[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and, more particularly, to a fluid connection assembly including both a primary retaining clip and a secondary retainer that provides added securement or a backup securement device.

BACKGROUND [0002] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are integral components for many applications, and especially for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Another example of fluid traveling between components is oil being pumped to and/or from a turbocharger. Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip, retaining ring clip, or snap ring carried on the connector body which is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of a tube when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, failure of such retaining clip is possible if installed improperly. Also, failure of such retaining clip is also possible in high fluid pressure situations.

[0003] Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connection assembly including a secondary retainer that can be arranged complementary to a retainer clip so as to provide added securement and/or a backup securement in case of failure of the retainer clip.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface comprising a first groove, the first groove including at least one aperture, a retaining clip arranged in the groove and operatively arranged to extend into the through-bore, and a secondary retainer, including a band portion including a third end, a fourth end, and a radially inward facing surface, and at least one arm portion, comprising a first member connected to the fourth end, and a second member connected to the first member and operatively arranged to engage the first groove and extend into the through-bore.

[0005] In some embodiments, the band portion is adjustable. In some embodiments, the band portion further comprises a flange extending radially inward from the third end. In some embodiments, the first radially outward facing surface further comprises a second groove, wherein the flange is operatively arranged to engage the second groove. In some embodiments, the arm portion further comprises a protrusion extending radially inward from the first member. In some embodiments, the first radially outward facing surface comprises at least one flat, and in a locked position of the secondary retainer the protrusion is at least partially engaged with the at least one flat. In some embodiments, the protrusion is arranged axially between and spaced apart from the fourth end and the second member. In some embodiments, the arm portion further comprises at least one projection extending radially inward from the first member, and the at least one projection is arranged immediately adjacent the second member. In some embodiments, in a locked state of the secondary retainer, the protrusion engages the retaining clip. In some embodiments, the at least one arm portion comprises a plurality of arm portions separated by circumferential spaces. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder and a second radially outward facing surface, wherein in a connected state of the fluid connection assembly, the retaining clip secures the tube in the connector body. In some embodiments, in a locked position of the secondary retainer, the second member engages the second radially outward facing surface.

[0006] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a retainer for a fluid connection assembly, comprising a band portion, including a first end, a second end, a first radially inward facing surface, a first radially outward facing surface, and a flange connected to the first end and extending radially inward from the first radially inward facing surface, a plurality of arm portions separated by circumferential spaces, each arm portion of the plurality of arm portions including a first member, including a third end connected to the second end, a fourth end, a second radially inward facing surface, and a second radially outward facing surface, and a second member connected to the fourth end and extending radially inward from the second radially inward facing surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the band portion is adjustable and comprises a clamping mechanism. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises atari and a buckle, and the buckle is operatively arranged to secure the tail therein. In some embodiments, at least one arm member of the plurality of arm members further comprises at least one protrusion extending radially inward from the second radially inward facing surface. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is arranged axially between and spaced apart from the band portion and the second member. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is arranged immediately adjacent the second member. In some embodiments, the band portion is non-continuous in a circumferential direction. In some embodiments, at least one arm member of the plurality of arm members further comprises a protrusion extending radially inward from the second radially inward facing surface and arranged axially between and spaced apart from the band portion and the second member, and a projection extending radially inward from the second radially inward facing surface and arranged immediately adjacent the second member. [0008] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, for example, for use in a fluid connection to a turbocharger. The fluid connection assembly comprises a connector body, a retaining clip arranged in a groove of the connector body, a tube that is held within the connector body via the retaining clip, and a secondary retainer. The secondary retainer has an adjustable ring/clamp portion including a radially inward extending protrusion or flange that engages an exterior groove of the connector body. This adjustable clamp secures the secondary retainer to the connector body. The secondary retainer further comprises finger portions that extend axially from the adjustable ring and having members that extend radially inward and engage the bumps/protrusions of the retaining clip, thereby further securing the connection. This makes it even more difficult for the retaining clip to be disengaged from the connector body. The finger portions may comprise a radially inward extending boss or protrusion that engages a flat on the connector body. As the secondary retainer is rotated with respect to the connector body, the boss engages the radially outward facing surface of the connector body and forces the fingers radially outward thereby disengaging the fingers from the retaining clip. The fingers may include additional bosses or contours at the distal ends thereof to further aid in the radially outward expansion of the fingers as the secondary retainer is rotated.

