阅读说明：本技术 快速连接流体连接器、转环及其组合件 (Quick connect fluid connector, swivel and assembly thereof ) 是由 J·克理福德 R·丹尼尔森 于 2020-03-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：快速连接流体连接器使用快速连接流体连接器转环直接连接到流体歧管的流体端口,该快速连接流体连接器转环构造成允许快速连接流体连接器相对于流体端口的旋转和/或纵向运动。由转环提供的相对轴向和/或旋转运动消除了在快速连接流体连接器与流体端口之间的流体路径中使用流体软管的需要。(The quick connect fluid connector is directly connected to a fluid port of the fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel configured to allow rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The relative axial and/or rotational movement provided by the swivel eliminates the need for using a fluid hose in the fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port.)

1. A quick connect fluid connector swivel comprising:

a first part mechanically and fluidly connectable to a first fluid system;

a second part mechanically and fluidly connectable to a quick-connect fluid connector connectable to a second fluid system;

a fluid channel fluidly connecting the first portion and the second portion to allow fluid communication between the first fluid system and the second fluid system via the quick-connect fluid connector; and

and the first and second portions are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis.

2. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other along said longitudinal axis.

3. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 1, wherein said first portion is a first housing portion and said second portion is a second housing portion;

the first housing portion and the second housing portion are disposed about a shaft that includes at least a portion of the fluid passage, the longitudinal axis extending through the shaft; and is

The first housing portion and the second housing portion are each rotatable relative to the shaft.

4. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 1, wherein said first part is a ported housing mechanically and fluidly connectable to said first fluid system;

the second portion is a shaft disposed within the housing, an end of the shaft being mechanically connectable to the quick connect fluid connector, and the shaft including at least a portion of the fluid passage.

5. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 4, wherein the port is rotatable relative to the housing.

6. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 5, wherein the port is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 4, wherein said housing has a housing first end, a housing second end, and said longitudinal axis extends from said housing first end to said housing second end;

a housing channel formed in the housing along the longitudinal axis, the housing channel extending through the housing first end;

the port is in fluid communication with the housing channel;

the shaft disposed in the housing channel, the shaft having a shaft first end, a shaft second end, and a shaft axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

the shaft first end is connectable to the quick connect fluid connector;

the shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about the shaft axis and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis;

a first stop limiting longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop limiting longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a second longitudinal direction; and is

The fluid channel comprises a shaft fluid channel formed in the shaft along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end in a direction toward the shaft second end, the shaft fluid channel in fluid communication with the port.

8. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 7, wherein said port is formed in a side of said housing between said housing first end and said housing second end; and the quick connect fluid connector swivel further comprising:

a first seal sealed between the shaft and the housing, the first seal being located between the port and the housing first end;

a second seal sealed between the shaft and the housing, the second seal located between the port and the housing second end; and is

The shaft fluid passage of the shaft includes a transverse portion that exits through the shaft between the first and second seals creating a pressure balance zone between the first and second seals.

9. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 7, wherein said shaft second end comprises a crimped region.

10. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 7, wherein said housing first end comprises a first removable cap threadably connected thereto and said housing second end comprises a second removable cap threadably connected thereto; and is

The shaft first end extends beyond the first removable cap.

11. The quick connect fluid connector swivel of claim 8, further comprising a leak indicator on said housing, said leak indicator comprising a leak indicator channel intersecting said housing channel at a location between said first seal and said housing first end or between said second seal and said housing second end.

12. An assembly, comprising:

the quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of claims 1-11; and

a quick-connect fluid connector connected to the second portion, the quick-connect fluid connector including a fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid channel.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the second portion and the quick-connect fluid connector are integrally connected or the second portion and the quick-connect fluid connector are removably mechanically connected to each other.

14. An assembly, comprising:

a quick-connect fluid connector removably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to handle fluid flow into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector; and

a quick connect fluid connector swivel connected to the quick connect fluid connector;

wherein the quick connect fluid connector comprises:

a connector housing with a housing fluid passage through which the fluid can flow;

a connection mechanism actuatable between a connected position in which the quick connect fluid connector is mechanically connected to the fluid system and allows fluid to flow into or out of the fluid system through the housing fluid passage, and a disconnected position in which the quick connect fluid connector is not mechanically connected to the fluid system;

the quick connect fluid connector swivel comprising:

a first portion mechanically and fluidly connectable to an additional fluid system;

a second portion mechanically and fluidly connected to the quick connect fluid connector;

a fluid passage fluidly connecting the first portion and the second portion to allow fluid communication between the fluid system and the additional fluid system via the quick-connect fluid connector and the quick-connect fluid connector swivel; and

and the first and second portions are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis.

15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the first portion and the second portion are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis.

16. The combination of claim 14, wherein the first portion is a first housing portion and the second portion is a second housing portion;

the first housing portion and the second housing portion are disposed about a shaft that includes at least a portion of the fluid passage, the longitudinal axis extending through the shaft; and is

The first housing portion and the second housing portion are each rotatable relative to the shaft.

17. The combination of claim 14, wherein the first part is a ported housing mechanically and fluidly connectable to the supplemental fluid system;

the second portion is a shaft disposed within the housing, an end of the shaft is mechanically connected to the quick connect fluid connector, and the shaft includes at least a portion of the fluid passage.

18. The combination of claim 17, wherein the port is rotatable relative to the housing.

19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the port is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

20. A system, the system comprising:

a fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid ports;

a plurality of quick-connect fluid connector swivels, each quick-connect fluid connector swivel connected to a corresponding one of the fluid ports;

a plurality of quick-connect fluid connectors, each of the quick-connect fluid connectors being connected to a corresponding one of the quick-connect fluid connector swivels and each quick-connect fluid connector being removably mechanically connected to a fluid system to handle fluid flow into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector;

wherein each of the quick-connect fluid connector swivel rings is configured to allow rotational and/or longitudinal movement of a corresponding quick-connect fluid connector relative to a corresponding fluid port of the fluid manifold, and wherein each quick-connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold without the use of a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick-connect fluid connector and the fluid port.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a quick connect fluid connector for connecting, for example, a first fluid system with a second fluid system for transferring a gas, liquid, or other fluid between the first and second fluid systems.

Background

Gas cylinders are common in a variety of industries. For example, in the medical industry, gas cylinders are often filled with oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the like for various medical uses. Gas cylinders are also used in various industrial fields. The gas cylinder is typically provided with a standardized valve assembly at its top to allow gas to be vented from the cylinder during use, and also to allow the cylinder to be filled with additional gas.

To handle the flow of gas into or out of the cylinder, a quick connect fluid connector is removably attached to the valve assembly of the cylinder. An example of a quick connect fluid connector for process gas flow into or out of a gas cylinder is described in us patent 6073909. When using a quick-connect fluid connector of the type described in U.S. patent 6073909, the quick-connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to a fluid port of a fluid manifold via a fluid hose (sometimes referred to in the industry as a "pig tail"). A quick connect fluid connector is then attached to the valve assembly of the gas cylinder for gas handling. Repeated flexing and movement of the fluid hose can cause the fluid hose to wear and eventually cause gas to leak from the fluid hose.

