CROWN SEAL WITH INTEGRAL SEALING PROJECTIONS FOR UNDERSEA HYDRAULIC COUPLINGS

Abstract

A crown seal for sealing between the body of a female hydraulic coupling member and the probe section of male hydraulic coupling member has sealing projections on or near its outer diameter to provide enhanced sealing effectiveness between the crown seal and the body of the female member and obviate the need for circumferential O-ring seals. In a first embodiment, the sealing projections have a substantially circular cross section and project both axially and radially from the body of the crown seal. In a second embodiment, the sealing projections have a semicircular cross section and project in an axial direction from certain outside edges of the crown seal. Crown seals according to the invention may be retrofitted to female hydraulic couplings of the prior art. Alternatively, the body of the female coupling or a seal retainer or seal cartridge fitted therein may be provided with grooves or contoured surfaces to fit the sealing projections on the crown seal.

Claims

1. A female hydraulic coupling member comprising: a body having a central axial bore with a stepped internal diameter; an angled shoulder within the central axial bore connecting a first bore section having a first, larger internal diameter and a second bore section having a second, smaller internal diameter; a groove in the body at the juncture of the angled shoulder and the first bore section.

2. A female hydraulic coupling member as recited in claim 1 further comprising a contour in the wall of the first bore section

3. A female hydraulic coupling member comprising: a body having a central axial bore with a stepped internal diameter; a seal retainer which fits within the central axial bore of the body and which has a central axial bore comprising a first bore section having a first, larger internal diameter and a second bore section having a second, smaller internal diameter with an angled shoulder connecting the first section and the second section; a groove in the seal retainer at the juncture of the angled shoulder and the first bore section.

4. A female hydraulic coupling member as recited in claim 3 further comprising a contour in the wall of the first bore section.

5. A female hydraulic coupling member comprising: a body having a central axial bore with a stepped internal diameter; a seal cartridge comprising a seal carrier which fits within the central axial bore of the body and which has a central axial bore comprising a first bore section having a first, larger internal diameter and a second bore section having a second, smaller internal diameter with an angled shoulder connecting the first section and the second section; a groove in the seal carrier at the juncture of the angled shoulder and the first bore section.

6. A female hydraulic coupling member as recited in claim 5 further comprising a contour in the wall of the first bore section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling member of the prior art having a crown seal in a seal retainer.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal of the prior art.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling member of the prior art having a crown seal in a seal cartridge.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a female hydraulic coupling member of the prior art having a crown seal but no seal cartridge, seal retainer or metal C-seal.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 5A is an enlargement of a portion of the crown seal shown in FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retaining nut.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer specially adapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crown seal.

[0044] FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first portion of a crown seal and mating surface of a first type.

[0045] FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second portion of a crown seal and mating surface of a first type.

[0046] FIG. 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first portion of a crown seal and mating surface of a second type.

[0047] FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second portion of a crown seal and mating surface of a second type.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge specially adapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crown seal.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 5 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a body specially adapted for engaging the sealing protrusions on the crown seal.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a crown seal according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 14A is an enlargement of a portion of the crown seal shown in FIG. 14.

[0052] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer.

[0053] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal retainer specially adapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling having a seal cartridge specially adapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in the body of a female hydraulic coupling having a threaded retaining nut adapted to engage the sealing protrusion.

[0057] FIG. 19A is an enlargement of a first portion of the female hydraulic coupling shown in FIG. 19.

[0058] FIG. 19B is an enlargement of a second portion of the female hydraulic coupling shown in FIG. 19B.

[0059] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the crown seal illustrated in FIG. 14 installed in a female hydraulic coupling whose body is specially adapted to engage a sealing protrusion on the crown seal.

[0060] FIG. 20A is an enlargement of a first portion of the female hydraulic coupling shown in FIG. 20.

