Dry break coupling for refrigeration systems

Abstract

An example assembly includes: a first fitting including: (i) a fitting body having a plurality of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in the plurality of holes, (iii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the sleeve retains the plurality of balls within the plurality of holes, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, wherein the knob is axially movable relative to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing; and a second fitting including: (i) a respective fitting body having an external annular groove, and (ii) a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body.

Description

Dry Break Coupling for Refrigeration SystemsCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 735,338, filed on December 18, 2024, 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 under fluid pressure, which can be up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi) in some applications.

[0003] This tightening process takes a long time, particularly when an application requires forming hundreds of such couplings. For example, data center servers may have hundreds or thousands of fittings connected to serv er racks. Technicians then connect a respective fitting to each of the fittings of the serv er racks to provide refrigerant thereto. Having to thread hundreds or thousands of fittings via a torquing wrench under fluid pressure consumes a substantial amount of time, is not efficient, and may lead to technician fatigue. Further, in some cases, when the fittings are disconnected from each other, fluid may leak and air may be introduced in the refrigeration system, which might not be desirable.

[0004] It may thus be desirable to provide a quick connect / disconnect coupling that alleviates such issues by making the connection with ease and under no fluid pressure, while ensuring no air is introduced in the system. 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 dry break coupling for refrigeration systems.

[0006] In a first example implementation, the present disclosure describes an assembly. The assembly includes: a first fitting including: (i) a fitting body having a plurality of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in the plurality of holes, (iii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the sleeve retains the plurality of balls within the plurality of holes, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, wherein the knob is axially movable relative to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing; and a second fitting including: (i) a respective fitting body having an external annular groove, and (ii) a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body. The plurality of balls are received in the external annular groove to retain the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting. In a closed state, the poppet of the first fitting is seated on the valve housing and interfaces with the respective poppet of the second fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow. To open a flow path, the knob is moved axially relative to the fitting body, thereby moving the valve housing therewith, forming a flow area between the valve housing and the poppet to allow refrigerant flow.

[0007] In a second example implementation, the present disclosure also describes a method of forming the assembly of the first example implementation.

[0008] 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

[0009] 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.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of a quick disconnect coupling, according to an example implementation.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 from an opposite angle, according to an example implementation.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first fitting and a second fitting prior to assembly, according to an example implementation.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first fitting and a second fitting prior to assembly from an opposite angle, according to an example implementation.

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the first fitting of Figures 3-4, according to an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first fitting of Figure 5, according to an example implementation.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the second fitting of Figures 3-4, according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the second fitting of Figure 7, according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a closed state, according to an example implementation.

[0019] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the assembly of Figure 1 in an open state, according to an example implementation.

[0020] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for forming the assembly of Figure 1, according to an example implementation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Within examples, disclosed herein is a coupling configured to allow a quick connection / assembly between two fittings under no opposing pressure. The coupling can then be opened after the assembly is complete by a subsequent action of an opening mechanism (e.g., a knob) to allow refrigerant flow. The terms “refrigerant’’ and “fluid” are used interchangeably throughout herein.

[0022] Further, the coupling can be closed to isolate flow and quickly disconnect one fitting from the other without allowing leakage or introducing air in the refrigeration system. Particularly, the coupling is configured such that as one fitting is being disengaged, the flow path is blocked prior to disconnecting the fittings from each other. As such, the disclosed coupling can be referred to as a “dry break” coupling as it allows the fittings to be disconnected without causing leakage.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 100 of a quick disconnect coupling, and Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly 100 from an opposite angle, according to an example implementation. The assembly 100 includes a first fitting 102 coupled to a second fitting 104.

[0024] In an example, the second fitting 104 can be coupled to a manifold (e.g., data center server rack). A fluid line (e.g., tube, hose, or pipe) can be connected to the first fitting 102 to provide refrigerant flow to and from such manifold when the coupling operates in an open state.

