Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to quick connect/disconnect couplings, and more particularly to quick connect/disconnect couplings having a female coupler and a male nipple, such as for use in severe service applications including aerospace and the like.

Quick connect/disconnect fluid couplings are commonly used to connect hydraulic fluid lines in aerospace applications. These quick connect/disconnect couplings generally include a male nipple and a female coupler that are mated together for fluid connection. The male nipple generally includes a cylindrical body having a nipple portion at one end for insertion into a receiving end of the female coupler. The male nipple and female coupler each include a connection at their respective opposite ends to facilitate connection to fluid lines of the hydraulic system. When the nipple portion of the male nipple is inserted into the receiving end of the female coupler, fluid flow may be established through flow passages in each of the coupling members. Typically, one or both of the coupling members includes a valve member that is opened to permit fluid flow when the coupling members are fully-coupled together, and that is closed to terminate fluid flow when the coupling members are disconnected.

In aerospace applications, such quick connect/disconnect couplings should provide for ease of maintenance when servicing the aircraft or other vehicle. For example, such couplings should permit the removal and/or replacement of associated equipment on the vehicle with minimal or preferably no loss of hydraulic fluid. Moreover, such quick connect/disconnect couplings should provide quick disconnect capabilities, self-sealing action, and visual/touch indication of the fully-coupled position. Typically, such quick connect/disconnect couplings are thread-together couplings that provide a mechanical advantage for these severe service applications that experience high-pressure loads. Such thread-together couplings should offer a simple one-hand operation for the connect/disconnect sequence, as well as provide reliable performance during the servicing of the fluid systems. However, existing couplings of the type described above typically require numerous components that must be machined and assembled together, which results in a complicated and expensive construction.

<CIT> describes a connector for connecting together two ends of a fluid-carrying line comprises two coupling halves.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a quick connect/disconnect fluid coupling comprising a male nipple and a female coupler, comprising the features of claim <NUM>.

The present invention provides a quick connect/disconnect coupling having a male nipple and female coupler, in which one or both of these coupling members provide a unique simplified construction with a reduced number of parts for minimizing assembly time and overall costs.

More particularly, according to one aspect of the invention, one or more parts of the male nipple and/or female coupler may be formed by an additive manufacturing process, in which multiple portions of the associated coupling member(s) are formed together as a unitary construction. Utilization of such additive manufacturing processes also may provide unique and advantageous structural features of the associated coupling member(s). Such features also may reduce the number of machined parts for each coupling member, and may further reduce inventory build-up for such parts. Assembly time and complexity of assembly also may be reduced. Furthermore, special tools and assembly machines may be minimized or eliminated. Overall, such features may reduce the overall cost of the design, while still meeting or exceeding industry standards.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing sleeve is slidably disposed radially outwardly of a radially inward portion of the female valve body; and the resilient interlocking element includes at least one flexible finger element formed by the radially inward portion of the female valve body, the at least one flexible finger element being configured to interlockingly engage with the sealing sleeve to permit the sealing sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the female valve body, in which the flexible finger element has a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing sleeve is slidably disposed radially outwardly of a radially inward portion of the female valve body; and the resilient interlocking element includes at least one flexible finger element formed by a portion of the sealing sleeve, the at least one flexible finger element being configured to interlockingly engage with the radially inward portion of the female valve body to permit the sealing sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the female valve body, in which the flexible finger element has a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible finger element formed by the portion of the sealing sleeve is disposed toward a rearward portion of the sealing sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the flexible finger element protrudes radially inwardly into an axially extending slot in the radially inward portion of the female valve body, and the stop of the flexible finger element is configured to engage a surface that at least partially defines an axial end portion of the slot.

In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible finger element formed by the portion of the sealing sleeve is configured as a spring leg having a radially inward bias, such that at least a portion of the flexible finger element protrudes radially inwardly into an axially extending slot in the radially inward portion of the female valve body, and a portion of the spring leg serves as the stop, and is configured to engage a surface that at least partially defines an axial end portion of the slot.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing sleeve is slidably disposed radially outwardly of a radially inward portion of the female valve body; and the resilient interlocking element includes a discrete snap ring disposed in a radial groove of the radially inward portion of the female valve body, the snap ring being configured to permit the sealing sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the female valve body, in which the snap ring serves as a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient interlocking element includes at least one flexible finger element formed by a portion of the flow sleeve, the at least one flexible finger element being configured to interlockingly engage with the male valve body to permit the flow sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the male valve body, in which the flexible finger element has a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient interlocking element includes a plurality of spring legs that are disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the flow sleeve, the plurality of spring legs being configured to interlockingly engage with the male valve body to permit the flow sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the male valve body; and wherein each of the plurality of spring legs is configured to have a radially outward bias, and each of the plurality of spring legs has a stop that is configured to engage the male valve body to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient interlocking element includes a plurality of spring-biased pins that are disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the flow sleeve, the plurality of spring-biased pins being configured to interlockingly engage with the male valve body to permit the flow sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the male valve body; and wherein each of the plurality of spring-biased pins is radially outwardly biased, and each of the plurality of spring-biased pins has a stop that is configured to engage the male valve body to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient interlocking element includes a discrete snap ring disposed in a radial groove of the flow sleeve, the snap ring being configured to permit the flow sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the male valve body, in which the snap ring serves as a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve beyond the forward position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient element includes a marcel spring, the marcel spring being disposed in corresponding grooves of the female valve body and the thread sleeve.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resilient element includes a snap ring, the snap ring being disposed in at least one groove of the female valve body and/or the thread sleeve.

In some exemplary embodiments, the hollow annular internal chamber is filled with fireproof material.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuating sleeve is biased forwardly by a spring, and the thread sleeve has a bendable web portion that is configured to contain the spring in a spring chamber that is formed between a portion of the thread sleeve and a portion of the actuating sleeve.

In some exemplary embodiments, the seal member of the female coupler and/or the seal member of the male nipple has one or more of the following configurations: male or piston gland without back-up ring, male or piston gland with one back-up ring, male or piston gland with two back-up rings, female or cylinder gland without back-up ring, female or cylinder gland with one back-up ring, female or cylinder gland with two back-up rings, face seal gland, dovetail groove gland, half dovetail groove gland, and/or triangular groove gland.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the following parts are formed by an additive manufacturing process: the female valve body, the sealing sleeve of the female coupler, the spring of the female coupler, the thread sleeve of the female coupler, the actuating sleeve of the female coupler, the male valve body, the spring of the male nipple, and/or the flow sleeve of the male nipple.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the following parts are formed as a unitary structure: the female valve body, including a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, the radially inner portion defining an axial flow passage and having a fluid orifice for enabling fluid flow through the female valve body; and/or the flow sleeve of the male nipple, in which the flow sleeve has a sealing portion for engaging a seal member of the male nipple, and a fluid orifice for enabling fluid flow through the male valve body.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention, in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar elements in the various figures, except where noted below.

A quick connect/disconnect coupling having a male nipple and a female coupler is described in detail below, in which one or both of the coupling members provides a simplified construction with a reduced number of parts for minimizing assembly time and overall costs. For example, as described in further detail below, one or both of the coupling members may include unique interlocking elements, such as flexible finger elements or the like, that slidably secure the corresponding valve sleeves to the respective valve bodies. The female coupler may include a valve body with a unique interface, such as opposing interlocking teeth, for rotatably coupling to a thread sleeve. The thread sleeve may have a bendable web for facilitating assembly of a spring for an actuating sleeve that is axially movable relative to the thread sleeve. The actuating sleeve may be formed with a hollow annular internal chamber, which may reduce weight and/or allow the actuating sleeve to be filled with fireproof material. In some embodiments, the male nipple may include the actuating sleeve instead of the female coupler. Other features of the coupling member(s) also may be optimized, such as via additive manufacturing techniques, including unique coupling threads, fluid orifices, biasing members, and/or seal members.

The principles and aspects of the present invention have particular application to quick connect/disconnect fluid couplings for aerospace applications, and thus will be described below chiefly in this context. It is also understood, however, that the principles and aspects of this invention may be applicable to other fluid couplings for other applications where it is desirable to provide a unique simplified construction of the coupling members for minimizing assembly time and overall costs, while also enhancing various features of the coupling members for improved performance.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary quick connect/disconnect fluid coupling <NUM> is shown, including a male nipple <NUM> and a female coupler <NUM> (also referred to as "coupling members"), which are shown in an uncoupled state. The male nipple <NUM> generally includes a male valve body <NUM> having a through-passage <NUM> extending along its longitudinal axis <NUM> for enabling fluid flow from a forward opening <NUM> to a rearward opening <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The male nipple <NUM> has a forward end portion <NUM> configured for insertion into and engagement with the female coupler <NUM>, and a rearward end portion <NUM> configured to connect with a fluid conduit or suitable housing of a hydraulic or other fluid system (not shown). The female coupler <NUM> generally includes a female valve body <NUM> having a through-passage <NUM> extending along its longitudinal axis <NUM> for enabling fluid flow from a forward opening <NUM> to a rearward opening <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The female coupler <NUM> has a forward end portion <NUM> configured for receiving the forward end portion <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM>, and a rearward end portion <NUM> configured to connect with a fluid conduit or suitable housing of the hydraulic or other fluid system (not shown).