[0009] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

Figure 1 A is a front perspective view of a fluid connection assembly;

Figure IB is a rear perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in Figure 1A;

Figure 2 is a front perspective exploded view of the fluid connection assembly shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 3 A is a front perspective view of the secondary retainer and retaining clip shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of the secondary retainer and retaining clip shown in Figure 3 A;

Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a secondary retainer and the retaining clip shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of the secondary retainer and retaining clip shown in Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a front perspective view of a secondary retainer and the retaining clip shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 5B is a rear perspective view of the secondary retainer and retaining clip shown in Figure 5A;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 6-6 in Figure 1 A; and,

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 7-7 in Figure 1 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0012] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0013] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0014] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0015] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0016] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of’ and

“comprising at least one of’ in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein.

[0017] It should be appreciated that the term “tube” as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end form, or any other suitable pipe flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should further be appreciated that the term “tube” can mean a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of a gas or a liquid.

[0018] Adverting now to the figures, Figure 1A is a front perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10. Figure IB is a rear perspective view of fluid connection 10. Figure 2 is a front perspective exploded view of fluid connection 10. Fluid connection assembly generally comprises connector body 40, retaining clip 70, tube 80, and secondary retainer 100. The following description should be read in view of Figures 1A-2.

[0019] Tube 80 comprises end 82, section 83, shoulder 87, section 89, end 94, and through-bore 96. Through-bore 96 extends through tube 80 from end 82 to end 94. Section 83 is arranged between end 82 and shoulder 87 and comprises radially outward facing surface 84. Radially outward facing surface 84 includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 84 comprises a frusto-conical or curvilinear taper proximate end 82 (see Figure 6). In some embodiments, section 83 further comprises a raised section arranged between radially outward facing surface 84 and shoulder 87. Shoulder 87 is arranged between section 83 and section 89 and comprises radially outward facing surface 86 and surface 88. As shown, radially outward facing surface 86 is a frusto-conical surface extending from radially outward surface 84 to surface 88. Radially outward facing surface 86 increases in diameter is axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 86 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction ADI. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a constant diameter radially outward facing surface arranged between radially outward facing surface 86 and surface 88. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a frusto-conical surface arranged radially between radially outward facing surface 86 and surface 88, the frusto-conical surface decreasing in diameter in axial direction AD2 (see Figure 6). Shoulder surface 88 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD2. Section 89 is arranged between shoulder 87 and end 94 and comprises radially outward facing surface 92. Radially outward facing surface 92 includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, section 89 further comprises a raised section, namely, radially outward facing surface 90, arranged between shoulder surface 88 and radially outward facing surface 92. Radially outward facing surface 90 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of radially outward facing surface 92.

[0020] Tube 80 is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end 82 first, into connector body 40, specifically through-bore 41. Tube 80 is inserted into connector body 40 until section 83, or radially outward facing surface 84, engages seal 62 (see Figure 6), and shoulder 87 axially clears retaining clip 70 (i.e., shoulder 87 is arranged on the right side of retaining clip 70 as shown in Figure 6). It is the engagement of protrusions 72A-C with shoulder surface 88 that secures tube 80 within connector body 40. It should be appreciated that tube 80 may be any traditional tube or tube end form comprising a bead, radially outward extending protrusion or flange, or ramp profile, which extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube, to secure the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a metal. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a nonmetal (e.g., polymer, rubber, ceramic, etc.).