[0061] FIG. 20B is an enlargement of a second portion of the female hydraulic coupling shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawing figures which illustrate two embodiments of the crown seal of the invention installed in both prior art female hydraulic coupling members and female coupling members according to the invention.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows in cross section a crown seal 120 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Crown seal 120 is a generally cylindrical structure having a stepped outer diameter comprised of a first, outer section having smaller outside diameter 122 and a second, inner section having a larger outside diameter 124. Inclined shoulder 126 forms the juncture of the two sections 122 and 124. Crown seal 120 has a first, outer end 142 and a second, inner end 144 with a central, axial bore 146 which forms the receiving chamber for the male probe when seal 120 is installed in a female hydraulic coupling member. The terms “inner” and “outer” as used herein refer to the orientation of seal 120 as installed in a female coupling member. Outer end 142 is distal from the center (or interior) of the coupling while inner end 144 is proximal the center of the coupling. Angled surface 128 is adjacent inner end 144 of seal 120.

[0064] One or more sealing surfaces 134, 136 project into central axial bore 146 to seal against the outer, generally cylindrical surface of a male hydraulic probe (not shown) when inserted into the receiving chamber 146. Although a single probe seal (134 or 136) may suffice for sealing purposes, it has been found that the provision of multiple probe seals helps to ensure proper alignment of the male member during insertion into receiving chamber 146.

[0065] Angled surfaces 126 and 128 form a dovetail interlock with corresponding surfaces in the female member (as described more fully, below). This interlock acts to resist the forces acting to urge the seal in a radial, inward direction (“seal implosion”) which may be encountered during withdrawal of the male member. As used herein, “angled surface” or “angled shoulder” mean an element that is not orthogonal to the central axis of the body—i.e., not “square.” Stated another way, an “angled surface” or “angled body” forms an angle other than 90° with the major axis of the body.

[0066] Section 140 of crown seal 120 is an optional, bore liner extension. Within section 140, the inner diameter of central, axial bore 146 may be progressively increased towards first end 142 from smaller internal diameter 148 to larger internal diameter 150. Bore liner extension 140 lines the internal bore of the female hydraulic coupling member and prevents metal-to-metal contact (with possible consequential galling) between the male probe and the receiving chamber of the female member. The progressive reduction (in the inward direction) of the internal diameter in section 140 acts as a cam to direct a misaligned male probe into axial alignment as it is inserted into receiving chamber 146.

[0067] Body 138 of crown seal 120 may be fabricated from any suitable material. Polymers are particularly preferred for sealing effectiveness. Fabrication techniques include, but are not limited to, molding and machining. One, particularly preferred material for body 138 is polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is a thermoplastic with very favorable mechanical properties. The Young's modulus of PEEK is given as 3.6 GPa (522,000 psi) and its tensile strength 170 MPa (25,000 psi). PEEK is partially crystalline, and is highly unusual in exhibiting two glass transition temperatures at around 140° C. (284° F.) and around 275° C. (527° F.), depending on cure cycle and precise formulation. PEEK melts at around 350° C. (662° F.) and is highly resistant to thermal degradation. PEEK also exhibits good chemical resistance over a wide temperature range in many environments, including alkalis, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, greases, oils and halogenated hydrocarbons. A crown seal according to the present invention may be machined from PEEK bar stock. It has been found that extruded PEEK bar stock is superior in this application to molded PEEK bar stock.

[0068] Another particularly preferred material for the fabrication of body 138 is polyoxymethylene (POM), also commonly known by DuPont's brand name DELRIN. It is an engineering plastic, (a polymer) with the chemical formula —(—O—CH.sub.2—)n—. Often marketed and used as a metal substitute, Delrin is a lightweight, low-friction, and wear-resistant thermoplastic with good physical and processing properties capable of operating in temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Celsius (approx 200 degrees Fahrenheit). When supplied as extruded bar or sheet, DELRIN may be machined using traditional methods such as turning, milling, drilling, etc.

[0069] Yet another preferred material for the fabrication of body 138 is polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic fluoropolymer which finds numerous applications. PTFE is often referred to by the DuPont brand name TEFLON.

