Butterfly actuated quick coupling connector valve

Abstract

A butterfly actuated quick coupling connector valve includes a pair of mag connectors, each having a self-closing, butterfly valve arranged and adapted to align with the self-closing, butterfly valve of the other connector when the two connectors are coupled together, such that the two valves will be then open for unrestricted passage of air therethrough. Each connector has a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the two connectors together to cause interference between them. Each of the valves is attached to a plunger, and a compression spring is associated and aligned therewith, in a valve housing having an axis of symmetry within the associated connector. Each plunger is retained and slidable axially within the housing against the force exerted by the associated compression spring, the latter normally urging the valve body against an end wall of the housing to block an opening therein. The plunger has a rotatable shaft attached to it with a butterfly valve mounted to its centerline surface. This assembly moves forward and rearward with the plunger and rotates 90 degrees at the rearward most portion of its travel. This rotation allows the passage of air, gases, and fluids to flow without restriction through the entire connector valve. Thus, air and other substances are allowed to pass from one end to the other of the coupled connectors by virtue of the respective butterfly valves having been unseated from their associated end walls and rotated by means of springs and/or a cam path.