As discussed in further detail below, the male nipple <NUM> includes an axially moveable flow sleeve <NUM>, and the female coupler <NUM> includes an axially moveable sealing sleeve <NUM>. These respective sleeves <NUM>, <NUM> each serve as valve members in the respective coupling members <NUM>, <NUM>, and each is configured to move between a closed-position, which restricts fluid flow through the corresponding valve body, and an open position, which permits fluid flow through the corresponding valve body. As discussed further below, when the male nipple <NUM> is inserted by a sufficient distance into the female coupler <NUM> to a coupled state (as shown in <FIG>, for example), the respective sleeves <NUM>, <NUM> move to their open positions to establish fluid flow through the respective passages <NUM>, <NUM>. When the male nipple <NUM> and the female coupler <NUM> are decoupled from each other (as shown in <FIG>, for example), the respective sleeves <NUM>, <NUM> move to their closed positions to terminate fluid flow through the respective passages <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown, the male nipple <NUM> includes at least one sealing member <NUM>, which may be disposed in a radial groove at a radially inward portion of the male valve body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal member <NUM> is an O-ring seal, and the male nipple <NUM> further includes a back-up ring <NUM> disposed in the radial groove. The male nipple <NUM> also includes a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring, which is configured to bias the flow sleeve <NUM> forwardly toward the closed position, such that a radially outward portion of the flow sleeve <NUM> sealingly engages the sealing member <NUM> to restrict flow through the valve body <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is a coil spring, a rearward portion of which engages a rearward shoulder portion <NUM> defined by the male valve body <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the flow sleeve <NUM> has at least one fluid orifice <NUM> for enabling fluid flow across the flow sleeve <NUM> and through the male valve body <NUM> when the flow sleeve <NUM> is disengaged from the sealing member <NUM> in an open position (as shown in <FIG>, for example). As shown, an inner surface of the male valve body <NUM> defines a radially enlarged internal pocket <NUM>, which further enables fluid flow through the valve body <NUM>, as discussed in further detail below. Also discussed in further detail below, an interlocking element <NUM>, such as a resilient finger element, is provided for slidably securing the flow sleeve <NUM> to the male valve body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, for example, such slidable securement by the interlocking element <NUM> permits the flow sleeve <NUM> to slidably move between a forward (e.g., closed) position (<FIG>) and a rearward (e.g., open) position (<FIG>) within the male valve body <NUM>, and further secures or contains the flow sleeve <NUM> to the male valve body <NUM> by providing a stop <NUM>, such as an abutment, that restricts further forward movement of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position.

Still referring to <FIG>, the female coupler <NUM> will now be described in further detail. As shown, the female valve body <NUM> includes a radially inward portion <NUM> and a radially outward portion <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the inward portion <NUM> and outward portion <NUM> are formed as a unitary and integral structure, such as via an additive manufacturing technique. It is understood, however, that in some embodiments the radially inward portion <NUM> and radially outward portion <NUM> may be discrete members that are coupled together to at least partially form the female valve body <NUM>.

As shown, the female coupler <NUM> includes at least one sealing member <NUM>, which may be disposed in a radially outer groove toward a forward end of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the sealing sleeve <NUM> also may include another sealing member <NUM>, which may be disposed in a radial groove at a radially outer portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal member(s) <NUM>, <NUM> are O-ring seals, which may be used in conjunction with respective back-up rings <NUM>, <NUM>. The female coupler <NUM> also includes a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring, which is configured to bias the sealing sleeve <NUM> forwardly toward its closed position, such that a radially inward portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM> sealingly engages the sealing member <NUM> to restrict flow through the valve body <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is a coil spring, which is contained within a spring chamber <NUM> that is formed by an annular gap between the radially inward portion <NUM> and the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> has an internal surface that at least partially defines the axial through-passage <NUM>. The radially inward portion <NUM> also includes at least one fluid orifice <NUM> for enabling fluid flow across the inner portion <NUM> and through the female valve body <NUM> when the sealing sleeve <NUM> is disengaged from the sealing member <NUM> in an open position (as shown in <FIG>, for example). As discussed in further detail below, an interlocking element <NUM>, such as a resilient finger element, is provided for slidably securing the sealing sleeve <NUM> to the female valve body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, for example, such slidable securement by the interlocking element <NUM> permits the sealing sleeve <NUM> to slidably move between a forward (e.g., closed) position (<FIG>) and a rearward (e.g., open) position (<FIG>) within the female valve body <NUM>, and further secures or contains the sealing sleeve <NUM> to the female valve body <NUM> by providing a stop <NUM>, such as an abutment, that restricts further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position.

As shown, the female coupler <NUM> also includes a rotatable thread sleeve <NUM> that is supported by an outer surface of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM> is coupled to the radially outward portion of the female valve body at an interface <NUM>, such as via opposing interlocking teeth, that permits the thread sleeve <NUM> to freely rotate about the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> while axially constraining the thread sleeve <NUM>. The rotatable thread sleeve <NUM> also includes a plurality of radially inwardly protruding threads <NUM> that are configured to threadably engage corresponding radially outwardly protruding threads <NUM> on the radially outward portion of the male valve body <NUM> to couple the female coupler <NUM> to the male nipple <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example).

The female coupler <NUM> may further include an actuating sleeve <NUM> that is co-rotatable with the thread sleeve <NUM>. The actuating sleeve <NUM> may be disposed radially outwardly of the thread sleeve <NUM>, and is configured to move between a forward position and rearward position relative to the thread sleeve <NUM> for engaging or disengaging from the male nipple <NUM> to provide a locking feature for the coupling <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the male valve body <NUM> may include one or more protrusions, or tangs <NUM>, that are configured to fit within corresponding slots <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> when the actuating sleeve <NUM> is in a forward position and the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a fully-coupled position. The engagement of the locking tang <NUM> with the locking slot <NUM> restricts rotational movement of the thread sleeve <NUM>, thereby restricting decoupling of the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM>. Such engagement also serves as a visual indication that the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> are fully-coupled together. As shown in <FIG>, the actuating sleeve <NUM> may be moved to a rearward position, in which the tangs <NUM> of the male nipple disengage from the slots <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM>, to permit rotational movement of the thread sleeve <NUM>, thereby permitting the female coupler <NUM> to be threadably decoupled from the male nipple <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the female coupler <NUM> includes a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring, that is axially interposed between corresponding portions of the actuating sleeve <NUM> and the thread sleeve <NUM> to provide a bias toward the forward (e.g., locked) position.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary sequence of coupling the male nipple <NUM> to the female coupler <NUM> is shown. <FIG> depicts the coupling <NUM> in an uncoupled state. As shown, the flow sleeve <NUM> of the male nipple is in a forward position such that the radially outward portion of the flow sleeve <NUM> sealingly engages with the sealing member <NUM> to close the flow path through the male valve body <NUM>. The male biasing member <NUM> urges the flow sleeve <NUM> forward, and the stop <NUM> of the interlocking element <NUM> abuts a radially inward shoulder portion <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> to prevent the flow sleeve <NUM> from further forward movement. In addition, the sealing sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM> is in a forward position such that a radially inward portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM> engages the sealing member <NUM>, and the rearward portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM> provides further sealing with the second sealing member <NUM>, which cooperate to close the flow path through the female valve body <NUM>. The female biasing member <NUM> urges the sealing sleeve <NUM> forward, and the stop <NUM> of the interlocking element <NUM> abuts a radially inward shoulder portion <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> to prevent the sealing sleeve <NUM> from further forward movement.

<FIG> shows the female coupler <NUM> partially threadably coupled with the male nipple <NUM>. The respective threads <NUM>, <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM> and male nipple <NUM> may be engaged before the sealing sleeve <NUM> and flow sleeve <NUM> are contacted. In this state, the sealing sleeve <NUM> and flow sleeve <NUM> are still in their respective closed positions.