[0070] Crown seal 120 includes one or more sealing projections 130, 132 on or near its outer circumference. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, sealing projections 130 and 132 have a generally circular cross section and project in both a radial and axial direction from the outer surface of body 138. Sealing projection 130 is located at the juncture of angled shoulder 126 and outer diameter 124. FIG. 5A is an enlarged detail of sealing projection 130 and the immediately adjacent portions of crown seal 120. Sealing projection 132 is located at the juncture of angled surface 128 and outer diameter 124. The size of sealing projection 130 and/or 132 may be selected according to the particular application. In one particular preferred embodiment wherein outer diameter 124 is approximately 0.895 inch, the diameter of the circular portions of sealing projections 130 and 132 is approximately 0.007 inch. In embodiments having a plurality of sealing projections, the size of each sealing projection may be the same as or different from other sealing projections.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows a portion of a female hydraulic coupling member 160 comprising a crown seal 120 of the type illustrated in FIG. 5. A portion of poppet valve 170 and its associated valve actuator 168 are visible in the drawing figure. Coupling 160 includes seal retainer 166, a generally sleeve-shaped member having a stepped inner diameter with an inner section of smaller I.D. 172 and an outer section of larger I.D. 174 and angled shoulder 176 joining the two sections. The inner face of seal retainer 166 has a ring-shaped groove for holding O-ring 182 which provides a fluid-tight seal between seal retainer 166 and the body of female member 160.

[0072] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the inner face of seal retainer 166 also secures metal C-seal 180 on shoulder 178 of the central axial bore of female member 160. C-seal 180 provides a pressure-energized seal between the female member and the probe of a male member inserted into receiving chamber 146.

[0073] Seal retainer 166 is held within the central axial bore of female member 160 by threaded retainer nut 184 which may comprise spanner holes 188 for engaging a tool to assist in seating and removing retainer nut 184. The central axial bore of female member 160 may include internally threaded portion 164 proximate first end 162 for engaging the retainer nut 184. Retainer nut 184 may comprise angled surface 186 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 126 of crown seal 120. Likewise, seal retainer 166 may comprise angled shoulder 176 sized and spaced to engage angled surface 128 of crown seal 120. In this way, the seal retainer 166 acting in concert with retainer nut 184 provides a dovetail type interlock with crown seal 120 to resist inward radial movement of seal 120.

[0074] Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and 132 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 184 is tightened against seal retainer 166 and seal retainer 166 is fully seated on shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 120 and seal retainer 166 and sealing projection 130 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 120 and retainer nut 184 and between crown seal 120 and seal retainer 166.

[0075] It will be appreciated that seal retainer 166 and retainer nut 184 of FIG. 6 are according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,071 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 120 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to a female coupling member 160 by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

[0076] FIG. 7 shows a crown seal 120 of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 in a female hydraulic coupling member having a seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier 190 and shell 198. Seal carrier 190 is a generally sleeve-shaped member having both a stepped inner diameter and a stepped outer diameter. Angled shoulder 193 connects the inner portion having smaller I.D. 191 with the outer portion having larger I.D. 192. Square shoulder 196 joins the inner portion having larger O.D. 194 with the outer portion having smaller O.D. 195. Angled shoulder 193 is sized and spaced to engage angled surface 128 of crown seal 120.

[0077] Shell 198 is externally threaded in threaded portion 202 to engage the internally threaded portion 164 of the bore of the female coupling member. Spanner holes 204 may be provided to engage a tool for seating and removing the seal cartridge in the female coupling member. Shell 198 may have a slight interference fit with the portion of seal carrier 190 having smaller O.D. 195. In this way, the entire seal cartridge including crown seal 120 may be removed for service from the female member by unthreading shell 198 from the bore of the female member.

