Improved latching arrangement for a quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling (1, 25) with a male (2, 22) and a female fluid connector (3, 23). The male fluid connector (2, 22) comprises a connection latching arrangement (12, 15), and a sleeve (7) that is rotatably arranged relative to the body (6) of the first fluid connector part (2, 22). The sleeve (7) can be positioned in a mechanically biased standby position, in which the sleeve (7) is mechanically biased in a rotational direction (20) using a mechanical biasing means (17). The mechanically biased standby position is maintained in an uncoupled state of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (1, 25) using a holding device (8, 24). The standby position is released by applying a releasing axial force onto the sleeve (7), wherein the releasing axial force is directed opposite to the connecting direction (4) of the first fluid connector part (2, 22).

Description

[0001] DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025 - 1 -

[0002] Improved latching arrangement for a quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling

[0003] The invention relates to a male and a female fluid connector part for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling. The invention further relates to a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling.

[0004] Fluid connections have to be made in a plethora of technical applications. They are needed whenever fluids have to be transported between different devices or parts of a device, in particular when using tubes and hoses. Namely, they are provided at the interface between the respective device(s) and / or the respective tube(s) / hose(s).

[0005] Depending on the application in question, certain requirements are to be fulfilled. Depending on those requirements, various designs have evolved in the prior art.

[0006] Just to name some examples: the fluid in question might be gaseous or liquidous (where a wide variety of viscosities may be encountered). Furthermore, the temperature levels and the pressure levels in question might vary considerably between different applications.

[0007] Depending on the application, a more or less frequent connection and disconnection of the device and the tube / hose may be required. As an example, if a fluid connection has to be established / disconnected only very rarely, the typical choice will usually be a threaded connection using a threaded nut that is screwed onto a treaded flange to attach a tube / hose to a device. However, in case a fluid connection has to be established / opened somewhat more frequently, or in case the available space is very limited, quick DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025 - 2 - connecting / disconnecting fluid couplings are usually preferred, albeit they are as such more costly as compared to a threaded nut connection.

[0008] Furthermore, for a lot of applications, it is preferred that the fluid connectors shut off the fluid flow through the connector automatically (fluid shut-off system), so that no fluid spill occurs if the connector is disconnected. Thus, a fluid spill is avoided without any additional manual handling, when the fluid coupling is connected or disconnected.

[0009] Another important issue with fluid couplings, in particular with quick connecting and disconnecting fluid couplings, is to secure them in their connected state, so as to securely avoid an unwanted disconnection of the coupled fluid connection. This latching functionality should be realised without severely compromising the quick connection and disconnection functionality of the quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling. Therefore, the latching mechanism should be easy, intuitively and quickly to operate.

[0010] Due to the widespread use of quick connecting and disconnecting couplings, it is no surprise that a large number of latching arrangements have already been proposed in the state of the art.

[0011] As an example, WO 2020 / 057879 A1 shows a female hydraulic coupling that comprises a locking sleeve, such as a ball retainer, that is arranged around a first end of the elongated body of the female hydraulic coupling member, where the locking sleeve is movable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position, wherein the locking sleeve comprisies spring means to urge the locking sleeve towards the second position.

[0012] A similar locking mechanism is disclosed in US 3,498,324 A. DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0013] - 3 -

[0014] Chinese utility model CN 200101335 U shows a rapid dismounting and mounting structure of a pipeline which comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe. An annular groove is arranged at one end of the inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe. An opening ring that is positioned in the annular groove is sleeved on the periphery of the inner pipe, and the opening ring can rotate around the inner pipe. First ratches are arranged on the periphery of the inner pipe located at the upper end of the annular groove, and second ratches are capable of being matched with the first ratches that are arranged on the upper end face of the split ring. A first boss is further arranged on the periphery of the split ring. The inner periphery of the outer pipe is provided with a step surface capable of being matched with the lower end of the first boss, and the inner periphery of the outer pipe is further provided with a second boss capable of being matched with the first boss. While this assembly provides a good latching operability, it is still deficient in that the latching operation has to be effectuated by a combined pushing and turning operation which may be problematic and cumbersome, in particular when little mounting space is available. Furthermore, it is not really intuitive to operate.

