Quick-disconnect coupling assembly

Abstract

This description relates to a quick-disconnect coupling assembly having a collar inserted through an internal valve seat to join a valve element and form a seal with the internal valve seat. The assembly has a valve guide positioned within the flow passage, a valve element supported by the valve guide within the valve housing, and a collar mounted on a valve head of the valve element. Figure 1 for abbreviations

Description

Title of the invention: Quick disconnect coupling assembly

[0001] REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] The present application claims the beneficial effect and priority of Indian Provisional Application No. 202311071944, filed on October 20, 2023. To the extent appropriate, a priority claim is made to the above-disclosed application. Technical field

[0003] The present device falls within the technical field of quick disconnect coupling assemblies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Quick disconnect coupling assemblies are commonly used in fluid flow systems to enable flow. Quick disconnect coupling assemblies often require many components to enable assembly of the poppet valve within the flow passage. This can lead to disadvantages such as complex assembly, increased weight, and pressure drop. When assembling a valve within an already complete valve housing, physical limitations such as the diameter of the valve seat and the diameter of the poppet valve can make assembly difficult.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly configured to allow a valve element to be loaded into a valve housing of the valve through a port of the valve housing (e.g., a first port or a second port of the valve housing). Once the valve element has been loaded into the housing, a sealing collar may be loaded into the housing through the port and the valve seat and installed on the valve element such that the sealing collar is carried with the valve element as the valve element moves between the open and closed positions. Once the sealing collar is installed on the valve element, the sealing collar prevents the valve element from exiting the valve through the valve seat. The sealing collar may include a seal that provides sealing (e.g.,, radial sealing) relative to the valve seat when the valve element is in the closed position. In some examples, the sealing collar may be radially expandable and compressible to facilitate insertion of the sealing collar. through the valve seat and installing the sealing collar onto the valve element. In one example, the sealing collar may include a collar body having a central hub onto which the seal is mounted and resilient cantilever fingers that project from the central hub. In some examples, the sealing collar may be attached to the valve element (e.g., to an enlarged head of the valve element) by a snap-in connection.

[0008] In some examples, valve designs in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure allow two or more portions (e.g., a first port portion and a second port portion) of a valve housing to be formed as a single unitary body while still allowing a valve element to be installed within the valve housing. Such unitary construction of the valve housing eliminates potential leak paths, reduces parts count, reduces cost and weight, and improves internal flow characteristics (e.g., pressure drop) of the valve.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly comprising a main body forming a valve housing that extends along a housing axis. The valve housing has a first port end defining a first port and a second port end defining a second port. The valve housing defines a flow passage that extends through the valve housing from the first port to the second port. The valve housing further defines an internal valve seat. A valve guide is positioned within the flow passage. A valve member is supported by the valve guide within the valve housing and the valve member is movable along the housing axis relative to the internal valve seat and the valve guide. The valve member has a valve head and a valve shaft.The valve shaft extends along the housing axis and is supported by the valve guide for movement along the housing axis. The valve member is movable relative to the internal valve seat between an open position and a closed position. The valve member is biased by a spring toward the closed position. A collar is configured to be mounted on the valve head. The collar has a construction that is radially movable between a first radial configuration and a second radial configuration that is radially larger than the first radial configuration. The first radial configuration is configured to allow the collar to be inserted through the internal valve seat. The second radial configuration is configured to retain the collar on the valve head. A valve head assembly includes the valve head and the collar.The collar is designed so that when the collar is mounted on the valve head. The collar moves with the valve element relative to the internal valve seat between the . open position and the closed position and prevents the valve head from moving across the valve seat. When the valve element is in the closed position with the collar mounted on the valve head, the valve head assembly seals the internal valve seat, preventing fluid flow through the internal valve seat. When the valve element is in the open position, the valve head assembly with the collar mounted on the valve head allows fluid flow through the flow passage between the first port and the second port.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of assembling a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly having a valve seat adjacent a valve port. The method includes attaching a seal to one of a valve member or a collar, inserting the valve member through the valve port and the valve seat into an interior of the coupling assembly, inserting the collar through the valve port and the valve seat, and installing the collar on the valve member within the interior of the coupling assembly, and wherein, after installing the collar on the valve member, the collar prevents the valve member from passing through the valve seat and provides valve sealing relative to the valve seat when the valve member is in a closed position. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] [Fig. 1] is an exploded view of a coupling assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the coupling assembly of [Fig.l];

[0013] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the coupling assembly of [Fig.2].

[0014] [Fig.4] is a front view (e.g., first port end) of a body main of the coupling assembly of [Fig.l];

[0015] [Fig.5] is a rear view (e.g., second port end) of the main body of [Fig.4];

[0016] [Fig.6] is a side view of the main body of [Fig.4];

[0017] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a valve element of the assembly coupling of [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.8] is a side view of the valve element of [Fig.7];

[0019] [Fig.9] is a front view of the valve element of [Fig.7];

[0020] [Fig. 10] is a rear view of the valve element of [Fig.7];

[0021] [Fig. 11] is a front perspective view of a collar of the assembly coupling of [Fig.l];

[0022] [Fig. 12] is a rear perspective view of the collar of [Fig. 11];

[0023] [Fig. 13] is a front view of the collar of [Fig. 11];

[0024] [Fig. 14] is a rear view of the collar of [Fig. 11];

[0025] [Fig. 15] is a side view of the collar of [Fig. 11];

[0026] [Fig. 16] is a sectional view of the collar of [Fig. 11] inserted into the body main of the coupling assembly of [Fig.l];

[0027] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view of the collar of [Fig. 11] engaged with the valve member of [Fig. 7];

[0028] [Fig. 18] is a sectional view of the coupling assembly of [Fig. 1] in a closed position; and

[0029] [Fig. 19] is a sectional view of the coupling assembly of [Fig.l] in an open position;

[0030] [Fig.20] illustrates a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] [Fig.21] illustrates a front perspective view of a valve element of the coupling assembly of [Fig.20];

[0032] [Fig.22] illustrates a side view of the valve element of [Fig.20];

[0033] [Fig.23] illustrates a rear perspective view of the valve element of the [Fig.20] ;