[0078] Shell 198 preferably comprises angled shoulder 200 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 126 on crown seal 120. Together with shoulder 193, angled shoulder 200 provides a dovetail-type interlock with surfaces 126 and 128 of crown seal 120 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radial movement—of crown seal 120 into receiving chamber 146 under conditions of low pressure in chamber 146 such as may be encountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

[0079] Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and 132 are slightly compressed when shell 198 of the seal cartridge is tightened against seal carrier 190 and seal carrier 190 is fully seated on shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 120 and seal carrier 190 and sealing projection 130 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 120 and shell 198 and between crown seal 120 and seal carrier 190.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier 190 and shell 198 of FIG. 7 is according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,677 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 120 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to a female coupling member having a seal cartridge by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows the use of a crown seal 120 according to the present invention in a female coupling member having neither a seal retainer nor a seal cartridge. Rather, the central axial bore of the female member has a first, inner section having smaller I.D. 206 and a second, outer section having larger I.D. 208 connected by angled shoulder 210. Angled shoulder 210 engages angled surface 128 of crown seal 120.

[0082] Retainer nut 212 is externally threaded with threads 214 for engaging a threaded section of the central axial bore of the female member. Spanner holes 218 may be provided for engaging a tool for the insertion and removal of nut 212. Retainer nut 212 comprises angled surface 216 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 126 of crown seal 120. Angled shoulder 210 together with angled surface 216 provide a dovetail interlock with surfaces 126 and 128 of crown seal 120 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radial movement—of crown seal 120 into receiving chamber 146 under conditions of low pressure in chamber 146 such as may be encountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

[0083] Crown seal 120 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 130 and 132 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 212 is fully seated on shoulder 213. In so doing, sealing projection 132 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 120 and the body of the female member and sealing projection 130 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 120 and retainer nut 212 and between crown seal 120 and the body of the female coupling member.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the body of the female coupling member of FIG. 8 and retaining nut 212 are according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 120 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to such a female coupling member by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

[0085] FIG. 9 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 6—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal retainer. In this embodiment, seal retainer 166′ is modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 132 and/or corner sealing projection 130. Retainer nut 184′ may also be modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.

[0086] FIG. 10A is an enlarged detail of the contact area of retainer nut 184 and crown seal 120 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0087] FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder 176 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the section of seal retainer 166′ having larger I.D. 174 (“B” in FIG. 10B). Groove 220 is preferably sized such that corner sealing projection 132 will fit at least partially into groove 220 and thereby provide greater sealing contact between seal retainer 166′ and crown seal 120. FIG. 11B shows an alternative embodiment wherein groove 220 is undercut relative to section “B” to provide greater contact area to with sealing projection 132.

[0088] FIG. 11A shows an alternative configuration for seal retainer 166′ wherein contour 222 is provided on the interior surface of seal retainer 166′ for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120. Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided on seal retainer 166′. The contour embodiment shown in FIG. 11A may conveniently be used with the groove embodiment shown in FIG. 11B.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9, retainer nut 184′ may be provided with contour 224 for contacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220 and/or contour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealing effectiveness of corner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal 120 by providing a larger area of contact between seal retainer 166′ and/or nut 184′ and the corner sealing projections 130 and 132.

[0090] FIG. 12 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 7—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal cartridge. In this embodiment, seal carrier 190′ is modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 132 and/or corner sealing projection 130. Shell 198′ may also be modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.

[0091] FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder 193 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the section of seal carrier 190′ having larger I.D. 192 (“B” in FIG. 10). Groove 220 is preferably sized such that corner sealing projection 132 will fit at least partially into groove 220 and thereby provide greater sealing contact between seal carrier 190′ and crown seal 120.

[0092] FIG. 11A shows an alternative configuration for seal carrier 190′ wherein contour 222 is provided on the interior surface of seal carrier 190′ for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120. Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided on seal carrier 190′.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12, shell 198′ may be provided with contour 224 for contacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220 and/or contour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealing effectiveness of corner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal 120 by providing a larger area of contact between seal carrier 190′ and/or shell 198′ and the corner sealing projections 130 and 132.

[0094] FIG. 13 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 8—i.e., a female coupling member having no seal cartridge, seal retainer or metal C-seal. In this embodiment, the body of the female member is modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 132 and/or corner sealing projection 130. Retainer nut 212′ may also be modified to accommodate corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120.

[0095] FIG. 10B is an enlargement showing groove 220 between angled shoulder 210 (“A” in FIG. 10B) and the portion of the central axial bore of the female member having larger I.D. 208 (“B” in FIG. 10B). Groove 220 is preferably sized such that corner sealing projection 132 will fit at least partially into groove 220 and thereby provide greater sealing contact between the body of female member 160 and crown seal 120.

