The present description presents connectors and assemblies in the context of automotive fluid lines (such as coolant fluid lines in electric vehicle automobiles), but connectors and assemblies have broader applications and are applicable in aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, agricultural fluid lines, and other fluid lines.

As used herein, the phrase "fully secured" and grammatical variations thereof is used to indicate a secured state in which a fluid-tight connection is established via a fluid line connector. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms radial, axial, and circumferential and grammatical variants thereof indicate directions with respect to the generally circular shape of the passage of the fluid line connector.

In some cases, fluid line connectors and assemblies may have various designs, configurations, and components in different embodiments, depending on the application in which they are employed. Fig. 1-4 present a first embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly 10. The fluid line connector and assembly 10 herein includes a fluid line connector 12 and another separate and discrete connector 14. The fluid line connector 12 has a quick connect function for ready connection and disconnection actions with the connector 14 and is used to connect together automotive fluid lines. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector 12 is a female connector and the connector 14 is a male connector (commonly referred to as a plug). Fluid line connector 12 receives insertion of connector 14 at a first end 16 upon installation and is coupled to a fluid line at a second end 18. The fluid line connector 12 has a bent and L-shaped configuration in the drawings, but may have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. In many possibilities, the connector 14 may be an integrated and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component (such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger), or may be an integrated and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line. With particular reference to fig. 2 and 4, the connector 14 has a first flange 20 projecting radially outwardly from its body, and has a second flange 22 axially spaced from the first flange 20 and also projecting radially outwardly from the connector body. The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 extend circumferentially around the connector 14. The connector 14 has an outer surface 24.

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; in other embodiments, the fluid line connector 12 may also have more, fewer, and/or different components. Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the body 26 has a passage 38 defined in its structure for allowing fluid to flow through the fluid line connector 12. The body 26 also has a compartment 40 for receiving and placing the RFID chip 32. The compartment 40 is a space separated from the channel 38. A removable cover 42 may be provided to enclose the compartment 40 and enclose the RFID chip 32 therein. The body 26 also has a through bore 44 for locating 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 through a through-hole 44 that opens into both the passage 38 and the compartment 40. The O-ring 28 is received within the channel 38, as perhaps best shown in fig. 4, and there forms a seal between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. The insert 30 is also received within the channel 38 and serves to help retain the connector 14 when the connector 14 and the fluid line connector 12 are secured together. In the example of the drawings, the insert 30 has a pair of tangs 46 with hooked ends 48 that capture the first flange 20 when the connector 14 is inserted into the fluid line connector 12 to the proper stacking 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. The hold down 54 on the opposite side of the second ring structure 52 may be pressed to release the captured first flange 20 for removal of the connector 14 from the fluid line connector 12.

The RFID chip 32 helps detect proper and complete securement between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. RFID chip 32 transmits and receives Radio Frequency (RF) signals using RFID interrogator 56. The RFID interrogator 56 sends an interrogation signal 58 to the RFID chip 32, which responds with an RF signal 60. In this way, proper and fully fixed detection is performed using RFID technology. In a manufacturing facility, for example, the RFID interrogator 56 may be located intermediate an assembly, inspection, and/or installation line, and an interrogation zone may be established in which the RFID interrogator 56 seeks to communicate with the RFID chip 32 as the fluid line connector and assembly 10, and larger applications, are transported through a fixed area. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 56 may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator 56. In another arrangement, the RFID interrogator 56 may be a mobile device, such as a handheld device. The RF signal 60 may convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator 56. In an embodiment, the transmitted information may be an indication of the securing status between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. For example, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 exhibit a full securement, the RF signal 60 may communicate the full securement information to the RFID interrogator 56 in the form of an ON signal. The RFID interrogator 56, in turn, may process the transmitted information. The information transmitted may also include a serial number, installation location, etc.

With particular reference to fig. 3 and 4, an RFID chip 32 is carried by the body 26. The support between the RFID chip 32 and the body 26 may be achieved in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID chip 32 is located within the compartment 40 and is protected by a cover 42 when installed. At this location, depending on the particular application, the RFID chip 32 is shielded from exposure to fluid flow traveling through the passageway 38 and from external sources of contamination. The RFID chip 32 has an antenna 62 that exchanges (i.e., transmits and receives) RF signals and has an Integrated Circuit (IC)64 that stores data and information (as well as possibly other functions).