[0034] [Fig.24] illustrates a perspective view of a collar of the coupling assembly of [Fig.20];

[0035] [Fig.25] illustrates a perspective view of a valve guide of the coupling assembly of [Fig.20];

[0036] [Fig.26] illustrates a perspective view of an alternative valve guide of the coupling assembly of [Fig.20];

[0037] [Fig.27] illustrates a sectional view of the coupling assembly of [Fig.20] with the collar of [Fig.24] joining the valve member of [Fig.21]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] [Fig. 1] shows an exploded view of a coupling assembly 1 (e.g., a quick disconnect coupling assembly) in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The coupling assembly 1 includes a main body 10, a valve spring 12, a valve member 14, and a collar 16 including a collar body 17 (shown in [Fig. 15]) and a collar seal 18 (shown in [Fig. 3]). The main body 10 forms a valve housing 20 that allows the valve spring 12, valve member 14, and collar 16 to be inserted through a first port 22 and an internal valve seat 28 into an interior of the main body 10. The valve member 14 and collar 16 are movable to seal against the internal valve seat 28. The valve spring 12 is configured to bias the valve member 14 toward a closed position. In some cases, the collar seal 18 may be bonded to the collar body 17 before the collar 16 is inserted into the main body 10. The collar 16 may be configured to expand and contract radially to facilitate attachment of the collar 16 to the valve member 14 and to facilitate insertion of the collar 16 through the valve seat 28. The collar 16 may be moved with (e.g., carried with) the valve member 14 as the valve member 14 moves between the open and closed positions. When the valve member 14 is in the closed position, the seal 18 may seal against a sealing surface of the valve seat 28 that defines an inner diameter DI of the inner valve seat 28. The sealing surface may be oriented radially toward a valve axis of the coupling assembly 1 and the seal 18 may be a radial seal that is radially compressed during sealing.The seal 18 prevents fluid flow past the collar 16 and the valve member 14 when the valve member 14 is in the closed position and the collar 16 is positioned within the diameter DI of the internal valve seat 28.

[0039] [Figs. 2] to 6 illustrate as shown the main body 10 which forms the valve housing 20 for the quick disconnect coupling assembly 1. [Fig. 3] illustrates that the valve housing 20 of the main body 10 may define the first port 22, a second port 24, an internal flow passage 26 between the first port 22 and the second port 24, and the internal valve seat 28. The main body 10 may have a first housing end 32 (shown in [Fig. 2]) and a second housing end 34 (shown in [Fig. 2]). The first port 22 is positioned at the first housing end 32 and the second port 24 at the second housing end 34. The first port 22 may have a first port groove 52 to allow positioning of a first port seal 54. The first port seal 54 may be an elastomeric seal.The internal flow passage 26 is further defined by an inner circumferential surface 36 of the main body 10 and extends along a housing axis AL. The valve body 20 tapers near the first port 22 of the valve housing 20 to form the internal valve seat 28. As shown in [Fig. 2], the main body 10 may have a first threaded portion 56 on an exterior of the first housing end 32 to allow another fluid conduit to be connected to the quick disconnect coupling assembly 1 via a coupler. The quick disconnect coupling assembly 1 may be a male quick disconnect coupling assembly 1. In other cases, the coupling assembly 1 may be a female quick disconnect coupling assembly. An exterior of the second port 24 may have a second threaded portion 62 to provide connection to another structure (e.g., threaded into a threaded hole or coupled to another structure using a coupler).

[0040] The main body 10 may include other aspects as desired. By way of non-limiting example, the main body 10 may further include a ratchet ring 58 to further secure a connection made with a coupler. The ratchet ring 58 may include teeth for engaging the end of a coupling sleeve threaded on the first threads 56. In addition, the main body 10 may further include a polygonal surface 60, such as wrench flats, for gripping and rotating the main body 10 to apply torque or to enable the application of torque.

[0041] [Fig. 3] also shows that a valve guide 30 may be positioned within the main body 10. In some cases, the valve guide may be positioned within the internal flow passage 26 by one or more arms 38. The arms 38 extend from the inner circumference of the main body 10 to position the valve guide 30 along the housing axis AL. The valve guide 30 may have any shape to achieve the desired pressure drop within the flow passage 26. In some cases, the valve guide 30 may be tapered with a major end 40 and a minor end 42. The minor end 42 is positioned within the internal flow passage 26 downstream of the major end 40.The valve guide 30 includes a core 44 aligned with the housing axis A1 for receiving the valve element 14, and a spring groove 46 is positioned on a first port-facing surface 48 of the valve guide 30. The spring groove 46 encircles an opening 50 of the core 44 on the first port-facing surface 48 of the valve guide 30.

[0042] In some embodiments, the main body 10 may be a unitary, seamlessly molded part. In a preferred embodiment, the main body 10 may be manufactured in accordance with an additive manufacturing process. The use of additive manufacturing processes has the advantage of allowing complex shapes of the exterior and interior of the main body to be formed as a unitary part. As a unitary part, the main body 10 may define the first port 22, the second port 24, the internal flow passage 26, the first and second threaded portions 56, 62, the ratchet ring 58, the polygonal surface 60, and the valve guide 30. The arms 38 of the valve guide 30 may be formed as a unitary part (e.g.,, by molding or additive manufacturing) as part of the main body 10 to position the valve guide 30 along the housing axis AL Advantageously, the number of parts can be reduced during assembly. Furthermore, the use of a molded unitary main body 10 reduces the possibility of leak paths out of the valve housing 20. .

