Integral valve and seal for a quick connect coupling

Abstract

The combination of a quick connect fluid coupling having a nipple assembly axially connectable with a coupler assembly, and an integral valve and seal member made of an elastomeric material. The integral valve and seal member closes the nipple assembly when the quick coupling is disconnected and opens the nipple assembly to fluid flow when the quick coupling is made up. The nipple assembly has axially interfitted male and female parts that capture the integral valve and seal member between two shoulders when the male and female parts are mated. The nipple assembly also has a hollow nipple probe that inserts into a portion of the coupler assembly. The integral valve and seal member has an annular body seal portion that seals the interfitted nipple male and female parts, and a smaller diameter valve disk concentrically connected to the annular seal portion by a flexible hinge portion. The valve disk seals against a flange in the nipple assembly. The coupler assembly includes an interface seal and a coupler probe that opens the valve disk after the nipple probe has sealingly contacted the interface seals as the nipple and coupler assemblies are engaged. Means are provided to releasably lock the nipple and coupler assemblies together, and a second valve mechanism can be provided in the coupler assembly that opens either before or after the integral valve and seal member is displaced.