<FIG> shows the female coupler <NUM> further threadably coupled with the male nipple <NUM>, such that a forward end of the sealing sleeve <NUM> engages a corresponding forward end of the flow sleeve <NUM>, thereby moving the sealing sleeve <NUM> rearward toward its open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring force of the female coupler spring <NUM> is greater than the spring force of the male nipple spring <NUM>, such that the flow sleeve <NUM> of the male nipple disengages from the male seal member <NUM> before the sealing sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler disengages from its seal member <NUM>. In this manner, the sealing sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler remains closed, and a radially outer forward end portion <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> may sealingly engage the seal member <NUM> in the male nipple to provide an interface seal between the coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> prior to opening flow therebetween. Also as shown in this state, a radially outer shoulder portion <NUM> toward the forward end portion <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> engages a front face of the male valve body <NUM>, such that further threading of the female coupler <NUM> onto the male nipple <NUM> will urge the sealing sleeve <NUM> rearwardly toward its opened position.

<FIG> shows the female coupler <NUM> and male nipple <NUM> in a fully-coupled state. As shown, a forward nose portion <NUM> of the radially inner portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> is received within a recessed portion <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM>. As the female coupler <NUM> is further threaded onto the male nipple <NUM>, this forward nose portion <NUM> urges flow sleeve <NUM> rearwardly. In addition, a radially inner surface of the recessed portion <NUM> engages the sealing member <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM>. The interlocking element <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM> rides within an axially elongated radial groove <NUM> in the male valve body <NUM> and abuts the rearward shoulder portion <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> when the flow sleeve <NUM> is in the fully open position. Also as shown, the front face of the male valve body <NUM> continues to urge the sealing sleeve <NUM> rearwardly until the front face of the male valve body <NUM> abuts a corresponding front face of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> such that the sealing sleeve <NUM> is in its fully open position. During this coupling sequence, the seal member <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> maintains the interface seal with the forward end portion <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. In the exemplary fully-coupled state, fluid is permitted to flow through the axial through-passage <NUM> defined by the radially inward <NUM> portion of the female valve body <NUM>, through the orifice(s) <NUM> in the radially inward portion <NUM>, into the enlarged pocket <NUM> in the male valve body <NUM>, through the orifice(s) <NUM> in the flow sleeve <NUM>, and out through the axial through passage <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. It is understood that although fluid may flow from right to left in the illustration, fluid flow may flow in either direction through the fluid coupling <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as the fluid coupling <NUM> is moved toward the fully-coupled state, the forward end portion of the actuating sleeve <NUM> touches the locking tangs <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, for example). As the female coupler <NUM> continues to thread onto the male nipple <NUM>, the actuating sleeve <NUM> is biased forwardly, such that the locking tangs <NUM> snap into the locking slots <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, for example). The locking tangs <NUM> of the nipple <NUM> received within the locking slots <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> serves as a visual indicator that the coupler <NUM> is fully engaged with the nipple <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an enlarged cross-sectional view shows the threaded engagement of the male nipple <NUM> with the female coupler <NUM>. As shown, in exemplary embodiments, the radially outward portion of the male valve body <NUM> includes the radially outwardly protruding threads <NUM> having a first side 66a and an axially opposite second side 66b, in which the first side 66a is inclined relative to the radially outward surface of the male valve body having the threads by a first angle (α) in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, and the second side 66b is inclined relative to the radially outward surface of the male valve body having the threads by a second angle (β) in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees. More particularly, the first side 66a of the threads may be inclined relative to the axis of the male valve body by an angle of about <NUM>-degrees, and the second side 66b of the threads may be inclined by an angle of about <NUM>-degrees. As shown, the radially inwardly protruding threads <NUM> of the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM> have the same configuration relative to the inner surface of the thread sleeve to threadably engage the threads <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> to couple the female coupler <NUM> to the male nipple <NUM>.

Such a configuration of the threads <NUM>, <NUM> provides improvements over existing designs of threadable quick disconnect couplings, which have been known to utilize a <NUM>-degree square thread. More particularly, providing one side of the thread <NUM> and/or <NUM> with an angle in the range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, more preferably <NUM>-degrees, will help to additively manufacture, or "print," the corresponding threads <NUM> and/or <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> and/or female coupler <NUM> according to various additive manufacturing principles without the need for a support structure during the printing process. The <NUM>-degree to <NUM>-degree thread surface also may act as a clearance angle that will help to mate the two coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> together. Moreover, such a configuration of the threads having an angle of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees on one side and <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees on the opposite side will provide improved strength compared to the <NUM>-degree square thread. More particularly, the respective coupling members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured such that the thread surface having the incline of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, more particularly <NUM>-degrees, will enhance the load-handling capability of the quick coupling, such that the quick coupling may withstand full axial and thrust load due to pressure, vibration, impulse, and/or other load condition.

Referring to <FIG>, various exemplary embodiments of the interlocking element that slidably secures the sealing sleeve to the radially inward portion of the female valve body will be described in further detail.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, the interlocking element <NUM> of the above-referenced female coupler <NUM> is described in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking element <NUM> is configured as a resilient interlocking element, including at least one flexible finger element (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) which is formed by the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. <FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the female valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to a radially outer surface of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. <FIG> are close-up perspective views of <FIG>, respectively, except shown from the opposite side.

As discussed above, the at least one flexible finger element <NUM> is configured to interlockingly engage with the sealing sleeve <NUM> to permit the sealing sleeve to move between a forward and a rearward position within the female valve body <NUM>. The flexible finger element <NUM> also includes stop <NUM>, which is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop <NUM> is formed as a radially outwardly protruding abutment at a forward end portion of the flexible finger element <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop <NUM> has a vertical surface 50a (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) and an opposite tapered surface 50b. As discussed above, the sealing sleeve <NUM> provides corresponding stop <NUM> formed at a radially inward portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. As shown, the stop <NUM> is configured as a radially inwardly protruding abutment having a vertical surface 60a (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) and an opposite tapered surface 60b. It is understood, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the surface 50a may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle in the range from <NUM>-degrees (e.g., the surface 50a inclined rearwardly and radially outwardly to form a concave space) to <NUM>-degrees (perpendicular). Accordingly, the surface 60a may correspondingly be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle in the range from <NUM>-degrees (e.g., the surface 60a inclined forwardly and radially inwardly to form a concave space) to <NUM>-degrees (perpendicular) to thereby interface with the surface 50a.

As depicted in the exemplary illustrations of <FIG>, when the sealing sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> during installation, the tapered surface 60b of the sealing sleeve <NUM> will urge the flexible finger element <NUM> radially inwardly due to the wedge action between tapered surfaces 50b and 60b. By continuing to push the sealing sleeve <NUM> onto the radially inward portion <NUM>, the flexible finger element <NUM> will bend inwardly and allow the sealing sleeve <NUM> to advance. The resiliency of the flexible finger element <NUM> will allow the finger element to bounce back toward its original position after the vertical surface 60a of the sealing sleeve <NUM> crosses the vertical surface 50a of the finger element <NUM>. In this manner, the sealing sleeve <NUM> may be slidably secured onto the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> to permit the sealing sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions, and the respective vertical surfaces 60a, 50a of the sealing sleeve <NUM> and the flexible finger element <NUM> enable the radially inward portion <NUM> of the coupler body to interlockingly engage with the sealing sleeve <NUM> to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the engagement position of the vertical surfaces 50a, 60a. Such a configuration allows the sealing sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the sealing sleeve difficult to remove after its installation on the female valve body <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body forms a plurality of independently moveable flexible finger elements <NUM> that are circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of flexible finger elements <NUM> may each have the same size and configuration. In exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the stops <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to withstand full axial load from pressure, vibration, impulse environmental conditions, or other similar loads during use of the coupling <NUM>.

Also shown in the illustrated embodiment, a snap ring <NUM> or other suitable structure may be utilized to restrict further radially inward movement of the flexible finger elements <NUM> after the sealing sleeve <NUM> has been slidably secured to the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap ring <NUM> is disposed within a radially inner groove <NUM> of the flexible finger elements <NUM>, and will restrict the flexible finger elements from flexing radially inwardly during loading conditions, which otherwise could interrupt flow through the female valve body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures sealing sleeve <NUM> to a radially inward portion <NUM> of female valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the resilient interlocking element <NUM> includes at least one flexible finger element (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) which is formed by a portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. The female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler <NUM> is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the female valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient interlocking element <NUM> is formed by a rearward end portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>, which is configured to interlockingly engage with the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body to permit the sealing sleeve <NUM> to move between a forward and a rearward position within the female valve body <NUM>. The flexible finger element <NUM> also has a stop <NUM> that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop <NUM> is formed as a radially inwardly protruding abutment of the flexible finger element <NUM> having a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface 160a and an opposite stepped and tapered surface 160b. Also as shown, the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body includes at least one axially extending slot <NUM>, into which at least a portion of the flexible finger element <NUM> protrudes radially inwardly to provide slidable interlocking engagement between the sealing sleeve <NUM> and the female valve body <NUM>.