Disclosure of Invention

Described herein is a technique for handling the flow of fluid into or out of a fluid container without the use of a fluid hose between a quick connect fluid connector and a fluid manifold. The quick-connect fluid connector is directly connected to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick-connect fluid connector swivel configured to allow rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick-connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The relative axial and/or rotational movement provided by the swivel eliminates the need for using a fluid hose in the fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. However, in some embodiments, a fluid hose may be used between the quick connect fluid connector swivel and the fluid port.

The quick connect fluid connector swivel may have any configuration that allows for rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port. The quick connect fluid connector swivel forms a part of a flow path for gas, liquid, or other fluids between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid manifold.

Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term fluid is intended to encompass gases, liquids, and mixtures of gases and liquids. The fluid container may be a gas cylinder, a liquid container, or other container.

The quick connect fluid connector may have any configuration suitable for mechanically connecting to and fluidly interfacing with a fluid container. In one embodiment, the quick connect fluid connector may have a construction similar to that described in U.S. patent 6073909, or a mediamate quick connect fluid connector, as available from fastsite corporation of rossville, mn, which is a manually actuated quick connect fluid connector. In another embodiment, the quick-connect fluid connector may be configured to employ pneumatic means to effect connection with a valve assembly of a fluid container, as described in further detail below.

In one embodiment, the quick connect fluid connector swivel may comprise: a first part mechanically and fluidly connectable to a first fluid system; a second part mechanically and fluidly connectable to a quick connect fluid connector connectable to a second fluid system; a fluid channel fluidly connecting the first portion and the second portion to allow fluid communication between the first fluid system and the second fluid system via the quick-connect fluid connector; and the first and second portions are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the first and second portions may also be longitudinally displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis.

The first portion may be a first housing portion and the second portion may be a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are disposed about a shaft comprising at least a portion of a fluid passage with a longitudinal axis extending through the shaft. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are each rotatable relative to the shaft. In another embodiment, the first portion may be a housing with a port mechanically and fluidly connectable to the first fluid system, the second portion may be a shaft disposed within the housing, and an end of the shaft may be mechanically connectable to the quick-connect fluid connector, and the shaft includes at least a portion of the fluid channel.

In one embodiment, the port is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment, a quick connect fluid connector swivel may include a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end. A housing passage is formed in the housing along the longitudinal axis and extends through the housing first end. A fluid port is formed in the housing and is in fluid communication with the housing channel. A shaft is disposed in the housing passage, the shaft having a shaft first end, a shaft second end, and a shaft axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The shaft first end may be connected to the quick connect fluid connector, the shaft may be rotatable relative to the housing about a shaft axis, and the shaft may be longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. A first stop is provided that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop is provided that limits longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a second longitudinal direction. Further, the shaft includes a shaft fluid channel formed therein along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end in a direction toward the shaft second end, and the shaft fluid channel is in fluid communication with the fluid port. With this arrangement, when the shaft first end is connected to the quick-connect fluid connector, the shaft fluid passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage through the quick-connect fluid connector.

In another embodiment, the assembly includes a quick connect fluid connector swivel and a quick connect fluid connector connected to the first end of the shaft. The quick connect fluid connector includes a fluid channel in fluid communication with the shaft fluid channel such that fluid can be processed into or out of a fluid system, such as a gas cylinder, via the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel.

In yet another embodiment, an assembly comprises: a quick-connect fluid connector removably mechanically connectable to the fluid system to handle flow of fluid into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector; and a quick-connect fluid connector swivel connected to the quick-connect fluid connector. The quick connect fluid connector may include: a connector housing with a housing fluid passage through which fluid may flow; and a connection mechanism actuatable between a connected position in which the quick-connect fluid connector is mechanically connected to the fluid system and allows fluid to flow into or out of the fluid system through the housing fluid passage, and a disconnected position in which the quick-connect fluid connector is not mechanically connected to the fluid system. The quick connect fluid connector swivel may include a swivel housing and a shaft extending from the swivel housing and connected to the quick connect fluid connector. The shaft includes a shaft fluid passage in fluid communication with the housing fluid passage. The shaft is rotatable relative to the swivel housing about a shaft axis, and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the swivel housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis, whereby the connector housing is rotatable relative to the swivel housing and the connector housing is longitudinally movable relative to the swivel housing.

In yet another embodiment, a system comprises: a fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid ports; a plurality of quick-connect fluid connector swivels, wherein each of the quick-connect fluid connector swivels is connected to a corresponding one of the fluid ports; and a plurality of quick connect fluid connectors. Each of the quick-connect fluid connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the quick-connect fluid connector swivels, and each of the quick-connect fluid connectors is removably mechanically connected to the fluid system to handle the flow of fluid into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector. Each of the quick-connect fluid connector swivels is configured to allow rotational and longitudinal movement of a corresponding quick-connect fluid connector relative to a corresponding fluid port of the fluid manifold, and each quick-connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold without the use of a fluid hose anywhere in the fluid path between the quick-connect fluid connector and the fluid port.

In another embodiment, a method of facilitating flow of a treatment fluid into or out of a fluid container, such as but not limited to a gas cylinder, comprises: the quick connect fluid connector is connected to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel configured to allow rotational and longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port without the use of a fluid hose anywhere in the fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port. In addition, the quick connect fluid connector is connected to the fluid container and then fluid flow into or out of the fluid container is handled through the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a system that uses one embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector swivel and one embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector described herein.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel and quick connect fluid connector assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but with the shaft of the quick connect fluid connector swivel in a retracted state.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section similar to fig. 2, but taken in a plane 90 degrees from the plane of fig. 2.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel with the shaft in a retracted state.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of FIG. 5 with the shaft in an extended state.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a pneumatic quick connect fluid connector that may be removably attached to one of the quick connect fluid connector swivel rings described herein.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic quick connect fluid connector of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pneumatic quick connect fluid connector of FIG. 7 integrated with the quick connect fluid connector swivel using a common shaft.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel.

Fig. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a leak indicator.

Fig. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a leak indicator.

Fig. 13 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of fig. 2-4.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel.

Fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of fig. 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the quick connect fluid connector swivel of FIG. 16 with the inlet and outlet ports rotated ninety degrees.

Fig. 19 illustrates the quick connect fluid connector swivel of fig. 16-18 with the housing portion inverted relative to fig. 16.

Detailed Description

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a fluid treatment system 10 is shown. The system 10 is used to process a fluid, which may be a gas or a liquid or a mixture thereof, between a fluid manifold 12 forming (or part of) a first fluid system and one or more fluid bottles or containers, such as gas bottles 14, each of which forms a second fluid system. For ease of describing the concepts herein, the fluid cylinder/container will be described as a gas cylinder 14. However, the fluid bottle/container may contain fluids other than gas.

