Quick disconnect coupling for refrigeration systems

Abstract

An assembly (100) includes a first fitting (102) having a fitting body (108), wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve (128), and wherein the locking sleeve has a locking pin (132, 134) extending radially outward therefrom; and a second fitting (104) having a respective fitting body (138), wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion (154) and a slotted sleeve (156), wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber (158) therebetween. The locking sleeve of the first fitting is received within the annular chamber, wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot (160, 162) formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, such that as the locking sleeve is inserted into the annular chamber and rotated, the locking pin traverses the slot, thereby locking the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

Description

Quick Disconnect Coupling for Refrigeration SystemsCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 587,075, filed on September 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this description.BACKGROUND

[0002] A quick connect / disconnect coupling allows for quick and safe connecting and disconnecting of refrigeration fluid lines in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Conventional couplings require a tool (e.g., wrench) in order to tighten a nut into a threaded body of a fitting. This tightening process takes a long time, particularly when an application requires forming hundreds of such couplings.

[0003] For example, data center servers may have hundreds or thousands of fittings connected to server racks. Technicians then connect a respective fitting to each of the fittings of the server racks to provide refrigerant thereto. Having to thread hundreds or thousands of fittings via a torqueing wrench consumes a substantial amount of time, is not efficient, and may lead to technician fatigue.

[0004] It may thus be desirable to provide a quick connect / disconnect coupling that alleviates such issues. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure describes implementations that relate to a quick disconnect coupling for refrigeration systems.

[0006] In a first example implementation, the present disclosure describes an assembly. The assembly includes: a first fitting having a fitting body, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve, and wherein the locking sleeve has a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom; and a second fitting having a respective fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve, wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween. The locking sleeve of the first fitting is received within the annular chamber, wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, such that as the locking sleeve is inserted into the annular chamber and rotated, the locking pin traverses the slot, thereby locking the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0007] In a second example implementation, the present disclosure describes a method of forming and / or operating the assembly of the first example implementation.

[0008] In a third example implementation, the present disclosure also describes a refrigeration system including the assembly of the first example implementation.

[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, implementations, and features described above, further aspects, implementations, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly representing a quick disconnect coupling, according to an example implementation.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the assembly of Figure 1, according to an example implementation.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a fitting body, according to an example implementation.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of the fitting body of Figure 3, according to an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a first fitting, according to an example implementation.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of a second fitting, according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective side view of the second fitting of Figure 6, according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the second fitting of Figures 6-7, according to an example implementation.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an assembly with a swivel configuration, according to an example implementation.

[0020] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a first fitting, according to an example implementation.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the first fitting of Figure 10, according to an example implementation.

[0022] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for forming and / or operating the assembly of Figure 1 or the assembly of Figure 9, according to an example implementationDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Within examples, disclosed herein is a coupling including a first fitting having a fitting body, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve, and wherein the locking sleeve has a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom. The coupling also includes a second fitting having a respective fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve. The base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween, wherein the locking sleeve of the first fitting is received within the annular chamber. The slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction. As the locking sleeve is inserted into the annular chamber and rotated, the locking pin traverses the slot, thereby locking the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 100 representing a quick disconnect coupling, and Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the assembly 100, according to an example implementation. The assembly 100 includes a first fitting 102 coupled to a second fitting 104. In an example, the second fitting 104 can be coupled to a manifold (e.g., data center server rack), while a fluid line (e.g., tube, hose, or pipe) is connected to the first fitting 102 to provide refrigerant flow to and from such manifold.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1-2 together, the assembly 100 can include an adapter 106 that facilitates connecting a fluid line to the first fitting 102. For example, the adapter 106 can have internal threads, while the fluid line (e.g., tube, hose, or pipe) can have external threads that thread into the internal threads of the adapter 106 to couple the fluid line to the first fitting 102.