More particularly, as depicted in the exemplary illustrations of <FIG>, when the sealing sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the female valve body <NUM> during installation, the at least one flexible finger element <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> will deflect radially outwardly and ride over the radially outward surface of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. By continuing to push the sealing sleeve <NUM> onto the radially inward portion <NUM>, the resiliency of the flexible finger element <NUM> will allow the finger element to snap into the slot <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. In this manner, the flexible finger element <NUM> is guided by the slot <NUM> such that the sealing sleeve <NUM> may be slidably secured onto the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> to permit the sealing sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions. Also as shown, the vertical surface 160a of the stop that is formed by the flexible finger element <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> is configured to interlockingly engage a surface that at least partially defines an axial end portion of the slot <NUM> to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the engagement position of the respective vertical surfaces (as shown in <FIG>, for example). Such a configuration allows the sealing sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the sealing sleeve <NUM> difficult to remove after its installation on the female valve body <NUM>. Furthermore, a separate snap ring may not be required for such a configuration.

It is understood that although one or more flexible finger elements <NUM> of the sealing sleeve <NUM> are shown as being disposed toward a rearward end portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>, the one or more flexible finger elements <NUM> may be provided toward an intermediate portion or forward end portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. In addition, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of independently moveable flexible finger elements <NUM> formed by corresponding portions of the sealing sleeve <NUM> may be provided. The plurality of flexible finger elements <NUM> may be circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis, and each flexible finger element <NUM> may each have the same size and configuration as each other. Correspondingly, the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> may have a plurality of axially extending slots <NUM> for receiving the plurality of flexible finger elements <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the respective stops of the finger element(s) <NUM> and the end surface of the slot(s) <NUM> may be configured to withstand full axial load from pressure, vibration, impulse environmental conditions, or other similar loads during use of the coupling.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> is shown, wherein the interlocking element <NUM> is configured as a resilient interlocking element including at least one flexible finger element formed by a portion of sealing sleeve <NUM>, in which the at least one flexible finger element is configured as a spring leg (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>). It is understood that female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one spring leg <NUM> has a radially inward bias, such that at least a portion of the spring leg may protrude radially inwardly into a slot <NUM> in the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> so that a portion of the spring leg may serve as a stop <NUM> that engages a surface defining at least a portion of the slot <NUM>, thereby restricting further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. As shown, the spring leg <NUM> may have an inclined surface 260b that is configured to engage a corresponding inclined surface at one end of the slot <NUM>, such that the spring leg <NUM> may move out of the slot <NUM> and allow the spring leg <NUM> to ride over a radially outward surface of the radially inward potion <NUM> of the female valve body, thereby enabling the sealing sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions. Such a configuration allows the sealing sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the sealing sleeve difficult to remove after its installation on the female valve body <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of independently moveable spring legs <NUM> formed by corresponding portions of the sealing sleeve <NUM> may be provided, in which the plurality of spring legs <NUM> may be circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis, with each spring leg <NUM> having the same size and configuration as each other. Correspondingly, the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body may have a plurality of slots <NUM> for receiving the plurality of spring legs in the manner described above.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures sealing sleeve <NUM> to radially inward portion <NUM> of female valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the resilient interlocking element <NUM> includes a discrete snap ring (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) which is disposed in a radial groove <NUM> of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. The female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the female valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to a radially outward surface of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. As depicted in <FIG>, during installation the sealing sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the female valve body <NUM> and passes over the snap ring groove <NUM> in the female valve body. Then, the snap ring <NUM> is secured in place in the groove <NUM>, such as with a snap ring assembly tool. Such a configuration permits the sealing sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions within the female valve body <NUM>, and the snap ring <NUM> serves as a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond an engagement position in which the forward face of the sealing sleeve <NUM> engages the snap ring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of an interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures sealing sleeve <NUM> to radially inward portion <NUM> of female valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the interlocking element <NUM> includes captive screw thread(s) 449a on the sealing sleeve <NUM> and corresponding captive screw thread(s) 449b on the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. The female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the female valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the sealing sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to a radially outward surface of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. As depicted in <FIG>, the sealing sleeve <NUM> has radially inward thread portion 449a configured to thread past radially outward thread portion 449b of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. In this manner, the sealing sleeve <NUM> is permitted to move between forward and rearward positions within the female valve body <NUM>, and the respective thread portions 449a, 449b of the sealing sleeve <NUM> and female valve body <NUM> serve as stops that are configured to restrict further forward movement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position.

In exemplary embodiments, both the radially outward thread portion 449b of the female valve body <NUM> and the radially inward thread portion 449a of the sealing sleeve <NUM> are configured as one or more standard screw threads. As shown, a lead surface 450b, 460b of the respective thread(s) 449b, 449a may be tapered for facilitating the threading of the sealing sleeve <NUM> beyond the thread(s) 449b of the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body. The opposite side of the respective thread portions 449a, 449b of the sealing sleeve <NUM> and female valve body <NUM> may each have a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface 460a, 450a that serve as the respective stops. The radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body and the sealing sleeve <NUM> may have point contact due to the helical form of the respective threads 449a, 449b, but the threads may be deformed during proof pressure testing to further enhance the securement of the sealing sleeve <NUM> to the radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. Such a configuration may have partial surface contact under load conditions. Moreover, such a configuration allows the sealing sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the sealing sleeve <NUM> difficult to remove after its installation on the female valve body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, various exemplary embodiments of the interlocking element that slidably secures the flow sleeve with the male valve body will be discussed in further detail.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, the interlocking element <NUM> of the above-referenced male nipple <NUM> is described in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking element <NUM> is configured as a resilient interlocking element, including at least one flexible finger element (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) which is formed by a portion of the flow sleeve <NUM>. <FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the male valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to the male valve body <NUM>.

As shown, the at least one flexible finger element <NUM> is configured to interlockingly engage with the male valve body <NUM> to permit the flow sleeve <NUM> to move between a forward and a rearward position within the male valve body <NUM>. The flexible finger element <NUM> also includes stop <NUM>, which is configured to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond the forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one flexible finger element <NUM> is formed by a rearwardly extending portion of the flow sleeve <NUM>, and the stop <NUM> is formed as a radially outwardly protruding abutment at a rearward end portion of the flexible finger element <NUM>. As shown, the stop <NUM> has a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface 39a and an opposite tapered surface 39b. As discussed above, the male valve body <NUM> provides corresponding stop <NUM> formed at a radially inwardly portion of the male valve body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop <NUM> is configured as a radially inwardly protruding abutment having a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface 59a and an opposite tapered circumferential surface 59b that also defines a rearward portion of the radially enlarged pocket <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. It is understood, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the surface 39a may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle in the range from <NUM>-degrees (e.g., the surface 39a inclined forwardly and radially outwardly to form a concave space) to <NUM>-degrees (perpendicular). Accordingly, the surface 59a may correspondingly be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle in the range from <NUM>-degrees (e.g., the surface 59a inclined rearward and radially inwardly to form a concave space) to <NUM>-degrees (perpendicular) to interface with the surface 39a.

As depicted in the exemplary illustrations of <FIG>, during installation the biasing member <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> may first be compressed, such as by utilizing an external fixture or plastic tie straps. As shown, when the flow sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the tapered surface 59b of the male valve body <NUM>, the tapered surface 39b on the flexible finger element stop <NUM> will urge the flexible finger element <NUM> radially inwardly due to the wedge action between tapered surfaces 39b, 59b. By continuing to push the flow sleeve <NUM> over the radially inwardly protruding portion of the male valve body that forms the stop <NUM>, the flexible finger element <NUM> will bend inwardly and allow the flow sleeve <NUM> to advance. The resiliency of the flexible finger element <NUM> will allow the finger element to bounce back toward its original position after the vertical surface 39a of the finger element stop <NUM> crosses the vertical surface 59a of the male valve body <NUM>.

As discussed above, the male valve body <NUM> includes axially elongated radial groove <NUM> that is configured to slidably receive the abutment, or stop <NUM>, of the flexible finger element <NUM>, such that the flow sleeve <NUM> may be slidably secured within the male valve body <NUM> to permit the flow sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions. In addition, the respective vertical surfaces 39a, 59a of the flow sleeve <NUM> and the male valve body <NUM> enables the flow sleeve <NUM> to interlockingly engage with the male valve body to restrict further forward movement beyond the engaged position of the vertical surfaces. Such a configuration allows the flow sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the flow sleeve difficult to remove after its installation in the male valve body <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the flow sleeve <NUM> forms a plurality of independently moveable flexible finger elements <NUM> that are circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of flexible finger elements <NUM> may each have the same size and configuration. In exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the respective stops <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to withstand full axial load from pressure, vibration, impulse environmental conditions, or other similar loads during use of the coupling.