[0043] [Fig.7] to 10 show embodiments of the valve element 14 which can be inserted into the main body 10. The valve spring 12 can be positioned within the spring groove 46. The valve member 14 is inserted through the inner valve seat 28 and the valve spring 12, into the core 44 of the valve guide 30. The valve member 14 has a valve head 64 and a valve shaft 66 that extends along the housing axis AL. The valve shaft 66 has an axis A2 that aligns with the housing axis Al when inserted into the core 44. The valve head 64 is smaller than the diameter DI of the inner valve seat 28. The valve shaft 66 extends along the housing axis Al and is supported by the valve guide 30 for movement along the housing axis AL. The valve member 14 is movable relative to the inner valve seat 28 (shown in [Fig. 3]) between an open position and a closed position. The valve element 14 is biased by a spring towards the closed position (mounted in [Fig. 3] and 18).The valve head 64 defines an outer circumferential groove 68. The valve head 64 also includes pin openings 71 on an axial end face 72 of the valve head 64, which faces the first port 22 of the valve housing 20. In some cases, the circumference of the valve head 64 may be a tapered surface, such that the collar 16 may extend around the tapered surface when the collar 16 is pressed against the valve head 64. The valve spring 12 biases the valve element 14 toward the inner valve seat 28 by pushing against the spring groove 46 of the valve guide 30 (e.g., at a spring stop surface provided at the spring groove 46) and a rear surface 74 of the valve head 64.

[0044] [Figs. 11] to 15 show the features of the collar 16 which joins the valve member 14. [Fig. 11] shows the collar 16 having a collar body 17 (shown in [Fig. 15]) adapted to be mounted on the valve head 64. The collar body 17 may further have the collar seal 18 (shown in [Figs. 16] and 17) carried by the collar body 17 to provide a seal between the collar body 17 and the valve seat 28 when the collar 16 is mounted on the valve head 64 and the valve member is in the closed position (shown in [Fig. 16]). The collar body 17 may include a central hub 77 (shown in [Fig. 15]) onto which the collar seal 18 mounts. The central hub 77 defines a seal groove 80 that extends circumferentially around the central hub 77.The collar seal 18 mounts within the seal groove 80, and the seal 18 is adapted to provide radial sealing relative to the valve seat. The collar body 17 has a front surface 84 and a circumferential surface 86 positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the front surface 84. The central hub 77 may further include a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers 88 having finger lengths extending from the base ends formed with the central hub 77 to the free ends. The resilient cantilever fingers . 88 include radial retention tabs 92 at the free ends of the resilient cantilever fingers 88, and an angled portion 90 relative to the collar body 17. The angled portion 90 is positioned between the retention tabs 92 and the collar body 17 and connects them. The radial retention tabs 92 fit within the outer circumferential groove 68 to retain the collar 16 on the valve head 64. The tabs 92 may include a first region 92a, a second region 92b, and a third region 92c. The first region 92a is parallel to the circumferential surface 86 of the collar body 17. The second region 92b is angled between the first and third regions 92b. The third region 92c is a tab at the free end, which projects radially inwardly toward the center of the collar 16.The third region 92c has a radially inwardly facing surface 92d that can engage in the outer circumferential groove 68. Between each resilient cantilever finger 88 are gaps that extend to the collar body 17. The gaps between the resilient cantilever fingers 88 do not extend to the seal groove 80 to prevent leakage paths from forming upon compression. [Fig. 12] shows the features of the collar 16 that engage in the axial end face 72 of the valve head 64. .

[0045] In some embodiments, the collar 16 may include additional features to prevent movement of the collar 16 once it is joined to the valve head 64. In some embodiments, at least one axial pin 94 may be positioned on a rear surface 96 of the central hub 77 to engage the collar 16 with the valve head 64. The at least one pin 94 may be a frusto-conical pin that fits within the pin opening 71 (shown in [Fig. 9]) on the axial end face 72 of the valve head 64. The pin opening 71 may be configured to have the same shape as the at least one pin 94. In other embodiments, the number of pins 94 may be at least two to prevent axial rotation of the collar 16. In some embodiments, the pin 94 may have different shapes.As a non-limiting example, the pin 94 may be chamfered to prevent radial movement of the collar 16 relative to the housing axis AL. As another non-limiting example, the pin 94 may be cylindrical. In other cases, the pin 94 may be polygonal, such as square, to prevent axial rotation of the collar 16 about the valve head 64.

[0046] [Fig. 15] shows the circumferential surface 86 of the collar body 17. The seal groove 80 is positioned around the circumferential surface 86. The collar seal 18 fits into the seal groove 80 (shown in [Figs. 17] and 18) and seals fluid flow between the inner valve seat 28 and the collar 16 when closed (shown in [Fig. 18]). The collar seal 18 may be made of ethylene-propylene rubber or neoprene. In addition, the collar seal 18 is molded directly onto the collar 16 over the seal groove 80 before the collar 16 is inserted into the valve housing 20. The valve seat is sealed because the diameter of the seal in the uncompressed state is larger than the internal valve seat 28 but allows the seal to be elastically deformed (e.g., radially compressed) to fit between the collar body 17 and the radially inwardly facing sealing surface of the internal valve seat 28 when in a closed position.

[0047] In other embodiments, the seal 18 may be bonded to the valve housing 20 rather than to the collar 16. For example, the seal 18 may be bonded within a groove positioned within the internal valve seat 28. The collar 16 may be sealed with the valve seat 28 when the collar 16 is mounted on the valve head 64 and the valve member 14 is in the closed position. For example, the collar 16 may have an ungrooved sealing surface. When the collar is mounted on the valve member 14 and the valve member 14 is moved to a closed position, the collar 16 may move with the valve member 14 and the ungrooved sealing surface seals against the seal 18 positioned within the internal valve seat 28.When the valve member 14 is in the open position with the collar 16 mounted on the valve head 64, fluid flow is permitted through the flow passage 26 between the first port 22 and the second port 24.

[0048] [Fig. 16] and 17 show the attachment of the collar 16 to the valve head 64 within of the main body 10. As shown in [Fig. 16] and 17, the plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers 88 may be contracted and extended from a rest position to engage the valve head 64. The collar 16 may be made of a metal that allows the resilient cantilever fingers 88 to be spring-biased to a rest position. With the spring biasing, the collar 16 may be placed in numerous configurations by manipulating the plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers 88. When the fingers 88 are contracted, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may extend by spring bias to return to the rest position. When the fingers 88 are extended, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may spring back to the rest position.