[0026] The first fitting 102 includes a fitting body 108 in which the adapter 106 is threaded. The fitting body 108 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical cavity therein that houses a poppet valve assembly 110 therein

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the poppet valve assembly 110 includes a poppet 112 (which can also be referred to as a piston) and a spring 114. The spring 114 is interposed between a spring cap 116 mounted to the poppet 112 and a sleeve 118 mounted around the poppet 112.

[0028] The first fitting 102 further includes a radial seal 120 mounted in an annular groove formed in the sleeve 118. The radial seal 120 seals between the outer surface of the sleeve 118 an the interior peripheral surface of the fitting body 108. The first fitting 102 also includes a face seal 122 mounted to the sleeve 118. As depicted, the poppet 112 has a proximal flange portion 124 that is configured to interface with the face seal 122.

[0029] The assembly 100 further includes a lock washer 126. The lock washer 126 can operate as a secondary seal in addition to the face seal 122 to form an effective seal between the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104.

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the fitting body 108, Figure 4 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of the fitting body 108, and Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first fitting 102, according to an example implementation. Referring to Figures 1-5 together, the fitting body 108 includes a base 127 and a locking sleeve 128 mounted to the base 127.

[0031] In an example, the locking sleeve 128 can have a knurled portion 130. As shown inFigures 1, 3, the knurled portion 130 can include a pattern of straight, angled or crossed linesrolled into the material of the locking sleeve 128. The knurled portion 130 facilitates gripping and rotating the locking sleeve 128.

[0032] In one example, the locking sleeve 128 can be integral with the base 127. In other words, the fitting body 108 may have a unitary construction with the locking sleeve 128 integrated with the base 127. In another example, the locking sleeve 128 can be formed separately and then coupled to the base 127.

[0033] The locking sleeve 128 further includes one or more locking pins that extend radially outward from the locking sleeve 128. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the locking sleeve 128 can include a pair of diametrically opposite locking pins such as locking pin 132 and locking pin 134.

[0034] Referring back to Figures 1-2, the first fitting 102 engages with the second fitting 104 via the locking pins 132, 134. Particularly, the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 are configured to engage each other to form the coupling shown in Figures 1-2 in a quick, effective manner that facilitates forming hundreds or thousands of such engagements in a short amount of time.

[0035] As mentioned above, the second fitting 104 can be coupled to a manifold (e.g., a data center server rack). Particularly, the assembly 100 can include an adapter 136 that facilitates connecting the second fitting 104 to such manifold. For example, the adapter 136 can have internal threads, while the manifold can have another fitting or adapter with external threads thread into the internal threads of the adapter 136 to couple the second fitting 104 to the manifold.

[0036] As depicted in Figures 1-2, the second fitting 104 includes a fitting body 138 in which the adapter 136 is threaded. The fitting body 138 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical cavity therein that houses a poppet valve assembly 140 therein. The poppet valve assembly 140 includes a poppet 142 (which faces the poppet 112 of the first fitting 102) and a spring 144. The spring 144 is interposed between a spring cap 146 and a flanged portion 148 of the poppet 142. With this configuration, the spring 144 biases the poppet 142 in the distal direction toward the poppet 112 of the first fitting 102.

[0037] The second fitting 104 further includes a tip seal 150 (e.g., rubber seal) mounted at a distal end of the poppet 142. In the depicted closed state or position (where no refrigerant flows through the assembly 100) the spring 144 biases the poppet 142 and the tip seal 150 toward a seat 152 formed as an internal annular protrusion in the fitting body 138. The tip seal 150 also contacts or interfaces with the proximal end of the poppet 112 of the first fitting 102, thereby preventing refrigerant flow through the assembly 100.

