Quick disconnect coupling
Abstract:
A coupling having a male nipple (12) and a female coupler (14), in which one or both of the coupling members provides a simplified construction with a reduced number of parts for minimizing assembly time and overall costs. The coupling member(s) may include unique interlocking elements (38, 49), such as flexible finger elements, that slidably secure the valve sleeve(s) to the valve bodies. The female coupler (14) may include a valve body (23) with a unique interface, such as interlocking teeth, for rotatably coupling to a thread sleeve (51). The thread sleeve (51) may have a bendable web for facilitating assembly of a spring for an actuating sleeve. The actuating sleeve may be formed with a hollow annular internal chamber. The male nipple (12) may include the actuating sleeve instead of the female coupler (14). Other features also may be optimized, such as via additive manufacturing techniques, including coupling threads, fluid orifices, biasing members, and seal members.
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