[0049] As non-limiting examples of possible configurations, the collar 16 may be positioned in a first radial configuration to pass through the internal valve seat 28, a radial rest configuration, a radial configuration with maximum extension, and a second radial configuration in which the tab 92 is engaged in the external circumferential groove 68. The rest configuration and the radial configuration with maximum extension may be intermediate states. when transitioning from the first radial configuration to the second radial configuration. For example, in the first radial configuration, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may be compressed radially inward to allow the collar 16 to be inserted through the inner valve seat 28. In the second radial configuration, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are at the rest position, without manipulation. The diameter of the resilient cantilever fingers 88 in the rest radial configuration is greater than the diameter of the inner valve seat 28 and prevents the collar 16 from being displaced through the inner valve seat 28. The resilient cantilever fingers 88 are configured to resiliently flex along their length relative to the central hub 77 to move the collar body 17 between the first radial configuration and the rest radial configuration.In the maximum extension radial configuration, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are configured to flex radially outwardly beyond the resting radial configuration to a maximum extension configuration during insertion of the collar body over the valve head. The resilient cantilever fingers 88 may be maximally extended when the finger 88 is pressed against the tapered surface of the valve head 64 and allow the valve head 64 to position itself between the resilient cantilever fingers 88. In the second radial configuration, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are configured to resiliently move from the maximally extended configuration to the radial rest configuration when the radial retention tabs 92 fit into the outer circumferential groove 68. The resilient cantilever fingers 88 may snap into the outer circumferential groove 68.In the second radial configuration, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are more extended than in the resting radial configuration, but less extended than in the fully extended radial configuration.

[0050] When the cantilever fingers 88 are in the second radial configuration corresponding to the mounting of the collar 16 on the valve head 64 of the valve member 14, the fingers 88 are arranged in an outwardly tapered configuration in which the fingers 88 flare or taper radially outward as the fingers 88 extend axially inward from the central hub 77 of the collar 16 into the valve. When the collar 16 is installed on the valve head 64, the tapered outer structure defined by the fingers 88 functions as a valve stop which opposes / contacts a tapered stop surface 89 (best shown in [Fig. 16]) defined within the valve housing around the valve seat 28 to stop axial outward movement of the valve element 14 when the seal 18 is within the region defined by the radially inwardly facing surface of the valve seat 28.In one example, the conical external structure. defined by the angular portion 90 of the fingers 88 can fit into the conical abutment surface of the valve seat”.

[0051] [Fig. 16] shows that the collar 16 can be manipulated into the first configuration to fit through the internal valve seat 28 to begin assembling the collar 16 to the valve head 64. Once they have passed through the internal valve seat 28, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 of the collar 16 can be extended and returned to the rest configuration. From the rest configuration, the collar 16 can be pushed against the valve head 64 and allow the resilient cantilever fingers 88 to extend to the maximum extension radial configuration around the valve head 64. As shown in [Fig. 17], once the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are urged toward the outer circumferential groove 68, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are biased by a spring toward the second radial configuration to engage in the outer circumferential groove 68.The angled portion 90 extends radially around the circumference 70 (shown in [Fig. 7]) of the valve head 64 and the radially inwardly facing surface 92d of the third region 92c engages in the outer circumferential groove 68. The at least one pin 94 may be inserted into the pin openings 71 on the axial end face 72 of the valve head 64 when the resilient cantilever fingers 88 are pushed into engagement in the outer circumferential groove 68. In some cases, the collar body 17 of the collar 16 may further include at least one hole 98 on a front surface 84 of the collar body 17. The at least one hole 98 allows a tool to hold and push the collar 16 after the resilient cantilever fingers 88 have been inserted through the inner valve seat. 28.The resilient cantilever fingers 88, when engaged against the outer circumferential groove 68, serve to align the collar 16 with the valve member 14 along the housing axis AL.

[0052] [Fig. 18]-19 illustrate the opening and closing of the coupling assembly 1 quick disconnect coupling assembly. The collar 16 moves with the valve member 14 relative to the inner valve seat 28 between the open position and the closed position. [Fig. 15] illustrates the closed position of the quick disconnect coupling assembly 1. When closed, the collar 16 is pushed toward the inner valve seat 28. The collar body 17 is positioned within the diameter ID of the inner valve seat 28 and the collar seal 18 forms a sealing surface that contacts the inner valve seat 28, preventing fluid flow through the inner valve seat 28. The valve spring 12 biases against a rear surface 74 of the valve head 64 and holds the valve head 64 against the inner valve seat 28 in the closed position. As shown in [Fig. 16], in the open position, the valve head 64 is displaced from the inner valve seat 28, which moves the collar body 17 and collar seal 18 off the internal valve seat 28, allowing fluid flow through the first port 22, the internal flow passage 26, and out the second port 24.

[0053] The method of manufacturing and assembling a valve includes initially molding a unitary main body 10 that forms a valve housing 20. The valve housing may define a port, such as the first port 22 or the second port 24, and the valve seat 28. A valve guide 30 may be positioned within the main body 10. The valve spring 12 may be inserted through the first port 22 and into the spring groove 46. The valve member 14 may then be inserted through the valve spring 12 and into the valve guide 30. The collar 16 may be joined to the valve head 64 of the valve member 14. The collar 16 may be inserted through the first port 22 into the valve housing 20 by compressing the resilient cantilever fingers 88 so that the fingers 88 may fit through the first orifice 22.Once compressed, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may be inserted through the first port 22 and the valve seat 28. Once inserted through the valve seat 28, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may cease to be radially compressed, and the resilient cantilever fingers 88 may extend to return to a rest position. A tool may be used to press the collar 16 against the valve head 64. The force exerted against the collar 16 may cause the resilient cantilever fingers 88 to press against the tapered surface of the valve head 64 and to extend radially around the valve head 64. Once the collar is sufficiently pressed against the tapered surface of the valve head 64, the resilient cantilever finger 88 may begin to extend above the tapered surface.Then, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 can be pushed to extend maximally around the valve head 64 and then move toward the outer circumferential groove 68. Once the fingers 88 reach the outer circumferential groove 68, the resilient cantilever fingers 88 engage in the outer circumferential groove 68 of the valve head 64. As an example, the tab 92 can be snapped into the groove 68 such that the radially inwardly facing surface 92d is inserted into the outer circumferential groove 68 to join the collar 16 to the valve head. After the collar 16 is installed on the valve element 14, the collar 16 prevents the valve element 14 from passing through the valve seat 28 and the seal 18 seals the valve relative to the valve seat 28 when the valve element 14 is in a closed position.