To activate and enable RFID chip 32 to transmit and receive RF signals with RFID interrogator 56, and to deactivate and disable RFID chip 32 from transmitting and receiving RF signals, switch 34 interacts with RFID chip 32. This interaction may also affect the function of the RFID chip 32 in other ways. In the embodiment presented by the figures, switch 34 is electrically coupled to RFID chip 32 to enable and disable antenna 62 from transmitting and receiving RF signals. In some cases, the switch 34 may have various designs, configurations, and components in different embodiments depending on the design and configuration of the RFID chip and accompanying connector with which the switch interacts. For example, the switch 34 may take mechanical, electrical and magnetic forms. In one embodiment, and referring to fig. 3 and 4, the switch 34 is in the form of a button 66 mounted to the RFID chip 32. As best shown in fig. 4, the button 66 is located between the RFID chip 32 and the actuator member 36, and proximate the passageway 44. When struck and physically pressed, button 66 (due to its electrical coupling with RFID chip 32) activates and enables antenna 62 to send and receive RF signals. Depending on the embodiment, a single press and release of the button 66 may activate the RFID chip 32, or a held bump and press may activate the RFID chip 32 for the duration of the bump and press. Conversely, a single depression and release of the button 66 may deactivate the RFID chip 32, or the absence of a maintained bump and depression may deactivate the RFID chip 32 for a duration lacking bumps and depressions.

Further, in other embodiments, the switch 34 may be prompted by other means to activate and deactivate the RFID chip 32. With particular reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment performs prompting by using a non-contact switch instead of a contact-based switch. The reed switch 68 is carried by the body 26 of the fluid line connector 12 and the magnetic component 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 component 70 causes activation of the RFID chip 32. Conversely, incomplete fixation and concomitant distancing of the reed switch 68 and the magnetic component 70 relative to one another deactivates the RFID chip 32. In this embodiment, the actuator member 36 need not be provided.

The actuator member 36 receives abutment during and when fully secured between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14, thereby causing the switch 34 to be struck. In some cases, the actuator member 36 may have various designs, configurations, and components in different embodiments depending on the design and configuration of the switch 34 and accompanying connectors. In the embodiment of the figures, and referring now to fig. 3 and 4, an actuator member 36 spans between the passage 38 and the switch 34 to provide correlation 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 located and seated in the passageway 44. In its place, the actuator member 36 has one end at the channel 38 and the other end at the switch 34. In the embodiment of fig. 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 74 and a pair of prongs 76 depending from the base 74. The base 74 has a first working surface 78 located at the switch 34 and held in contact with the switch 34. And the prongs 76 each have a second working surface 80 located in the passage 38 for abutting the connector 14 when the connector 14 is inserted into the fluid line connector 12. The second working surface 80 may be inclined relative to the axis of the connector 14 for easy abutment with the connector 14 and causing concomitant displacement of the cam member 72.

When the fluid line connector and assembly 10 is employed in use, proper and complete securement can be detected via RFID technology. When the connector 14 is inserted into the body 26 at the first end 16, the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 are brought together. The first flange 20 abuts the cam member 72 and displaces the cam member 72 upward (relative to the orientation of the drawing) and toward the button 66. The first flange 20 is in face-to-face abutment with the second working surface 80 of the cam member 72. The cam member 72 is urged upward and strikes the button 66 via surface-to-surface contact between the first working surface 78 and a facing surface of the button 66. In this embodiment, the first flange 20 remains in abutment with the cam member 72 and, therefore, the cam member 72 remains in impact with the button 66 when fully secured.

In another embodiment, the fluid line connector 12 includes more than a single RFID chip. Referring in particular to fig. 3, in addition to the first RFID chip 32, a second RFID chip 33 is provided. And, similar to the first RFID chip 32, the second RFID chip 33 helps to detect proper and complete securement between the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14. In this embodiment, both the first RFID chip 32 and the second RFID chip 33 transmit and receive RF signals using the RFID interrogator 56. In one example, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 exhibit full securement, the first RFID chip 32 may communicate the full securement information to the RFID interrogator 56. Conversely, when the fluid line connector 12 and the connector 14 are not fully secured together, the second RFID chip 33 may communicate this incompletely secured information to the RFID interrogator 56. Further, when fully fixed, the second RFID chip 33 does not transmit information of the incomplete fixation to the RFID interrogator 56; also, when not fully secured together, the first RFID chip 32 does not communicate fully secured information to the RFID interrogator 56. As in the previous embodiment, the first RFID chip 32 and the second RFID chip 33 may transmit additional information, such as a serial number, a mounting location, and the like. Whether the first RFID chip 32 transmits its fully fixed information or the second RFID chip 33 transmits its incompletely fixed information is governed in part by the switch 34. In this embodiment, the switch 34 interacts with and is electrically coupled to both the first RFID chip 32 and the second RFID chip 33. The interaction and transfer of information may be implemented in different ways. For example, when impacted, the switch 34 may activate and enable the first RFID chip 32 to transmit fully-fixed information, and when not impacted, the switch 34 may activate and enable the second RFID chip 33 to transmit non-fully-fixed information. The impact and absence of impact of the switch 34 may disable and disable the first RFID chip 32 or the second RFID chip 33.