[0096] FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration for the female bore wherein contour 222 is also provided on the interior surface of the central axial bore for accommodating corner sealing projection 130 on crown seal 120. Either one or both of groove 220 and contour 222 may be provided on the interior surface of the central axial bore.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 13, retainer nut 212′ may be provided with contour 224 for contacting corner sealing projection 130 on seal 120. Groove 220 and/or contour 222 and/or contour 224 may increase the sealing effectiveness of corner sealing projections 130 and 132 of crown seal 120 by providing a larger area of contact between the body of female member 160 and/or retainer nut 212′ and the corner sealing projections 130 and 132.

[0098] A crown seal according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 14. This embodiment has sealing projections on the exterior surface of the seal which project only in the axial direction—i.e., the outside diameter of seal is not affected by the practice of the invention. This feature is of particular benefit in certain applications wherein a seal according to the invention is retrofitted to an existing coupling member.

[0099] Crown seal 320 is a generally cylindrical structure having a stepped outer diameter comprised of a first, outer section having smaller outside diameter 322 and a second, inner section having a larger outside diameter 324. Inclined shoulder 326 forms the juncture of the two sections 322 and 324. Crown seal 320 has a first, outer end 342 and a second, inner end 344 with a central, axial bore 346 which forms the receiving chamber for the male probe when seal 320 is installed in a female hydraulic coupling member. The terms “inner” and “outer” as used herein refer to the orientation of seal 320 as installed in a female coupling member. Outer end 342 is distal from the center (or interior) of the coupling while inner end 344 is proximal the center of the coupling. Angled surface 328 is adjacent inner end 344 of seal 320.

[0100] One or more sealing surfaces 334, 336 project into central axial bore 346 to seal against the outer, generally cylindrical surface of a male hydraulic probe (not shown) inserted into the receiving chamber 346. Although a single probe seal (134 or 336) may suffice for sealing purposes, it has been found that the provision of multiple probe seals helps to ensure proper alignment of the male member during insertion into receiving chamber 346.

[0101] Angled surfaces 326 and 328 form a dovetail interlock with corresponding surfaces in the female member (as described more fully, below). This interlock acts to resist the forces acting to urge the seal in a radial, inward direction (“seal implosion”) which may be encountered during withdrawal of the male member.

[0102] Section 340 of crown seal 320 is an optional, bore liner extension. Within section 340, the inner diameter of central, axial bore 346 may be progressively increased towards first end 342 from smaller internal diameter 348 to larger internal diameter 350. Bore liner extension 340 lines the internal bore of the female hydraulic coupling member and prevents metal-to-metal contact (with possible consequential galling) between the male probe and the receiving chamber of the female member. The progressive reduction (in the inward direction) of the internal diameter in section 340 acts as a cam to direct a misaligned male probe into axial alignment as it is inserted into receiving chamber 346.

[0103] Body 338 of crown seal 320 may be fabricated from any suitable material. PEEK and POM polymers are particularly preferred, as described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] Crown seal 320 includes one or more axial sealing projections 330, 332 on or near its outer circumference. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, sealing projections 330 and 332 have a distal portion with a generally semicircular circular cross section and project in an axial direction from the outer surface of body 338. Sealing projection 330 is located at the juncture of angled shoulder 326 and outer diameter 324. FIG. 14A is an enlarged, detail view showing sealing projection 330 and the immediately adjacent portions of crown seal 320. Sealing projection 332 is located at the juncture of angled surface 328 and outer diameter 324. The size of sealing projection 330 and/or 332 may be selected according to the particular application. In one particular preferred embodiment wherein outer diameter 324 is approximately 0.895 inch, the diameter of the semicircular portions of sealing projections 330 and 332 is approximately 0.007 inch. In embodiments having a plurality of axial sealing projections, the size of each sealing projection may be the same as or different from other axial sealing projections.