[0015] Therefore, previously known latching mechanisms still show some deficiencies.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to suggest a male and a female fluid connector part for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling that comprises a connection latching arrangement, that is improved over male and female fluid connector parts for quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid couplings that comprise a connection latching arrangement, as they are known in the prior art.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to suggest a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling that comprises a latching DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025 - 4 - arrangement and that is improved over quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid couplings, as they are known in the prior art.

[0018] A first fluid connector part for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling according to claim 1 , and / or a second fluid connector part for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling according to claim 8, and / or a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling according to claim 13 solve these objects, respectively.

[0019] It is suggested to design a first fluid connector part for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling that is preferably designed and arranged to be connected to a second fluid connector part, preferably according to the present disclosure, wherein the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling comprises a connection latching arrangement, wherein the first fluid connector part comprises a sleeve that is rotatably arranged relative to the body of the first fluid connector part, wherein the sleeve can be positioned in a mechanically biased standby position, in which the sleeve is mechanically biased in a rotational direction using a mechanical biasing means, and wherein the mechanically biased standby position is maintained in an uncoupled state of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling using a holding device, in a way that the standby position is released by applying a releasing axial force onto the sleeve, wherein the releasing axial force is directed opposite to the connecting direction of the first fluid connector part.

[0020] Usually, the (first) fluid connector part (but typically also other one) for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling comprises a quick connecting and disconnecting side and a semi-permanently attached side. Typically, tubes or hoses are connected to the semi-permanently attached DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025 - 5 - side. However, it is also possible that the semi-permanently attached side is connected to a machinery, wall or the like, so that the respective fluid connector part may form some kind of a flange-like fluid connector or the like. The quick connecting and disconnecting side is typically intended for frequent connecting and disconnecting. When presently talking about a fluid, usually a liquid is meant. However, also gaseous media, a mixture of liquid and fluid substances, as well as a hypercritical fluid (where a distinction between a liquidous and a gaseous state cannot be made any more) may be envisaged. Further, it is also possible that the fluid may contain solid particles to a certain extent (suspension; smoke or the like). This repetitive connection / disconnection is typically to be established to another, corresponding (second) fluid connector part. It is to be understood that typically the first and the second fluid connector part are designed differently, usually as some kind of a male / plug type member and a female / socket type member that can be connected together to form a fluid connector. In the connected state, the fluid connector will usually establish a fluid connection. In the disconnected state, preferably the first and / or the second fluid connector part will inhibit a fluid throughput, so that a loss / spill of fluid can be advantageously avoided. However, in special environments, a design where even in the disconnected state a fluid throughput may be possible may be advantageous. Preferably, the closing of the fluid throughput may be performed essentially automatically, so that when the parts of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling are disconnected, a fluid throughput is automatically interrupted. However, it may be additionally or alternatively possible to provide some kind of a valve, so that an additional and / or alternative manual interruption of fluid flow throughput may be used. In particular an additional manual interruption may be advantageous for realising a particularly leakage-proof closing of the respective fluid connector part(s). The latching arrangement may be designed in a way that it hinders / inhibits an (unintended) disconnection of the first fluid connector part from the second fluid connector part / of the parts of the connected fluid coupling. Additionally DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0021] - 6 - or alternatively, it might hinder / inhibit an (unintended) connection of the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part I the parts of the fluid coupling. Preferably, it is designed as a so-to-say auto-latching arrangement, meaning that it essentially only hinders / inhibits an (unintended) disconnection of the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part I the parts of the fluid coupling. Different from this, a connection of the first and second fluid connector part may preferably be done without any special handling. In effect, it is usually particularly preferred if the latching arrangement automatic latches into a latched position when the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part are connected together (i.e. automatic latching after a certain relative axial position of first fluid connector and second fluid connector part). This way a particularly easy, fast and intuitive connection of the fluid coupling can be realised, in particular even under somewhat disadvantageous access environments (for example due to limited mounting space or the like).

[0022] The first fluid connector part comprises a sleeve, preferably a captive sleeve (i.e. it cannot be detached easily from the main body of the first fluid connector part, at least under usual operating conditions). Therefore, typically the sleeve cannot freely move transversally in the axial direction and / or in a radial direction of the first fluid connector part. This, however, does not rule out the possibility of a certain plate or even of a defined movement of the sleeve relative to the main body of the respective fluid connector part. In particular, in the axial direction, a certain tangential movement is usually advantageous for providing and maintaining a biased standby position in an uncoupled state of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (using a holding device). Typical axial movement lengths are 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 50 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm or 25 mm (upper limit). Possibly, a lower limit might be used, in particular a lower limit of 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 50 mm, 17.5 mm or 20 mm. DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0023] - 7 -

[0024] Irrespective of this, a relative movement of the (first) sleeve relative to the first fluid connector part is possible. Preferably, the possible rotation angle is limited to certain upper limit by using an end stop (for example). Typical maximum angles may be 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 8°, 90°, 100° or the like.

[0025] Further, the sleeve is designed in a way that it is positioned in a mechanically biased standby position before the connection of the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part is effectuated. This way an (automatic) latching connection is facilitated.

[0026] The mechanically biased standby position may already be present from an earlier disconnection process. Also, some kind of a manual actuation to bring the sleeve into the respective standby position may be performed. The sleeve is mechanically biased in a rotational direction by means of a mechanical biasing means. Typically, it is pushed towards / into an end position in one direction. However, it may even be possible to provide a mechanical biasing towards a centre position, from which a (mechanically biased toward the centre) deflection into two directions is possible. Irrespective of how the sleeve is brought into the standby position, the sleeve is maintained in said standby position by means of a holding device, as long as the first fluid connector part is disconnected from the second fluid connector part. It is to be noted that this does not necessarily mean that it is problematic or impossible to sort of override the holding device by a manual operation, for example by an intentional movement of the sleeve in an axial direction relative to the body of the first fluid connector part. However, typically, when the sleeve is sort of “left alone”, the mechanically biased standby position is maintained, at least under normal operational conditions.

[0027] As presently proposed, the standby position is released when a releasing axial force is applied onto the sleeve. During the release, an axial force is directed DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design

[0028] 25 August 2025

[0029] - 8 - opposite to the connecting direction of the first fluid connector part. As mentioned, this releasing axial force may be applied by manual means. Preferably, however, the releasing axial force is applied by the corresponding fluid connector part, i.e. the second fluid connector part, when the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part are moved together to form the connected fluid coupling. Therefore, by a simple pushing operation of I a pushing force onto the first fluid connector part and / or onto the second fluid connector, the latching can be realised for the connected fluid coupling. Typically, the axial force is translated into a (limited) axial movement of the (first) sleeve. This is a particularly easy and intuitive connection process, which is of course advantageous.

[0030] While the releasing axial force may be applied in any way, it is preferred if the releasing axial force that acts onto the sleeve is applied, at least in part, onto an abutting face of the sleeve. This abutting face is typically directed in the direction of the quick connecting / disconnecting side / interface of the first fluid connector part. Furthermore, the first fluid connector part is preferably designed and arranged in a way that the abutting face will contact a corresponding abutting face of the second fluid connector part, when the first and second fluid connector parts are brought together to form the connected position of the fluid coupling. Using this embodiment, it is particularly easy and intuitive to realise the connection process, particularly including the latching process of the fluid coupling.

[0031] Even further it is suggested to design the fluid connector part in a way that the holding device comprises a protrusion that protrudes into a preferably L- shaped guiding groove and / or in that the holding device limits the rotation angle of the sleeve relative to the body of the fluid connector part. The protrusion may be provided as some kind of a protruding pin. The guiding groove may be (at least in part) a slit, so that at least a part of the guiding groove is accessible from the outside. However, the guiding groove may also DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0032] - 9 - be designed (at least in part) with a cover, so that the guiding groove (or at least a part thereof) is not visible from the outside. The flanks of the L-shaped guiding groove are typically arranged at an angle of essentially 90° relative to each other. However, some deviations from the right angle may be used as well, for example plus and / or minus 1 °, 2°, 3°, 4° or 5° (where the plus and minus do not have to be of the same size; therefore, as an example, a range of 88° to 93° is thus considered to be explicitly disclosed). This way, the axial force onto the sleeve that is needed to effectuate a latching process may be optimised. The limitation of the rotation angle may be set to an upper limit, as aforementioned.

[0033] Further, it is suggested to design the first fluid connector part in a way that the mechanical biasing means comprises at least a rotational spring, a compression spring and / or a compressible material. This way the mechanical biasing means can be realised easily, effectively and cheaply.

[0034] It is further suggested to design and arrange the first fluid connector part in a way that the rotatable sleeve comprises at least one torque-transferring means along at least sections of the abutting face of the sleeve, in particular a friction enhancing means and / or a positive form looking enabling means, more particularly dented members, even more particularly ratchet type teeth. The abutting face, comprising the presently proposed torque-transferring means may be (at least in part) the same abutting face as the abutting face via which the releasing axial force is applied, but may be (at least in part) different as well. Using this torque-transferring means, a rotational movement of the sleeve of the first fluid connector part may be transferred to another device, in particular to another rotatable sleeve, more particularly to a rotatable sleeve of the second fluid connector part / to a corresponding fluid connector part, to which the first fluid connector part is to be connected to establish a connected fluid coupling. This way, it is possible to effectuate an additional locking process to the thus coupled second sleeve, enhancing the stability of the DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0035] - 10 - connection of the connected fluid coupling. Further, the corresponding sleeve may additionally or alternatively be used to introduce a torque, so as to perform an unlatching movement of the (first) sleeve of the first fluid connector part (and possibly of other parts of the first fluid connector part and / or of additional parts, in particular of a second fluid connector part), so as to be able to disconnect the connected fluid coupling again, easily. Using ratchet type teeth, the connection may be advantageously (essentially) independent from an initial (rotational) alignment of the (first) sleeve and the corresponding member (for example a second sleeve or the like).

[0036] Further, the first fluid connector part may be designed and arranged in a way that the body of the first fluid connector part comprises reach back members, in particular circumferentially arranged web sections. Such members may be used to realise a very strong connection of the first fluid connector part of the corresponding device (usually a second fluid connector part). Therefore, extremely high pressures may be transferred by the coupled fluid coupling without any realistic risk of a fluid spill / a disconnection of the coupled fluid coupling. It is to be noted that the reach back members (or at least parts thereof) are brought into an overlapping position by the rotational movement of the sleeve during a latching of the latching arrangement. This way, some kind of a bayonet connection can be easily realised.

[0037] Furthermore, it is suggested to design and arrange the first fluid connector part as a plug type fluid connector part and / or as a male fluid connector part. This design is particularly advantageous, at least according to initial experiments. However, the first fluid connector part may also be designed as a socket type fluid connector part and / or a female fluid connector part.

[0038] Further, a second fluid connector part for quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling is suggested that is preferably designed and arranged to be connected with the first fluid connector part according to the DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0039] - 1 1 - present disclosure, wherein the second fluid connector part comprises a (second) sleeve that is rotatable relative to the body of the second fluid connector part. Preferably, the (second) sleeve is a captive sleeve. Le., it cannot be easily removed from the main body of the second fluid connector. Similar to the sleeve of the first fluid connector part, the sleeve of the second fluid connector part is usually limited with respect to the possible rotation angle. However, it may be arranged in a way that it is freely rotatable, as well. Furthermore, the rotational movability of the sleeve may be performed in a way that a translational movement in a radial and / or in an axial direction of the second fluid connector part is essentially inhibited and / or are somewhat limited. In particular, a certain play in a transversal direction may be possible. Even further, in particular in the axial direction, a certain movement may be possible, for example of up to 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 50 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm or 25 mm (upper limit).

[0040] In particular, the second fluid connector part may be designed in a way that the rotatable sleeve of the second fluid connector part comprises at least one torque-transferring means along at least sections of the abutting face of the sleeve, in particular a friction enhancing means and / or a positive form looking enabling means, more particularly dented members, even more particular ratchet type teeth. These torque-transferring means may be designed and arranged to be corresponding to the torque-transferring means of the first fluid connector part (if present). Using this proposal, a particularly large torque may be transferred between the sleeves of the first fluid connector part and the second fluid connector part. Again, an essentially torque-proof connection may be realised.

[0041] Even further, the second fluid connector part may be designed and arranged in a way that the sleeve of the second fluid connector part comprises reach back members, in particular circumferentially arranged web sections. Using such an arrangement, the respective reach back members can be interlocked DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0042] - 12 - with the (stationary) reach back members of the first fluid connector part by a rotating movement, thus effectuating a very resilient fixation in the axial direction of the connected fluid coupling (when first fluid connector part and second fluid connector part are connected to each other and latched). This may be addressed as a latching position of the reach back members and hence of the first fluid connector part / the second fluid connector part / the fluid coupling. Thus, an unintentional disconnection of the connected fluid coupling is essentially impossible, at least under normal operating conditions of the fluid coupling.

[0043] Even further, the second fluid connector part may be designed and arranged in a way that the sleeve of the second fluid connector part comprises a torque introducing section, in particular a circumferential hexagon-shaped section for attachment of a wrench type tool and / or a gripping surface for manual operation. This way, not only the sleeve of the first fluid connector part (if at all) may be used for introducing a torque for realising an unlatching operation of the connected fluid connector, but also (or essentially only) the sleeve of the second fluid connector part may be used for this purpose. Even further, it has to be noted that frequently the majority of the torque has to be introduced into the sleeve of the second fluid connector part (second sleeve; at least for certain designs), in that the frictional force that is acting on the reach back members of the sleeve of the second fluid connector part has to be overcome to disengage the form locking connection (as seen in the axial direction) of the different reach back members (of first fluid connector part and second fluid connector part). Therefore, the load on the torque-transferring means may be advantageously reduced, using the presently proposed design.

[0044] Yet further, it is proposed to design the second fluid connector part in a way that the second fluid connector part is designed and arranged as a socket type fluid connector part and / or as a female fluid connector part. Then, the intrinsic design features of the presently proposed second fluid connector part may be DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0045] - 13 - advantageously realised / enhanced / employed. However, it may be possible as well to design the second fluid connector part as a plug type fluid connector parts and / or as a male fluid connector part.

[0046] Yet further, a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling is proposed that comprises at least one first fluid connector part according to the present disclosure and / or that comprises at least one second fluid connector part according to the present disclosure. This way, a particularly advantageous quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling can be realised. It is to be noted that the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling may show the same advantages and features, as already discussed, at least in analogy. Furthermore, the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling may be modified based in the presently suggested sense as well, at least in analogy.

[0047] For completeness the following is pointed out: in the present disclosure the notion of a “first sleeve” and a “second sleeve” is used. This is usually to be interpreted as the sleeve of a first fluid connector part and the sleeve of a second fluid connector part, respectively. Hence, this usually does not imply that one or both of the fluid connector parts show two or more sleeves.

[0048] Further advantages, features, and objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in connection with the associated drawings, wherein the drawings show:

[0049] Fig. 1 : a possible first embodiment of a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling, comprising a first fluid connector part and a second fluid connector part in a schematic perspective view, showing an uncoupled state of the fluid coupling;

[0050] Fig. 2: the embodiment of a pressurised fluid coupling according to Fig. 1 in a schematic cross-section of the uncoupled state; DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0051] - 14 -

[0052] Fig. 3: the quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling of Figs. 1 and 2 in a cross-sectional view of a coupled state;

[0053] Fig. 4: a second possible embodiment of a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling in a schematic, perspective view in an uncoupled state;

[0054] Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling of Fig. 4 in a connected state.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a quick connecting and disconnecting fluid coupling 1 for pressurised fluids in a schematic, perspective view in an uncoupled state (fluid plug 1 and fluid socket 2 not connected together).

[0056] The fluid coupling 1 comprises a first fluid connector part 2 that is presently designed as a fluid plug 2 (male fluid connector part 2). Further, the fluid coupling 1 comprises a second fluid connector part 3 that is presently designed as a fluid socket 3 (female fluid connector 3).