As shown in <FIG>, after the flow sleeve <NUM> has been slidably secured within the male valve body <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> may be uncoiled by removing the fixture or removing the tie straps. The biasing member <NUM> may abut a radially inward shoulder portion <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM>, and may be in close proximity to the flexible finger elements <NUM> to thereby restrict the flexible finger elements <NUM> from flexing radially inwardly during loading conditions.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures flow sleeve <NUM> to male valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the resilient interlocking element <NUM> includes a plurality of spring legs (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) that are disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the flow sleeve <NUM>. The male nipple <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced male nipple <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the male nipples. In addition, the foregoing description of the male nipple <NUM> is equally applicable to the male nipple <NUM>, and thus aspects of the male nipples may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of spring legs <NUM> are formed by a forward portion of the flow sleeve <NUM>, such as via an additive manufacturing technique, and are axially aligned with each other. As shown, each spring leg <NUM> is independently moveable and has a radially outward bias, such that at least a portion of the spring leg <NUM> may protrude radially outwardly into the enlarged pocket <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The enlarged pocket <NUM> may thereby enable the flow sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions in the male valve body <NUM>. Each spring leg <NUM> also includes a stop <NUM> for engaging the male valve body <NUM>, thereby restricting further forward movement of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond the engaged forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the respective spring legs <NUM> serve as the stop <NUM> that engages a stop surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>, such as a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface. As shown, the spring legs <NUM> may each have a flat surface that serves as the stop <NUM> for engage the vertical surface <NUM> of the male valve body.

As depicted in the exemplary illustrations of <FIG>, when the flow sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the male valve body <NUM> during installation, the spring legs <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM> will deflect radially inwardly and ride over the seal member <NUM> and corresponding seal groove in the male valve body <NUM>. By continuing to push the flow sleeve <NUM> over the male body <NUM>, the spring legs <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM> will spring into the pocket <NUM> formed by the male valve body. Such a configuration allows the flow sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the flow sleeve difficult to remove after its installation into the male valve body <NUM>. As shown, each spring leg <NUM> may have the same size and configuration as each other, although it is understood that the spring legs <NUM> also may be different from one another. In exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the respective stop portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to withstand full axial load from pressure, vibration, impulse environmental conditions, or other similar loads during use of the coupling.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures flow sleeve <NUM> to male valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the resilient interlocking element <NUM> includes a plurality of spring-biased pins (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) that are disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the flow sleeve <NUM>. The male nipple <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the male nipples. In addition, the foregoing description of the male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the male nipple <NUM>, and thus aspects of the male nipples may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of spring-biased pins <NUM> are formed at a forward portion of the flow sleeve <NUM> and are axially aligned with each other. As shown, each spring-biased pin <NUM> may include a spring <NUM> disposed in a spring chamber of the flow sleeve <NUM>, such that each pin <NUM> is independently moveable and has a radially outward bias. In this manner, at least a portion of each pin <NUM> may protrude radially outwardly into the enlarged pocket <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The enlarged pocket <NUM> may thereby enable the flow sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions in the male valve body <NUM>. Each pin <NUM> also includes a stop <NUM> for engaging the male valve body, thereby restricting further forward movement of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond the engaged forward position. As shown, at least a portion of the respective pins <NUM> serve as the stop <NUM> that engages a surface <NUM> of the male valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward surface of each pin <NUM> is tapered to engage the corresponding surface <NUM> of the male valve body, which is also tapered, to thereby serve as the respective stops <NUM>, <NUM>.

As depicted in the exemplary illustrations of <FIG>, when the flow sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the male valve body <NUM> during installation, the spring-biased pins <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM> will move radially inwardly and ride over the seal member <NUM> and corresponding seal groove in the male valve body <NUM>. By continuing to push the flow sleeve <NUM> over the male body <NUM>, the spring-biased pins <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM> will spring into the pocket <NUM> formed by the male valve body <NUM>. Such a configuration allows the flow sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the flow sleeve difficult to remove after its installation into the male valve body. As shown, each spring-biased pin <NUM> may have the same size and configuration as each other. In exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the respective pins <NUM> may be configured to withstand full axial load from pressure, vibration, impulse environmental conditions, or other similar loads during use of the coupling.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a resilient interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures flow sleeve <NUM> to male valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the resilient interlocking element <NUM> includes a discrete snap ring (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>) which is disposed in a radial groove <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM>. The male nipple <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the male nipple. In addition, the foregoing description of the male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the male nipple <NUM>, and thus aspects of the male nipples may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the male valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to the male valve body <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, during installation the flow sleeve <NUM> is pushed towards the male valve body <NUM> and beyond the sealing member <NUM> and a radial shoulder portion <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. Then, the snap ring <NUM> is secured in place in the radial groove <NUM> of the flow sleeve <NUM>, such as with a snap ring assembly tool. Such a configuration permits the flow sleeve <NUM> to move between forward and rearward positions within the male valve body <NUM>, and the snap ring <NUM> serves as a stop that is configured to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve beyond an engagement position in which the radial shoulder portion <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> engages the snap ring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative exemplary embodiment of an interlocking element <NUM> that slidably secures flow sleeve <NUM> to male valve body <NUM> is shown, in which the interlocking element <NUM> includes captive screw thread(s) 838a on the flow sleeve <NUM> and corresponding captive screw thread(s) 838b on a radially inward portion of the male valve body <NUM>. The male nipple <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the male nipple. In addition, the foregoing description of the male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the male nipple <NUM>, and thus aspects of the male nipples may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> prior to slidable securement with the male valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the flow sleeve <NUM> slidably secured to the male valve body <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the flow sleeve <NUM> has radially outward thread portion 838a configured to thread past radially inward thread portion 838b of the male valve body <NUM>. In this manner, the flow sleeve <NUM> is permitted to move between forward and rearward positions within the male valve body <NUM>, and the respective thread portions 838a, 838b of the flow sleeve <NUM> and male valve body <NUM> serve as stops that are configured to restrict further forward movement of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond an engaged forward position.

In exemplary embodiments, both the radially inward thread portion 838b of the male valve body <NUM> and the radially outward thread portion 838a of the flow sleeve <NUM> are configured as a one or more standard screw thread(s). As shown, a lead surface 839b of the flow sleeve thread(s) 838a and a lead surface 859b of the male body thread(s) 838b may each be tapered for facilitating the threading of the flow sleeve <NUM> beyond the thread(s) 838b of the male valve body <NUM>. The opposite side of the respective thread portions 838b, 838a of the male valve body <NUM> and the flow sleeve <NUM> may each have a vertical (e.g., perpendicular) surface that serve as the respective stops. The male valve body <NUM> and the flow sleeve <NUM> may have point contact due to the helical form of the respective thread(s) 838a, 838b, but the thread(s) may be deformed during proof pressure testing to further enhance the securement of the flow sleeve <NUM> to male valve body <NUM>. Such a configuration may have partial surface contact under load conditions. Moreover, such a configuration allows the flow sleeve <NUM> to be installed without additional tooling, and also makes the flow sleeve difficult to remove after its installation on the male valve body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, various exemplary embodiments of the interface that couples the rotatable thread sleeve to the female valve body will be discussed in further detail. As discussed above, the rotatable thread sleeve is generally coupled to the radially outward portion of the female valve body at the interface, which is configured to permit the thread sleeve to freely rotate about the longitudinal axis of the female valve body, independent of movement of the female valve body, and while also axially constraining the thread sleeve.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, the interface <NUM>, <NUM>' that couples the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM>' to the female valve body <NUM>, <NUM>' includes opposing interlocking teeth disposed on the female valve body and on the rotatable thread sleeve. More particularly, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the radially outward portion <NUM>, <NUM>' of the female valve body includes one or more radially outwardly protruding teeth 52a, 52a', and the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM>' includes one or more radially inwardly protruding teeth 52b, 52b' that are configured to interlock with each other to permit the thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM>' to rotate freely about the female valve body <NUM>, <NUM>', while restricting axial movement of the thread sleeve.

<FIG> shows one exemplary embodiment of the interface <NUM> configured as interlocking teeth 52a, 52b. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of each tooth 52a on the female valve body has a first side 73a and an axially opposite second side 73b, in which the first side 73a is inclined relative to the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body by an angle in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, and the second side 73b is inclined relative to the radially outward portion of the female valve body by an angle of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees. More particularly, the respective angles of the first side 73a and second side 73b may be about <NUM>-degrees. As shown, the radially inwardly protruding teeth 52b of the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM> have the same configuration to rotatably engage the teeth of the female valve body.