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the second fitting 104, Figure 7 illustrates a perspective side view of the second fitting 104, and Figure 8 illustrates a perspective cross- sectional view of the second fitting 104, according to an example implementation. Referring to Figures 1-2, 6-8 together, the fitting body 138 of the second fitting 104 has a base portion 154 and a slotted sleeve 156 integrated therewith to form the fitting body 138. As depicted in Figure 8, for example, the slotted sleeve 156 and the base portion 154 form an annular chamber 158 (e g., a blind annular chamber) therebetween. The annular chamber 158 is configured to receive the locking sleeve 128 of the first fitting 102 as shown in Figures 1-2.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6-7, the slotted sleeve 156 of the fitting body 138 has one more slots corresponding, and configured, to receive the locking pins 132, 134 of the first fitting 102. Forexample, as depicted in Figures 6-8, the slotted sleeve 156 includes a slot 160 on one side of the slotted sleeve 156 and a slot 162 on the other side. Each of the slots 160, 162 is formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve 156 in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction.

[0040] During assembly, the first fitting 102 is aligned with the second fitting 104 such that the locking pins 132, 134 are positioned at an entrance or opening of the slots 160, 162, respectively. Profiles of the slots 160, 162 create respective tracks for the locking pins 132, 134, respectively, and the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102 is pushed longitudinally and rotated (e.g., clockwise) at the same time to allow the locking pins 132, 134 to traverse the respective tracks of the slot 160, 162.

[0041] In one example, the fitting body 108, and particularly the locking sleeve 128, can have respective holes in which the locking pins 132, 134 are pressed such that the locking pins 132, 134 are affixed to the fitting body 108. In other examples, however, the locking pins 132, 134 are formed as rollers that can rotate as the locking pins 132, 134 traverse the slots 160, 162, respectively, where interaction of such rollers with the side walls bounding the slots 160, 162 cause the locking pins 132, 134 to rotate about their own axes to facilitate traversal of the slots 160, 162.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, in an example, an end portion 164 of the slot 160 is formed as a substantially square hole that has a lip 166 for retaining a respective pin (e.g., the locking pin 132). After the locking sleeve 128 of the first fitting 102 is rotated to cause the locking pins 132, 134 to traverse the slots 160, 162, respectively, the locking pins 132, 134 reach the respective end portions of the slots 160, 162 (e.g., the locking pin 132 reaches the end portion 164 of the slot 160). Assembling the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104 and / or refrigerant pressureduring operation pull the fitting bodies 108, 138 apart, thereby causing the locking pins 132, 134 to be retained by the lips of the respective end portions of the slots 160, 162.

[0043] In particular, as described above, a fluid line (e.g., tube, hose, or pipe) can be connected to the adapter 106 of the first fitting 102 to provide refrigerant flow to a manifold to which the second fitting 104 is mounted. Referring to Figure 2, in an example, such fluid line can interact with the spring cap 116 and the poppet 112 pushing them in the proximal direction, causing the spring 114 to push the sleeve 118 and the face seal 122 to be squeezed against a distal side of the seat 152, thereby forming a seal with the seat 152.

[0044] In an example, the fluid line can further push the poppet 112 in the proximal direction such that the poppet 112 moves the poppet 142 in the proximal direction. As the poppet 142 is unseated off the seat 152, a flow path is formed to allow refrigerant to flow through the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104. Particularly, fluid can flow from the fluid line coupled to the adapter 106 through the cylindrical cavity of the fitting body 108 (the spring cap 116 does not block fluid flow), then around the proximal flange portion 124 of the poppet 112 and around the distal end of the poppet 142 (now unseated off the seat 152), through the cavity of the fitting body 138, then out through the adapter 136 to the manifold.

[0045] In one example, during assembly, the poppet 112 is moved (e.g., via the fluid line) in the proximal direction and is positioned such that a small opening is formed to allow refrigerant flow. Thereafter, refrigerant pressure can cause the poppet 112 to move further in the proximal direction, thereby moving the poppet 142 therewith to a fully open position allowing maximum refrigerant flow rate at a minimum pressure drop.

[0046] In another example, the poppet 112 is moved (e.g., via the fluid line) to the fully open position upon inserting the fluid line through the adapter 106. In another example, however,when the fluid line is coupled to the adapter 106, the poppet 1 12 and the poppet 142 remain in the closed position shown in Figure 2. Only when refrigerant flows through the assembly 100, the pressure of such refrigerant causes the poppets 112, 142 to move in the proximal direction, thereby opening a flow path for the refrigerant.