[0021] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and retaining clip 70. Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and retaining clip 70. Figure 4A is a front perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and retaining clip 70. Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and retaining clip 70. Figure 5A is a front perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and the retaining clip 70. Figure 5B is a rear perspective view of secondary retainer 100 and retaining clip 70. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 6-6 in Figure 1 A. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 7-7 in Figure 1A. The following description should be read in view of Figures 1A-7.

[0022] Connector body 40 comprises through-bore 41 extending from end 42 to end

44, radially inward facing surface 46, radially inward facing surface 48, groove 50, radially outward facing surfaces 52A-B, groove 54A-B, head 58, and radially outward facing surface 60. Connector body 40 is arranged to be connected to a component that is filled with a fluid or through which fluid flows. For example, connector body 40 may be connected to a turbocharger, refrigeration compressor, or a transmission via radially outward facing surface 60, which may comprise external threading. Connector body 40 may be screwed into a threaded hole in the component via head 58 (e.g., using a wrench), which is then filled with oil, refrigerant, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. In some embodiments, head 58 is hexagonal; however, it should be appreciated that head 58 may comprise any geometry suitable for applying torque to connector body 40. Another component in which fluid connector 10, specifically connector body 40, may be installed into is a condenser, evaporator, or pump. It should be appreciated that fluid connection assembly 10 may be used in various other components, assemblies, and subassemblies in which fluid connection is desired. Radially outward facing surface 60 may further comprise groove 56. Seal or O-ring 64 is arranged in groove 56 to create a fluid tight seal between connector body 40 and the component it is connected to.

[0023] Seal 62 is arranged in connector body 40. Specifically, seal 62 is arranged in groove 50. Groove 50 is arranged in radially inward facing surface 48. In some embodiments, seal 62 is an O-ring. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface 46 is a cylindrical surface that extends from end 44 to surface 47. Radially inward facing surface 46 is connected to radially inward facing surface 48 via surface 47. In some embodiments, surface 47 is a frusto- conical surface that connects generally cylindrical radially inward facing surface 46 with generally cylindrical radially inward facing surface 48. In some embodiments, surface 47 is an axial surface facing in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface 48 is a cylindrical surface that extends from end 42 to surface 47.

[0024] Groove 54A is arranged in radially outward facing surface 52A and comprises a radially outward facing surface and two axial surfaces extending therefrom. Groove 54A is arranged axially between end 44 and head 58. In some embodiments, groove 54A is arranged between end 44 and radially outward facing surface 52B. Groove 54A further comprises apertures 55A-C arranged circumferentially thereabout. Apertures 55A-C extend from radially outward facing surface 52A to through-bore 41. Groove 54A is operatively arranged to engage retaining clip 70 and secondary retainer 100, as will be described in greater detail below. [0025] Radially outward facing surface 52B is arranged adjacent to radially outward facing surface 52A, namely, between radially outward facing surface 52A and head 58. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 52B comprises a diameter that is greater than the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52A. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 52B comprises a diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52A. Groove 54B is arranged in radially outward facing surface 52B. In some embodiments, groove 54B is arranged axially between groove 54A and head 58. In some embodiments, groove 54B is arranged immediately adjacent head 58. Groove 54B is operatively arranged to engage secondary retainer 100, specifically flange 116, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0026] In some embodiments, and as shown, radially outward facing surface 52B comprises one or more flats, for example flats 53A-C, which are planar surfaces on an otherwise curvilinear radially outward facing surface 52B. As best shown in Figure 7, radially outward facing surface 52B comprises radius R1 and flats 53A-C comprise radius R2, radius R1 being greater than radius R2. Furthermore, in some embodiments, and as shown in Figure 6, the radius of groove 54B is equal to radius R2 of flats 53A-C. Flats 53A-C are operatively arranged to engage protrusions 128, as will be described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, connector body 40 does not include head 58 and torque is applied thereto via flats 53A-C. In some embodiments, connector body 40 comprises a metal. In some embodiments, connector body 40 comprises a nonmetal (e.g., polymer, ceramic, rubber). [0027] Retaining clip or retaining ring or snap clip/ring 70 is arranged in groove 54A in body 40. Retaining clip 70 is generally ring-shaped including one or more protrusions extending radially inward. In the embodiment shown, retaining clip 70 comprises protrusions 72A-C. Protrusions 72A-C extend radially inward through apertures 55A-C in groove 54A. Protrusions 72A-C are arranged to engage shoulder 87, specifically, surface 88, to secure tube 80 within connector body 40. Each of protrusions 72A-C comprises a “U” or “V” shape and project radially inward from radially outward facing surface 74. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 74 is the radially outermost surface of retaining clip 70. Retaining clip 70 may comprise any material that is capable of elastically deforming and returning to its original shape (e.g., metal, polymer, etc.).