[0025] Figures 1-2 show the fittings 102, 104 in an assembled state. Prior to assembly, the second fitting 104 may be connected to a manifold, then the first fitting 102 is aligned with the second fitting 104.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 prior to assembly, and Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first fitting 102 and the second fitting 104 prior to assembly from an opposite angle, according to an example implementation. The fittings 102, 104 are shown aligned with each other, ready to be connected or engaged to form the assembly 100. The fittings 102, 104 include features that allow them to be connected with ease (e.g., under no substantial opposing fluid pressure) and become secured to each other prior to opening a flow path via a mechanism in the first fitting 102. The fittings 102, 104 can also be disconnected with ease, while blocking fluid flow7prior to disengagement to prevent leakage or the introduction of air in the refrigerant system.

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the first fitting 102, and Figure 6 illustrates a cross- sectional side view of the first fitting 102, according to an example implementation. Figures 5-6 are described together.

[0028] The first fitting 102 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. Other coupling mechanisms could be used, such as hose clamps, to connect a fluid line to the adapter 106.

[0029] The first fitting 102 includes a fitting body 108. The fitting body 108 is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical cavity (interior bore) therein that houses a poppet valve assembly 110. The fitting body 108 defines or includes an internal shoulder 112, an external shoulder 114, a plurality of holes 116 disposed in a circular array about the fitting body 108, and an external annular groove 118.

[0030] The first fiting 102 includes a retaining ring 120 (e g., a C-clip) disposed and secured axially within the external annular groove 118. The first fiting 102 also includes a plurality of balls 122 disposed respectively in the plurality7of holes 116 of the fiting body 108.

[0031] The first fiting 102 further includes a sleeve 124 disposed circumferentially about the fiting body 108. The sleeve 124 is slidable (axially movable) in an axial direction relative to the fiting body 108. The sleeve 124 can have a proximal ramp 126 and a distal ramp 128 formed in the interior peripheral surface of the sleeve 124.

[0032] The first fiting 102 further includes a spring 130 disposed in an annular space or spring chamber formed between the fitting body 108 and the sleeve 124. The spring 130 is interposed axially between the retaining ring 120 (or alternatively a protrusion in the fiting body 108) and a shoulder or an internal protrusion 132 in the sleeve 124, where the distal ramp 128 is integral to the internal protrusion 132.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the poppet valve assembly 110 includes a valve housing 134 having an internal cavity in which a poppet 136 (which can also be referred to as a piston) and a valve spring 138 are disposed. The valve spring 138 is interposed axially between a spring cap 140 mounted to the poppet 136 and a distal flanged portion 142 (distal end) of the poppet 136.

[0034] The spring cap 140 is not configured to block fluid. For instance, the spring cap 140 can have one or more arms emanating from a center portion mounted to the poppet 136, where the valve spring 138 rests on such arms. However, fluid can flow through spaces between such arms.

[0035] The first fiting 102 further includes a radial seal 144 (e g., an O-ring) mounted in an annular groove formed in the adapter 106 and seals between the outer surface of the adapter 106 and the interior peripheral surface of the valve housing 134. The first fiting 102 alsoincludes a tip seal 146 (e.g., rubber seal) mounted to the distal flanged portion 142 of the poppet 136, where the tip seal 146 seals between the poppet 136 and the valve housing 134 in the closed state / position shown in Figure 6. Particularly, in the depicted closed position (where no refrigerant is allowed to flow through the first fitting 102) the valve spring 138 biases the poppet 136 and the tip seal 146 toward the interior surface the valve housing 134 to be seated thereon, thereby preventing refrigerant flow through the assembly 100.