[0057] As can be seen from Fig. 1 , the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 are not connected to each other (fluid coupling 1 not connected), but they are suitably aligned with respect to each other, so that the coupling process can be effectuated by simply pushing fluid plug 2 and fluid socket 3 together. The situation is further clarified in Fig. 2, where the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 of fluid coupling 1 are shown in an appropriately aligned situation in a schematic cross-section.

[0058] The fluid coupling 1 may be brought into its coupled state (see Fig. 3) by simply pushing fluid plug 2 and fluid socket 3 together, i.e. by moving fluid plug 2 towards fluid socket 3 (direction of arrow 4) and / or by pushing fluid socket 3 towards fluid plug 2 (direction of arrow 5). DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0059] - 15 -

[0060] Fluid plug 2 comprises a main body 6 and a rotatable (first) sleeve 7. The first sleeve 7 may be rotated relative to the main body 6 of fluid plug 2 (within certain limits). Further, the first sleeve 7 may be moved within certain limits in the axial direction of fluid plug 2. Namely, the axial movement of the first sleeve 7 relative to the main body 6 of fluid plug 2 is limited by the length of axially oriented part 9 of guiding groove 8, as will be further explained below. The rotation angle is limited by the length of tangentially oriented part 10 of guiding groove 8.

[0061] Furthermore, in the direction of the connection interface 1 1 of fluid plug 2 and fluid socket 3, the main body 6 of fluid plug 2 shows several circumferentially arranged web sections 12 around the outer circumference of the main body 6 of fluid plug 2 in the vicinity of the connection interface 1 1 . The web sections 12 of fluid plug 2 are directed in the radial outward pointing direction.

[0062] Fluid socket 3 also comprises a main body 13 with a (second) sleeve 14 that can be rotated relatively to the main body 13 of fluid socket 3.

[0063] Somewhat similar to the sleeve 7 of fluid plug 2, the second sleeve 14 of fluid socket 3 comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged web sections 15. However, here the web sections 15 are arranged on the radially inner surface side of the sleeve 15 and are pointing towards the radially inward directed direction (center).

[0064] In the aligning position, the web sections 15 of the second sleeve 14 and the web sections 12 of the (base body 6 of) fluid plug 2 are aligned to not fall in line to each other. Le., a web section of one of the fluid connector parts 2, 3 is regularly aligned in a way that it is arranged in line with a spacing 16 between the web sections of the other fluid connector part 3, 2. DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0065] - 16 -

[0066] First sleeve 7 of fluid plug 2 is mechanically biased into a radial direction (biasing direction 20) that is directed in the direction of the tangential part 10 of L-shaped guiding groove 8. The mechanical biasing is presently effectuated by a mechanically biased helical spring 17. Presently the first sleeve 7 is arranged in a mechanically biased standby position, in which a pin 24 that is arranged on the outer surface of main body 6 of fluid plug 2 protrudes into the axial part 9 of L-shaped guiding groove 8, holding first sleeve 7 in its original position (guiding pin 24 not visible in Figs. 1 to 3; see to Figs. 4 and 5).

[0067] Now, if the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 are moved towards each other 4, 5, at a certain point the abutting face 18 of the first sleeve 7 of fluid plug 2 and the second sleeve 14 of fluid socket 3 will come into contact. As can be seen particularly from fig Fig. 1 , both abutting faces 18, 19 do show a ratchet-type dented design, so that an essentially torque-proof mechanical connection will be established between first sleeve 7 and second sleeve 14 upon contact of the two abutting faces 18, 19.

[0068] When the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 are moved further together, the first sleeve 7 of fluid plug 2 will be moved in an axial direction 5 opposite to the moving direction 4 of fluid plug 2 for effectuating a connected state of the fluid coupling 1 . At a certain point, the guiding pin 24 of L-shaped guiding groove 8 will come out of contact with the axial part 9 of the guiding groove 8, and will be aligned with the tangential part 10 of guiding groove 8. Now, thanks to the mechanical biasing of helical spring 17, the first sleeve 7 will snap-rotate in the latching rotation direction 20 (arrow 20 in Fig. 1 ). Due to the torque-proof connection by means of the structured abutting faces 18, 19, the latching rotation 20 of the first sleeve 1 will also cause a latching rotation (direction 20) of second sleeve 14 of fluid socket 3.