[0105] FIG. 15 shows a portion of a female hydraulic coupling member 160 comprising a crown seal 320 of the type illustrated in FIG. 14. A portion of poppet valve 170 and its associated valve actuator 168 are visible in the drawing figure. Coupling 160 includes seal retainer 166, a generally sleeve-shaped member having a stepped inner diameter with an inner section of smaller I.D. 172 and an outer section of larger I.D. 174 and angled shoulder 176 joining the two sections. The inner face of seal retainer 166 has a ring-shaped groove for holding O-ring 182 which provides a fluid-tight seal between seal retainer 166 and the body of female member 160.

[0106] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the inner face of seal retainer 166 also secures metal C-seal 180 on shoulder 178 of the central axial bore of female member 160. C-seal 180 provides a pressure-energized seal between the female member and the probe of a male member inserted into receiving chamber 346.

[0107] Seal retainer 166 is held within the central axial bore of female member 160 by threaded retainer nut 360 which may comprise spanner holes 188 for engaging a tool to assist in seating and removing retainer nut 360. The central axial bore of female member 160 may include internally threaded portion 164 proximate first end 162 for engaging the retainer nut 360. Retainer nut 360 may comprise contoured angled surface 362 sized and spaced to engage both angled shoulder 326 of crown seal 320 and axial sealing projection 330. Likewise, seal retainer 166 may comprise angled shoulder 176 sized and spaced to engage angled surface 328 of crown seal 320. In this way, the seal retainer 166 acting in concert with retainer nut 360 provides a dovetail type interlock with crown seal 320 to resist inward radial movement of seal 320.

[0108] Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that axial sealing projections 330 and 332 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 360 is tightened against seal retainer 166 and seal retainer 166 is fully seated on shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 320 and seal retainer 166 and sealing projection 330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 320 and retainer nut 360 and between crown seal 320 and seal retainer 166.

[0109] It will be appreciated that seal retainer 166 of FIG. 15 is according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,439 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 320 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to a female coupling member 160 by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections. Optionally, retainer nut 360 having contoured angled shoulder 362 may also be retrofitted to the coupling member to increase the sealing effectiveness of axial sealing projection 330.

[0110] FIG. 16 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 15—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal retainer. In this embodiment, seal retainer 410 is modified to accommodate axial sealing projection 332. The modification comprises groove 412 at the outer edge of angled shoulder 176′ of seal retainer 410. Groove 412 is preferably sized and spaced to accommodate axial sealing projection 332 on crown seal 320 thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness by providing a greater area of contact as compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0111] FIG. 17 shows a crown seal 320 of the type illustrated in FIG. 14 in a female hydraulic coupling member having a seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier 190 and shell 370. Seal carrier 190 is a generally sleeve-shaped member having both a stepped inner diameter and a stepped outer diameter. Angled shoulder 193 connects the inner portion having smaller I.D. 191 with the outer portion having larger I.D. 192. Square shoulder 196 joins the inner portion having larger O.D. 194 with the outer portion having smaller O.D. 195. Angled shoulder 193 is sized and spaced to engage angled surface 328 of crown seal 320.

[0112] Shell 370 is externally threaded in threaded portion 202 to engage the internally threaded portion 164 of the bore of the female coupling member. Spanner holes 204 may be provided to engage a tool for seating and removing the seal cartridge in the female coupling member. Shell 370 may have a slight interference fit with the portion of seal carrier 190 having smaller O.D. 195. In this way, the entire seal cartridge including crown seal 320 may be removed for service from the female member by unthreading shell 370 from the bore of the female member.

[0113] Shell 370 preferably comprises contoured angled shoulder 372 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 326 and axial sealing projection 330 on crown seal 320. Together with shoulder 193, contoured angled shoulder 372 provides a dovetail-type interlock with surfaces 326 and 328 of crown seal 320 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radial movement—of crown seal 320 into receiving chamber 346 under conditions of low pressure in chamber 346 such as may be encountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

[0114] Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that axial sealing projections 330 and 332 are slightly compressed when shell 198 of the seal cartridge is tightened against seal carrier 190 and seal carrier 190 is fully seated on shoulder 177. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 320 and seal carrier 190 and sealing projection 330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 320 and shell 198 and between crown seal 320 and seal carrier 190.

