Quick-action fluid coupling

摘要

A quick-action fluid coupling for connecting two fluid-conducting lines includes a plug for attachment to one of the lines and a socket for attachment to the other. The socket has a tubular body and includes a valve having a valve sleeve and a fixed valve stem coaxially disposed within the tubular body. The valve sleeve is moved axially upon connection of the plug and socket so as to open a fluid flow passage between the valve sleeve and the valve stem. The outer surface of the valve stem defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced depressions therein. A circumferential groove is defined in an inner surface of the tubular body and is spaced radially outward of and in axial alignment with the depressions in the valve stem. A plurality of separately formed, discrete retaining elements are respectively engaged partly in the depressions in the valve stem and partly in the groove in the tubular body. Each retaining element is captively retained between forwardly and rearwardly inclined surfaces of the corresponding depression and between forwardly and rearwardly inclined surfaces of the groove. Thus, the retaining elements cooperate with the surfaces of the groove and of the depressions to prevent axial movement of the valve stem. The plug includes a valve member that is slid to an open position by engagement with the valve stem of the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket.