Quick disconnect service coupling for refrigeration systems

Abstract

An example coupling includes a first fitting having (i) a fitting body having a locking sleeve, and (ii) an adapter that facilitates connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; a second fitting having (i) a respective fitting body that is engaged with the locking sleeve of the first fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting, and (ii) a service adapter that facilitates connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting; and a service valve mounted to the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

Description

Quick Disconnect Service Coupling for Refrigeration SystemsCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 631,600, filed on April 9, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 673,806, filed on July 22, 2024, the entire contents of all 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. In some applications, it may be desirable in such systems to be able to isolate a specific component or portion of the system from the rest of the system for troubleshooting or maintenance purposes. It may also be desirable to enable troubleshooting, vacuuming, and charging such component or portion of the system, then reconnecting the component or portion to the rest of the system.

[0003] In conventional systems, service ports are integrated in a fitting body of the coupling. This makes such couplings long and not suitable for all applications. Further, only a specific type of couplings has such service ports integrated therewith, while any other coupling at various parts of the system might not have such service ports, rendering servicing the system more difficult. Also, existing couplings with service ports are characterized by large pressure drops when using the service ports due to the size of the port being set, and not adaptable to a particular system.

[0004] 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 service coupling for refrigeration systems.

[0006] In a first example implementation, the present disclosure describes a coupling comprising: a first fitting having (i) a fitting body having a locking sleeve, and (ii) an adapter mounted to the fitting body, wherein the adapter facilitates connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; a second fitting having (i) a respective fitting body that is engaged with the locking sleeve of the first fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting, and (ii) a service adapter mounted to the respective fitting body, wherein the service adapter facilitates connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting; and a service valve mounted to the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

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

[0008] In a third example implementation, the present disclosure also describes a refrigeration system including the coupling 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 having a coupling, according to an example implementation.

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

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first fitting of the coupling of Figure 1, according to an example implementation.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second fitting of the coupling of Figure 1, according to an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the first fitting of Figure 3 and the second fitting of Figure 4 in a disassembled state, according to an example implementation.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first fitting of Figure 3 and the second fitting of Figure 4 in a disassembled state, according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 with an exploded view of a service valve, according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1 with an exploded view of a service valve, according to an example implementation.

[0019] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for forming and / or operating the assembly of Figure 1, according to an example implementation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Within examples, disclosed herein is a service coupling configured as a dry break quick disconnect coupling having a first fitting, a second fitting, and a service adapter coupled to the second fitting. The quick disconnect coupling can be connected and disconnected under flow and pressure to enable isolating one part of a refrigeration system from another, while preventing refrigerant loss. The term “refrigeration system” is used throughout herein to encompass a residential refrigeration system, a commercial refrigeration system, refrigeration systems of data centers, mini-split air / conditioning units, heat pump systems, or the like.

[0021] Further, the coupling has a service adapter that can be mounted to the fitting body of the second fitting, for example. A service valve can be mounted to the service adapter to enable troubleshooting, vacuuming, and charging the system with refrigerant. The service adapter can come in different sizes to match different sizes of existing couplings, while reducing pressure drop when using the service valve. Such service adapter can be used in any existing coupling as desired, and can be mounted and removed as desired. Thus, no special, long service couplings need to be used in all parts of the system. Rather, any coupling at any part of in the system can be converted into a service coupling to troubleshoot, charge, and vacuum any part of the system as desired.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 100 having a coupling 101, and Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly 100, according to an example implementation. The coupling 101 represents a quick disconnect service coupling.

[0023] The assembly 100 includes a first fitting 102 coupled to a second fitting 104. In an example, the first fitting 102 can be coupled to a first portion of a refrigeration system (e g., asource of refrigerant) via a fluid line 103 (e.g., tube, hose, or pipe). Similarly, the second fitting104 can be coupled via a respective fluid line 105 to a second portion of the refrigeration system.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1-2 together, the assembly 100 can include an adapter 106 (e.g., a brass adapter) that facilitates connecting the fluid line 103 to the first fitting 102. For example, the adapter 106 can have internal threads, while the fluid line 103 can have external threads that thread into the internal threads of the adapter 106 to couple the fluid line 103 to the first fitting 102. In other examples, the adapter 106 can be brazed to the fluid line 103.

[0025] Similarly, the assembly 100 includes a service adapter 107 (e.g., a brass adapter) that facilitates connecting the fluid line 105 to the second fitting 104. For example, the service adapter 107 can have internal threads, while the fluid line 105 can have external threads that thread into the internal threads of the service adapter 107 to couple the fluid line 105 to the second fitting 104. In other examples, the service adapter 107 can be brazed to the fluid line 105. Further, a service valve 109 is mounted to the service adapter 107.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first fitting 102, according to an example implementation. Referring to Figures 2-3 together, 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] 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 and seals between the outer surface of the sleeve 118 an the interiorperipheral surface of the fitting body 108. As depicted in Figure 3, the first fitting 102 also includes a face seal 122 mounted to the sleeve 118. Also, the poppet 112 has a proximal flange portion 124 that is configured to interface with the face seal 122. In examples, another seal may be mounted between the adapter 106 and the fitting body 108.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, 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] The fitting body 108 can further include a locking sleeve 128. The locking sleeve 128 is configured to engage with the second fitting 104 to couple the first fitting 102 thereto. For example, the locking sleeve 128 can have internal threads configured to engage with external threads of a fitting body of the second fitting 104. In an example, the locking sleeve 128 is configured to swivel relative to the rest of the fitting body 108 such that the locking sleeve 128 can rotate independently without twisting the fluid line 103 coupled to the first fitting 102.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second fitting 104, according to an example implementation. Referring to Figures 2, 4 together, the second fitting 104 includes a fitting body 130 in which the service adapter 107 is threaded. The fitting body 130 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical cavity therein that houses a poppet valve assembly 132 therein. The poppet valve assembly 132 includes a poppet 134 (which faces the poppet 112 of the first fitting 102) and a spring 136. The spring 136 is interposed between a spring cap 138 and a flanged portion 140 of the poppet 134. With this configuration, the spring 136 biases the poppet 134 in the distal direction.

[0032] The second fitting 104 further includes a tip seal 142 (e g., rubber seal) mounted at a distal end of the poppet 134. In the depicted closed position in Figures 2, 4 (where no refrigerantflows through the assembly 100), the spring 136 biases the poppet 134 and the tip seal 142 toward a seat 144 formed as an internal annular protrusion in the fitting body 130. The tip seal 142 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.

[0033] The fitting body 130 can have external threads formed in a reduced diameter portion 146 of the second fitting 104. This way, the locking sleeve 128 of the first fitting 102 can threadedly engage the external threads of the reduced diameter portion 146 to couple the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104.

[0034] Referring to Figures 2-4 together, during assembly, as the adapter 106 is threaded into the fitting body 108, the adapter 106 can interact with the spring cap 116 and the poppet 112 of the first fitting 102 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 144. The poppet 112 also contacts the tip seal 142 mounted to the poppet 134. This way, a seal is formed at the interface between the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104, preventing refrigerant flow through the assembly 100.

[0035] In an example, the adapter 106 can further push the poppet 112 in the proximal direction such that the poppet 112 moves the poppet 134 in the proximal direction off the seat 144. As the poppet 134 is unseated from the seat 144, 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 103 coupled to the adapter 106 through the cylindrical cavity of the fitting body 108 (the spring cap 116 does not block refrigerant flow), then around the proximal flange portion 124 of the poppet 112 and around the distal end of the poppet 134 (now unseated from the seat 144),through the cavity of the fitting body 130, then out through the service adapter 107 to the fluid line 105.

[0036] In one example, during assembly, the poppet 112 is moved (e g., via the adapter 106) in the proximal direction and is positioned such that the poppet 134 is unseated and 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 134 therewith to a fully open position allowing maximum refrigerant flow rate at a minimum pressure drop.