[0115] It will be appreciated that the seal cartridge comprised of seal carrier 190 and shell 198 of FIG. 17 is according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,190 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 320 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to a female coupling member having a seal cartridge by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections.

[0116] FIG. 18 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 17—i.e., a female coupling member having a seal cartridge. In this embodiment, seal carrier 400 is modified to accommodate axial sealing projection 332. Groove 402 at the outer portion of angled shoulder 193′ is sized and spaced to fit axial sealing projection 332 on seal 320. Shell 370 may also be modified to accommodate axial sealing projection 330 on crown seal 320 by the provision of contoured angled shoulder 372 which may be sized and contoured to fit both angled shoulder 326 and axial sealing projection 330 of seal 320.

[0117] Groove 402 and/or contoured surface 372 may increase the sealing effectiveness of axial sealing projections 330 and 332 of crown seal 320 by providing a larger area of contact between seal carrier 400 and/or shell 370 and the axial sealing projections 330 and 332.

[0118] FIG. 19 shows the use of a crown seal 320 according to the present invention in a female coupling member having neither a seal retainer nor a seal cartridge. Rather, the central axial bore of the female member has a first, inner section having smaller I.D. 206 and a second, outer section having larger I.D. 208 connected by angled shoulder 210. Angled shoulder 210 engages angled surface 328 of crown seal 320.

[0119] Retainer nut 380 is externally threaded with threads 214′ for engaging a threaded section of the central axial bore of the female member. Spanner holes 218′ may be provided for engaging a tool for the insertion and removal of nut 380. Retainer nut 380 comprises contoured angled surface 382 sized and spaced to engage angled shoulder 326 and axial sealing projection 330 of crown seal 320. Angled shoulder 210 together with angled surface 326 provide a dovetail interlock with surfaces 326 and 328 of crown seal 320 which resists implosion—i.e., inward radial movement—of crown seal 320 into receiving chamber 346 under conditions of low pressure in chamber 346 such as may be encountered during withdrawal of the male probe.

[0120] Crown seal 320 is preferably sized such that sealing projections 330 and 332 are slightly compressed when retainer nut 380 is fully seated on shoulder 213. In so doing, sealing projection 332 provides a fluid-tight seal between crown seal 320 and the body of the female member and sealing projection 330 provides a fluid-tight seal both between crown seal 320 and retainer nut 380 and between crown seal 320 and the body of the female coupling member. FIG. 19A is an enlargement of the contact region between sealing projection 330 and retainer nut 380. FIG. 19B is an enlargement of the contact region between sealing projection 332 and angled surface 210.

[0121] It will be appreciated that the body of the female coupling member of FIG. 19 is according to a design of the prior art (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,430 to Robert E. Smith III). Thus, a crown seal 320 according to the present invention may be retrofitted to such a female coupling member by simply replacing the prior art crown seal—i.e. a crown seal having one or more circumferential O-ring seals or radial sealing projections—and, optionally, the retainer nut.

[0122] FIG. 20 shows a female coupling member of the type illustrated in FIG. 8—i.e., a female coupling member having no seal cartridge, seal retainer or metal C-seal. In this embodiment, the body of the female member is modified to accommodate axial sealing projection 332. As shown in detail in FIG. 20B, groove 394 at the outer limit of angled shoulder 210′ is sized and spaced to fit axial sealing projection 332.

[0123] Retainer nut 390 may also be modified to accommodate axial sealing projection 330 on crown seal 320. As shown in FIG. 20A, retainer nut 390 may be provided with contoured angled surface 392 for contacting axial sealing projection 330 and angled shoulder 326 on seal 320. As shown in detail in FIG. 20B, Groove 394 and/or contoured angled surface 392 may increase the sealing effectiveness of axial sealing projections 330 and 332 of crown seal 320 by providing a larger area of contact between the body of female member 160′ and/or retainer nut 390 and the axial sealing projections 330 and 332.

[0124] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.