[0047] Notably, the pin and slot configuration of the assembly 100 facilitates coupling the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104 without having to thread the fitting bodies together as performed in conventional couplings. Coupling the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104, via the pin and slot configuration, can be quick and does not require a particular torque level to be applied. Thus, hundreds of fittings can be quickly connected to each other in a short amount of time with less effort.

[0048] The fittings can also be disconnected quickly. For example, the first fitting 102 can be pushed slightly in the proximal direction, then rotated (e.g., counter-clockwise) in a reverse direction to allow the locking pins 132, 134 to traverse the slots 160, 162 in the opposite direction, allowing the first fitting 102 to be disconnected from the second fitting 104. When the first fitting 102 is removed, the spring 144 pushes the poppet 142 in the distal direction such that the tip seal 150 seals against the seat 152 and prevent leakage.

[0049] In an example, a fluid line can be coupled to the adapter 106 as the first fitting 102 is being coupled to the second fitting 104 during assembly. In this example, as the locking sleeve 128 is rotated to cause the locking pins 132, 134 to traverse the slots 160, 162, respectively, the fluid line is twisted along with the first fitting 102, which might not be desirable in some applications. As such, it may be desirable in such applications to cause the locking sleeve 128 to rotate independently without twisting the fluid line therewith.

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an assembly 200 with a swivel configuration, according to an example implementation. The assembly 200 is similar to the assembly 100, and components that are used in both assemblies are designated with the same reference numbers. The assembly 200 differs from the assembly 100 in that the assembly 200 has a first fitting 202 with a fitting body 204 having a base 206 and a locking sleeve 208 that can swivel relative to the base 206.

[0051] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the first fitting 202, and Figure 11 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the first fitting 202, according to an example implementation. As shown in Figures 9, 11, the base 206 of the fitting body 204 has an annular groove 210, and the locking sleeve 208 has an annular end flange 212 configured to be received within the annular groove 210 of the base 206.

[0052] The annular end flange 212 has straight edges or sides to facilitate insertion of the annular end flange 212 into the annular groove 210. The annular end flange 212 can then be crimped or coined into the annular groove 210 to retain the locking sleeve 208 to the base 206, while allowing the locking sleeve 208 to swivel or rotate relative to the base 206 about a longitudinal axis of the assembly 200.

[0053] With this configuration, if the fluid line is coupled to an adapter coupled to the base 206 of the first fitting 202, the locking sleeve 208 can be rotated independently from the base 206 to cause the locking pins 132, 134 to traverse the slots 160, 162 and locking the first fitting 202 to the second fitting 104 without having to twist the fluid line.

[0054] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method 300 for forming and / or operating the assembly 100, 200, according to an example implementation. The method 300 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 302-306. Although theblocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

[0055] At block 302, the method 300 includes aligning the fitting body 108, 204 of the first fitting 102, 202 with the fitting body 138 of the second fitting 104, wherein the fitting body 108, 204 has the locking sleeve 128, 208 having the locking pin 132, 134 extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the fitting body 130 has the base portion 154 and the slotted sleeve 156, wherein the base portion 154 and the slotted sleeve 156 form the annular chamber 158 therebetween, and wherein the slotted sleeve 156 has the slot 160, 162 formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve 156 in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction.

[0056] At block 304, the method 300 includes inserting the locking sleeve 128, 208 of the first fitting 102, 202 into the annular chamber 158 of the second fitting 104.

[0057] At block 306, the method 300 includes rotating the locking sleeve 128, 208, thereby causing the locking pin 132, 134 to traverse the slot 160, 162 to couple the fitting body 108, 204 of the first fitting 102, 202 to the fitting body 138 of the second fitting 104.

[0058] The method 300 can further include any of the other steps or operations described throughout herein with respect to operation of the assembly 100, 200.