The illustrated system 10 includes a fluid manifold 12, a plurality of cylinders 14, a plurality of quick connect fluid connectors 16, and a plurality of quick connect fluid connector swivels 18. Each of the swivels 18 is mechanically connected to a fluid port 20 of the manifold 12. In addition, each of the quick-connect fluid connectors 16 is mechanically connected to the valve assembly 22 of a corresponding one of the swivels 18 and a corresponding one of the cylinders 14. In use, fluid (such as gas) may be processed from the manifold 12 into each of the cylinders 14 through the corresponding swivel 18 and the corresponding quick connect fluid connector 16. Alternatively, fluid (such as gas) may be processed from each of the cylinders 14 into the manifold 12 through the corresponding quick connect fluid connector 16 and the corresponding swivel 18. In some embodiments, the fluid being treated may be a liquid rather than a gas.

Still referring to fig. 1, the fluid manifold 12 is of standard construction. Fluid manifold 12 may serve as a filling station that allows multiple cylinders 14 to be connected to allow for simultaneous filling of these cylinders 14 via fluid manifold 12, swivel 18, and fluid connector 16. Alternatively, the fluid manifold 12 may be used as an evacuation station to allow simultaneous evacuation of the cylinders 14. Alternatively, the fluid manifold 12 may be used as both a filling station and an evacuation station. The fluid manifold 12 includes a plurality of fluid ports 20 spaced apart from one another along the fluid manifold 12 to provide sufficient space to allow connection of each cylinder 14. The fluid port 20 is in fluid communication with a manifold fluid passageway 24, the manifold fluid passageway 24 is fluidly connected to a fluid supply (not shown) that supplies gas for filling the cylinder 14, and/or the manifold fluid passageway 24 is connected to a fluid discharge to collect gas drawn from the cylinder 14.

The cylinder 14 is also of standard construction. Each gas cylinder 14 includes a valve assembly 22 through which gas enters or exits the gas cylinder 14 during operation and maintenance, and the quick connect fluid connector 16 is designed to mechanically and fluidly interface with the valve assembly 22. The details of the valve assembly 22 and how it operates are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The fluid connector 16 may have any configuration so long as the configuration is such that: they are adapted to be removably mechanically connected with the valve assembly 22 of the gas cylinder 14 and to allow fluid to flow from the gas cylinder 14 through the fluid connection 16 via the valve assembly 22 during an evacuation procedure, or to allow fluid to flow through the fluid connection 16 and into the gas cylinder via the valve assembly 22 during a filling procedure. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-4, the fluid connector 16 has a structure similar to the fluid connector described in U.S. patent 6073909, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, the fluid connector 16 may have the structure described below with reference to fig. 7-9. In yet another embodiment, the fluid connector 16 may have a structure similar to the fluid connector described in U.S. patent 8844979, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Many other fluid connector designs are possible so long as the fluid connector 16 can be mechanically connected to the valve assembly 22 and fluid can be handled through the fluid connector.

Swivel 18 is configured to mechanically and fluidly connect to fluid port 20 and to mechanically connect to fluid connector 16 to allow rotational and longitudinal movement of fluid connector 16 relative to fluid port 20 of fluid manifold 12. In one embodiment, the swivel 18 may be integrally connected (i.e., non-removably connected) to the fluid connector 16, whereby at least a portion of the swivel 18 also forms a portion of the fluid connector 16. In another embodiment, swivel 18 is removably connected to fluid connector 16. Swivel 18 is also configured to fluidly connect fluid connector 16 to fluid manifold 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid connection between the fluid manifold 12 and the swivel 18 is achieved without the use of fluid hoses anywhere in the fluid path between the fluid connector 16 and the fluid ports 20. However, in some embodiments, a fluid hose may be used. Swivel 18 may have any configuration suitable for performing the functions of the swivels described herein.

Referring to fig. 1-4 and 13, one embodiment of the fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 will now be described. The fluid connector 16 includes an elongated housing 30, the elongated housing 30 having a bifurcated end 32, a central section 34, and a swivel connection end 36. Two spaced apart arms 38a, 38b define the bifurcated end 32, and an actuating lever 40 is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 42 extending between the arms 38a, b.

A recess 44 is formed through one side of the housing 30 at the central section 34, and the recess 44 is sized to receive the valve assembly 22 therein. The dimensions of the recess 44 are oversized relative to the dimensions of the valve assembly 22 to allow the valve assembly 22 to move within the recess 44 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 30. An angled wall 46 is preferably provided between the side of the housing 30 and the wall forming the recess 44 to guide the valve assembly 22 into the recess 44. Since the recess 44 is formed through the side of the housing 30, the valve assembly 22 may be fitted within the recess 44 by a simple lateral movement of the fluid connector 16, with the angled wall 46 guiding the valve assembly 22 into the recess.

A passage 48 extends between recess 44 and the area between each arm 38a, b, and an actuating pin 50 is slidably disposed within passage 48. The actuator pin 50 includes an enlarged end 52 that engages the actuator lever 40, and the opposite end of the actuator pin 50 engages the valve assembly 22. A coil spring 54 is engaged between the enlarged end 52 and a shoulder formed in the passage 48 and biases the enlarged end 52 into continuous engagement with the actuation lever 40. The actuation lever 40 includes a first surface 57 that engages the enlarged end 52 in the open position of the connector 16 (as shown in fig. 3) and a second surface 58 that engages the enlarged end 52 in the connected position (as shown in fig. 4). As actuation lever 40 rotates about pin 42, surface 58 contacts enlarged end 52 of actuation pin 50, thereby forcing pin 50 inwardly toward recess 44. As the actuating pin 50 engages the valve assembly 22, the valve assembly 22 is forced toward the swivel connection end 36 by the actuating pin 50. Rotation of the actuation lever 40 back in the opposite direction brings the surface 57 back into contact with the enlarged end 52, which allows the actuation pin 50 to retract to the open or off position due to the biasing force of the spring 54.

The bore 60 extends completely through the swivel connection end 36, and the bore 60 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 30. A shaft 62 extending from the swivel 18 is threaded into the swivel connection end 36 within the bore 60 and defines a space between the outer surface of the shaft 62 and the surface defining the bore 60. The shaft 62 includes a shaft first end 64 within the fluid connector 16, a shaft second end 66 within the swivel 18, a shaft axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis, a shaft fluid passage 68 formed in the shaft along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end 64 in a direction toward the shaft second end 66. The shaft fluid passage 68 allows fluid to flow from the fluid connector 16 to the swivel 18 via the shaft 62.

A cylindrical piston 70 is slidably disposed within the bore 60 and extends into the recess 44 for sealing engagement with the valve assembly 22. The piston 70 includes a skirt portion 72 extending from a head portion 74, the skirt portion 72 being slidably engaged over the outer surface of the shaft 62 and the inner surface of the housing defining the bore 60, within the space therebetween. Referring to fig. 3 and 4, a neck 76 extends from the head portion 74 into the recess 44, and an O-ring seal 78 is provided in the end of the head portion 74 surrounding the neck 76. The neck 76 and O-ring seal 78 allow the piston 70 to sealingly engage the valve assembly, as shown in fig. 4, thereby preventing gas leakage. A central fluid passage 80 extends through the head portion 74 parallel to the passage 68 and an O-ring seal 82 is provided in a peripheral channel in the outer surface of the shaft 62 to prevent fluid leakage between the skirt portion 72 and the shaft 62.