[0028] Secondary retainer 100 generally comprises band portion 102 and at least one arm portion 120, and is operatively arranged to engage connector body 40, tube 80, and retaining clip 70. Band portion 102 is arranged outside of connector body 40 and arm portion 120 is arranged at least partially inside of connector body 40. Band portion 102 includes end 104, end 106, radially inward facing surface 108, and radially outward facing surface 110. In some embodiments, and as shown, band portion 102, namely, radially inward facing surface 108 and radially outward facing surface 110, comprises a constant diameter. Band portion 102 is operatively arranged to engage connector body 40 to connect secondary retainer 100 thereto. Specifically, radially inward facing surface 108 is arranged to engage radially outward facing surface 52B. Secondary retainer 100 further comprises radially inward extending flange 116 connected to end 104. Flange 116 extends radially inward from radially inward facing surface 108 and is operatively arranged to engage groove 54B.

[0029] In some embodiments, the diameter of band portion 102 is adjustable and/or comprises a clamp mechanism. For example, and as shown, band portion 102 may comprise a circumferential gap forming two circumferential ends, wherein the first circumferential end includes tail 112 and the second circumferential end includes buckle 114. Tail 112 is operatively arranged to engage buckle 114 and buckle 114 is arranged to fixedly secure tail 112 therein, thereby locking the diameter of band portion 102. Buckle 114 is generally a loop and buckle 114 and tail 112 may protrude radially outward from radially outward facing surface 110. Tail 112 engages buckle 114 and is pulled therethrough until the desired diameter of band portion 102 is achieved. Such connection may be, or is similar to, an OETIKER® WINGGUARD® strap clamp. In some embodiments, tail 112 and buckle 114 are replaced with the components of an OETIKER® worm drive clamp, OETIKER® STEPLESS® screw clamp, OETIKER® universal clamp, OETIKER® reusable low profile clamp, OETIKER® TOOTHLOCK® low profile clamp, OETIKER® STEPLESS® low profile clamp, OETIKER® V-clamp, or OETIKER® ear clamp. It should be appreciated that any adjustment mechanism suitable for decreasing and increasing the diameter of band portion 102 so as to secure secondary retainer 100 to connector body 40 may be used.

[0030] The arrangement of the circumferential gap as well as the adjustment mechanism (i.e., tail 112 and buckle 114) allows band portion 102 to be elastic and assembled radially on connector body 40. For example, as secondary retainer 100 is arranged radially on connector body 40, band portion 102 may expand in a radially outward direction (i.e., increase in diameter) and then, once properly arranged on connector body 40, contract back to its original diameter.

[0031] Arm portion or portions 120 are connected to band potion 102. In some embodiments, and as shown, secondary retainer 100 comprises a plurality of arm portions, for example, three arm portions 120, separated by circumferential spaces 118. Each of arm portions 120 comprises member 122, radially inward facing surface 124, and radially outward facing surface 126. Member 122, at its proximal end, extends from end 106 in axial direction ADI. In some embodiments, and as shown, radially outward facing surface 126 is aligned with radially outward facing surface 110 and radially inward facing surface 124 is aligned with radially inward facing surface 108. That is to say, in some embodiments, arm portions 120 comprise a diameter that is equal to band portion 102.