Referring now to fig. 5-11, yet another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly 110 is presented. This embodiment has some similarities to the embodiment of fig. 1-4, and these similarities may not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of fig. 5-11. Fluid line connector and assembly 110 includes a fluid line connector 112 and another separate and discrete connector 114. Fluid line 112 has a quick connect function for ready connection and disconnection actions with connector 114 and is used to connect together automotive fluid lines and 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 (commonly referred to as a plug). Fluid line connector 112 receives insertion of connector 114 as best shown in fig. 7. The fluid line connector 112 has a bent and L-shaped configuration in the drawings, but may have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. In many possibilities, the connector 114 may be an integrated and somewhat monolithic portion of a larger component (such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger), or may be an integrated and somewhat monolithic portion of a fluid line.

With particular reference to fig. 6, the connector 114 has an extension 115 and a slot 117 at the end of the connector 114 that is inserted into the fluid line connector 112. The extension 115 interacts with an actuator member of the fluid line connector 112, as described below, and may have various designs and configurations. The extension 115 axially spans the insertion end of the connector 114 and projects radially outward from the surrounding body of the connector. The slot 117 receives insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector 112, as described below. The slot 117 spans circumferentially around the connector 114. Further, the connector 114 has a ramp 119. The ramp 119 exhibits an increased diameter in the connector 114. The connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112 with the ramp 119 being received in the fluid line connector 112 before the extension 115 is received in the fluid line connector 112 and before the slot 117 is received in the fluid line connector (i.e., from right to left in the orientation of fig. 6).

In the embodiment shown in fig. 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; in other embodiments, the fluid line connector 112 may also have more, fewer, and/or different components. Turning now to fig. 5 and 7-9, the body 126 has a passage 138 defined in its structure for allowing fluid to flow through the fluid line connector 112. In addition, the body 126 has a compartment for receiving and placing an RFID tag 132. A removable cover 142 is provided for enclosing the compartment and enclosing the RFID tag 132 therein (the compartment and cover are only depicted in fig. 5 and 7, but the depictions of fig. 8 and 9 may have a similar configuration for housing the RFID tag 132). Further, although only partially shown in fig. 5, a plug-in assembly 143 may be provided and carried within the interior of the fluid line connector 112 and within the channel 138. Depending on its design and configuration, 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.

The body 126 has a configuration that cooperatively provides a quick connect function of the fluid line connector 112 with the retainer 129. Referring again to fig. 5 and 7-9, first and second openings 149, 151 are defined on opposite sides of the body wall and all the way across and into the channel 138. On the exterior of the wall, there is a first recess 153 and a second recess 155 for temporarily deploying the retainer 129 as the retainer 129 is moved to be received in the slot 117. A flange 157 projects radially outwardly of the wall of the body and partially surrounds a section of the retainer 129 to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the retainer 129 when the retainer is received in the slot 117.

Further, the body 126 has a structure intended to accommodate assembly and mounting of the actuator members 136, 137. The precise design and configuration of this structure may vary and may depend on the design and configuration of the actuator member and switches used in the fluid line connector 112. In the embodiment shown in the figures, turning now to fig. 5, 8 and 9, a first receptacle 159 and a second receptacle 161 are located in the body 126. The first socket 159 receives and retains the first actuator member 136 and is in the form of a slotted structure in this embodiment. A first socket 159 is located at the inlet 163 of the passage 138 for locating the first actuator member 136 therein, and is defined in the body wall adjacent the inlet 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. Also, in a similar manner, 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 channel 138 at the inlet 163. The figures depict enlarged structures in the body wall to accommodate the first actuator member 136 and to provide the first receptacle 159, but in other embodiments the receptacle may be more consistent and integrated into the body 126 so that enlargement may be minimized.