[0054] In some cases, the unitary main body 10 may include the formation of the valve guide 30 as a part of the main body 10. In other cases, the valve guide 30 may be a separate component inserted into the valve housing 20. By way of non-limiting example, the valve guide 30 may be positioned by being inserted through the first port 22 and press-fitted within the valve housing 20. In some cases, the collar seal 18 may be molded directly onto the collar body 17 of the collar 16. In some cases, the seal is molded directly into the seal groove 80.

[0055] [Fig.20] illustrates an alternative embodiment of a coupling assembly 101 in accordance with the present description. The coupling assembly 101 includes a main body 110, a valve spring 112, a valve member 114, and a collar 116 including a collar body 117 (shown in [Fig. 24]) and a seal 118. The main body 110 forms a valve housing 120 that allows the valve spring 112, valve member 114, and collar 116 to be inserted through a first port 122 and an internal valve seat 128 into an interior of the main body 110. The valve member 114 and collar 116 are movable to seal against the internal valve seat 128. The valve spring 112 is configured to bias the valve member 114 toward a closed position. A valve head 115 may be used to seal against the internal valve seat 128.The valve head assembly 115 includes the valve element 114 and the collar 116. The collar 116 may be configured to expand and contract radially to facilitate attachment of the collar 116 to the valve element 114 and to facilitate insertion of the collar 116 through the valve seat 128. The collar 116 may be moved with (e.g., carried with) the valve element 114 as the valve element 114 moves between the open and closed positions. The valve member 114 may include the seal 118. When the valve member 114 is in the closed position, the seal 118 may seal against a sealing surface 129 of the valve seat 128 that defines an inner diameter DI of the inner valve seat 128. The sealing surface 129 may generally be oriented radially toward a valve axis of the coupling assembly 101; however, a portion of the sealing surface may be angular relative to the valve axis.The seal 118 may be a radial seal that is radially compressed during sealing. For example, the seal 118 is radially compressed to fit across the sealing surface 129 of the valve seat 128 and expands to form a radial seal. The sealing surface 129 may be annular and cylindrical. The seal 118 prevents fluid flow past the valve member 114 when the valve member 114 is in the closed position and the valve member 114 is positioned within the diameter ID of the inner valve seat 128. The seal 118 radially seals with the sealing surface 129 of the valve seat.

[0056] [Fig.21]-26 illustrate the valve head assembly 115. [Fig.21] to 23 illustrate a perspective view of the valve element 114. The valve head 164 of The valve member 114 has a forward axial end face 172 and a rear surface 174. The rear surface 174 tapers to the forward axial end face. The rear surface 174 may be a minor end and the forward axial end face 172 may be a major end. The valve head 164 may have a first outer circumferential groove 167 around the circumference of the valve head 164 and a second outer circumferential groove 168. The first outer circumferential groove 167 may allow the collar 116 to be retained within the first outer circumferential groove 167 and the collar 116 may be moved with the valve member 114 between the open and closed positions. A lip may separate the first and second grooves. The second outer circumferential groove 168 may receive the seal 118.The valve head 164 is movable to press the seal 118 against the internal valve seat 128 and seal the flow of fluid through the passage 126.

[0057] [Fig. 24] illustrates a perspective view of the collar 116. The collar 116 of the valve head assembly 115 may be positioned between the valve guide 130 and a rear surface 174 of the valve element 114. The collar 116 has a front surface 184 and a plurality of cantilever fingers 188. The front surface 184 may have an opening 186 for receiving the valve element 114. For example, the valve shaft 166 and the rear surface 174 of the valve head 164 may be received through the opening 186. The cantilever fingers 188 may be movable between a rest configuration, a first radial configuration, a second radial configuration, and a fully extended configuration. One side of the collar body 117 having the opening 186 may rest against a tapered surface of the valve head 164 or against the rear surface 174 of the valve head.The resilient cantilever fingers 188 include radial retention tabs 192 at the free ends of the resilient cantilever fingers 188, and an angled portion 190 relative to the collar body 117. The angled portion 190 is positioned between the retention tabs 192 and the collar body 117 and connects them. The radial retention tabs 192 fit within the first outer circumferential groove 167 to retain the collar 116 on the valve head 164. The tabs 192 may include a first region 192a, a second region 192b, and a third region 192c. The first region 192a is parallel to the circumferential surface of the collar body 117. The second region 192b is angled between the first and third regions 192a, 192c. The third region 192c is a tab at the free end, which projects radially inwardly toward the center of the collar 116.The third region 192c has a radially inwardly oriented surface 192d, which can engage in the first. outer circumferential groove 167. Between each resilient cantilever finger 188 are spaces which extend to the collar body 117.

[0058] [Fig. 21], 25 and 26 illustrate the valve guide 130 of the present disclosure receiving the valve head assembly 115. The valve guide 130 includes a core 144 aligned with the housing axis A1 for receiving the valve element 114, and a spring groove 146 is positioned on a first port-facing surface 148 of the valve guide 130. The spring groove 146 encircles an opening 150 of the core 144 on the first port-facing surface 148 of the valve guide 130. The valve guide 130 may be unitary with the main body 110. The valve guide 130 may include at least one arm 138 that is integrally formed with the main body 110. In some cases, the valve guide 130 may include two arms 138. In the present example, the valve guide 130 has three arms 138 equidistant within the passage.Thus, the arms 138 are spaced 120 degrees apart to position the valve guide 130 centrally within the internal passage 126. The valve guide 130 may include projections 149 spaced around a perimeter of a first port-facing surface 148 of the valve guide 130. Advantageously, the arms 138 may help position the valve guide 130 concentrically in the center of the passage 128. Further, the arms 138 within the passage 126 improve the stability of the valve guide 130 and reduce pressure drop within the passage.