[0032] In some embodiments, member 122 comprises protrusion 128 (see Figures 3 A-

4B and 6-7). Protrusion 128 protrudes radially inward from radially inward facing surface 124. Protrusion 128 is arranged axially between end 106 and a distal end of member 122, specifically, member 130. In some embodiments, protrusion 128 is arranged axially between and spaced apart from end 106 and member 130. Protrusion 128 is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface 52B and flats 53A-C. Specifically, in the locked position of secondary retainer 100, protrusions 128 are operatively arranged to at least partially align with flats 53A-C. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figure 7, in the locked position of secondary retainer 100, protrusions 128 are not completely aligned with flats 53A- C. For example, one protrusion 128 is completely aligned with flat 53B (i.e., no part of protrusion 128 is circumferentially aligned with radially outward facing surface 52B). Two of protrusions 128 are only partially aligned with flats 53A and 53C (i.e., part of each of protrusions 128 are circumferentially aligned with radially outward facing surface 52B). By staggering protrusions 128 with respect to flats 53A-C, less force is required to rotate secondary retainer 100 with respect to connector body 40 in order to displace arm portions 120 radially outward, as will be described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, in the locked position of secondary retainer 100, protrusions 128 are completely aligned with flats 53A-C. [0033] In some embodiments, arm portion 120 further comprises one or more members

130. Member 130 is connected to the distal end of member 122 and extends radially inward from radially inward facing surface 124 in radial direction RD2. In some embodiments, member 130 is arranged perpendicular to radially inward facing surface 124. In some embodiments, member 130 is arranged nonperpendicular to radially inward facing surface 124. Members 130 are operatively arranged to extend through apertures 55A-C and engage both retaining clip 70 and tube 80. In a connected state of tube 80 in connector body 40, shoulder 87 is arranged on a first axial side of retaining clip 70. In the locked position of secondary retainer 100, members 130 are arranged on a second axial side of retaining clip 70, opposite the first axial side.

[0034] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figures 4A-B, arm portion 120 may further comprise one or more projections or ramps, for example, projections 140A-B. Projections 140A-B are arranged between end 106 and member 130. In some embodiments, projections 140A-B are arranged immediately adjacent to member 130. Projections 140A-B extend radially inward from radially inward facing surface 124. In some embodiments, projections 140A-B vary in diameter. For example, projection 140A decreases in diameter (i.e., protrudes further from radially inward facing surface 124) in circumferential direction CD2 and projection 140B decreases in diameter (i.e., protrudes further from radially inward facing surface 124) in circumferential direction CD1 (see Figure 4B). Projections 140A-B engage radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70 and help to “squeeze” or compress retaining clip 70 about tube 80 providing added securement. When secondary retainer 100 is rotated circumferentially with respect to connector body 40, projections 140A-B engage radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70 and force arm portions 120 radially outward to disengage members 130 from apertures 55A-C (similar to the effect of protrusions 128).