Referring now specifically to fig. 9, the second socket 161 receives and retains the second actuator member 137, and in this embodiment is in the form of a slotted structure. The second socket 161 is located outside the channel 138 and to one side of the body wall for locating the second actuator member 137 therein. To fully receive the second actuator member 137, the radial depth of the second socket 161 may be approximately equal to the length of the second actuator member 137. Also, in a similar manner, 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 substantially aligned with the radius of the channel 138 at the inlet 163. The figures depict enlarged structures protruding from the sides of the body wall to accommodate the second actuator member 137 and for providing the second socket 161, but in other embodiments the accommodation may be more consistent and integrated into the body 126 so that the enlarged structures may be minimized. In fig. 9, the bottom wall 165 and a pair of side walls 167 depending from the bottom wall 165 together partially enclose the second actuator member 137 and help prevent inadvertent contact by foreign components when the fluid line connector 112 is placed in use.

The retainer 129 interacts with the body 126 to provide a quick connect function of the fluid line connector 112 so that the connector 114 can be easily inserted and retained in the fluid line connector 112, and can be released and removed from the fluid line connector as needed or desired. The retainer 129 may vary in design and construction. With particular reference to fig. 5 and 8, in this embodiment, the retainer 129 is an inwardly biased one-piece stainless steel wire spring. The retainer 129 has a first leg 169, a second leg 171, and a bridge 173 spanning between the legs. The first leg 169 and the second leg 171 may be substantially similar in shape and size. The first use position of the retainer 129 is presented in fig. 5, 8 and 9. In the first use position, the retainer 129 is carried by the body 126 with the first leg 169 and the second leg 171 moving through the first opening 149 and the second opening 151. First leg 169 and second leg 171 are partially positioned within channel 138. In the first use position, the connector 114 is not plugged into the fluid line connector 112. The second use position of the retainer 129 is not specifically depicted in the figures. In the second use position, the connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112 and the ramp 119 engages the first leg 169 and the second leg 171. This engagement causes the first leg 169 and the second leg 171 to spread apart from each other (i.e., radially outward) and may move the bridge 173 radially outward. In some cases, the terminal foot 173 (fig. 9) of the first leg 169 is seated in the first recess 153, and likewise, the terminal foot (not specifically shown) of the second leg 171 is seated in the second recess 155. With continued insertion of connector 114, retainer 129 is brought to a third use position in which retainer 129 is received in slot 117. First leg 169 and second leg 171 ride on ramp 119 and may snap back into their first use position, but are now received in slot 117. The first leg 169 and the second leg 171 move through the first opening 149 and the second opening 151, respectively. Receipt of the first leg 169 and the second leg 171 into the slot 117 secures the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 together. Movement of the retainer 129 between its first, second and third use positions moves the retainer 129 in a direction generally transverse and orthogonal 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.

Turning now to FIG. 11, the RFID tag 132 facilitates detection of proper and complete securement 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 sends an interrogation signal 158 to the RFID tag 132, which in turn communicates with the RFID interrogator 156. In this way, proper and fully fixed detection is performed using RFID technology. In a manufacturing facility, for example, the RFID interrogator 156 may be located in the middle of an assembly, inspection, and/or installation line, and an interrogation zone may be established in which the RFID interrogator 156 seeks to communicate with the RFID tag 132 as the fluid line connector and assembly 110, and larger applications, are transported through a fixed area. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator 156 may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator 156. In another arrangement, the RFID interrogator 156 may be a mobile device such as a handheld device.

In this embodiment, the RFID tag 132 is a passive RFID tag type, but may be another type, 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 an embodiment, the information communicated may be an indication of a securing condition between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114. For example, when the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 exhibit full securement, the RFID tag 132 may transmit the full securement information to the RFID interrogator 156 in the form of an ON signal. Conversely, when the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 lack a complete securement, the RFID tag 132 may communicate the information that is not completely secured to the RFID interrogator 156 in the form of an OFF signal. The RFID interrogator 156 may in turn process the transmitted information. The information transmitted may also include part serial number, mounting location, etc. In embodiments where the fluid line connector 112 is equipped with two switches 134, 135 and two actuator members 136, 137, the RFID tag 132 may communicate the state of each actuator member 136, 137 based on the impact or non-impact of the switches 134, 135. For example, the RFID tag 132 may transmit one or more of the following states: i) lack of actuation of both actuator members 136, 137, hence both the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 are in an open state, ii) lack of actuation of the first actuator member 136, hence the first switch 134 is in an open state, and the second actuator member 137 is actuated, hence the second switch 135 is in a closed state, iii) actuation of the first actuator member 136, hence the first switch 134 is in a closed state, and lack of actuation of the second actuator member 137, hence the second switch 135 is in an open state, and/or iv) actuation of both the first actuator member 136 and the second actuator member 137, hence both the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 are in a closed state.