[0069] Since the web sections 15 of the second sleeve 14 are connected to the rotating second sleeve 14, while the web sections 12 of the fluid plug 2 are DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0070] - 17 - connected to the main body 6 of fluid plug 2, the respective web sections 12, 15 will move / rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the respective web sections 12, 15 will engage behind each other, thus firmly holding together the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 of fluid coupling 1 .

[0071] This latched, connected position is visible in Fig. 3, which is a schematic crosssection through the fluid coupling 1 in its connected state.

[0072] Only for completeness it is pointed out that the various inner parts of the fluid coupling 1 that are forming the fluid throughput valves are appropriately moved into their respective opened and / or closed positions when connecting and disconnecting the fluid plug part 2 and the fluid socket part 3 of the fluid coupling 1 .

[0073] To uncouple the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 of fluid coupling 1 , the connection has to be unlatched. For this, the first sleeve 7 and the second sleeve 14 have to be rotated in an unlatching direction (opposite of arrow 20) to a position, in which the guiding pin 24 is aligned with the axial part 9 of guiding groove 8. Then, the respective web sections 12, 15 of the first sleeve 7 and second sleeve 14 are again out of line with each other, and the fluid plug 2 and the fluid socket 3 can be pulled away from each other (opposite direction of arrows 4, 5).

[0074] It is to be understood that the main friction that resists a rotation in the unlatching direction (opposite of arrow 20) comes from the mechanical friction between the web sections 12, 15. Since the web sections 15 of fluid socket 3 are connected to the second sleeve 14 of fluid socket 3, the main-rotation hindering frictional torque thus acts mainly on second sleeve 14. Therefore, second sleeve 14 comprises an hexagonally shaped tool attachment portion 21 for mechanical connection with a standard wrench (where it is to be understood that different designs are possible as well). DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0075] - 18 -

[0076] Therefore, an unlatching rotational movement is introduced in an easy and unproblematic way by means of a wrench by a mechanic (as an example). The unlatching rotation of second sleeve 14 is translated to the first sleeve 7 by the structured abutting surfaces 18, 19 of first sleeve 7 and second sleeve 14, respectively. Again, this (indirect) rotation of first sleeve 7 will bring the guiding pin 24 in alignment with the axial part of guiding groove 8, so that both sleeves 7, 14 will reach their unlatching positions.

[0077] It is to be noted that the helical spring 17 does not only introduce a rotational biasing force onto first sleeve 7 relative to the main body 6 of fluid plug 2, but also introduces an axial force onto first sleeve 7. Therefore, in the latching rotational position, the first sleeve 7 is pushed and moved into the direction of arrow 4, so that the guiding pin 24 will rest against the side surfaces of axially directed part 9 of guiding groove 8, thus holding the first sleeve 7 of fluid plug 2 in its latched position.

[0078] Figs. 4 and 5 show a second possible embodiment of a fluid coupling 25 comprising a variation of a fluid plug 22 and a fluid socket 23. The second embodiment of the fluid plug 22 according to Figs. 4 and 5 shares a significant number of similar parts with the fluid coupling 1 according to Figs. 1 to 3. For brevity, no detailed explanation is repeated, and identical reference numerals are used for parts that are sufficiently similar so as to justify the use of identical reference numerals. Thus, the respective parts of the above description may be easily taken over by a person skilled in the art to understand the second embodiment of the fluid coupling 25 according to Figs. 4 and 5. Namely, Fig. 4 shows a fluid coupling 25 in a schematic perspective view in an uncoupled state, Fig. 5 shows the fluid coupling 25 in a schematic perspective view in a coupled state (partially broken open view). As an additional remark: in the presently shown views, the guiding pin 24 of L-shaped guiding groove 8 can be seen. DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025

[0079] - 19 -

[0080] According to the present embodiment, instead of web sections 12, 15, the main body 6 of fluid plug 22 and second sleeve 14 of fluid socket 23 show triangular shaped catching members 26 (first sleeve 7) and catching members 27 (second sleeve 14). The tips of the triangular shapes of catching members 26, 27 are pointing towards each other. This way, a closing movement of the fluid coupling 25 is possible in (essentially) all relative rotational positions of fluid plug 22 and fluid socket 23 relative to each other. Apart from this, reference is made to the previous discussion in respect to the first embodiment of fluid coupling 1 .