[0035] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figures 5 A-B, arm portion 120 may further comprise projection or ramp 150. Projection 150 is arranged between end 106 and member 130. In some embodiments, projection 150 is arranged immediately adjacent to member 130. Projection 150 extends radially inward from radially inward facing surface 124. In some embodiments, projection 150 is a curvilinear surface and varies in diameter and comprises surfaces 152A and 152B. For example, surface 152A decreases in diameter (i.e., protrudes further from radially inward facing surface 124) in circumferential direction CD1 and projection 152B decreases in diameter (i.e., protrudes further from radially inward facing surface 124) in circumferential direction CD2 (see Figure 5B). Projections 150 engage protrusions 72A-C and help to “squeeze” or compress retaining clip 70 about tube 80 providing added securement. When secondary retainer 100 is rotated circumferentially with respect to connector body 40, projections 150 engage radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70 and force arm portions 120 radially outward to disengage members 130 from apertures 55A- C (similar to the effect of protrusions 128 and protrusions 140A-B). [0036] To assemble fluid connection assembly 10, retaining clip 70 is arranged on connector body 40 such that it is engaged with groove 54 and protrusions 72A-C are engaged with apertures 55A-C and protrude into through-bore 41 (see Figure 6). Tube 80 is then inserted in axial direction ADI, with end 82 first, into connector body 40. Radially outward facing surface 84 engages seal 62 and section 83 is arranged inside of connector body 40 proximate radially inward facing surface 48. As shoulder 87 engages protrusions 72A-C, retaining clip 70 expands radially outward in radial direction RD1. Once shoulder 87 clears protrusions 72A- C (i.e., is arranged axially between protrusions 72A-C and surface 47), protrusions 72A-C snap back radially inward in radial direction RD2 to form the connected state. In the connected state, shoulder 87 engages or is arranged proximate surface 47 and/or surface 46. Surface 47 prevents shoulder 87 and thus tube 80 from displacing in axial direction ADI, and protrusions 72A-C prevent shoulder 87 and thus tube 80 from displacing in axial direction AD2 with respect to connector body 40. As such, the engagement of retainer 70 with connector body 40 and tube 80 prevents displacement of tube 80 in axial directions ADI and AD2, as well as radial directions RD1 and RD2, relative to connector body 40.

[0037] Next, secondary retainer 100 is arranged on connector body 40 such that end

104 (i.e., flange 116) faces toward head 58 and end 106 faces away from head 58. As previously described, secondary retainer 100 is assembled radially onto connector body 40 through a circumferential gap in band portion 102 such that radially inward facing surface 108 is aligned with radially outward facing surface 52B, flange 116 is aligned with groove 54B, and members 130 are aligned with groove 54A and apertures 55A-C. During such assembly (i.e., as radially outward facing surface 52B passes through the circumferential gap in band portion 102), band portion 102 may elastically expand or increase in diameter. Once properly positioned, band portion 102 is tightened, for example, by pulling tail 112 through buckle 114 band portion 102 is firmly clamped around connector body 40. Such tightening forces flange 116 into engagement with groove 54B, which prevents axial displacement of secondary retainer 100 with respect to connector body (see Figure 6). The tightening of band portion 102 also forces members 130 through apertures 55A-C such that they engage tube 80 and protrusions 72A-C (see Figure 6). This is the locked position of secondary retainer 100.

[0038] In the locked position of secondary retainer 100: 1) flange 116 is engaged with groove 54B; 2) radially inward facing surface 108 is engaged with radially outward facing surface 52B; and/or 3) members 130 extend through apertures 55A-C and engage tube 80 and/or retaining clip 70. In some embodiments, members 130 abut against a radially outward facing surface of tube 80, for example, radially outward facing surface 90 or radially outward facing surface 92, which prevents or inhibits debris from entering connector body 40. In some embodiments, in the locked position of the secondary retainer 100, protrusions 128 engage radially outward facing surface 52B and/or flats 53A-C. In some embodiments, in the locked position of the secondary retainer 100, projections 140A-B engage protrusions 72A-C and/or radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70. In some embodiments, in the locked position of the secondary retainer 100, projections 150 engage protrusions 72A-C and/or radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70.

[0039] As such, secondary retainer 100 provides added retaining force to retaining clip

70 since it provides axial force in axial direction ADI to protrusions 70A-C within through- bore 41 of connector body 40. Such axial force on retaining clip 70 prevents chatter between elements. Secondary retainer 100 also provides radial force in radial direction RD2 and/or prevent radial displacement of retaining clip 70 in radial direction RD1 (i.e., due to engagement of projections 140A-B or 150). Moreover, if retaining clip 70 were to fail due to improper assembly or excessive force, secondary retainer 100 would prevent tube 80 from being ejected from connector body 40.