An RFID tag 132 is carried by the body 126. The support between the RFID tag 132 and the body 126 may be achieved in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 132 is located within a compartment of the body and is protected by a cover 142 when installed. At this location, RFID tag 132 is shielded from exposure to fluid flow traveling through passageway 138 and from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. As shown in fig. 11, the RFID tag 132 has an antenna 162 and has an Integrated Circuit (IC)164 that stores data and information (as well as other possible functions). Antenna 162 and IC 164 may be carried on a substrate of RFID tag 132. When both are provided, the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 may be electrically coupled in a series arrangement with the RFID tag 132. Furthermore, as previously described with reference to fig. 3, in the embodiment of fig. 5-11, the fluid line connector 112 may include more than a single RFID tag.

In an alternative to the embodiment of fig. 5-11, the fluid line connector 112 may be equipped with: 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 switch 134 and the second switch 135 and both the first actuator member 136 and the second actuator member 137. The third [ iii) ] alternative is depicted in the figure, but the skilled person can easily imagine the first [ i) ] and the second [ ii) ] alternatives by removing the other from the fluid line connector 112 in the figure.

Turning now to fig. 10, the first and second switches 134, 135 are electrically coupled with the RFID tag 132 to communicate the state of the switches to the RFID tag 132 based on the impact or non-impact of the first and second actuator members 136, 137 on the switches 134, 135. The electrical coupling may be in the form of a wire 175 that spans from the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 to the RFID tag 132. The wiring may establish a series arrangement. In the example of wires 175, the wires 175 may be routed through one or more grooves in the body 126, or may be embedded within the walls of the body, among other possibilities. In some cases, the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 may take various forms in various embodiments depending on the design and configuration of the RFID tag and accompanying actuator member with which the switches interact. The first switch 134 and the second switch 135 may take different forms relative to each other and in embodiments where both switches 134, 135 are present. In fig. 10, the first switch 134 and the second switch 135 are in the form of buttons 166. The push button 166 is in a closed state when struck and physically depressed by a particular actuator member. Also, the push button 166 is in an open state when not struck by and not physically depressed by a particular actuator member.

The first and second actuator members 136, 137 receive abutment during and when fully secured action between the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114, and are thereby actuated and thereby strike the first and second switches 134, 135, respectively, to close the switches. In some cases, the first actuator member 136 and the second actuator member 137 may have various designs, configurations, and components in different embodiments, depending on the design and configuration of the particular switch and connector. The first actuator member 136 and the second actuator member 137 may take different forms relative to each other and in embodiments where there are two actuator members 136, 137.

In the embodiment of the drawings and turning now to fig. 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 adjacent the inlet 163 of the passage 138. Generally, the first actuator member 136 resembles a V-shape that rotates on its side. When assembled, the longitudinal extension 177 of the first actuator member 136 is disposed generally in line with the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. The longitudinal extension 177 is generally aligned with the axis of the channel 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 and received in the first socket 159 of the body 126. When the first actuator member 136 receives abutment from the connector 114, the appendage 183 can move relative to the base 181 on an arcuate path 185. As perhaps best shown in fig. 5, the appendage 183 is partially suspended within the channel 138 prior to insertion of the connector 114 such that the extension 115 of the connector can abut the appendage 183 upon such insertion. When the accessory 183 is at rest and when the accessory lacks abutment with the extension 115, it remains in the extended position and the hanging position, which constitutes an unactuated state of the first actuator member 136 and a corresponding open state of the first switch 134. When abutted, the appendage 183 then moves towards the base 181 and strikes the first switch 134, which constitutes the actuated state of the first actuator member 136 and the corresponding closed state of the first switch 134.

At one side, the appendage 183 has an outer working surface 187 that remains generally facing the channel 138 and the connector 114. At its opposite side, the accessory 183 has an inner working surface 189 that remains generally facing the first switch 134. A projection 191 may extend from the inner working surface 189 for direct impact with the first switch 134. The appendage 183 has a proximal end 193 about which the appendage 183 bends relative to the base 181 and has a distal end 195. Proximal end 193 serves as a hinge and distal end 195 constitutes the free end of appendage 183. For the first actuator member 136, the axis 197 of the hinge is disposed generally orthogonal to the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, and is also generally orthogonal to the axis of the passage 138 at the inlet 163.