To bias the piston 70 toward the valve assembly 22, a coil spring 84 is disposed in the space between the shaft 62 and the housing 30, with one end of the spring 84 engaging the shaft 62 and the other end of the spring 84 engaging a washer 86, the washer 86 being slidably disposed in the space. Movement of the washer 86 is limited by a shoulder formed on the surface defining the bore 60, and the washer 86 engages the shoulder formed on the skirt portion 72 to bias the piston 70 toward the end 32 until the washer 86 engages the shoulder.

An additional coil spring 92 surrounds the skirt portion 72 and is engaged between the housing 30 and the shoulder to bias the piston 70 toward the end 36, away from the recess 44 and against the bias of the spring 84. The biasing force of spring 84 is greater than the biasing force of spring 92 so that piston 70 is biased to the initial position shown in fig. 3. Because the spring 92 is disposed around the skirt portion 72, gas flowing through the fluid connector 16 does not contact the spring 92, thereby providing smooth gas flow and preventing contamination of the spring 92.

Piston 70 also includes an internal pressure surface 94 thereon that is engaged by gas flowing through passage 68 to force piston 70 toward recess 44 to enhance the sealing effect between piston 70 and valve assembly 22. As can be seen in fig. 3, there is a slight gap between the pressure surface 94 and the end of the shaft 62 to allow gas to engage the pressure surface 94, thereby forcing the piston 70 toward the recess 44.

Additional details regarding the construction of the fluid connector 16 can be found in U.S. patent 6073909. Together, the lever 40, the actuating pin 50 and the piston 70 form a coupling mechanism that releasably mechanically couples the fluid connector 16 to the valve assembly 22. However, other forms of connection mechanisms that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector 16 to the valve assembly 22 may be used.

Referring to fig. 2-4 and 13, the swivel 18 includes a housing 100, the housing 100 having a housing first end 102, a housing second end 104, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end 102 to the housing second end 104. A housing passage 106 is formed in the housing 100 along the longitudinal axis, and the housing passage 106 extends through the housing first end 102. A first end cap 108 is removably threaded onto the housing 100 to define the housing first end 102, and a second end cap 110 is removably threaded onto the housing 100 to define the housing second end 104. The housing passage 106 extends through a first end cap 108, the first end cap 108 being open to allow passage of the shaft 62. The second end cap 110 defines a closed end of the swivel 18, but the second end cap 110 may also have one or more passageways.

The housing 100 also includes a fluid port 112 formed therein that is in fluid communication with the housing channel 106. In the example shown in fig. 1-4, the fluid port 112 is formed on a side of the housing 100 between the housing first end 102 and the housing second end 104. The fluid ports 112 may extend perpendicularly from the housing 100 or at a non-ninety degree angle from the housing 100. Alternatively, the fluid port 112 may extend axially through the housing second end 104, as discussed further below with respect to fig. 10. The fluid port 112 is configured to attach to the port 20 on the fluid manifold 12 in order to attach the swivel 18 to the fluid manifold. Attachment of fluid port 112 to port 20 may be accomplished using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the fluid port 112 may have threads 113, and the threads 113 may engage with mating threads (not shown) of the port 20 such that the swivel 18 may be attached to the fluid manifold 12 via the threads 113. The threads 113 also allow the swivel 18 to be removed from the fluid manifold 12. Permanent forms of attachment, such as welding fluid port 112 to port 20, may also be used.

The shaft 62 is disposed in the housing channel 106 such that the shaft 62 is rotatable relative to the housing 100 about a shaft axis, and the shaft 62 is also longitudinally or axially displaceable relative to the housing 100 in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. A first stop is provided that limits longitudinal/axial displacement of the shaft 62 relative to the housing 100 in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop is provided that limits longitudinal/axial displacement of the shaft 62 relative to the housing 100 in a second longitudinal direction.

For example, as best seen in fig. 13, the first stop may include a washer 114, the washer 114 disposed about the shaft 62 near the second end 66 and secured to the shaft 62. A washer 114 projects radially from the outer diameter of the shaft 62 and is configured to abut a shoulder 116 (shown in fig. 4) defined within the housing 100 to define a maximum extended position of the shaft 62. In this example, the washer 114 and the shoulder 116 together form a first stop. The second stop may include a ring 118, which ring 118 may be circumferentially continuous, formed on the shaft 62 where the shaft 62 extends from the fluid connector 16 and projects radially from the shaft 62. As shown in fig. 3 and 13, the ring 118 is designed to abut the first end cap 108 to define a maximum retracted position of the shaft 62. In this example, the washer 118 and the first end cap 108 together form a second stop.

In one embodiment, the shaft 62 may be biased to return to the original position in the disconnected state so that the swivel 18 is ready for the next connection. For example, the shaft 62 may be biased to the longitudinal home position to return to the longitudinal home position. In another example, the shaft 62 may be circumferentially or rotationally biased to return to a circumferential or rotational home position. In another example, the shaft 62 may be longitudinally and circumferentially biased to return to a longitudinal home position and a circumferential home position.

Referring to fig. 2-4 and 13, a first peripheral seal 120 seals between the outer surface of the shaft 62 and the inner surface of the housing 100 at a location between the fluid port 112 and the housing first end 102. Further, a second peripheral seal 122 is spaced from the first seal 120 and seals between the outer surface of the shaft 62 and the inner surface of the housing 100 at a location between the fluid port 112 and the housing second end 104. Between the two seals 120, 122, the shaft 62 is provided with a reduced diameter section 124. The reduced diameter section 124 remains between the two seals 120, 122 in both the maximum retracted position (fig. 3) and the maximum extended position (fig. 4). In addition, the housing passage 106 includes an increased diameter section 126 between the two seals 120, 122 and at the fluid port 112. Further, the shaft fluid passage 68 includes a transverse portion 128 that exits through the shaft 62 between the first seal 120 and the second seal 122 with the reduced diameter section 124. Thus, fluid may flow through the fluid port 112, into the transverse portion 128, and then through the fluid channel 68 to the fluid connector 16, or vice versa. In addition, the transverse portion 128, the reduced diameter section 124, and the increased diameter section 126 form a pressure balance zone between the seals 120, 122 that pressure balances the swivel 18. The seals 120, 122 prevent fluid from leaking from the pressure balance zone.

Wipers 130a, 130b, 130c may also be disposed at selected locations thereon around the circumference of shaft 62 to help prevent contaminants from entering the interior of housing 100. Additionally, bushings 132a, 132b or other types of bearings may be disposed between the housing 100 and the outer periphery of the shaft 62 to facilitate rotational and axial/longitudinal sliding of the shaft 62 relative to the housing 100.