[0036] The first fitting 102 further includes a knob 148 that is mounted to the adapter 106 and engaging with the fitting body 108. For example, the knob 148 can have internal threads 150, and the fitting body 108 can have external threads 152 (shown in Figure 5) engaging with the internal threads 150 of the knob 148. With this configuration, as the knob 148 is rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise), the knob 148 moves in the distal direction, and as the knob 148 is rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g.. counterclockwise), the knob 148 moves in the proximal direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the knob 148 is mounted to the adapter 106 and is retained thereto via a retaining ring 154. In examples, to facilitate rotation of the knob 148 relative to the adapter 106, a first spacer 156 is mounted betw een an interior surface of the knob 148 and a shoulder formed in the adapter 106. In an example, a second spacer 158 is mounted between an exterior surface of the knob 148 and the retaining ring 154. With this configuration, the spacers 156, 158 operate as thrust bearings that facilitate rotation of the knob 148 relative to the adapter 106, reducing friction and wear.

[0038] To assemble or form the first fitting 102, the fitting body 108 is provided and the poppet valve assembly 110 is mounted in the cavity of the fitting body 108. The poppet valve assembly 110 can be inserted from the distal end into the fitting body 108 and moved in the proximal direction until an external shoulder in the valve housing 134 reaches the internalshoulder 112 if the fitting body 108, which operates as a locating features and prevents further movement of the valve housing 134 in the proximal direction.

[0039] The adapter 106 can then be mounted to the fitting body 108 from the proximal direction. The knob 148, the spacers 156, 158 and the retaining ring 154 can then be mounted to the adapter 106, and the knob 148 can threadedly engage initial threads of the fitting body 108 in the position shown in Figure 6.

[0040] The retaining ring 120 can then be mounted in the external annular groove 118 of the fitting body 108. The spring 130 can then be mounted about the fitting body 108, and the balls 122 may be mounted in the holes 116. The fitting body 108 can have retaining features (protrusions) around the bottom end of the holes 116 to prevent the balls 122 from falling off.

[0041] The sleeve 124 can then be mounted to the fitting body 108 from the distal end and is moved axially in the proximal direction. The sleeve 124 can have a knurled portion 160 shown in Figure 5. The knurled portion 160 can include a pattern of straight, angled or crossed lines rolled into the material of the sleeve 124. The knurled portion 160 facilitates gripping and moving the sleeve 124 in the axial direction.

[0042] As the sleeve 124 moves in the proximal direction, the proximal ramp 126 can cause the retaining ring 120 to be compressed diametrically to allow the sleeve 124 to pass over the retaining ring 120, and the retaining ring 120 then springs back outward to the position shown in Figure 6. Once the retaining ring 120 springs back as shown in Figure 6, it retains the sleeve 124 axially and prevents it from moving back in the distal direction beyond a particular axial position.

[0043] The internal protrusion 132 pushes the balls 122 radially inward in the holes 1 16 as show n. The first fitting 102 is now- ready to engage with the second fitting 104.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the second fitting 104, and Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the second fitting 104, according to an example implementation. Figures 7-8 are described together.

[0045] 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 162 that facilitates connecting the second fitting 104 to such manifold. For example, the adapter 162 can have internal threads, while the manifold can have another fitting, port, or adapter with external threads that engage with the internal threads of the adapter 162 to couple the second fitting 104 to the manifold.

[0046] As depicted in Figures 7-8, the second fitting 104 includes a fitting body 164 in which the adapter 162 is coupled (e.g., threaded). The fitting body 164 is generally cylindrical and has an external annular groove 166. As described below, the external annular groove 166 is configured to receive the balls 122 of the first fitting 102 therein such that the balls 122 and the external annular groove 166 operate as a ball detent mechanism that retains the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104.

[0047] The fitting body 164 has an internal cylindrical cavity that houses a poppet valve assembly 168 therein. The poppet valve assembly 168 includes a poppet 170 (which can also be referred to as a piston) and a spring 172. The spring 172 is interposed axially between a spring cap 174 mounted to the poppet 170 and a sleeve 176 mounted around the poppet 170.

[0048] Similar to the spring cap 140, the spring cap 174 is not configured to block fluid. For instance, the spring cap 174 can have one or more arms emanating from a center portion mounted to the poppet 170, where the spring 172 rests on such arms. However, fluid can flow through spaces between such arms.