[0040] To unlock fluid connection assembly 10, engaged arm portions 120 must be displaced radially outward to disengage members 130 from apertures 55A-C and groove 54A. To help with such radially outward displacement, secondary retainer 100 may be displaced in circumferential direction CD1 or circumferential direction CD2 with respect to connector body 40. As secondary retainer 100 is rotated with respect to connector body 40: 1) protrusions 128 disengage flats 53A-C and engage radially outward facing surface 52B thereby forcing arm portions 120 radially outward (due to the larger radius Rl); 2) projections 140A-B engage radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70 thereby forcing arm portions 120 radially outward; and/or, 3) projections 150 engage radially outward facing surface 74 of retaining clip 70 thereby forcing arm portions 120 radially outward. Rotating secondary retainer 100 out of apertures 55A-C (i.e., displacing secondary retainer 100 60 degrees circumferentially with respect to connector body 40) allows retaining clip 70 to be expanded and tube 80 to be removed from connector body 40.

[0041] In some embodiments, band portion 102 is released and expanded radially to disengage flange 116 from groove 54B. Then, secondary retainer 100 is displaced radially in radial direction RD1 and/or axially in axial direction AD2 and removed from connector body

40

[0042] Due to the placement and geometry of the various protrusions/projections, less force is required to rotate secondary retainer 100 with respect to connector body. For example, and as previously described with respect to Figure 7, a first protrusion 128 is fully aligned with flat 53B, a second protrusion 128 overlaps a distal edge of flat 53C, and a third protrusion 128 overlaps a proximal edge of flat 53A. Thus two of protrusions 128 are already engaged with radially outward facing surface 52B (i.e., a greater force would be required if all of protrusions 128 were completely aligned with flats 53A-C). Similarly, the varying diameter of projections 140A-B and projections 150 (i.e., the ramp surfaces) facilitates a gradual required turning force.

[0043] Once secondary retainer 100 is displaced (i.e., radial outward expansion of arm portions 120) or removed, retaining clip 70 is expanded radially until protrusions 72A-C radially clear and disengage from shoulder 87, at which point tube 80 is displaced in axial direction AD2 and removed from connector body 40. Retaining clip 70 may optionally be completely removed from connector body 40.

[0044] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Fluid connection assembly 82 End

40 Connector body 83 Section

41 Through-bore 35 84 Radially outward facing surface

42 End 86 Radially outward facing surface 44 End 87 Shoulder

46 Radially inward facing surface 88 Surface

47 Radially inward facing surface 89 Section

48 Radially inward facing surface 40 90 Radially outward facing surface 50 Groove 92 Radially outward facing surface 52A Radially outward facing surface 94 End 52B Radially outward facing surface 96 Through-bore 53A Flat 100 Secondary retainer 53B Flat 45 102 Band portion 53C Flat 104 End 54A Groove 106 End 54B Groove 108 Radially inward facing surface 55A Aperture 110 Radially outward facing surface 55B Aperture 50 112 Tail 55C Aperture 114 Buckle 56 Groove 116 Flange 58 Head 118 Space or spaces 60 Radially outward facing surface 120 Arm portion or arm portions 62 Seal 55 122 Member 64 Seal 124 Radially inward facing surface 70 Retaining clip 126 Radially outward facing surface 72 A Protrusion 128 Protrusion 72B Protrusion 130 Member 72C Protrusion 60 140A Projection or ramp 74 Radially outward facing surface 140B Projection or ramp 80 Tube 150 Projection or ramp 152 A Surface CD2 Circumferential direction

152B Surface R1 Radius

ADI Axial direction R2 Radius

AD2 Axial direction RD1 Radial direction CD1 Circumferential direction 10 RD2 Radial direction