Quick connect coupling with nested ball valves

摘要

A quick connect coupling includes female and male assemblies. The female and male assemblies include first and second valves, respectively, operable between open and closed positions. The male assembly connects to the female assembly by axial movement and relative rotation, wherein the male assembly disconnects from the female assembly by relative rotation and axial separation, wherein relative rotation of the assemblies moves the second valve between the open and closed positions. Moving the second valve from the closed to the open position allows the first valve to be movable from the closed position to the open position and moving the first valve from the closed to the open position limits relative rotation between the assemblies and prevents disconnection. Disconnection can only occur when the first valve has been moved to the closed position. Disconnection moves the second valve from the open to the closed position.

主权项

1. A quick connect coupling comprising:
a female assembly including a first valve configured to be operable between an open position and a closed position; a male assembly configured to be coupled to the female assembly, the male assembly including a second valve configured to be operable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the male assembly is connected to the female assembly by moving the two assemblies axially toward each other and rotating the two assemblies relative to each other, wherein during connection of the two assemblies, relative rotation of the male assembly with respect to the female assembly moves the second valve from the closed position to the open position; wherein the male assembly is disconnected from the female assembly by rotating the two assemblies relative to each other and axially separating the two assemblies from each other; wherein relative rotation of the two assemblies moves the second valve between the open position and the closed position; wherein movement of the second valve from the closed position to the open position allows the first valve of the female assembly to be movable from the closed position to the open position; wherein movement of the first valve from the closed position to the open position limits relative rotation between the two assemblies and prevents disconnection of the two assemblies such that the two assemblies can only be disconnected when the first valve has been moved to the closed position and wherein disconnection of the two assemblies moves the second valve from the open position to the closed position; and wherein the second valve is rotatable between the open position and the closed position via a shaft, the shaft including a first set of gear teeth that are configured to mesh with a second set of gear teeth of the female assembly when the male and female assemblies are rotated relative to each other, turning the shaft.