Abstract:
Embodiments relate to quick connect-disconnect couplings and related systems for facilitating fluid transfer. Quick connect-disconnect couplings as provided herein include two-bar linkage locking mechanisms having locking bars consisting of one linkage point. Systems as provided herein include quick connect-disconnect couplings and male adaptors.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Many industries rely on the safe and efficient transfer of fluids and fluid materials between tanks, hoses, pipes, trucks, rail cars, conduits, and the like. In some cases, temporary fluid connections are necessary or preferred. One such common temporary fluid connection is a quick connect-disconnect fluid fitting, commonly known as a camlock fitting. 
         [0002]    The conventional female camlock coupling typically includes a body defining an internal bore and a sealing surface, with two handles pivotally attached to the coupling body. The internal bore accepts a corresponding male adaptor having an arcuate peripheral groove and an engaging face. Actuating the coupling handles from an unlocked position to a locked position delivers the cam-shaped ends of the handles into the internal bore of the coupling. The peripheral arcuate groove of a male adaptor positioned within the coupling accepts the cam-shaped handle ends, and further actuation of the handles moves the adaptor engaging face to a position contiguous with the sealing surface to effect a fluid-tight seal. The handles lock into place against the peripheral arcuate groove of the male adaptor via friction, and are typically built of a softer metal such as brass. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In general, this disclosure describes techniques for quick connect-disconnect fluid couplings. Techniques further describe multi-bar linkage locking mechanisms. In particular, this disclosure describes techniques for fluid transfer. It should be noted that although the techniques of this disclosure are described with respect to examples for fluid transfer, the techniques described herein are generally applicable to other applications as will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art after review of this disclosure. 
         [0004]    According to one example of this disclosure, a coupling comprises a body having a first end, a second end capable of receiving a free end of a male adaptor, an internal bore extending through the first end and the second end defining an internal surface, and a sealing surface; and at least one multi-bar linkage locking mechanism, each comprising a lever arm linkage member pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the body and pivotally attached at a second linkage point to a successive linkage member, and a locking bar linkage member, having a contacting end, and a linkage pivot point and pivotally attached to a preceding linkage member thereat; wherein actuating the lever arm linkage member from an unlocked position to a locked position extends the contacting bar into the internal bore of the body. 
         [0005]    According to another example of the disclosure, a fluid material flow facilitation and control system comprises a male adaptor having a peripheral receiving groove, an engaging face, a mating end, and a second end; and a female coupling having: a body, an internal bore extending through the body and capable of receiving the male adaptor at a receiving end, a second end, a sealing surface, and at least one multi-bar linkage locking mechanism, each containing a lever arm linkage member pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the body and pivotally attached at a second linkage point to a successive linkage member, and a locking bar linkage member having a contacting end, and a linkage pivot point and pivotally attached to a preceding linkage member thereat; wherein actuating the at least one multi-bar linkage locking mechanism in a direction from an unlocked position to a locked position contiguously orients the male adaptor engaging face with the female coupling sealing surface thereby achieving a coupled system having a substantially leak-proof seal. 
         [0006]    The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a combination front view and cross-sectional view of a prior art camlock fitting coupled to a male adaptor. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a prior art male adaptor. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a quick connect-disconnect coupling, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  illustrate perspective views of multi-bar linkage locking mechanisms, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick connect-disconnect coupling coupled with a male adaptor, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross sectional view of a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism in an over-the-center orientation, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The present invention relates to the well-known quick-connect-disconnect camlock couplings used across a myriad of industries for fluid material transfer between tanks, hoses, pipes, trucks, conduits, and the like. Embodiments herein provide a quick-connect-disconnect coupling for use in fluid material transfer. The embodiments described herein achieve increased coupling reliability, longevity, safety, and ease of use, while maintaining compatibility with industry-standard equipment. The embodiments described herein also provide for modularity and customizable aspects which obviate many problems inherent with the prior art and provide various further advantages as will be recognized by those of skill in the art after review of this disclosure. 
         [0014]    As used herein, “a fluid” or “fluids” refers, air, gases, vapors, liquids, dispersions, emulsions, and fluidized solids or semi-solids. 