In addition, as shown in fig. 2-4 and 13, the second end 66 of the shaft 62 is formed with a generally hollow section 134 with a surrounding circumferential lip 136. The hollow section 134 and lip 136 form a crumple zone on the shaft 62 that will help absorb kinetic energy in the event the swivel 18 is over-stressed such that the shaft 62 breaks and comes into contact with the second end cap 110. In an alternative embodiment, a crimped region similar in structure to the crimped region on the shaft 62 (e.g., the hollow section 134 and the lip 136) may be formed on the second end cap 110. The crimped region on the second end cap 110 may be used by itself or in conjunction with the crimped region on the shaft 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel 18 is also provided with one or more leak indicators to indicate fluid leakage past either or both of the seals 120, 122. The leak indicator may have any structure suitable for visually or electronically indicating a fluid leak past the seals 120, 122. For example, referring to fig. 3, 4 and 13, a first leak indicator passage 138 is disposed through the housing 100 and intersects the housing passage 106 at a location between the first seal 120 and the housing first end 102. A second leak indicator passage 140 is disposed through the housing 100 that intersects the housing passage 106 at a location between the second seal 122 and the housing second end 104. The leak indicator passages 138, 140 extend to respective leak ports 142, 144 formed in the housing 100. The leak ports 142, 144 are closed by caps 146, 148. As shown in fig. 5, the caps 146, 148 may spring open when: there is leakage past one of the seals 120, 122; leaked fluid will flow through the indicator pathway 138, 140; and if the pressure caused by the leak is significant enough, the caps 146, 148 pop open.

Other leak indicators are also possible. For example, referring to fig. 11A and 11B, instead of using the caps 146, 148, the leak indicator may be formed by a poppet 246. In particular, a poppet valve housing 250 may be secured within each leak port. The poppet housing 250 has a passage 252 that receives the poppet 246. The poppet 246 includes a seal 254 that seals with the passage 252. The poppet 246 initially has a retracted position as shown in fig. 11A. If a leak occurs and sufficient pressure is generated, the poppet 246 is pushed up over the poppet housing 250 as shown in FIG. 11B, which will indicate a leak. The poppet 246 travel is limited by a shoulder 256 formed on the poppet 246, which shoulder 256 engages a shoulder 258 formed on the poppet housing 250.

Fig. 12A and 12B illustrate another embodiment of a leak indicator. This embodiment also uses a poppet 260 that is received within a passageway of a poppet housing 262 that is secured to the leak port. The poppet 260 includes a seal 264, the seal 264 sealing against the passage when the poppet 260 is initially in the retracted position shown in fig. 12A. If a leak occurs and sufficient pressure is generated, the poppet 260 is pushed up over the poppet housing 262 as shown in FIG. 12B, which will indicate a leak. The travel of the poppet 260 is limited by a shoulder 265 formed on the poppet 260, which shoulder 265 engages a shoulder 266 formed on the poppet housing 262. The poppet valve 260 may also include a drain passage 268 that allows any leakage fluid to drain.

The operation of the fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 should be apparent from the above description. With the fluid connector 16 initially disposed in the unconnected position shown in fig. 3, the fluid connector 16 is disposed about the valve assembly 22, and the shaft 62 of the swivel 18 accommodates axial and rotational adjustment of the fluid connector 16 to allow the fluid connector 16 to be prevented from being in place about the valve assembly 22. The actuation lever 40 is then rotated to engage the surface 58 with the enlarged end 52 of the actuation pin 50, forcing the actuation pin 50 toward the valve assembly 22, which forces the valve assembly 22 into sealing engagement with the piston 70. The piston 70 is thus forced toward the swivel 18 against the bias of the spring 84, leaving a gap between the pressure surface 94 of the piston 70 and the end of the shaft 62. The valve on the valve assembly 22 is then opened, allowing gas to flow through the fluid connector 16, the swivel 18, and through the valve assembly, whether during a filling operation of the gas container 14 or during an evacuation of the gas container 14. Due to the clearance, the piston 70 is forced toward the valve assembly 22 by the fluid pressure acting on the surface 94, thereby increasing the sealing effect between the valve assembly 22 and the piston 70.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2-4, the shaft 62 is a single, unitary piece shared by the fluid connector 16 and the swivel 18. However, other embodiments are possible. For example, fig. 5-6 illustrate another version of the swivel 18, wherein elements similar to those in fig. 2-4 are identified with the same reference numerals. In fig. 5-6, the shaft 62 of the swivel 18 is not integral with the fluid connector 16. Rather, the shaft first end 64 is threaded 150 for removable attachment to a threaded portion 153 (see FIGS. 7-8) of the fluid connector. The fluid connectors may have the configuration shown in fig. 2-4, the configuration shown in fig. 7-8 and discussed further below, or any other configuration, such as the configurations disclosed in U.S. patents 6073909 and 8844979.

The swivel 18 of fig. 5-6 also differs from the swivel 18 of fig. 2-4 in that the swivel 18 of fig. 5-6 uses first and second stops of different configurations to limit the axial travel of the shaft 62. In particular, in fig. 5-6, the shaft 62 includes a ring 152, which ring 152 may be circumferentially continuous, formed on the shaft 62 within the housing 100 and projecting radially from the shaft 62. The ring 152 is designed to abut the first end cap 108, as shown in fig. 6, to define a maximum extended position of the shaft 62, and to abut an internal shoulder 154 defined within the housing channel 106 of the housing 100, as shown in fig. 5, to define a maximum retracted position of the shaft 62. Thus, in this example, the ring 152 and the first end cap 108 together form a first stop, and the ring 152 and the shoulder 154 together form a second stop.

In fig. 5-6, once the threaded portion 153 of the fluid connector 16 is threaded onto the threaded end 150 of the shaft 62, the combined fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 will serve the same function as the fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 described in fig. 2-4.

Fig. 7-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the fluid connector 16. In this embodiment, the fluid connector 16 is not manually actuated using the actuation lever 40. Rather, the fluid connector 16 in this embodiment uses pneumatic means to assist in making the connection with the valve assembly 22.

The fluid connector 16 includes an elongated housing 160, the elongated housing 160 having an indicator end 162, a central section 164, and a swivel connection end 166. A recess 168 is formed through one side of the housing 160 at the central section 164, and the recess 168 is sized to receive the valve assembly 22 therein.

Indicator end 162 includes a spring-loaded slide clip 170 that facilitates connection to valve assembly 22. As best seen in fig. 8, the clip 170 has a generally planar section 172 where the clip 170 engages the valve assembly 22; and a raised shoulder 174 along a side of planar section 172 remote from recess 168. The indicator pin 176 extends through an opening 178 in the indicator end 162. The opening 178 includes a recessed end 180 into which an enlarged head 182 of the pin 176 may be sunk, as shown in fig. 7. The end of pin 176 is threaded 184 and is threaded into a threaded opening of retainer 186, and retainer 186 extends upwardly into opening 178 and is secured to clip 170. A coil spring 188 abuts the retainer 186 and biases the retainer 186 secured to the clip 170, thereby biasing the clip 170 toward the recess 168 and the valve assembly 22. The retainer 186 may be secured to the clip 170 in any suitable manner, such as by welding or press fitting.