[0059] The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. Certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0060] Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.

[0061] Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.

[0062] Further, devices or systems may be used or configured to perform actuators presented in the figures. In some instances, components of the devices and / or systems may be configured to perform the actuators such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and / or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and / or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the actuators, such as when operated in a specific manner.

[0063] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those with skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0064] The arrangements described herein are for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, operations, orders, and groupings of operations, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according to the desired results. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

[0065] While various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0066] Embodiments of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of the enumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below.

[0067] EEE 1 is an assembly comprising: a first fitting having a fitting body, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve, and wherein the locking sleeve has a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom; and a second fitting having a respective fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve, wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween, wherein the locking sleeve of the first fitting isreceived within the annular chamber, wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, wherein as the locking sleeve is inserted into the annular chamber and rotated, the locking pin traverses the slot to couple the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0068] EEE 2 is the assembly of EEE 1, wherein the locking pin is formed as a roller, wherein interaction of the locking pin with side walls bounding the slot causes the locking pin to rotate about an axis of the locking pin facilitate traversal of the slot.

[0069] EEE 3 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-2, wherein the fitting body of the first fitting further includes a base to which the locking sleeve is coupled.

[0070] EEE 4 is the assembly of EEE 3, wherein the locking sleeve is coupled to the base such that the locking sleeve and the locking pin coupled thereto are allowed to swivel independently about the base.

[0071] EEE 5 is the assembly of EEE 4, wherein the base of the fitting body has an annular groove, wherein the locking sleeve has an annular end flange received within the annular groove of the base, allowing the locking sleeve to swivel relative to the base.

[0072] EEE 6 is the assembly of EEE 5, wherein the annular end flange has straight edges to facilitate insertion of the annular end flange into the annular groove, wherein the annular end flange is crimped or coined into the annular groove to retain the locking sleeve to the base, while allowing the locking sleeve to swivel relative to the base.

[0073] EEE 7 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-6, wherein the locking pin is a first locking pin, wherein the slot is a first slot, wherein the locking sleeve has a second locking pin, wherein thefirst locking pin and the second locking pin are diametrically opposite from each other, wherein the slotted sleeve includes a second slot, such that during assembly, the first locking pin traverses the first slot, while the second locking pin traverses the second slot.

[0074] EEE 8 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-7, wherein an end portion of the slot is formed as a substantially square hole that has a lip for retaining the locking pin after rotating the locking sleeve.

[0075] EEE 9 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-8, wherein the locking sleeve has a knurled portion including a pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines rolled into the locking sleeve such that the knurled portion facilitates gripping and rotating the locking sleeve.

[0076] EEE 10 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-9, wherein the first fitting comprises: a poppet valve assembly mounted within the fitting body, wherein the poppet valve assembly includes a poppet and a spring, wherein the spring is interposed between a spring cap mounted to the poppet and a sleeve mounted around the poppet.

[0077] EEE 11 is the assembly of EEE 10, wherein the second fitting comprises: a respective poppet valve assembly having a respective poppet facing the poppet of the first fitting and a respective spring, wherein the respective spring is interposed between a respective spring cap and a flanged portion of the respective poppet.

[0078] EEE 12 is the assembly of EEE 11, wherein the second fitting further includes a tip seal mounted at a distal end of the respective poppet, wherein the respective spring biases the respective poppet and the tip seal toward a seat formed as an internal annular protrusion in the respective fitting body of the second fitting, and wherein the tip seal interfaces with the poppet of the first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow from the first fitting to the second fitting.

[0079] EEE 13 is the assembly of EEE 12, further comprising: an adapter coupled to the fitting body of the first fitting, wherein the adapter is configured to push the poppet of the first fitting such that the poppet moves the respective poppet of the second fitting off the seat, thereby forming a flow path to allow refrigerant to flow through the first fitting and the second fitting.