[0059] [Fig. 27] illustrates the insertion of the valve head assembly 115. The collar 116 may be inserted through the first port 122 with the front surface 184 of the collar resting on the valve guide 130. The projections 149 may serve to position the collar 116 for joining to the valve member 114. The valve shaft 166 and the rear surface 174 of the valve head 164 may then be inserted through the first port 122 and pressed between the resilient cantilever fingers 188 of the collar 116. The resilient cantilever fingers 188 may extend around the tapered surface of the valve member 114 to engage in the first outer circumferential groove 167 of the valve head 164. The fingers 188 may be retained at the within the first outer circumferential groove 167 and join the collar 116 to the valve head 164.Thus, the collar 116 is retained on the valve head 164 and allows the collar 116 to move with the valve member 114 between the open and closed positions. Advantageously, the system may have reduced leak paths, reduced parts compared to conventional disconnect assemblies, and reduced weight. In addition, the valve head assembly of the present embodiment would not require a tool to insert the collar 116 into the valve housing 120 and would have fewer assembly steps.

[0060] Referring to [Fig. 20], the valve head assembly 115 is shown in the closed position. The valve member 114 may include a valve head 164. The second outer circumferential groove 168 of the valve head 164 retains the seal 118. In the closed position, the seal 118 rests against the inner valve seat 128. The seal 118 may be a bonded seal. The collar 116 of the valve head assembly 115 may prevent the valve head 164 of the valve member 114 from moving through the valve seat 128.

[0061] The various examples described above are provided for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the various modifications and changes that may be made without following the examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0062] Aspects of the present description

[0063] Aspect 1. Coupling assembly comprising:

[0064] a main body forming a valve housing that extends along a housing axis, the valve housing having a first port end defining a first port and a second port end defining a second port, the valve housing defining a flow passage that extends through the valve housing from the first port to the second port, the valve housing further defining an internal valve seat;

[0065] a valve guide positioned within the flow passage;

[0066] a valve member supported by the valve guide within the valve housing, the valve member being movable along the housing axis relative to the internal valve seat and the valve guide, the valve member having a valve head and a valve shaft, the valve shaft extending along the housing axis and being supported for movement along the housing axis by the valve guide; the valve member being movable relative to the internal valve seat between an open position and a closed position, the valve member being spring-biased toward the closed position;

[0067] a collar adapted to be mounted on the valve head, the collar sealing with the valve seat when the collar is mounted on the valve head and the valve member is in the closed position, the collar having a construction that is radially movable between a first radial configuration and a second radial configuration that is radially larger than the first radial configuration, the first radial configuration being adapted to allow the collar to be inserted through the internal valve seat, the second radial configuration being adapted to retain the collar on the valve head, the collar being designed such that when the collar is mounted on the valve head, the collar moves with the valve member relative to the internal valve seat between the open position and the closed position and prevents the valve head from moving through the valve seat, wherein when the valve member is in the closed position with the collar mounted on the valve head, the collar seals the internal valve seat preventing fluid flow through the internal valve seat, and wherein when the valve member is in the open position with the collar mounted on the valve head, fluid flow through the flow passage between the first port and the second port is permitted.

[0068] Aspect 2. A coupling assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the main body defining the valve housing has a unitary seamless construction defining the first port, the second port, the valve seat and the flow passage.

[0069] Aspect 3. A coupling assembly according to aspect 2, wherein the valve guide is unitary with the main body.

[0070] Aspect 4. A coupling assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the collar comprises a collar body having a central hub and a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers projecting from the central hub, the resilient cantilever fingers having finger lengths extending from base ends formed with the central hub to free ends, the resilient cantilever fingers being adapted to resiliently flex along their lengths relative to the central hub to move the collar body between the first radial configuration and the second radial configuration.

[0071] Aspect 5. A coupling assembly according to aspect 4, wherein the valve head defines an outer circumferential groove, wherein the resilient cantilever fingers have radial retention tabs at the free ends of the resilient cantilever fingers, and wherein the radial retention tabs fit into the outer circumferential groove to retain the collar on the valve head.

[0072] Aspect 6. A coupling assembly according to aspect 5, wherein the collar includes a seal which mounts to the central hub and is carried by the collar body.

[0073] Aspect 7. A coupling assembly according to aspect 6, wherein the central hub defines a seal groove which extends circumferentially around the central hub, wherein the seal fits within the seal groove, and wherein the seal is adapted to provide a radial seal relative to the valve seat.

[0074] Aspect 8. A coupling assembly according to aspect 5, wherein the resilient cantilever fingers are adapted to flex radially outwardly beyond the second radial configuration to a fully extended configuration during insertion of the collar body over the valve head, and wherein the fingers elastic cantilever springs are designed to move elastically from the maximum extension configuration to the second radial configuration when the radial retention tabs fit into the outer circumferential groove.

[0075] Aspect 9. A coupling assembly according to aspect 4, the collar further comprises at least one axial pin which projects from the central hub, and wherein at least one axial pin is adapted to fit within a pin opening defined by an axial end face of the valve head.

[0076] Aspect 10. A coupling assembly according to aspect 9, wherein the at least one axial pin comprises two or more pins.

[0077] Aspect 11. A coupling assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the valve guide has a first port facing surface defining a spring groove, and wherein a valve spring for spring biasing the valve member toward the closed position is engaged between the valve head and the first port facing surface.

[0078] Aspect 12. A coupling assembly according to aspect 6, wherein the seal is an elastomeric seal which is molded directly onto the collar body.

[0079] Aspect 13. A coupling assembly according to aspect 12, wherein the elastomeric seal is made of ethylene-propylene rubber or neoprene.

[0080] Aspect 14. A coupling assembly according to aspect 1, wherein the valve head is sized and designed such that when the collar is not secured to the valve head, the valve head can pass through the valve seat.

[0081] Aspect 15. A method of assembling a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly having a valve seat adjacent a valve port, the method comprising:

[0082] inserting a valve element through the valve port and the valve seat into an interior of the coupling assembly;

[0083] after inserting the valve element into the interior of the valve, inserting a collar through the valve port and the valve seat and installing the collar on the valve element within the valve, wherein after installing the collar on the valve element, the collar prevents the valve element from passing through the valve seat and seals the valve relative to the valve seat when the valve element is in a closed position.