<FIG> shows another exemplary embodiment of the interface <NUM>' configured as interlocking teeth 52a', 52b'. As shown, the teeth 52a' of the female valve body have a first side 73a' that is inclined relative to the radially outward portion <NUM>' of the female valve body by an angle in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, and the second side 73b' is inclined relative to the radially outward portion <NUM>' of the female valve body by an angle of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees. More particularly, the first side 73a' may be inclined by an angle of about <NUM>-degrees and the second side 73b' may be inclined by an angle of about <NUM>-degrees. As shown, the radially inwardly protruding teeth 52b' of the rotatable thread sleeve <NUM>' have the same configuration to rotatably engage the teeth of the female valve body.

Providing one side of the thread in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, more preferably <NUM>-degrees, may help to additively manufacture the corresponding interlocking teeth of the female valve body and thread sleeve according to various additive manufacturing principles without the need for a support structure during the printing process. Moreover, such a configuration of the threads having <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees one side and <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees on the opposite side also will facilitate additive manufacturing while further enhancing strength during thrust loading.

In exemplary embodiments, the gap between the interlocking teeth <NUM> or <NUM>' may be suitably formed depending on the manufacturing methodology (e.g., additive manufacturing) and the material utilized. The gap may be filled with lubricants to reduce the friction. Lubricants such as oil, solid, grease, dry, penetrating, film, and/or other suitable lubricants may be utilized to reduce the friction, in which the thickness of the lubricant utilized may depend on the type of application.

Referring to <FIG>, alternative exemplary embodiments of an interface <NUM>, <NUM> that couples rotatable thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM> to female valve body <NUM>, <NUM> are shown, in which the interface <NUM>, <NUM> is a resilient element that permits the thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM> to freely rotate about the longitudinal axis of the female valve body <NUM>, <NUM> while axially constraining the thread sleeve <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> show an embodiment in which the resilient element <NUM> is a marcel spring (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>). <FIG> shows the thread sleeve <NUM> prior to being coupled to the female valve body <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the thread sleeve <NUM> coupled to the female valve body <NUM>. The female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

As shown, the marcel spring <NUM> is a discrete element that is disposed in a radial groove <NUM> of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> and a corresponding radial groove <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM> when in the coupled together state. To provide such coupling, the marcel spring <NUM> is first placed in the groove <NUM> of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. Then the thread sleeve <NUM> is pushed onto the coupler body <NUM> until the marcel spring <NUM> is urged into the groove <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM>. A tapered surface <NUM> toward a rearward end of the thread sleeve <NUM> may facilitate such installation. Such a configuration allows the thread sleeve <NUM> to be installed onto the female valve body <NUM> without additional tooling, and also makes the thread sleeve <NUM> difficult to remove after its installation on the female valve body <NUM>. The marcel spring <NUM> is configured to withstand axial load conditions that may be exerted while the coupling is in use.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment in which the resilient element <NUM> is a snap ring (also referred to with reference numeral <NUM>). The female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

In exemplary embodiments, the snap ring <NUM> is a discrete element that is disposed in at least one groove of the female valve body <NUM> and/or the thread sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap ring <NUM> is disposed in a radial groove <NUM> of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>, and is configured to engage an axial end of the thread sleeve <NUM>. A forward portion of the radially outward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> has a radially outwardly protruding abutment <NUM> opposite the snap ring <NUM> that is configured to engage a corresponding radially inwardly protruding portion <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM>. The abutment <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> cooperates with the snap ring <NUM> to axially constrain the thread sleeve <NUM> while also permitting the thread sleeve to rotate freely relative to the female valve body <NUM>. The snap ring <NUM> will also hold the thread sleeve <NUM> under axial load conditions. Such a configuration may require an assembly tool.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuating sleeve <NUM> and thread sleeve <NUM> of the above-referenced female coupler <NUM> is described in further detail. As discussed above, the actuating sleeve <NUM> is co-rotatable with the thread sleeve <NUM>, and is configured to move between a forward position and rearward position relative to the thread sleeve <NUM> for engaging or disengaging from the male nipple <NUM> to provide a locking feature for the quick coupling <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thread sleeve <NUM> has a bendable web portion <NUM> that is configured to contain the biasing spring <NUM> in a spring chamber <NUM> that is formed between a portion of the thread sleeve <NUM> and a portion of the actuating sleeve <NUM>. <FIG> shows the thread sleeve <NUM> with the bendable web portion <NUM> in an uninstalled, or as-manufactured position, in which the web portion <NUM> is inclined outwardly to allow insertion of the spring <NUM> into the spring chamber <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the inclined angle of the web portion <NUM> can vary from <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degress relative to the longitudinal axis, and there may be a plurality of web portions <NUM> circumferentially spaced about the thread sleeve <NUM> to contain the spring <NUM>. <FIG> shows the web portion <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM> bent upward to contain the spring <NUM> in the spring chamber <NUM>. As shown, the web portion <NUM> is disposed at a rearward end portion of the thread sleeve <NUM>, such that the actuating sleeve <NUM> is biased forwardly by a spring <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, the actuating sleeve <NUM> has a hollow annular internal chamber <NUM> that encompasses the female valve body <NUM>. The hollow chamber <NUM> may reduce the overall weight of the female coupler <NUM>, and also may enable the female coupler to withstand increased vibrational loads. In addition, the hollow chamber <NUM> may be filled with fire protection sealed materials to protect the quick disconnect from an elevated temperature condition, such as in the case of fires. In exemplary embodiments, the actuating sleeve <NUM> may be formed by additive manufacturing, which may allow the actuating sleeve to have the annular chamber <NUM> with a generally seamless construction. The thread sleeve <NUM> with the web portion <NUM> also may be formed by an additive manufacturing technique.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment in which a discrete snap ring <NUM> couples actuating sleeve <NUM> to thread sleeve <NUM>, instead of a web portion <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a snap ring groove <NUM> is machined in the actuating sleeve <NUM>, within which the snap ring <NUM> is disposed to support the biasing force of spring <NUM>. As shown, the actuating sleeve <NUM> is pushed along with spring <NUM> over the rotating thread sleeve <NUM> up to a radially outward shoulder <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM>. The snap ring <NUM> will hold the actuating sleeve <NUM> and is configured to withstand axial and vibrational load conditions. It is understood that the female coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the female couplers. In addition, the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable to the female coupler <NUM>, and thus aspects of the female couplers may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

Referring to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of a quick coupling <NUM> is shown, in which male nipple <NUM> includes a movable actuating sleeve <NUM> and the female coupler <NUM> is devoid of an actuating sleeve. The quick coupling <NUM>, including female coupler <NUM> and male nipple <NUM>, is substantially the same as or similar to the above-referenced quick coupling(s) (e.g., <NUM>), including female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the same reference numerals but in the <NUM>-series are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures in the coupling and corresponding coupling members. In addition, the foregoing description of the coupling(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and corresponding coupling member(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) is equally applicable to the coupling <NUM> and corresponding coupling members <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus aspects of the coupling and coupling members may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable, except as noted below.

<FIG> shows an exploded cutaway front perspective view of the exemplary male nipple <NUM>. <FIG> shows a front perspective cutaway view from the opposite side, in which the actuating sleeve <NUM> is installed on the male nipple <NUM>. <FIG> shows a rear perspective cutaway view of the male nipple <NUM> with actuating sleeve <NUM>. <FIG> shows an outer perspective view of the male nipple <NUM> with actuating sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating sleeve <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> is disposed radially outwardly of the male valve body <NUM>, and is configured to be axially movable between forward and rearward positions via a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring. The biasing member <NUM> is disposed in a spring chamber <NUM> that is located toward a rearward portion of the male valve body <NUM>. As shown, the spring chamber <NUM> is at least partially defined by a rearward radially outward shoulder <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>, which one end of the biasing member <NUM> engages, and an opposite radially inward protrusion <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM>, which the other end of the biasing member <NUM> engages. In this manner, the actuating sleeve <NUM> is biased forwardly to lockingly engage the thread sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM> with one or more forwardly protruding tangs <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM>, as discussed in further detail below. The male nipple <NUM> also includes a stop, such as a snap ring <NUM> disposed in a radially outer groove in the male valve body <NUM>, which restricts further forward movement of the actuating sleeve <NUM> beyond the stop.

<FIG> shows a front perspective cutaway view of the female coupler <NUM>, and <FIG> shows an outer front perspective view of the female coupler <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the female coupler <NUM> is devoid of an actuating sleeve. Instead, the thread sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM> has one or more locking slots <NUM> at its forward end, which are configured to receive the one or more locking tangs <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM>. By providing the actuating sleeve <NUM> on the male nipple <NUM> instead of the female coupler <NUM>, the overall weight of the quick coupling <NUM> may be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary operation of threadably and lockingly coupling the female coupler <NUM> and the male nipple <NUM> is shown. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the female coupler <NUM> fully threaded onto the male nipple <NUM> with the actuating sleeve <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> pulled back to compress the spring <NUM>. <FIG> is an outer perspective side view of the quick coupling <NUM> before the locking tang <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> is received into the locking slot <NUM> the thread sleeve <NUM>. <FIG> is an outer perspective side view of the locking tang <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> lockingly received into the locking slot <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM>.