In the unconnected state of the fluid connector 16, the spring 188 biases the pin 176 and clip 170 toward the recess 168 and the valve assembly 22 such that the head 182 of the pin 176 retracts into the recessed end 180, e.g., completely below the outer surface of the fluid connector, as shown in fig. 7. However, in the connected state of fluid connector 16, clip 170 is forced away from transition connection end 166, which also forces pin 176 in a direction away from transition connection end 166. This forces the head 182 of the pin 176 to protrude from the recessed end 180, as shown in fig. 8, to indicate that the fluid connector is connected to the valve assembly 22.

Bore 190 extends completely through swivel connection end 166, and bore 190 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 160. Shaft 192 is threaded into swivel connection end 166 within bore 190 and defines a space between the outer surface of shaft 192 and the surface defining bore 190. The shaft 192 includes an end disposed within the fluid connector and an end disposed outside the fluid connector that includes a threaded portion 153. The shaft 192 also includes a shaft axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a shaft fluid passage 194 formed in the shaft 192 along the shaft axis. The shaft fluid passage 194 allows fluid to flow from the fluid connector 16 to the swivel 18 via the shaft 192.

A cylindrical piston 196 is slidably disposed within bore 190 and extends into recess 168 for sealing engagement with valve assembly 22. Piston 196 includes a skirt portion 200 extending from a head portion 202, skirt portion 200 slidably engaged over the outer surface of shaft 192 and the inner surface of the housing defining bore 190, within the space therebetween. A neck 204 extends from the head portion 202 into the recess 168, and an O-ring seal 206 is provided in the end of the head portion 202 surrounding the neck 204. The neck 204 and O-ring seal 206 allow the piston 196 to sealingly engage the valve assembly 22 to prevent gas leakage. A fluid passage 208 extends through the head portion 202 parallel to the passage 194 and an O-ring seal 210 is provided in a peripheral channel in the outer surface of the shaft 192 to prevent fluid leakage between the skirt portion 200 and the shaft 192.

A coil spring 212 is disposed between the shaft 192 and the end of the piston 196 to bias the piston 196 toward the valve assembly 22. The piston 196 also includes a pressure surface 214, the pressure surface 214 being located between two seals 215a, 215b, thereby forming a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a fluid input 216. When a fluid, such as air, is introduced through the fluid input 216, the fluid acts on the pressure surface 214 to retract the piston 196 against the bias of the spring 212.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, a pin plate 218 is also provided on the fluid connector 16. The pin plate 218 has an L-shaped configuration with a first portion 220 within the recess 168 and a second portion 222 along the side of the housing 160. The first portion 220 of the pin plate 218 is provided with pairs of pins 224 for engagement with pin recesses on the valve assembly 22. The first portion 220 of the pin plate 218 also includes a recess 226 surrounding the neck 204 of the piston 196 and the seal 206.

The pin plate 218 is removable to allow different configurations of the pin 224 to be used without requiring changes to the housing 160. Further, as shown in fig. 7, in the unconnected position of the fluid connector 16 and with the application of fluid through the fluid input 216, the piston 196 retracts, which retracts the neck 204 and seal 206 into the recess 226. The seal 206 will retract below the surface of the first portion 220 of the pin plate 218 to protect the seal 206. The neck 204 will also retract but its tip may remain above the surface of the first portion 220 of the pin plate 218. The amount of retraction of the pin plate 218 is less than the amount of retraction of the piston 196, although the pin plate 218 will also retract when the piston 196 retracts. This retraction of the neck 204 and seal 206 helps minimize damage to the neck 204 and seal 206 by minimizing contact with the valve assembly 22 during installation and removal of the fluid connector 16. The pin plate 218 is secured by a ring 221 around the head portion 202 to position the pin plate 218 and still allow movement of the piston 196.

The slip clip 170, pin 176, piston 196, and pin plate 218 together form a connection mechanism that releasably mechanically connects the fluid connector 16 to the valve assembly 22. However, other forms of connection mechanisms that releasably mechanically connect the fluid connector 16 to the valve assembly 22 may be used.

In operation of the fluid connector 16 of fig. 7 and 8, to connect to the valve assembly 22, the fluid connector 16 is initially in the configuration shown in fig. 7. Fluid is applied through the fluid input 216 to retract the piston 196, thereby retracting the neck 204 and seal 206. The valve assembly 22 is then installed into the recess 168 of the fluid connector 16, the valve assembly 22 initially held in place by the spring load of the clip 170 biased against the valve assembly 22 by the coil spring 188, the valve assembly 22 aligning the pin plate 218 over the alignment pin 224. Fluid through input 216 is then removed such that spring 212 biases piston 196 to engage valve assembly 22 and force valve assembly 22 toward indicator end 162. The valve assembly 22 is thus sandwiched between the piston 196 and the planar section 172 of the clip 170, and the head portion 182 of the pin 176 protrudes from the recessed end 180, as shown in fig. 8, to indicate that a fluid connector is connected to the valve assembly 22.

A connection indicator other than the head 182 of the pin 176 may be provided. For example, a sensor may be integrated into the fluid connector 16 to sense movement of an element such as the piston 196 and/or the pin plate 218, and/or to sense the presence/absence of the valve assembly 22, wherein the sensed movement of the element and/or the sensed presence/absence of the valve assembly 22 may indicate a proper or improper connection, or the absence of a valve assembly. The sensor readings may be sent to a controller that prevents fluid from flowing from the fluid manifold 12 to the fluid connector 16 in the event of improper connection or the absence of the valve assembly 22. The sensor may be a magnetic sensor that senses a magnet on the sensed element. An example of a magnetic Sensing system in a Fluid connector for Sensing a Connection State of the Fluid connector is described in U.S. published application No. 2017/0037991 (application serial No. 15/228587) entitled "Fluid Connectors With Connection State Sensing," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Referring to fig. 7, in one non-limiting example, a sensor 230 may be disposed on fluid connector 16 to sense head 182. During connection, as the clip 170 pushes the pin 176 and the head portion 182 protrudes beyond the recessed end 180, the sensor 230 may sense the head 182. If head 182 is not sensed, it may indicate that a proper connection is not being made and fluid flow may be prevented.

Referring to fig. 9, another embodiment is shown in which the fluid connector 16 of fig. 2-4 is replaced with the fluid connector shown in fig. 7-8. The threaded portion 153 of fig. 7-8 is not used. Rather, the shaft 62 is similar to that in fig. 2-4 and extends from the swivel 18 to the fluid connector 16 such that the shaft 62 is shared between the swivel 18 and the fluid connector 16. The construction and operation of the fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 of fig. 9 may then be the same as the construction and operation of the fluid connector 16 and swivel 18 of fig. 2-4 described and illustrated in fig. 7-8.

Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the quick connect fluid connector swivel 18 having axial fluid ports 270 instead of radial fluid ports 112 as in fig. 2-4 and 5-6. In fig. 10, elements similar to those in the swivel rings of fig. 2-4 or fig. 5-6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Swivel 18 in this embodiment may be used with any type of fluid connector, such as fluid connector 16 of fig. 2-4 or fluid connector of fig. 7-8. In fig. 10, the shaft 62 of the swivel 18 may be configured to be integral with the fluid connector 16, as in fig. 2-4, or the end of the shaft 62 may be threaded for removable attachment to a threaded portion of the fluid connector, as in fig. 7-8.

In fig. 10, the housing 100 has a housing first end 102, a housing second end 104, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end 102 to the housing second end 104. A housing passage 106 is formed in the housing 100 along the longitudinal axis, and the housing passage 106 extends through the housing first end 102. The first end cap 108 is removably threaded onto the housing 100 to define the housing first end 102. The housing passage 106 extends through a first end cap 108, the first end cap 108 being open to allow passage of the shaft 62.

The fluid port 270 is formed at the second end 104 and extends substantially axially through the second end 104 along the longitudinal axis. The fluid port 270 may have internal threads that may engage mating external threads (not shown) of the port 20 on the fluid manifold 12 such that the swivel 18 may be attached to the fluid manifold 12 via the threads. A bypass fluid passage 272 is formed in the housing 100 and the bypass fluid passage 272 extends between the fluid port 270 and the housing passage 106 between the two seals 120, 122 to place the fluid port 270 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 68 through the shaft 62 and to form a pressure balancing zone between the seals 120, 122.

The stop for limiting the axial travel of the shaft 62 in fig. 10 is also different from that in fig. 2-4 and 5-6. In particular, in fig. 10, the shaft 62 includes a radial shoulder 274 formed thereon, which radial shoulder 274 may be circumferentially continuous, formed on the shaft 62 within the housing 100 and projecting radially from the shaft 62. The shoulders 274 are designed to abut a pair of washers 276 disposed within the housing 100, as shown in FIG. 10, or directly against the end cap 108 to define a maximum extended position of the shaft 62. Further, the end of the shaft 62 is designed to abut a surface 278 of the housing 100, which surface 278 defines the end of the housing channel 106 to define the maximum retracted position of the shaft 62. Thus, in this example, the shoulder 274 and the washer 276 (or the first end cap 108) together form a first stop, and the end of the shaft 62 and the surface 278 together form a second stop.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel 18. In this embodiment, swivel 18 may have a structure similar to that of fig. 5-6 (or similar to that of fig. 2-4, 9-10 and 13), and elements similar to those of fig. 5-6 are identified with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the swivel 18, the fluid port 112 is mounted such that the fluid port 112 and the remainder of the swivel 18 can rotate relative to each other about an axis X-X, which may or may not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 62. Relative rotation between the fluid port 112 and the remainder of the swivel 18 may be in addition to rotation of the shaft 62 about the shaft axis and longitudinal displacement of the shaft 62 relative to the housing 100 in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. However, the relative rotation between the fluid port 112 and the remainder of the swivel 18 may also be the only relative movement in the swivel 18, or it may be used with only one of rotation of the shaft 62 or longitudinal displacement of the shaft 62.

Referring to fig. 15, the end of the fluid port 112 may be configured as a sleeve 300, the sleeve 300 receiving a male portion 302 of the housing 100. The sleeve 300 includes an end thereof that rests on and is supported by a shoulder 304 formed on the male portion 302. Bushings 306a, 306b or other types of bearings may be provided between the male portion 302 and the interior of the sleeve 300, and one or more seals 308 may be provided to seal between the sleeve 300 and the male portion 302. One end of the clamp ring 310 fits in a circumferential channel 312 formed in the sleeve 300 and a second end fits in a circumferential channel 314 formed in the housing 100 to hold the fluid port 112 in place on the housing 100. In addition, a collar 316 surrounds the clamp ring 310, and a snap ring 318 fits around the sleeve 300 to secure the collar 316 in place.

With the described structure, the fluid port 112 and the remainder of the swivel 18 can be rotated relative to each other about the axis X-X. In using the swivel 18 of fig. 14-15, the fluid port 112 may be secured to the fluid port 20 of the manifold 12 (see fig. 1), and the swivel 18 connected to a quick connect fluid connector as described above. Due to the rotational mounting between the fluid port 112 and the remainder of the swivel 18, the swivel 18 and the quick-connect fluid connector connected thereto can be rotated about the axis X-X, thereby allowing the swivel 18 and/or the quick-connect fluid connector to be rotated out of the way.

Fig. 16-18 illustrate another embodiment of a quick connect fluid connector swivel 18. In this embodiment, swivel 18 is configured to provide relative rotation or swiveling but does not include a "knuckle" for relative longitudinal displacement. The "joint" may provide a range of rotational motion of 90 to 180 degrees. However, a stop limiting the range of rotational movement may also be provided. In another embodiment, a "joint" may provide 360 degrees of rotational motion if the housing portions discussed below are reversed in position. In fig. 16-18, elements similar to those in fig. 1-6, 9-10 and 13 are identified with the same reference numerals.

Referring to fig. 16-18, the swivel 18 includes a shaft 350 and a housing 352 surrounding the shaft 350. The housing 352 comprises two housing portions including a first housing portion 354 and a second housing portion 356 which are rotatable relative to each other about the shaft 350 and relative to the shaft 350. Shaft 350 includes a first end 358 and a second end 360. The shaft fluid passage 68 includes a pair of transverse portions 128. One of the transverse portions 128 is in fluid communication with a circumferential housing fluid channel 107a formed in the first housing portion 354, the circumferential housing fluid channel 107a being connected to a fluid passage 107b formed in the first housing portion 354, the fluid passage 107b extending to an internally threaded port 362. The other transverse portion 128 is in fluid communication with a circumferential housing fluid channel 109a formed in the second housing portion 356, the circumferential housing fluid channel 109a being connected to a fluid passageway 109b formed in the second housing portion 356, the fluid passageway 109b extending to an internally threaded port 364.

Seals 370, 372 are provided on each side of each transverse portion 128 to seal between the shaft 350 and the housing portions 354, 356. Additionally, bushings 374, 376 or other types of bearings may be provided between the first housing portion 354 and the shaft 350 to allow relative rotation therebetween about the axis of the shaft 350, and bushings 378, 380 or other types of bearings may be provided between the second housing portion 356 and the shaft 350 to allow relative rotation therebetween about the axis of the shaft 350.

With this arrangement, the first and second housing portions 354, 356 are rotatable relative to each other and also rotatable about the shaft axis relative to the shaft 350. For example, fig. 16 and 17 illustrate the first housing portion 354 and the second housing portion 354 rotated to a 90 degree position relative to each other, whereby the port 362 is at a 90 degree angle relative to the port 364. Fig. 18 shows the first housing portion 354 rotated 90 degrees from its position in fig. 16-17 such that the port 362 of the first housing portion 354 and the port 364 of the second housing portion 354 are diametrically opposed to each other and extend in opposite directions. In some embodiments, an optional stop 382 with a stop 384 (best seen in fig. 17-19) may be provided to limit the range of rotation of the first and second housing portions 354, 356.