[0084] Aspect 16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the collar is installed on a valve head of the valve element by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0085] Aspect 17. The method of aspect 16, wherein the collar comprises resilient cantilever fingers that are radially compressed to pass the collar through the valve seat and that are radially expanded to engage the resilient cantilever fingers over the valve head.

[0086] Aspect 18. Coupling assembly comprising:

[0087] a main body forming a valve housing that extends along a housing axis, the valve housing having a first port end defining a first port and a second port end defining a second port, the valve housing defining a flow passage that extends through the valve housing from the first port to the second port, the valve housing further defining an internal valve seat;

[0088] a valve guide positioned within the flow passage;

[0089] a valve member supported by the valve guide within the valve housing, the valve member being movable along the housing axis relative to the inner valve seat and the valve guide, the valve member having a valve head and a valve shaft, the valve shaft extending along the housing axis and being supported for movement along the housing axis by the valve guide; the valve member being movable relative to the inner valve seat between an open position and a closed position, the valve member being spring biased toward the closed position;

[0090] a collar adapted to be mounted on the valve head, the collar having a construction that is radially movable between a first radial configuration and a second radial configuration that is radially larger than the first radial configuration, the first radial configuration being adapted to allow the collar to be inserted through the internal valve seat, the second radial configuration being adapted to retain the collar on the valve head;

[0091] a valve head assembly comprising the valve head and the collar, the collar being configured such that when the collar is mounted on the valve head, the collar moves with the valve member relative to the internal valve seat between the open position and the closed position and prevents the valve head from moving through the valve seat, wherein when the valve member is in the closed position and the collar is mounted on the valve head, the valve head assembly seals the internal valve seat, preventing fluid flow through the internal valve seat, and wherein when the valve member is in the open position, the valve head assembly, with the collar mounted on the valve head, allows fluid flow through the flow passage between the first port and the second port.

[0092] Aspect 19. A coupling assembly according to aspect 18, wherein the main body defining the valve housing has a unitary seamless construction defining the first port, the second port, the valve seat and the flow passage.

[0093] Aspect 20. A coupling assembly according to aspects 18 or 19, wherein the valve guide is unitary with the main body.

[0094] Aspect 21. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 20, wherein the valve guide comprises at least one arm, and wherein the at least one arm is integrally formed with the main body and the valve guide.

[0095] Aspect 22. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 21, wherein the collar comprises a collar body having a central hub and a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers projecting from the central hub, the resilient cantilever fingers having finger lengths extending from base ends formed with the central hub to free ends, the resilient cantilever fingers being adapted to resiliently flex along their lengths relative to the central hub to move the collar body between the first radial configuration and the second radial configuration.

[0096] Aspect 23. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 22, wherein the valve head defines a first outer circumferential groove, wherein the resilient cantilever fingers have radial retention tabs at the free ends of the resilient cantilever fingers, and wherein the radial retention tabs fit into the first outer circumferential groove to retain the collar on the valve head.

[0097] Aspect 24. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 23, wherein the valve head has a seal disposed therebetween within a second circumferential groove, and wherein the collar is mounted on the valve head behind the seal.

[0098] Aspect 25. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 24, wherein the seal is an elastomeric radial seal, and wherein the seal provides radial sealing with a sealing surface of the valve seat.

[0099] Aspect 26. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 25, wherein the seal is radially compressed to fit across the sealing surface of the valve seat and expands to form a radial seal.

[0100] Aspect 27. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 26, wherein the collar is positioned on an axial end face of the valve head facing the valve seat and wherein the collar includes a seal which mounts to the central hub and is carried by the collar body.

[0101] Aspect 28. Coupling assembly according to any one of the aspects 18 to 27, wherein the central hub defines a seal groove which extends circumferentially around the central hub, wherein the seal fits in the seal groove, and wherein the seal is adapted to provide a radial seal relative to the valve seat.

[0102] Aspect 29. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 28, the collar further comprises at least one axial pin which projects from the central hub, and wherein the at least one axial pin is adapted to fit within a pin opening defined by an axial end face of the valve head.

[0103] Aspect 30. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 29, wherein the at least one axial pin comprises two or more pins.

[0104] Aspect 31. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 30, wherein the resilient cantilever fingers are configured to flex radially outwardly beyond the second radial configuration to a fully extended configuration during insertion of the collar body over the valve head, and wherein the resilient cantilever fingers are configured to resiliently move from the fully extended configuration to the second radial configuration when the radial retention tabs fit into the outer circumferential groove.

[0105] Aspect 32. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 31, wherein the valve guide has a first port-facing surface defining a spring groove, and wherein a valve spring for spring-biasing the valve member toward the closed position is engaged between the valve head and the first port-facing surface.

[0106] Aspect 33. A coupling assembly according to any one of aspects 18 to 32, wherein the valve head is sized and designed such that when the collar is not secured to the valve head, the valve head can pass through the valve seat.

[0107] Aspect 34. A method of assembling a coupling assembly, the valve having a valve seat adjacent a valve port, the method comprising:

[0108] inserting a valve element through the valve orifice and the valve seat into an interior of the valve;

[0109] inserting a collar through the valve port and the valve seat and installing the collar on the valve member within the valve, wherein after installing the collar on the valve member, the collar prevents the valve member from passing through the valve seat and seals the valve relative to the valve seat when the valve member is in a closed position.

[0110] Aspect 35. The method of aspect 34, wherein the collar is installed on a valve head of the valve element by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0111] Aspect 36. The method of aspects 34 or 35, wherein the collar comprises resilient cantilever fingers that are radially compressed to pass the collar through the valve seat and which are radially extended to engage the resilient cantilever fingers above the valve head.

[0112] Aspect 37. A method according to any one of aspects 34 to 36, wherein the seal is an elastomeric radial seal, wherein the seal provides a radial seal with a sealing surface of the valve seat, wherein the seal is radially compressed to fit across a sealing surface of the valve seat and expands to form a radial seal.