As shown, the female coupler <NUM> is threaded via the threads <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM> onto the threads <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> in a manner described above. As discussed above, once the female coupler <NUM> advances onto the male nipple <NUM> by a sufficient distance, the flow sleeve <NUM> and the sealing sleeve <NUM> of the respective coupling members will begin to open. The female thread sleeve <NUM> continues to rotate and threadably advance on the male nipple <NUM> until the locking tangs <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> snap into the locking slots <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM>, which indicates that the quick coupling <NUM> is fully engaged. The actuating sleeve <NUM> is biased forwardly so that the actuating sleeve engages the thread sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler to restrict rotational movement of the thread sleeve <NUM> to prevent disengagement without pulling the actuating sleeve <NUM> away from the female coupler <NUM>. Once the actuating sleeve <NUM> is pulled back to a rearward position, the locking tangs <NUM> of the actuating sleeve <NUM> disengage from the locking slots <NUM> of the thread sleeve <NUM> to permit rotational movement of the thread sleeve <NUM>, thereby permitting the female coupler <NUM> to be threadably decoupled from the male nipple <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, alternative exemplary embodiments of a fluid orifice portion <NUM> of the male nipple (e.g., <NUM>) and/or the female coupler (e.g., <NUM>) are shown. As discussed above, the fluid orifice(s) <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> may be formed by the flow sleeve <NUM> for enabling fluid flow through the male valve body <NUM> when the flow sleeve <NUM> is disengaged from the sealing member <NUM> in an open position (as shown in <FIG>, for example). Also discussed above, the fluid orifice <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM> may be formed by a radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> for enabling fluid flow through the female valve body when the sealing sleeve <NUM> is disengaged from the sealing member <NUM> in an open position (as shown in <FIG>, for example). The utilization of such fluid orifice portions <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially the same as for the fluid orifices (e.g., <NUM> and/or <NUM>) of the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and/or male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and/or male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable for the various fluid orifice portions shown in <FIG>. It is understood that although the fluid orifice portions <NUM> in <FIG> are shown as being discrete with a connection <NUM> for coupling to the respective male nipple (e.g., <NUM>) and/or female coupler (e.g., <NUM>), these fluid orifice portions <NUM> may be integrated into corresponding portions (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) of the coupling member(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) according to any of the foregoing embodiments of the male nipple and/or female coupler described above, including those embodiments having resilient elements, and the like.

Generally, the fluid orifice portion <NUM> is configured to divert fluid flow from the axial direction to the radial direction and vice versa. In exemplary embodiments, the fluid orifice portion <NUM> has an equal or variable number and/or size of circumferential orifice(s) or opening(s) <NUM>, which correspond to the orifice(s) <NUM> in the flow sleeve <NUM> of male nipple <NUM> and/or orifice(s) <NUM> in the radially inward portion <NUM> of female valve body <NUM>. These openings <NUM> are separated and supported by axially extending legs <NUM> (referred to as "axial legs"). Consequently, the design of the axial legs <NUM> may change the configuration of the openings <NUM>. Generally, the size of the axial legs <NUM> depends on the number of openings <NUM> desired, the diameter of the flow orifice portion <NUM> for the male nipple (e.g., flow sleeve <NUM>) and/or female coupler (e.g., radially inward portion <NUM> of the female valve body), and the angle with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the flow orifice portion <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the axial legs <NUM> may have a constant cross-section, may have a variable cross section, may be inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the fluid orifice portion surface, and/or may be shaped like a square, circle, semi-circle, polygon, or combination of shapes. The fluid orifice portion <NUM> also may include a flow deflection surface <NUM> for facilitating the diversion of flow from the axial direction to the radial direction through the openings <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the flow deflection surface <NUM> is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis, such as by an angle in the range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, which may depend on the opening design and desired flow conditions, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The fluid orifice portions <NUM> shown in <FIG> are substantially the same as or similar to each other, and consequently the same reference numerals but with the suffixes "a" - "f" are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures.

<FIG> shows one exemplary embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389a, in which the openings 1391a are axially elongated and have triangular castellations 1394a. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial legs 1392a are circumferentially slanted or inclined relative to the axial direction.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389b in which the openings 1391b are axially elongated and have triangular castellations 1394b. In this embodiment, the axial legs 1392b extend in the axial direction. Each axial leg 1392b has a radially inward portion connecting with the inclined deflection surface 1393b to form a plurality of vanes 1395b.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389c in which the openings 1391c are axially elongated and have triangular castellations 1394c. In this embodiment, the axial legs 1392c extend in the axial direction, and each leg 1392c has a radially inward portion connecting with the inclined deflection surface 1393c to form a plurality of vanes 1395c. In this embodiment, the radially inward portion of each leg 1392c has a tapered surface, which tapers in both the axial and radial directions to provide a multi-faceted vane 1395c.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389d in which the openings 1391d form a diamond-shaped pattern via a zig-zag or crisscross of the legs 1392d.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389e in which the openings 1391e are axially elongated and have triangular castellations 1394e, and in which the axial legs 1392e extend in the axial direction. This embodiment does not have radially inwardly protruding vanes formed by radially inwardly protruding portions of the axial legs 1392e connected with the inclined deflection surface 1393e.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a fluid orifice portion 1389f in which the openings 1391f are axially elongated and have triangular castellations 1394f. In this embodiment, the axial legs 1392f extend in the axial direction, and each leg 1392f has a radially inward portion connecting with the inclined deflection surface 1393f to form a plurality of vanes 1395f. In this embodiment, the radially inward portion of each leg 1392f has a tapered surface, which tapers in the axial direction and has a slight taper in the radial direction to form the vane 1395f.

In exemplary embodiments, the fluid orifice portions 1389a-f in <FIG> are formed via an additive manufacturing process to enhance the tailorability and capability of the orifice design. As such, the various fluid orifice portions also may include one or more hollow regions for minimizing weight and/or may include depowdering holes for enabling powder metallurgy additive techniques to remove unfused powder from the orifice.

Referring to <FIG>, alternative exemplary embodiments of a biasing member <NUM> for the male nipple (e.g., <NUM>) and/or female coupler (e.g., <NUM>) are shown. As discussed above, the biasing member <NUM> of the male nipple <NUM> is configured to bias the flow sleeve <NUM> forwardly toward the closed position, such that a radially outward portion of the flow sleeve <NUM> sealingly engages the sealing member <NUM> to restrict flow through the male valve body <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example). Also discussed above, the female coupler <NUM> also includes biasing member <NUM> that is configured to bias the sealing sleeve <NUM> forwardly toward its closed position, such that a radially inward portion of the sealing sleeve <NUM> sealingly engages the sealing member <NUM> to restrict flow through the female valve body <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example). Furthermore as discussed above, the female coupler <NUM> may include biasing member <NUM> that is interposed between corresponding portions of the actuating sleeve <NUM> and the thread sleeve <NUM> to provide a forward bias for the actuating sleeve <NUM> of the female coupler <NUM>. The utilization of the biasing members <NUM> in <FIG> is substantially the same as for the biasing member(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>) of the above-referenced female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and/or male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>), and consequently the foregoing description of the female coupler(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and/or male nipple(s) (e.g., <NUM>) is equally applicable for the various biasing members shown in <FIG>.

Generally, the biasing member <NUM> may be configured to hold and move the respective flow sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) and/or sealing sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) in the corresponding male and/or female valve body while withstanding the system pressure and loading conditions. In addition, the biasing member <NUM> when used for the actuating sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) may be utilized to hold and move the actuating sleeve in position to lock the actuating sleeve with the tangs (e.g., <NUM>) of the nipple body, as discussed above. In the description above, the foregoing biasing members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are configured as coil springs having a configuration that fulfills the foregoing functionality. The coil spring design may vary in terms of the wire diameter, wire cross-sectional shape, wire material, constant or variable outside or inside diameter, force distribution (compression, tension or torsion), and/or different end configuration (flat, ground, opened, closed, and/or combinations thereof).

The biasing members <NUM> shown in <FIG> are substantially the same as or similar to each other, and consequently the same reference numerals but with the suffixes "a" and "b" are used to denote structures corresponding to the same or similar structures.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment to the coil spring design, in which the biasing member 1496a has a bellows configuration. As shown, the biasing member 1496a has a generally cylindrical configuration with concertinaed sides 1497a that allow it to expand and contract.

<FIG> shows another alternative embodiment, in which the biasing member 1496b has a diamond-fold or wave-shape configuration along its sides 1497b that allow it to expand and contract.