When swivel 18 is used, first housing portion 354 may be connected to quick connect fluid connector 16 via port 362, while second housing portion 356 may be connected to fluid manifold 12, such as to fluid port 20 or a fluid line (not shown), such as a rigid tube or a flexible hose extending from manifold 12. Thus, in operation, the quick-connect fluid connector 16 may be rotated downward from a first position in which the fluid connector 16 is generally vertical (e.g., when the first and second housing portions 354, 356 are oriented as in fig. 16-17) to a removed position, such as 90 degrees of the fluid connector 16 being generally horizontal (e.g., when the first and second housing portions 354, 356 are oriented as in fig. 18).

Fig. 19 shows the "knuckle" design of fig. 16-18, in which the positions of the two housing portions 354, 356 are reversed from their positions in fig. 16-18. This allows the housing portions 354, 356 to rotate 360 degrees because the stop 384 no longer interferes with the rotation of the housing portions 354, 356.

Many additional configurations are possible. For example, two or more swivels 18 may be coupled together to provide relative rotation and/or longitudinal sliding in different directions. For example, the fluid port 112 of the second swivel 18 may be secured to the threads 150 of the shaft 62 of the first swivel 18. This will provide relative rotation and/or longitudinal sliding about axes that are generally perpendicular to each other.

Additional embodiments are possible as follows.

Example 1: a quick connect fluid connector swivel, the quick connect fluid connector swivel can comprise:

a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end;

a housing channel formed in the housing along the longitudinal axis, the housing channel extending through the housing first end;

a fluid port formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the housing channel;

a shaft disposed in the housing channel, the shaft having a shaft first end, a shaft second end, and a shaft axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

the shaft first end connectable to a quick connect fluid connector;

the shaft is rotatable relative to the housing about the shaft axis and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis;

a first stop limiting longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a first longitudinal direction and a second stop limiting longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in a second longitudinal direction; and is

The shaft including a shaft fluid channel formed therein along the shaft axis and extending from the shaft first end in a direction toward the shaft second end, the shaft fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid port,

whereby, when the shaft first end is connected to the quick connect fluid connector, the shaft fluid passage is in fluid communication with a fluid passage through the quick connect fluid connector.

Example 2: the quick connect fluid connector swivel of embodiment 1, wherein the fluid port is formed in a side of the housing between the housing first end and the housing second end; and the quick connect fluid connector swivel further comprising:

a first seal sealed between the shaft and the housing, the first seal located between the fluid port and the housing first end;

a second seal sealed between the shaft and the housing, the second seal located between the fluid port and the housing second end; and is

The shaft fluid passage of the shaft includes a transverse portion that exits through the shaft between the first and second seals creating a pressure balance zone between the first and second seals.

Example 3: the quick connect fluid connector swivel of embodiment 1 or 2 wherein the shaft second end comprises a crimped region.

Example 4: the quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the housing first end comprises a first removable cap threaded thereon and the housing second end comprises a second removable cap threaded thereon; and the shaft first end extends beyond the first removable cap.

Example 5: the quick connect fluid connector swivel of any one of embodiments 1-4, further comprising a leak indicator on the housing, the leak indicator comprising a leak indicator channel intersecting the housing channel at a location between the first seal and the housing first end or between the second seal and the housing second end.

Example 6: an assembly comprising the quick connect fluid connector swivel of any of embodiments 1-5 and a quick connect fluid connector connected to the shaft first end, the quick connect fluid connector comprising a fluid channel in fluid communication with the shaft fluid channel.

Example 7: the combination of embodiment 6, wherein the shaft first end and the quick-connect fluid connector are integrally connected or are removably mechanically connected to each other.

Example 8: an assembly, comprising:

a quick-connect fluid connector removably mechanically connectable to a fluid system to handle fluid flow into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector;

a quick connect fluid connector swivel connected to the quick connect fluid connector;

the quick connect fluid connector includes:

a connector housing with a housing fluid passage through which the fluid can flow;

a connection mechanism actuatable between a connected position in which the quick connect fluid connector is mechanically connected to the fluid system and allows fluid to flow into or out of the fluid system through the housing fluid passage, and a disconnected position in which the quick connect fluid connector is not mechanically connected to the fluid system;

the quick connect fluid connector swivel comprising:

a swivel housing;

a shaft extending from the swivel housing and connected to the quick connect fluid connector, the shaft including a shaft fluid passage in fluid communication with the housing fluid passage; and is

The shaft is rotatable relative to the swivel housing about the shaft axis and the shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the swivel housing in a direction parallel to the shaft axis, whereby the connector housing is rotatable relative to the swivel housing and the connector housing is longitudinally movable relative to the swivel housing.

Example 9: the combination of embodiment 8 wherein the connection mechanism includes a piston, a spring engaged with the piston and biasing the piston toward the connected position, and the piston is pneumatically actuatable toward the disconnected position.

Example 10: a system, the system can comprise:

a fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid ports;

a plurality of quick-connect fluid connector swivels, each quick-connect fluid connector swivel connected to a corresponding one of the fluid ports;

a plurality of quick-connect fluid connectors, each of the quick-connect fluid connectors being connected to a corresponding one of the quick-connect fluid connector swivels and each quick-connect fluid connector being removably mechanically connected to a fluid system to handle fluid flow into or out of the fluid system through the quick-connect fluid connector;

wherein each of the quick-connect fluid connector swivel rings is configured to allow rotational and longitudinal movement of a corresponding quick-connect fluid connector relative to a corresponding fluid port of the fluid manifold, and wherein each quick-connect fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold without the use of a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick-connect fluid connector and the fluid port.

Example 11: a method of facilitating the flow of treatment fluid into or out of a fluid bottle, comprising:

connecting a quick connect fluid connector to a fluid port of a fluid manifold using a quick connect fluid connector swivel, the quick connect fluid connector swivel configured to allow rotational and longitudinal movement of the quick connect fluid connector relative to the fluid port without the use of a fluid hose anywhere in a fluid path between the quick connect fluid connector and the fluid port;

connecting the quick connect fluid connector to the fluid bottle; and

treating fluid flow into and out of the fluid bottle through the quick connect fluid connector and the quick connect fluid connector swivel.

Example 12: a method of connecting a quick-connect fluid connector to a valve assembly of a hydraulic cylinder, the quick-connect fluid connector having a recess configured to receive the valve assembly, the method comprising:

applying pneumatic pressure to retract a piston of the quick connect fluid connector in a direction away from the recess;

then installing the valve assembly into the recess between a clip on one side of the recess and a pin plate on an opposite side of the recess, the clip being biased in a direction toward the valve assembly, thereby temporarily retaining the valve assembly in the recess between the clip and the pin plate;

the pneumatic pressure is then released such that the biasing force on the piston biases the piston toward the valve assembly such that the piston seals with the valve assembly and the valve assembly is secured in place between the clip and the pin plate.

Example 13: the method of embodiment 12, comprising reapplying pneumatic pressure to retract the piston and then removing the valve assembly from the recess.

The present examples are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.