Exhaust type quick action coupler

Abstract

A push-to-connect type coupler has an intermediate venting position for the nipple. The coupler includes a coupler socket having an inner sleeve, an intermediate coupler body, and an outer sleeve formed from tubular or cylindrical components which are axially movable with respect to one another. A valve member is disposed axially within the coupler and is normally biased into a closed position. The inner sleeve of the coupler is spring-biased toward the opening of the coupler, and includes an inner set of captive coupling balls. The coupler body also has an outer set of captive coupling balls, and a locking mechanism is disposed between the coupler body and the outer sleeve. When the nipple is inserted into the coupler, the nipple is retained by the interaction of the outer set of coupling balls with a deep groove in the inner sleeve, and the inner set of coupling balls with a channel formed in the nipple. The nipple also opens the valve member within the coupler, thus allowing pressurized air to pass through the coupler. When the nipple is to be removed, the outer sleeve is initially moved rearwardly (upstream), the outer set of coupling balls move radially outward, which allows the inner sleeve, and hence the nipple, to move outwardly a predetermined amount until the outer set of coupling balls engages a shallow groove in the inner sleeve. In this position, the valve member is closed and pressure downstream of the nipple can exhaust to atmosphere. To fully disconnect the nipple from the coupler socket, the outer sleeve is moved forwardly (downstream), which allows the outer set of coupling balls to move further radially outward, and allows the inner sleeve to move further outwardly from the coupler until the inner set of coupling balls releases the nipple, which thereby allows the nipple to be fully disconnected from the coupler socket.