[0049] The second fitting 104 further includes a radial seal 178 mounted in an annular groove formed in the sleeve 176 and seals between the outer surface of the sleeve 176 and the interior peripheral surface of the fitting body 164. The second fitting 104 also includes a face seal 180 mounted to the sleeve 176. As depicted, the poppet 170 has a proximal flanged portion 182 that is configured to interface with the face seal 180.

[0050] During assembly, the first fitting 102 is aligned with the second fitting 104 as shown in Figures 3-4. The first fitting 102 can then be coupled to the second fitting 104.

[0051] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the assembly 100 in a closed state, according to an example implementation. To form the assembly 100. the sleeve 124 of the first fitting 102 can be pulled in the proximal direction, compressing the spring 130, and allowing the balls 122 to be a bit loose and movable slightly in a radially outward direction.

[0052] The fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102 can then be slid axially in the distal direction around the fitting body 164 of the second fitting 104 (or the fitting body 164 of the second fitting 104 can be slid axially in the proximal direction into the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102). This way, the fitting body 164 is inserted into the fitting body 108 as shown in Figure 9. In an example, the clearance between the exterior surface of the fitting body 164 and the interior surface of the fitting body 108 can be in the range of 0.003-0.01 inch to facilitate insertion of the fitting body 164 into the fitting body 108.

[0053] As the fitting body 164 is inserted into the cavity of the fitting body 108, the balls 122 are pushed radially outward. However, the balls 122 are not ejected from the holes 116, but are rather retained in the annular space between the sleeve 124 and the fitting body 108 and by the distal ramp 128 of the sleeve 124.

[0054] The fitting body 164 is inserted into the fitting body 108 until the external annular groove 166 of the fitting body 164 is axially aligned with the balls 122, and the balls 122“fall” within or are received in the external annular groove 166. The sleeve 124 can then be released, and the spring 130 thus pushes the sleeve 124 in the distal direction, causing the internal protrusion 132 of the sleeve 124 to wedge the balls 122 radially inward into the external annular groove 166.

[0055] With this configuration, the balls 122 are retained within the external annular groove 166, which operates as a detent for the balls 122, and the fitting body 108 is locked to the fitting body 164 in the state shown in Figure 9. As shown, the poppet 136 and the tip seal 146 contact or interfaces with the proximal flanged portion 182 of the poppet 170, and the poppet 136 is seated on the valve housing 134 such that no refrigerant is allowed to flow through the assembly 100.

[0056] Thus, in the position shown in Figure 9, the assembly 100 is closed and does not allow refrigerant flow. Notably, even if a fluid line is connected to the adapter 106 and refrigerant is provided therethrough, the assembly steps described above are performed under no opposing pressure from such refrigerant. Particularly, the axial movement of the sleeve 124 and the fitting bodies 108, 164 relative to each other is not opposed by the fluid pressure. The fittings 102, 104 are assembled to the state shown in Figure 9 before refrigerant is allowed to How through the assembly 100.

[0057] To open the assembly 100 and allow refrigerant flow, the knob 148 can be rotate or fumed in a particular rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) such that the knob 148 translates in the distal direction due to its threaded engagement with the fitting body 108. The knob 148 can then be stopped via the external shoulder 114 of the fitting body 108 or the proximal end of the sleeve 124, for example. Also, the knob 148 operates as a stop for the sleeve 124 and restricts its movement in the proximal direction to ensure the fittings 102. 104 remain coupled.

[0058] In an example, the knob 148 can be knurled and can have flat side surfaces to allow for manual rotation without high torque application (e.g., without using a wrench). As the knob 148 moves in the distal direction, the adapter 106 moves therewith, pushing the valve housing 134 and the spring cap 140 in the distal direction therewith, while the poppet 136 remains at its position due to its interaction with the poppet 170.

[0059] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the assembly 100 in an open state, according to an example implementation. As shown, the knob 148 has moved in the distal direction relative to its position in Figure 9.