In this embodiment, the second actuator member 137 has a similar design and construction as the first actuator member 136. Turning now to fig. 9, the second actuator member 137 is intended to facilitate proper positioning of the retainer 129 and detection of the concomitant receipt of the legs 169, 171 in the slot 117. A second actuator member 137 is located at a position outside the channel 138 and at one side of the body wall; however, in other embodiments lacking the depiction, the second actuator member may be located inside the body 126 and need not be outside. Due to its location, and unlike the first actuator member 136, the longitudinal extent 177 of the second actuator member 137 is arranged generally transverse to the insertion direction 179 of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. The longitudinal extent 177 is generally orthogonal to the axis of the channel 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. An attachment 183 is positioned at the exterior of the body, the distal end 195 of which intersects the path in which the terminal foot 173 descends and resides when the holder 129 is in its first and third use positions. In this manner, as the legs 169, 171 move in the slot 117, the terminal foot 173 may come into abutment with the appendage 183 and may thus cause actuation of the second actuator member 137. In fig. 9, the actuation of the second actuator member 137 via abutment from the terminal foot 173 is shown. When the accessory 183 is at rest and when the accessory lacks abutment with the terminal foot 173, it remains in its extended position, which constitutes an unactuated state of the second actuator member 137 and a corresponding open state of the second switch 135. When the holder 129 is in its second use position, the appendage 183 lacks abutment with the terminal foot 173. When abutted by the terminal foot 173, the appendage 183 then moves towards the base 181 and strikes the second switch 135, which constitutes the actuated state of the second actuator member 137 and the corresponding closed state of the second switch 135. With the second actuator member 137, the axis 197 of the hinge is arranged to be 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 passage 138 at the inlet 163.

Embodiments of the fluid line connector 112 employing two switches 134, 135 and two actuator members 136, 137 provide enhanced full fixation resolution and eliminate false negative test readings. Turning now to FIG. 6, a first bar graph 200 represents the state of the first switch 134 at certain axial insertion depths of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, and a second bar graph 202 represents the state of the second switch 135 at the same axial insertion depths of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112. In fig. 6, a first bar graph 200 and a second bar graph 202 are placed alongside the connector 114 and parallel to the axis of the connector 114 for representing respective axial sections of the connector 114 when the connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112. In this embodiment, along a first axial insertion depth 204 at which the connector 114 is inserted into the fluid line connector 112, the first switch 134 should be in its open state. Along a first axial insertion depth 206 where connector 114 is inserted into fluid line connector 112, second switch 135 may be in its closed state. Further, along the second axial insertion depth 208, the first switch 134 may be in its closed state. At the second axial insertion depth 208, the retainer 129 is now engaged with the ramp 119 as shown. Along the second axial insertion depth 210, the second switch 135 should be in its off state. Likewise, in the second axial insertion depth 210, the ramp 119 engages the retainer 129. Finally, along the third axial insertion depth 212, the first switch 134 should be in its closed state. And along the third axial insertion depth 214, the second switch 135 should also be in its closed state. At the third axial insertion depth 212, 214, the first and second legs 169, 171 are received in the slot 117 and the fluid line connector 112 and the connector 114 are fully secured together. In addition, the first and second actuator members 136, 137 are actuated and impact the first and second switches 134, 135 at the third axial insertion depths 212, 214. In the insertion movement of the connector 114 into the fluid line connector 112, in this embodiment, the first switch 134 enters its closed state from its open state, and the second switch 135 enters its open state from its closed state and then returns to its closed state. In a sense, the second switch 135 acts like a momentary switch. Furthermore, false negative detection readings are eliminated because the second switch 135 is simultaneously in its open state at the second axial insertion depth 210 when the first switch 134 initially enters its closed state (or at least may be in its closed state) at the second axial insertion depth 208. In other words, at least one of the first switch 134 or the second switch 135 remains in its open state until the third axial insertion depth 212, 214.

Additional alternatives are also possible for the embodiments of fig. 5-11. In one alternative, the impact from the first and second actuator members 136, 137 changes the state of the respective first and second switches 134, 135, e.g., brings the switches from an initial open state to a subsequent closed state via the impact, or conversely brings the switches from an initial closed state to a subsequent open state via the impact. In another alternative, the first switch 134 may itself receive an abutment from the connector 114, wherein the first actuator member 136 acts indirectly on and moves indirectly through the abutment via the first switch 134.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is not a definition of the invention, but is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is only limited by the following claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments as well as 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 fall within the scope of the appended claims.

As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for example," "for instance," and "such as," and the verbs "comprising," "having," "including," and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.