Claims

1. Claims Coupling assembly (1, 101) comprising: a main body (10) forming a valve housing (20) extending along a housing axis (A1), the valve housing (20) having a first port end (32) defining a first port (22) and a second port end (34) defining a second port (24), the valve housing (20) defining a flow passage (26) extending through the valve housing (20) from the first port (22) to the second port (24), the valve housing (20) further defining an internal valve seat (28); a valve guide (30) positioned within the flow passage (26); a valve member (14) supported by the valve guide (30) within the valve housing (20), the valve member (14) being movable along the housing axis (Al) relative to the inner valve seat (28) and the valve guide (30), the valve member (14) having a valve head (64) and a valve shaft (66), the valve shaft (66) extending along the housing axis (Al) and being supported for movement along the housing axis (Al) by the valve guide (30); the valve member (14) being movable relative to the inner valve seat (28) between an open position and a closed position, the valve member (14) being biased by a spring toward the closed position; a collar (16) configured to be mounted on the valve head (64), the collar (16) having a construction that is radially movable between a first radial configuration and a second radial configuration that is radially larger than the first radial configuration, the first radial configuration being configured to allow the collar (16) to be inserted through the internal valve seat (28), the second radial configuration being configured to retain the collar (16) on the valve head (64); a valve head assembly (115) comprising the valve head (64) and the collar (16), the collar (16) being configured such that when the collar (16) is mounted on the valve head (64), the collar (16) moves with the valve member (14) relative to the seat internal valve (28) between the open position and the closed position and prevents the valve head (64) from moving through the valve seat (28), wherein when the valve member (14) is in the closed position and the collar (16) is mounted on the valve head (64), the valve head assembly (115) seals the internal valve seat (28), preventing fluid flow through the internal valve seat (28), and wherein when the valve member (14) is in the open position, the valve head assembly (115), with the collar (16) mounted on the valve head (64), allows fluid flow through the flow passage (26) between the first port (22) and the second port (24).

2. The coupling assembly (1, 101) of claim 1, wherein the main body (10) that defines the valve housing (20) has a unitary seamless construction defining the first port (22), the second port (24), the valve seat (28), and the flow passage (26), wherein the valve guide (30) is unitary with the main body (10), and wherein the valve guide (30) has at least one arm (38), and wherein the at least one arm (38) is integrally formed with the main body (10) and the valve guide (30).

3. The coupling assembly (1, 101) of claim 1, wherein the collar (16) includes a collar body (17) having a central hub (77) and a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient cantilever fingers (88) projecting from the central hub (77), the resilient cantilever fingers (88) having finger lengths extending from base ends formed with the central hub (77) to free ends, the resilient cantilever fingers (88) being adapted to resiliently flex along their lengths relative to the central hub (77) to move the collar body (17) between the first radial configuration and the second radial configuration.

4. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 3, wherein the valve head (64) defines a first outer circumferential groove (167), wherein the resilient cantilever fingers (88) have radial retention tabs (192) at the free ends of the resilient cantilever fingers (88), and wherein the radial retention tabs (192) fit in the first outer circumferential groove (167) to retain the collar (16) on the valve head (64).

5. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 4, wherein the valve head (64) has a seal (18, 118) disposed within a second circumferential groove (168), and wherein the collar (16) mounts on the valve head (64) behind the seal (18, 118).

6. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 5, wherein the seal (18, 118) is an elastomeric radial seal, wherein the seal (118) provides a radial seal with a sealing surface (129) of the valve seat (28), and, wherein the seal (118) is radially compressed to fit across the sealing surface (129) of the valve seat (28) and expands to form a radial seal.

7. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 4, wherein the collar (16) is positioned on an axial end face (72) of the valve head (64) facing the valve seat (28), wherein the collar (16) has a seal (18) which mounts on the central hub (77) and is carried with the collar body (17), and wherein the central hub (77) defines a seal groove (80) which extends circumferentially around the central hub (77), wherein the seal (18) mounts within the seal groove (80), and wherein the seal (18) is adapted to provide a radial seal relative to the valve seat (28).

8. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 7, the collar (16) further comprising at least one axial pin (94) which projects from the central hub (77), and wherein the at least one axial pin (94) is adapted to fit within a pin opening (71) defined by the axial end face (72) of the valve head (64).

9. A coupling assembly (1, 101) according to claim 6, wherein the resilient cantilever fingers (88) are adapted to flex radially outwardly beyond the second radial configuration to a fully extended configuration during insertion of the collar body (17) over the valve head (64), and wherein the resilient cantilever fingers (88) are adapted to move resiliently from the fully extended configuration to the second radial configuration when the radial retention tabs (192) fit into the first outer circumferential groove (167).

10. The coupling assembly (1, 101) of claim 1, wherein the valve guide (30) has a first port facing surface (148) defining a spring groove (146), and wherein a valve spring (112) for spring biasing the valve member (14) toward the closed position is engaged between the valve head (64) and the first port facing surface (148).

11. The coupling assembly (1, 101) of claim 1, wherein the valve head (64) is sized and designed such that when the collar (16) is not secured to the valve head (64), the valve head (64) can pass through the valve seat (28).

12. A method of assembling a coupling assembly (1, 101), the coupling assembly (1, 101) having a valve seat (28) adjacent a valve port, the method comprising: attaching a seal (18, 118) to one of a valve member (14) or a collar (16); inserting the valve member (14) through the valve port (22, 24) and the valve seat (28) into an interior of the coupling assembly (1, 101);inserting the collar (16) through the valve port (22, 24) and the valve seat (28) and installing the collar (16) on the valve member (14) within the interior of the coupling assembly (1, 101), and wherein, after installing the collar (16) on the valve member (14), the collar (16) prevents the valve member (14) from passing through the valve seat (28) and seals the valve relative to the valve seat (28) when the valve member (14) is in a closed position.;

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the collar (16) is installed on a valve head (64) of the valve member (14) by a snap-fit connection.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the collar (16) includes resilient cantilever fingers (88) which are radially compressed to force the collar (16) through the valve seat (28) and which are radially expanded to 27 engage the elastic cantilever fingers (88) over the valve head (64).

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal (118) is an elastomeric radial seal, wherein the seal (118) seals radially with a sealing surface (129) of the valve seat (28), wherein the seal (118) is radially compressed to fit across the sealing surface (129) of the valve seat (28) and expands to form a radial seal.

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