[0060] Due to movement of the knob 148, the valve housing 134 has also moved in the distal direction relative to the poppet 136, thereby allowing a flow area 184 to form. In other words, the valve housing 134 moves off the poppet 136 such that the distal flanged portion 142 of the poppet 136 is no longer seated on the valve housing 134.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, the valve housing 134 has pushed the sleeve 176 in the distal direction, compressing the spring 172 against the spring cap 174. The distal end of the fitting body 164 operates a stop for the valve housing 134 to prevent distal axial movement of the valve housing 134 beyond a particular axial position.

[0062] As such, a flow path is formed to allow refrigerant to flow7through 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 and the valve housing 134 (the spring cap 140 does not block fluid flow), then around the distal flanged portion f42 of the poppet f36 and the proximal flanged portion 182 of the poppet 170, through the flow' area 184, through the sleeve 176 and the cavity of the fitting body 164 (the spring cap 174 does not block fluid flow), then out through the adapter 162 to the manifold.

[0063] Notably, the fitting 102 forms a sealed subassembly that includes the adapter 106, the valve housing 134, the radial seal 144 therebetween, and the tip seal 146 of the poppet 136. This configuration advantageously reduces the number of components that contain or interact with the refrigerant. Further, such sealed subassembly moves in the fitting body 108 together including the radial seal 144. This reduces the number of movable seals used in the fitting 102 to only the tip seal 146 of the poppet 136, reducing the probability of seal wear.

[0064] To return the assembly 100 to the closed state of Figure 9, the knob 148 can be turned in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise). The valve spring 138 may push back the spring cap 140 and the adapter 106 to move along with the knob 148 in the proximal direction. Also, the spring 172 pushes the sleeve 176 and the valve housing 134 back in the proximal direction until the valve housing 134 returns to the position shown in Figure 9 where the poppet 136 is reseated on the valve housing 134 (closing the flow area 184).

[0065] In the closed position, no leakage occurs due to the various seals (e.g., the tip seal 146 and the face seal 180). The assembly 100 can then be disassembled quickly by moving the sleeve 124 in the proximal direction to loosen the balls 122, then pulling the first fitting 102 away from the second fitting 104 or vice versa. This amounts to a “dry break” connection as no leakage occurs due to the sealed connection at the interface between the poppets 136, 170 and no air is introduced into either fitting. In other words, a sealed connection is formed prior to disassembling or disconnecting the fittings 102, 104 from each other.

[0066] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method 200 for forming the assembly 100 of Figure 1, 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 202-210. 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 into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon thedesired 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.

[0067] At block 202, the method 200 includes aligning the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102 with the fitting body 164 of the second fitting 104, wherein the first fitting 102 includes: (i) the balls 122 disposed respectively in the holes 1 16 formed in a circular array about the fitting body 108, (ii) the sleeve 124 mounted to the fitting body 108, (iii) the spring 130 disposed in an annular space formed between the fitting body 108 and the sleeve 124, (iv) the knob 148 mounted to the fitting body 108, (v) the valve housing 134 disposed within the fitting body 108. and (vi) the poppet 136 mounted within the valve housing 134, wherein the fitting body 164 of the second fitting 104 includes the external annular groove 166, and wherein the second fitting 104 includes the poppet 170 mounted within the fitting body 164.

[0068] At block 204, the method 200 includes pulling the sleeve 124 in a proximal direction against the spring 130.

[0069] At block 206, the method 200 includes inserting the fitting body 164 of the second fitting 104 axially into the fitting body 108 of the first fitting 102, until the external annular groove 166 is aligned with the balls 122 of the first fitting 102 such that the balls 122 are received within the external annular groove 166.

[0070] At block 208, the method 200 includes releasing the sleeve 124 to move in a distal direction by the spring 130 to wedge the balls 122 into the external annular groove 166,thereby retaining the first fitting 102 to the second fitting 104, wherein the poppet 136 of the first fitting 102 is seated on the valve housing 134 and interfaces with the poppet 170 of the second fitting 104, thereby preventing refrigerant flow.