Claims

DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025- 20 -C l a i m s1. First fluid connector part (2, 22) for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (1 , 25) that is preferably designed and arranged to be connected to a second fluid connector part (3, 23), preferably according to any of claims 7 to 1 1 , wherein the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (1 , 25) comprises a connection latching arrangement (12, 15), wherein the first fluid connector part (2, 22) comprises a sleeve (7) that is rotatably arranged relative to the body (6) of the first fluid connector part (2, 22), wherein the sleeve (7) can be positioned in a mechanically biased standby position, in which the sleeve (7) is mechanically biased in a rotational direction (20) using a mechanical biasing means (17), and wherein the mechanically biased standby position is maintained in an uncoupled state of the quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (1 , 25) using a holding device (8, 24), characterised in that the standby position is released by applying a releasing axial force onto the sleeve (7), wherein the releasing axial force is directed opposite to the connecting direction (4) of the first fluid connector part (2, 22).

2. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the releasing axial force onto the sleeve (7) is applied, at least in part, onto an abutting face (18) of the sleeve (7).

3. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the holding device (8, 24) comprises a protrusion (24) that protrudes into a preferably L-shaped guiding groove (8), and / or in that the holding device (8, 24) limits the rotation angle of the sleeve (7) relative to the body (6) of the fluid connector part (2, 22).DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design 25 August 2025- 21 -4. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical biasing means (17) comprises at least a rotational spring (17), a compression spring and / or a compressible material.

5. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotatable sleeve (7) comprises at least one torque-transferring means along at least sections of the abutting face (18) of the sleeve (7), in particular a friction enhancing means and / or a positive form lock enabling means, more particular dented members, even more particular ratchet type teeth.

6. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (6) of the first fluid connector part (2, 22) comprises reach back members (12, 26), in particular circumferentially arranged web sections (12).

7. First fluid connector part (2, 22) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first fluid connector part (2, 22) is designed and arranged as a plug type fluid connector part (2, 22) and / or a male fluid connector part (2, 22).

8. Second fluid connector part (3, 23) for a quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling (1 , 25) that is preferably designed and arranged to be connected with a first fluid connector part (2, 22), preferably according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised by a sleeve (14) that is rotatable relative to the body (13) of the second fluid connector part (3, 23).DAN2407INDEWO - IN17447 - PA18862WO01 Fluid connecting coupling - power latch design25 August 2025 - 22 -9. Second fluid connector part (3, 23) according to claim 8, characterised in that the rotatable sleeve (14) comprises at least one torquetransferring means along at least sections of the abutting face (19) of the sleeve (14), in particular a friction enhancing means and / or a positive form lock enabling means, more particular dented members, even more particular ratchet type teeth.

10. Second fluid connector part (3, 23) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the sleeve (14) of the second fluid connector part (3, 23) comprises reach back members (15, 27), in particular circumferentially arranged web sections (15).1 1 .Second fluid connector part (3, 23) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the sleeve (14) of the second fluid connector part (3, 23) comprises a torque introducing section (21 ), in particular a circumferential hexagonal shaped section (21 ) for attachment of a wrench-type tool, and or a hand gripping surface.

12. Second fluid connector part (3, 23) according to any of claims 8 to 1 1 , characterised in that the second fluid connector part (3, 23) is designed and arranged as a socket type fluid connector part (3, 23) and / or a female fluid connector part (3, 23).

13. Quick connecting and disconnecting pressurised fluid coupling, characterised by at least one first fluid connector part (2, 22) according to any of claims 1 to 7 and / or by at least one second fluid connector part (3, 23) according to any of claims 8 to 12.

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