[0037] In another example, the poppet 112 is moved (e.g., via the adapter 106) to the fully open position. In another example, however, when the fluid line 103 is coupled to the adapter 106, the poppet 112 and the poppet 134 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, 134 to move in the proximal direction, thereby opening a flow path for the refrigerant.

[0038] The fittings 102, 104 can also be disconnected quickly. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 in a disassembled state, and Figure 6 a cross-sectional side view of the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 in a disassembled state, according to an example implementation. In an example, the locking sleeve 128 can be unthreaded from the reduced diameter portion 146 of the fitting body 130 to disconnect the first fitting 102 from the second fitting 104.

[0039] When the first fitting 102 is disconnected from the second fitting 104, the second fitting 104 prevents leakage (prevents refrigerant loss) from the fluid line 105. Particularly, the spring 136 pushes the poppet 134 in the distal direction such that the tip seal 142 seals against the seat 144 as shown in Figure 6 and prevent leakage. This way, the coupling 101 can be referred to as a “dry break” coupling.

[0040] Disconnecting the first fitting 102 from the second fitting 104 can be performed under flow and pressure. Further, once the fittings 102, 104 are disconnected from each other, respective portions of the refrigeration system are isolated from the other. Particularly, the first fitting 102 isolates the fluid line 103 and portions of the system connected to it, and similarly the second fitting 104 isolates the fluid line 105 and portions of the system connected to it.

[0041] Additionally, after the first fitting 102 is disconnected from the second fitting 104 such that respective portions of the system are isolated from each other, the service valve 109 can be used to vacuum or charge the isolated system associated with the second fitting 104 as desired.

[0042] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly 100 with an exploded view of the service valve 109, and Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly 100 with an exploded view of the service valve 109, according to an example implementation. Referring to Figures 2, 7-8 together, the service valve 109 includes a cap 148, a valve body 150, a core or shell 152, and a stem 154.

[0043] The valve body 150 is configured as a hollow cylindrical tube with external threads 156 that engage internal threads of the cap 148 to mount the cap 148 to the valve body 150. The valve body 150 can be threaded into a threaded hole forming a service port 158 of the service adapter 107 to couple the service valve 109 to the second fitting 104. As shown, the threaded hole of the service port 158 is transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 (also perpendicular to flow path of refrigerant through the coupling 101).

[0044] The stem 154 operates as a poppet that is movable within the shell 152. The shell 152 forms a seat for the stem 154 to be seated on when the service valve 109 is in a closed position.A spring (not shown) is mounted within the shell 152 and configured to bias the stem 154 to a closed position.

[0045] In examples, the cap 148 can be removed, and a source of refrigerant or a source of vacuum can then be coupled to the service valve 109. The stem 154 can then be pushed inward (downward in the Figures), to be unseated from the seat formed within the shell 152, thereby opening a flow path to and from the fluid line 105 via the service adapter 107. This way, the fluid line 105 and portions of the system connected to it can be charged with refrigerant or can be emptied of refrigerant via vacuum pressure applied via the service valve 109.

[0046] As such, one or more components of the refrigeration system connected to the second fitting 104 can be isolated without refrigerant loss. Then, the service valve 109 can be used to vacuum refrigerant from such components, or charge them with refrigerant. The first fitting 102 can then be reconnected with the second fitting 104 to resume operation of the refrigerant system with minimal leakage or air inclusion.

[0047] Notably, the type of coupling (the coupling 101) described above is an example for illustration. Advantageously, the service adapter 107 that enables mounting the service valve 109 thereto to service the part of the refrigeration system coupled to the second fitting 104 can be mounted to any type of coupling.

[0048] Also, advantageously, the above-mentioned servicing operations do not require any brazing or thermal processes to be able to a connect / disconnect to a refrigeration system as in conventional system. Thus, the configuration of the coupling 101 with the service adapter 107 may facilitate performance of such servicing operations by technicians.