[0080] EEE 14 is a method of forming and / or operating the assembly of any of EEEs 1-13. For example, the method comprises: aligning a fitting body of a first fitting with a respective fitting body of a second fitting, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve having a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve, wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween, and wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction; inserting the locking sleeve of the first fitting into the annular chamber of the second fitting; and rotating the locking sleeve thereby causing the locking pin to traverse the slot to couple the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0081] EEE 15 is the method of EEE 14, wherein the locking pin is formed as a roller, and wherein rotating the locking sleeve causes the locking pin to interact with side walls bounding the slot, thereby rotating the locking pin about an axis of the locking pin to facilitate traversal of the slot.

[0082] EEE 16 is the method of any of EEEs 14-15, wherein the fitting body of the first fitting further includes a base to which the locking sleeve is coupled, wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: swiveling the locking sleeve independently about the base.

[0083] EEE 17 is the method of any of EEEs 14-16, wherein the locking pin is a first locking pin, wherein the slot is a first slot, wherein the locking sleeve has a second locking pin, whereinthe first locking pin and the second locking pin are diametrically opposite from each other, wherein the slotted sleeve includes a second slot, and wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: causing the first locking pin to traverse the first slot, and causing the second locking pin to traverse the second slot.

[0084] EEE 18 is the method of any of EEEs 14-17, wherein an end portion of the slot is formed as a substantially square hole that has a lip, wherein the method further comprises: retaining the locking pin within the end portion via the lip after rotating the locking sleeve.

[0085] EEE 19 is the method of any of EEEs 14-18, wherein the locking sleeve has a knurled portion including a pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines rolled into the locking sleeve, wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: gripping the knurled portion to rotate the locking sleeve.

[0086] EEE 20 is the method of any of EEEs 14-19, wherein the first fitting comprises: a poppet valve assembly mounted within the fitting body, wherein the poppet valve assembly includes a poppet and a spring, wherein the spring is interposed between a spring cap mounted to the poppet and a sleeve mounted around the poppet, wherein the second fitting comprises: a respective poppet valve assembly having a respective poppet facing the poppet of the first fitting and a respective spring, wherein the respective spring is interposed between a respective spring cap and a flanged portion of the respective poppet, wherein the second fitting further includes a tip seal mounted at a distal end of the respective poppet, wherein the respective spring biases the respective poppet and the tip seal toward a seat formed as an internal annular protrusion in the respective fitting body of the second fitting, wherein the tip seal interfaces with the poppet of the first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow from the first fitting to the second fitting, and wherein the method further comprising: coupling an adapter to the fitting body of the first fitting,thereby pushing the poppet of the first fitting such that the poppet moves the respective poppet of the second fitting off the seat, forming a flow path to allow refrigerant to flow through the first fitting and the second fitting.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An assembly comprising: a first fitting having a fitting body, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve, and wherein the locking sleeve has a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom; and a second fitting having a respective fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve, wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween, wherein the locking sleeve of the first fitting is received within the annular chamber, wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, wherein as the locking sleeve is inserted into the annular chamber and rotated, the locking pin traverses the slot to couple the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking pin is formed as a roller, wherein interaction of the locking pin with side walls bounding the slot causes the locking pin to rotate about an axis of the locking pin facilitate traversal of the slot.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fitting body of the first fitting further includes a base to which the locking sleeve is coupled.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the locking sleeve is coupled to the base such that the locking sleeve and the locking pin coupled thereto are allowed to swivel independently about the base.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the base of the fitting body has an annular groove, wherein the locking sleeve has an annular end flange received within the annular groove of the base, allowing the locking sleeve to swivel relative to the base.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the annular end flange has straight edges to facilitate insertion of the annular end flange into the annular groove, wherein the annular end flange is crimped or coined into the annular groove to retain the locking sleeve to the base, while allowing the locking sleeve to swivel relative to the base.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking pin is a first locking pin, wherein the slot is a first slot, wherein the locking sleeve has a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin and the second locking pin are diametrically opposite from each other, wherein the slotted sleeve includes a second slot, such that during assembly, the first locking pin traverses the first slot, while the second locking pin traverses the second slot.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the slot is formed as a substantially square hole that has a lip for retaining the locking pin after rotating the locking sleeve.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking sleeve has a knurled portion including a pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines rolled into the locking sleeve such that the knurled portion facilitates gripping and rotating the locking sleeve.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fitting comprises: a poppet valve assembly mounted within the fitting body, wherein the poppet valve assembly includes a poppet and a spring, wherein the spring is interposed between a spring cap mounted to the poppet and a sleeve mounted around the poppet.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the second fitting comprises: a respective poppet valve assembly having a respective poppet facing the poppet of the first fitting and a respective spring, wherein the respective spring is interposed between a respective spring cap and a flanged portion of the respective poppet.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the second fitting further includes a tip seal mounted at a distal end of the respective poppet, wherein the respective spring biases the respective poppet and the tip seal toward a seat formed as an internal annular protrusion in the respective fitting body of the second fitting, and wherein the tip seal interfaces with the poppet of the first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow from the first fitting to the second fitting.

