Coupler HVAC: Description and Operation
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINEDESCRIPTION
Spring-lock type refrigerant line couplers (1 and 4) are used to connect the A/C liquid and suction lines (5 and 6) to the A/C evaporator tubes (3) on LHD models. Secondary retaining clips (2) are installed over the connected couplers for added protection.
The spring-lock refrigerant line couplers require special disconnect tools for disengaging the two coupler halves.
OPERATION
The spring-lock type refrigerant line coupler is held together by a garter spring (6) inside a circular cage (7) on the male half of the fitting (1). When the two coupler halves are connected, the flared end of the female fitting (2) slips behind the garter spring inside the cage on the male fitting. The garter spring and cage prevent the flared end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage. Some applications use a connection indicator ring (4) to help indicate when the two coupler halves are fully connected.
Two O-rings (8) are used to seal the coupler connections. These O-rings are compatible with R-134a refrigerant and must be replaced with O-rings made of the same material.
A secondary retaining clip (3) is installed over the connected coupler (5) for added protection.