[0049] Further, in conventional systems, a service coupling may be used in only specific parts of the system. Such couplings may include a service port integrated into a fitting body of one of the fittings of the coupling. Such configuration renders the fitting body long, and unsuitable for some applications where compactness is desired (e.g., in data center cooling systems with tight spaces and thousands of such couplings). Other parts of the system that do not have a service coupling cannot be serviced.

[0050] Advantageously, with the configuration of the service adapter 107 having the service port, the service adapter 107 can be mounted to any fitting body, turning any coupling to a service coupling. The service adapter 107 can be manufactured with different sizes to accommodate any type of coupling and any size coupling. Further, compact coupling can generally be used, and the service adapter 107 can be mounted thereto only when a service operation is desired. The service adapter 107 is replaceable, and another (non-service) adapter could be mounted to the fitting body if desired.

[0051] Also, existing service couplings are characterized by large pressure drops as their service ports are not customizes to particular applications and conditions. Advantageously, with the configuration of the service adapter 107 having the service port, a service adapter 107 with a customized size can be used to reduce pressure drop and render the system operation more efficient.

[0052] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method 200 for forming and / or operating the assembly 100, according to an example implementation. The method 200 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 202-410. Although the blocks 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 intofewer 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.

[0053] At block 202, the method 200 includes mounting the adapter 106 to the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102 to facilitate connecting the fluid line 103 to the first fitting 102.

[0054] At block 204, the method 200 includes mounting the service adapter 107 to the fitting body 130 of the second fitting 104 to facilitate connecting the fluid line 105 to the second fitting 104, wherein the service adapter 107 has the service port 158.

[0055] At block 206, the method 200 includes aligning the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102 with the fitting body 130 of the second fitting 104.

[0056] At block 208, the method 200 includes engaging the fitting body 108 with the fitting body 130 to couple the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104.

[0057] At block 210, the method 200 includes mounting the service valve 109 to the service port 158 of the service adapter 107 to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter 107 and the second fitting 104.

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

[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 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 a coupling comprising: a first fitting having a fitting body; an adapter mounted to the fitting body, wherein the adapter facilitates connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; a second fitting having a respective fitting body that is engaged with the fitting body of the first fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting; a service adapter mounted to the respective fitting body, wherein the service adapter facilitates connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting; and a service valve mounted to the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

[0068] EEE 2 is the coupling of EEE 1 , wherein the service adapter is threaded into the respective fitting body, and wherein the service adapter has a threaded hole to which a valve body of the service valve is mounted and threadedly engaged.

[0069] EEE 3 is the coupling of any of EEEs 1-2, wherein the first fitting has a locking sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body of the second fitting is engaged with the locking sleeve to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

[0070] EEE 4 is the coupling of EEE 3, wherein the locking sleeve is threaded to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0071] EEE 5 is the coupling of any of EEEs 3-4, wherein the locking sleeve is configured to swivel relative to the fitting body of the first fitting.

[0072] EEE 6 is the coupling of any of EEEs 1-5, wherein the service valve comprises: a valve body mounted to the service adapter; a shell mounted within the valve body; and a stem mounted through the shell.

[0073] EEE 7 is the coupling of any of EEEs 1-6, 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.

[0074] EEE 8 is the coupling of EEE 7, 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.

[0075] EEE 9 is the coupling of EEE 8, 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 through the coupling when the coupling is in a closed position.

[0076] EEE 10 is the coupling of EEE 9, wherein the adapter of the first fitting 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.

[0077] EEE 11 is a method of forming and / or operating the assembly of any of EEEs 1-10. For example, the method comprises: mounting an adapter to a fitting body of a first fitting to facilitate connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; mounting a service adapter to a respective fitting body of a second fitting to facilitate connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting, wherein the service adapter has a service port; aligning the fitting body of the first fitting with the respective fitting body of the second fitting; engaging the fitting body with the respective fitting body to couple the first fitting to the second fitting; and mounting a service valve to the service port of the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

[0078] EEE 12 is the method of EEE 11, wherein mounting the service adapter to the respective fitting body comprises: threading the service adapter into the respective fitting body.