13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising: an adapter coupled to the fitting body of the first fitting, wherein the adapter is configured to push the poppet of the first fitting such that the poppet moves the respective poppet of thesecond fitting off the seat, thereby forming a flow path to allow refrigerant to flow through the first fitting and the second fitting.

14. A method comprising: aligning a fitting body of a first fitting with a respective fitting body of a second fitting, wherein the fitting body has a locking sleeve having a locking pin extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the respective fitting body has a base portion and a slotted sleeve, wherein the base portion and the slotted sleeve form an annular chamber therebetween, and wherein the slotted sleeve has a slot formed as a groove that is curved such that the groove traverses the slotted sleeve in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction; inserting the locking sleeve of the first fitting into the annular chamber of the second fitting; and rotating the locking sleeve thereby causing the locking pin to traverse the slot to couple the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking pin is formed as a roller, and wherein rotating the locking sleeve causes the locking pin to interact with side walls bounding the slot, thereby rotating the locking pin about an axis of the locking pin to facilitate traversal of the slot.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the fitting body of the first fitting further includes a base to which the locking sleeve is coupled, wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: swiveling the locking sleeve independently about the base.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking pin is a first locking pin, wherein the slot is a first slot, wherein the locking sleeve has a second locking pin, wherein the first locking pin and the second locking pin are diametrically opposite from each other, wherein the slotted sleeve includes a second slot, and wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: causing the first locking pin to traverse the first slot, and causing the second locking pin to traverse the second slot.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein an end portion of the slot is formed as a substantially square hole that has a lip, wherein the method further comprises: retaining the locking pin within the end portion via the lip after rotating the locking sleeve.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking sleeve has a knurled portion including a pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines rolled into the locking sleeve, wherein rotating the locking sleeve comprises: gripping the knurled portion to rotate the locking sleeve.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first fitting comprises: a poppet valve assembly mounted within the fitting body, wherein the poppet valve assembly includes a poppet and a spring, wherein the spring is interposed between a spring cap mounted to the poppet and a sleeve mounted around the poppet, wherein the second fitting comprises: a respective poppet valve assembly having a respective poppet facing the poppet of the first fitting and a respective spring, wherein the respective spring is interposed between a respective spring cap and a flangedportion of the respective poppet, wherein the second fitting further includes a tip seal mounted at a distal end of the respective poppet, wherein the respective spring biases the respective poppet and the tip seal toward a seat formed as an internal annular protrusion in the respective fitting body of the second fitting, wherein the tip seal interfaces with the poppet of the first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow from the first fitting to the second fitting, and wherein the method further comprising: coupling an adapter to the fitting body of the first fitting, thereby pushing the poppet of the first fitting such that the poppet moves the respective poppet of the second fitting off the seat, forming a flow path to allow refrigerant to flow through the first fitting and the second fitting.

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