It is understood that the foregoing configuration of the biasing members 1496a, 1496b may have different thickness of the sides, different shapes, materials, constant or variable outside or inside diameter, and/or different end configurations. In exemplary embodiments, the biasing members in <FIG> are formed via an additive manufacturing process to enhance the tailorability and capability of the orifice design. In addition, additively manufacturing the biasing member may allow the biasing member to be printed together with and/or integrated into portions of the corresponding male nipple and/or female coupler.

Referring to the various embodiments described above, the sealing member(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) of the female coupler (e.g., <NUM>) and/or the sealing member(s) (e.g., <NUM>) of the male nipple (e.g., <NUM>) may be optimized for sealing functionality depending on the desired requirements, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Generally, the various sealing members in each coupling member serve to close the flow path in each coupling member during the disengaged condition, and serve to permit flow between the coupling members when in an engaged condition under pressure, while also restricting external leakage outside of the engaged or disengaged coupling to the outside environment.

In the embodiments described above, the sealing member(s) (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>) are each configured as an O-ring seal, optionally with a backup ring disposed in the corresponding O-ring groove. In exemplary embodiments, however, the sealing member may instead be configured as a flat gasket or may be a ring with any cross-sectional shape as may be desirable depending on the system requirements. In exemplary embodiments, the sealing member may be made of one or more of the following elastomeric materials: perfluoroelastomer (FFKM / FFPM), fluoroelastomer (FKM / FPM), TFE / Propropylene Rubber (FEPM), polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber- Q, MQ,VMQ, PMQ, PVMQ), Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene (AFLAS), Fluorosilicone rubber (silicone rubber - FMQ, FVMQ), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and/ or Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR, EPDM). In exemplary embodiments, the elastomeric material may include filler materials such as, but not limited to, metal strips and/or graphite. It is noted that the foregoing capitalized designations (e.g., FKM, FPM, Q, MQ, etc.) refer to class designations as defined by ASTM D1418-<NUM>, "Standard Practice for Rubber and Rubber Latices-Nomenclature," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In exemplary embodiments, a single or multiple seal members may be used. For example, multiple seal members (such as an O-ring seal) may be used in a consecutive order with the same or different ring size to seal at high-temperature conditions. The multiple seal members may be made from any combination of the elastomeric materials described above. In addition, the seal member gland and groove configuration may be any combination of one or more of the following: male or piston gland without back-up ring, male or piston gland with one back-up ring, male or piston gland with two back-up rings, female or cylinder gland without back-up ring, female or cylinder gland with one back-up ring, female or cylinder gland with two back-up rings, face seal gland, dovetail groove gland, half dovetail groove gland, and/or triangular groove gland.

In exemplary embodiments, the single or multiple seal members may be flat gaskets. For example, multiple flat gaskets may be used in a consecutive order with the same or different length, diameter, and/or thickness to seal the quick coupling. The flat gasket design feature may include a seamless design, a full-faced design, and/or a segmented design with overlap. The flat gaskets may be made from a single layer of the above-mentioned elastomeric materials and /or multi-layers of a single or combination of the elastomeric materials above.

Referring to the various embodiments described above, one or more parts of the male nipple (e.g., <NUM>) and/or female coupler (e.g., <NUM>) may be formed by an additive manufacturing process. For example, the female valve body (e.g., <NUM>), including the radially inner portion (e.g., <NUM>) and the radially outer portion (e.g., <NUM>), may be additively manufactured together to form a unitary seamless structure, including the formation of the axial flow passage (e.g., <NUM>), the one or more fluid orifices (e.g., <NUM>), and/or the spring chamber (e.g., <NUM>) between radially inner and radially outer portions of the female valve body. As discussed above, the radially inner portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the female valve body (e.g., <NUM>) also may include integral resilient elements (e.g., <NUM>) that are formed as a unitary structure with the female valve body. The sealing sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) of the female coupler also may be additively manufactured as a unitary structure, including any such resilient elements (e.g., <NUM>) according to the embodiments discussed above. The thread sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) of the female coupler (e.g., <NUM>) also may be additively manufactured, including the threads (e.g., <NUM>) for threadably coupling to the male nipple, the interfacing teeth (e.g., <NUM>), and/or the web portion (e.g., <NUM>) for containing the spring for the actuating sleeve. The actuating sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) also may be additively manufactured as a unitary seamless structure, including the hollow annular chamber (e.g., <NUM>) which may be filled with fireproofing material. As noted above, one or more of the springs (e.g., <NUM> and/or <NUM>) of the female coupler also may be additively manufactured, such as with a bellows-type configuration or diamond-fold-type configuration.

The male valve body (e.g., <NUM>) also may be additively manufactured as a unitary seamless structure, including the axial flow passage (e.g., <NUM>), the radially enlarged pocket (e.g., <NUM>), the radially outwardly protruding threads (e.g., <NUM>) and/or other features of the male valve body. As discussed above, the flow sleeve (e.g., <NUM>) also may be additively manufactured, including the fluid orifice(s) (e.g., <NUM>) and/or the resilient elements (e.g., <NUM>), such as the flexible finger elements. As noted above, the spring (e.g., <NUM>) of the male nipple also may be additively manufactured, such as with a bellows-type configuration or diamond-fold-type configuration.

In exemplary embodiments, the additive manufacturing process may be any suitable additive manufacturing process for forming the foregoing features of the quick coupling as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary additive manufacturing techniques may include, by way of non-limiting examples: powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes, direct energy deposition processes, binder jetting processes, material extrusion and deposition processes, or the like. For example, suitable powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes may include: selective layer sintering (SLS), selective layer melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM), or multi-jet fusion (MJF). For example, suitable direct energy deposition processes may include: laser engineered net shape (LENS) or electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). For example, suitable binder jetting processes may include dispensing a binding agent onto a powder bed to build a part layer-by-layer, optionally with subsequent sintering and infiltration. For example, suitable material extrusion and deposition may include fused deposition modeling.

It should be understood that the various parts of the quick coupling described above may be made of any suitable material, such as metals, plastics and/or composites, which may be selected in a well-known manner to accommodate the pressures, flow rate, temperature, fluid types, external environment, size, configuration, assembly, and other factors that would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description. Preferably, the various structural components, including the male valve body, flow sleeve, female valve body, sealing sleeve, and thread sleeve are each made of metal materials that may withstand elevated temperatures and pressures that may be experienced when the fluid coupling is in use, such as in an aerospace application.

It is understood that in the discussion above and to follow, the positional terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom," "end," "inner," "left," "right," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," etc. may refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, such as when the quick coupling is shown in a horizontal position as shown in <FIG> for example, rather than an ordinary gravitational frame of reference. This is done realizing that the coupling, such as when used on vehicles, can be mounted on the top, bottom, or sides of other components, or can be inclined with respect to the vehicle, or can be provided in various other positions. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

It is also understood that all ranges and ratio limits disclosed in the specification and claims may be combined in any manner. The term "about" as used herein refers to any value which lies within the range defined by a variation of up to ±<NUM>% of the stated value, for example, ±<NUM><NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, or <NUM> % of the stated value, as well as values intervening such stated values.

Claim 1:
A quick connect/disconnect fluid coupling (<NUM>) comprising a male nipple (<NUM>) and a female coupler (<NUM>):
the male nipple having:
a male valve body (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis, the male valve body having an axially extending through-passage (<NUM>);
wherein a radially outward portion of the male valve body has radially outwardly protruding threads (<NUM>), each thread having a first side (66a) and an axially opposite second side (66b), wherein the first side is inclined relative to the radially outward portion of the male valve body by a first angle (α) in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees, and wherein the second side is inclined relative to the radially outward portion of the male valve body by a second angle (β) in a range of <NUM>-degrees to <NUM>-degrees; and
the female coupler having:
a female valve body (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis, the female valve body having an axially extending through-passage (<NUM>); and
a rotatable thread sleeve (<NUM>) radially outwardly of the female valve body, the rotatable thread sleeve being supported by the female valve body and being configured to freely rotate about the longitudinal axis of the female valve body;
wherein the rotatable thread sleeve has radially inwardly protruding threads (<NUM>) that are configured to threadably engage the threads of the male nipple to couple the female coupler to the male nipple;
wherein the female coupler includes an actuating sleeve (<NUM>) radially outwardly of the rotatable thread sleeve, wherein the actuating sleeve is co-rotatable with the thread sleeve, wherein the actuating sleeve is configured to move between a forward position and rearward position relative to the thread sleeve for engaging or disengaging from the male nipple to provide a locking feature for the coupling,
characterised in that
the male valve body includes one or more protrusions (<NUM>) that are configured to fit within corresponding one or more slots (<NUM>) of the actuating sleeve with the actuating sleeve being in the forward position and the coupling members (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a fully-coupled position.