[0079] EEE 13 is the method of EEE 12, wherein the service adapter has a threaded hole forming the service port, and wherein mounting the service valve to the service port comprises: threading a valve body of the service valve into the threaded hole of the service adapter.

[0080] EEE 14 is the method of any of EEEs 11-13, wherein the first fitting has a locking sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein engaging the fitting body with the respective fitting body to couple the first fitting to the second fitting comprises: engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0081] EEE 15 is the method of EEE 14, wherein engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting comprises: threading the locking sleeve to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

[0082] EEE 16 is the method of any of EEEs 14-15, wherein engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting comprises: swiveling the locking sleeve relative to the fitting body of the first fitting.

[0083] EEE 17 is the method of any of EEEs 11-16, 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, 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, and the second fitting 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 respectivefitting body of the second fitting, and wherein the tip seal interfaces with the poppet of the first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow through the first fitting and the second fitting.

[0084] EEE 18 is the method of EEE 17, wherein mounting the adapter to the fitting body of the first fitting comprises: pushing, via the adapter, 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.

[0085] EEE 19 is the method of EEE 18, further comprising: disengaging the first fitting from the second fitting, thereby causing the respective spring to bias the respective poppet and the tip seal toward the seat, to block refrigerant flow.

[0086] EEE 20 is the method of EEE 19, further comprising: using the service valve mounted to the service adapter to charge or vacuum refrigerant through the second fitting.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A coupling comprising: a first fitting having a fitting body; an adapter mounted to the fitting body, wherein the adapter facilitates connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; a second fitting having a respective fitting body that is engaged with the fitting body of the first fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting; a service adapter mounted to the respective fitting body, wherein the service adapter facilitates connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting; and a service valve mounted to the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the service adapter is threaded into the respective fitting body, and wherein the service adapter has a threaded hole to which a valve body of the service valve is mounted and threadedly engaged.

3. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first fitting has a locking sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the respective fitting body of the second fitting is engaged with the locking sleeve to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

4. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the locking sleeve is threaded to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

5. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the locking sleeve is configured to swivel relative to the fitting body of the first fitting.

6. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the service valve comprises: a valve body mounted to the service adapter; a shell mounted within the valve body; and a stem mounted through the shell.

7. The coupling 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.

8. The coupling of claim 7, 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.

9. The coupling of claim 8, 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 ofthe first fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow through the coupling when the coupling is in a closed position.

10. The coupling of claim 9, wherein the adapter of the first fitting 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.

11. A method comprising: mounting an adapter to a fitting body of a first fitting to facilitate connecting a fluid line to the first fitting; mounting a service adapter to a respective fitting body of a second fitting to facilitate connecting a respective fluid line to the second fitting, wherein the service adapter has a service port; aligning the fitting body of the first fitting with the respective fitting body of the second fitting; engaging the fitting body with the respective fitting body to couple the first fitting to the second fitting; and mounting a service valve to the service port of the service adapter to facilitate vacuuming or charging refrigerant through the service adapter and the second fitting.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein mounting the service adapter to the respective fitting body comprises:threading the service adapter into the respective fitting body.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the service adapter has a threaded hole forming the service port, and wherein mounting the service valve to the service port comprises: threading a valve body of the service valve into the threaded hole of the service adapter.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first fitting has a locking sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein engaging the fitting body with the respective fitting body to couple the first fitting to the second fitting comprises: engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting comprises: threading the locking sleeve to the respective fitting body of the second fitting.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein engaging the locking sleeve with the respective fitting body of the second fitting comprises: swiveling the locking sleeve relative to the fitting body of the first fitting.

17. The method of claim 11, 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,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, and the second fitting 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 through the first fitting and the second fitting.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein mounting the adapter to the fitting body of the first fitting comprises: pushing, via the adapter, 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.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: disengaging the first fitting from the second fitting, thereby causing the respective spring to bias the respective poppet and the tip seal toward the seat, to block refrigerant flow.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: using the service valve mounted to the service adapter to charge or vacuum refrigerant through the second fitting.

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