Coupler

A coupler for connecting a pair of plugs (3) in fluid tight relationship comprising in combination:

• an outer sliding sleeve (4) provided with a pair of internal annular narrow grooves (17) each of which is formed on the internal surface of said sleeve (4) adjacent to each end thereof,
• an inner stationary sleeve forming a socket (16) having a pair of external annular narrow grooves (18) each of which is formed on the external surface of said socket (16) adjacent to each end thereof, a plurality of circumferentially spaced detent means-receiving holes (28) which are disposed axially inwardly adjacent to said external narrow grooves (18), a pair of external radial shoulders (14) axially inwardly spaced from said holes (28) for limiting the inward movement of a pair of axially sliding collars (5) with respect to said socket (16),
• a pair of axially sliding collars (5), each of which is provided with a frustoconical cam surface (27) at its one end, mounted coaxially slidably within an annular space (26) defined between said sliding sleeve (4) and said stationary socket (16), and disposed symmetrically to each other with respect to said shoulders (14) so as to face the outside at said cam surfaces (27),
• detent means (6) radially movably received in said holes (28) to connect said plug (3) positively with said socket (16) when said collar (5) is positioned over said detent means thereby preventing said detent means (6) from moving radially outwardly after said plug (3) is fully inserted into said socket (16) and to disconnect said plug (3) from said socket (16) when said collar (5) is axially inwardly moved toward its innermost position adjacent to said shoulder (14) thereby being positioned away from said detent means for releasing said detent means (6) from their locking position,
• a pair of relatively large diameter snap rings (1) mounted in said internal narrow grooves (17) for providing internal radial projections which serve as means for driving said collars (5) to right and left along the periphery of said socket (16),
• a pair of relatively small diameter snap rings (2) mounted in said external narrow grooves (18) for providing external radial projections which serve as means for limiting the outward movement of said collars (5) with respect to said socket (16),
• bias means (7) for biasing said collars (5) outwardly so as to make said collars (5) abut resiliently against said snap rings (1 and 2) at said cam surfaces (27),
• sealing means (8) fixedly mounted in said socket (16) inwardly beyond said holes (28) for establishing sealing engagement between said socket (16) and plugs (3).