[0071] At block 210, the method 200 includes, after the poppet 136 is seated on the valve housing 134 to prevent refrigerant flow, moving the knob 148 axially in the distal direction relative to the fitting body 108, thereby moving the valve housing 134 therewith, forming a flow area between the valve housing 134 and the poppet 136 to allow refrigerant flow.

[0072] The method 200 can further include any of the other steps or operations described throughout herein with respect to operation of the assembly 100.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 beconfigured 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Embodiments of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of the enumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below.

[0081] EEE 1 is an assembly comprising: a first fitting including: (i) a fitting body having a plurality of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in the plurality of holes, (iii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the sleeve retains the plurality of balls within the plurality of holes, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, wherein the knob is axially movable relative to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing; and a second fitting including: (i) a respective fitting body having an external annular groove, and (ii) a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body, wherein: the plurality of balls are received in the external annular groove to retain the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting, in a closed state, the poppet of the first fitting is seated on the valve housing and interfaces with the respective poppet of the second fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow, and to open a flow path, the knob is moved axially relative to the fitting body, thereby moving the valve housing therewith, forming a flow area between the valve housing and the poppet to allow refrigerant flow.

[0082] EEE 2 is the assembly of EEE 1, further comprising: a spring disposed in an annular space formed between the fitting body and the sleeve, wherein during assembly of the first fitting to the second fitting: the sleeve is pulled in a proximal direction against the spring, the respective fitting body is inserted axially into the fitting body, until the external annular groove is aligned with the plurality of balls of the first fitting such that the plurality of balls are received within the external annular groove, and the sleeve is released to move in a distal direction by the spring to wedge the plurality of balls into the external annular groove.

[0083] EEE 3 is the assembly of EEE 2, further comprising: a retaining ring disposed about the fitting body, wherein the retaining ring prevents the sleeve from moving in the distal direction bey ond a particular axial position.

[0084] EEE 4 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1 -3, wherein the fitting body includes an internal shoulder that operates as a stop for the valve housing such that the valve housing is prevented from moving in a proximal direction beyond a particular axial position.

[0085] EEE 5 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-4, wherein the fitting body includes an external shoulder that operates as a stop for the knob such that the knob is prevented from moving relative to the fitting body beyond a particular axial position.

[0086] EEE 6 is the assembly of any of EEEs 1-5, further comprising: an adapter mounted to the fitting body and interfacing with the valve housing, wherein the adapter is configured to be connected to a fluid line to receive refrigerant, and wherein the knob is mounted to the adapter such that as the knob is moved axially relative to the fitting body, the knob moves the adapter therewith, thereby moving the valve housing.

[0087] EEE 7 is the assembly of EEE 6, further comprising: a retaining ring mounted to the adapter to retain the knob to the adapter.

[0088] EEE 8 is the assembly of EEE 7, wherein the knob is threadedly engaged with the fitting body such that rotation of the knob causes the knob to move axially relative to the fitting body, wherein the assembly further comprises: a spacer mounted between the knob and the retaining ring such that the spacer operates as a thrust bearing, facilitating rotation of the knob relative to the adapter.

[0089] EEE 9 is the assembly of EEE 8, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, and wherein the assembly further comprising: a second spacer mounted between the knob and the adapter.

[0090] EEE 10 is a method comprising: aligning a fitting body of a first fitting with a respective fitting body of a second fitting, wherein the first fitting includes: (i) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in a plurality' of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, (iii) a spring disposed in an annular space formed between the fitting body and the sleeve, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing, wherein the respective fitting body of the second fitting includes an external annular groove, and wherein the second fitting includes a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body; pulling the sleeve in a proximal direction against the spring; inserting the respective fitting body of the second fitting axially into the fitting body of the first fitting, until the external annular groove is aligned with the plurality of balls of the first fitting such that the plurality of balls are received within the external annular groove; releasing the sleeve to move in a distal direction by the spring to wedge the plurality of balls into the external annular groove, thereby retaining the first fitting to the second fitting, wherein the poppet of the first fitting is seated on the valve housing and interfaces with the respective poppet of the second fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow; and after the poppet is seated on the valve housing to prevent refrigerant flow, moving the knob axially in the distal direction relative to the fitting body, thereby moving the valve housing therewith, forming a flow area between the valve housing and the poppet to allow refrigerant flow.

