Coupling system

Abstract

A quickly-disconnecting coupling suitable for use in a fuel dispensing system reduces fluid pressure-generated axial separation forces on the coupling. A first body member has one or more fluid passages therethrough in fluid communication with corresponding fluid passages through a second body member. A detent is provided to couple the body members to each other in flow communication and to uncouple them when a force in excess of a predetermined level is exerted on the coupling. The detent may be frangible or infrangible. Means are provided to hold the first and second body members in axial juxtaposition with each other. Valving is provided for sealing fluid passages against loss of fluid when the detent releases the first and second body members from axial juxtaposition. A hydraulic seal is so located as to prevent the pressurized liquid contained in the fluid passages from entering between the first and second body members at the axial interface thereof, thus limiting fluid pressure-generated damage to coupling, including effects of line shock. A recouplable detent is also provided which has a spring with a contacting edge, a first annular recess in a first body member, a second annular recess in a second body member, the first annular recess being aligned with the second annular recess and the second body member having a camming surface. In the coupled position, the spring is located within the second annular recess with the contacting edge in contact with the camming surface.