[0091] EEE 11 is the method of EEE 10, further comprising: moving the knob axially in the proximal direction, allowing the valve housing to move in the proximal direction and the poppet to be reseated on the valve housing and prevent refrigerant flow or introduction of air within the first fitting or the second fitting.

[0092] EEE 12 is the method of EEE 11, further comprising: pulling the sleeve in the proximal direction against the spring, thereby loosening the plurality of balls; and removingthe respective fitting body of the second fitting axially from the fitting body of the first fitting.

[0093] EEE 13 is the method of any of EEEs 10-12, wherein the first fitting further includes a retaining ring disposed about the fitting body, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, via the retaining ring, the sleeve from moving in the distal direction beyond a particular axial position.

[0094] EEE 14 is the method of any of EEEs 10-13, wherein the fitting body includes an internal shoulder that operates as a stop for the valve housing, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, by the internal shoulder of the fitting body, the valve housing from moving in a proximal direction beyond a particular axial position.

[0095] EEE 15 is the method of any of EEEs 10-14, wherein the fitting body includes an external shoulder that operates as a stop for the knob, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, by the external shoulder, the knob from moving relative to the fitting body beyond a particular axial position.

[0096] EEE 16 is the method of any of EEEs 10-15, wherein an adapter is mounted to the fitting body such that the adapter interfaces with the valve housing, wherein the adapter is configured to be connected to a fluid line to receive refrigerant, and wherein the knob is mounted to the adapter, and wherein moving the knob axially comprises: moving the adapter via the knob, thereby moving the valve housing.

[0097] EEE 17 is the method of EEE 16, further comprising: retaining the knob to the adapter via a retaining ring mounted to the adapter.

[0098] EEE 18 is the method of EEE 17, further comprising: threadedly engaging the knob with the fitting body such that rotation of the knob causes the knob to move axially relative to the fitting body.

[0099] EEE 19 is the method of EEE 18, further comprising: mounting a spacer between the knob and the retaining ring such that the spacer operates as a thrust bearing, facilitating rotation of the knob relative to the adapter.

[0100] EEE 20 is the method of EEE 19, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, and wherein the method further comprises: mounting a second spacer between the knob and the adapter.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An assembly comprising: a first fitting including: (i) a fitting body having a plurality of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in the plurality of holes, (iii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, wherein the sleeve retains the plurality of balls within the plurality of holes, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, wherein the knob is axially movable relative to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing; and a second fitting including: (i) a respective fitting body having an external annular groove, and (ii) a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body, wherein: the plurality of balls are received in the external annular groove to retain the fitting body of the first fitting to the respective fitting body of the second fitting, in a closed state, the poppet of the first fitting is seated on the valve housing and interfaces with the respective poppet of the second fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow, and to open a flow path, the knob is moved axially relative to the fitting body, thereby moving the valve housing therewith, forming a flow' area between the valve housing and the poppet to allow refrigerant flow'.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a spring disposed in an annular space formed between the fitting body and the sleeve, wherein during assembly of the first fitting to the second fitting: the sleeve is pulled in a proximal direction against the spring,the respective fitting body is inserted axially into the fitting body, until the external annular groove is aligned with the plurality of balls of the first fitting such that the plurality7of balls are received within the external annular groove, and the sleeve is released to move in a distal direction by the spring to wedge the plurality7of balls into the external annular groove.

3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a retaining ring disposed about the fitting body, wherein the retaining ring prevents the sleeve from moving in the distal direction beyond a particular axial position.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fitting body includes an internal shoulder that operates as a stop for the valve housing such that the valve housing is prevented from moving in a proximal direction beyond a particular axial position.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fitting body includes an external shoulder that operates as a stop for the knob such that the knob is prevented from moving relative to the fitting body beyond a particular axial position.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an adapter mounted to the fitting body and interfacing with the valve housing, wherein the adapter is configured to be connected to a fluid line to receive refrigerant, and wherein the knob is mounted to the adapter such that as the knob is moved axially relative to the fitting body, the knob moves the adapter therewith, thereby moving the valve housing.

7. The assembly of claim 6. further comprising:a retaining ring mounted to the adapter to retain the knob to the adapter.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the knob is threadedly engaged with the fitting body such that rotation of the knob causes the knob to move axially relative to the fitting body, wherein the assembly further comprises: a spacer mounted between the knob and the retaining ring such that the spacer operates as a thrust bearing, facilitating rotation of the knob relative to the adapter.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, and wherein the assembly further comprising: a second spacer mounted between the knob and the adapter.

10. A method comprising: aligning a fitting body of a first fitting with a respective fitting body of a second fitting, wherein the first fitting includes: (i) a plurality of balls disposed respectively in a plurality of holes formed in a circular array about the fitting body, (ii) a sleeve mounted to the fitting body, (iii) a spring disposed in an annular space formed between the fitting body and the sleeve, (iv) a knob mounted to the fitting body, (v) a valve housing disposed within the fitting body, and (vi) a poppet mounted within the valve housing, wherein the respective fitting body of the second fitting includes an external annular groove, and wherein the second fitting includes a respective poppet mounted within the respective fitting body; pulling the sleeve in a proximal direction against the spring: inserting the respective fitting body of the second fitting axially into the fitting body of the first fitting, until the external annular groove is aligned with the plurality of balls of the first fitting such that the plurality of balls are received within the external annular groove;releasing the sleeve to move in a distal direction by the spring to wedge the plurality of balls into the external annular groove, thereby retaining the first fitting to the second fitting, wherein the poppet of the first fitting is seated on the valve housing and interfaces with the respective poppet of the second fitting, thereby preventing refrigerant flow; and after the poppet is seated on the valve housing to prevent refrigerant flow, moving the knob axially in the distal direction relative to the fitting body, thereby moving the valve housing therewith, forming a flow area between the valve housing and the poppet to allow refrigerant flow.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: moving the knob axially in the proximal direction, allowing the valve housing to move in the proximal direction and the poppet to be reseated on the valve housing and prevent refrigerant flow or introduction of air within the first fitting or the second fitting.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: pulling the sleeve in the proximal direction against the spring, thereby loosening the plurality of balls: and removing the respective fitting body of the second fitting axially from the fitting body of the first fitting.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first fitting further includes a retaining ring disposed about the fitting body, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, via the retaining ring, the sleeve from moving in the distal direction beyond a particular axial position.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the fitting body includes an internal shoulder that operates as a stop for the valve housing, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, by the internal shoulder of the fitting body, the valve housing from moving in a proximal direction beyond a particular axial position.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the fitting body includes an external shoulder that operates as a stop for the knob, and wherein the method further comprises: preventing, by the external shoulder, the knob from moving relative to the fitting body beyond a particular axial position.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein an adapter is mounted to the fitting body such that the adapter interfaces with the valve housing, wherein the adapter is configured to be connected to a fluid line to receive refrigerant, and wherein the knob is mounted to the adapter, and wherein moving the knob axially comprises: moving the adapter via the knob, thereby moving the valve housing.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: retaining the knob to the adapter via a retaining ring mounted to the adapter.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: threadedly engaging the knob with the fitting body such that rotation of the knob causes the knob to move axially relative to the fitting body.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: mounting a spacer between the knob and the retaining ring such that the spacer operates as a thrust bearing, facilitating rotation of the knob relative to the adapter.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, and wherein the method further comprises: mounting a second spacer between the knob and the adapter.

Images