         [0015]    Camlock couplings are popular for their simple construction and ease of use, but the basic friction-locking mechanism of camlock couplings creates significant reliability and failure issues. As the coupling handles are actuated, the cams move into the receiving groove of a male adaptor and typically substantially conform to at least a portion of the groove. This substantial conformation delivers generalized force vectors to the male adaptor ranging from radially inward to longitudinally upward towards the sealing face of the coupling. As a result, a significant portion of the actuating force applied to the handles works to create friction between the cams and the receiving groove of the male adaptor, rather than urging the male adaptor engaging face into the coupling diaphragm to create a seal. 
         [0016]    Moreover, the force required to actuate the handles into the “locked” position is typically equal to or greater than the force required throughout the actuating path of the handles, making the handles in a locked position the functional equivalent of a boulder on a hill. The mechanism also does not provide the operator with an affirmative locking confirmation; rather, an operator will consider a locked position to be reached when the handle is position where little or no further actuating is possible. However, due to the design of the cams, and considering the significant wear which the cams and receiving grooves sustain over subsequent and repetitious use, the position of the handle does not necessary correlate to a reliably locked position. 
         [0017]    Continued operation of a cam-lock coupling with a male adaptor built of a harder metal such as stainless steel will deform the cams and degrade the locking integrity of the coupling. Alternatively, repetitious operation of a cam-lock coupling with a male adaptor built of a softer material will deform the receiving groove of the adaptor and will similarly degrade the adaptor&#39;s ability to efficaciously seal with a corresponding coupling. When a coupling is used to transport thick fluids such as petroleum, slurries such as mixed cement, or fluidized powders such as starch or cement, the transported fluid can prevent ideal locking by caking the receiving groove and cams. Many typical operating environments, such as on tanker trucks or in series with pumps, can be highly vibrational or experience sporadic turbulence during operation that will cause the handles to rattle loose. High line pressures can also contribute to inadvertent opening of the coupling handles. 
         [0018]    Where an electrolytic fluid is transferred through the coupling or present in the surrounding work environment, galvanic corrosion may occur between the cam and the adaptor receiving groove, between the handle-cam component and the coupling body, or between any contacting metal components having sufficient electropotential. Alloying or plating components can reduce electropotential difference to acceptable levels so as to avoid galvanic corrosion, yet such measures are often prohibitive due to the cost of materials or manufacture. Additionally, plating is effective only until constant friction between parts wears away the protective barrier. 
         [0019]    Coupling failure ranging from leakage to complete detachment can be catastrophic, and result in lost product, damaged equipment, environmental contamination, and operator injury. As a result, many attempts to remedy the failure-prone nature of camlock couplings are present in the art; a few examples are to be found in Moore et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,942 A; Vargo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,075; Barclay et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,827 B1; Dixon, U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,271 B2; Parrish, U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,195; Lauffenburger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,313; Lauffenburger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,593; Goodall et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,670; Burmeister, U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,077 B1; Mccarthy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,069; Dement, U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,829 B2; Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,445; Meyer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,540; Fahl, U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,168; Fahl et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,694; Chen, U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,718 B2 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,065; Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,623 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,812 B1; Chen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,717 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,265 B1; Street, U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,693; Owens, U.S. Pat. No. 3,314,698 A; Collier, U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,016 B2; Kotake, U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,995; Chien, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,113; and Goda, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,619. 
         [0020]    However, many of these solutions and others have not proven effective or efficient in practice as they introduce additional parts which negatively impact the coupling life-cycle by adding additional points of failure, increase production costs, require additional tools or loose parts which are easily lost, or require additional operational steps which operators may forego to save time or effort. 
         [0021]    Embodiments described herein provide a female fluid coupling comprising at least one multi-bar linkage locking mechanism capable of locking in an over-the-center orientation. Such embodiments provide for more reliable locking, and reduced required actuating forces as compared to the prior art. The embodiments described herein further provide modularity and customizable aspects such that problems relating to materials of construction, such as material wear and galvanic corrosion, may be obviated. Additionally, the mutli-bar linkage locking mechanism and appurtenant components allow design flaws of the prior art to be addressed independently or in combination. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  shows a prior art camlock fitting  100  comprising locking arms  130  having cam-shaped ends  131  coupled to male adaptor  190 . Locking arms  130  are shown in both unlocked position  131  and locked position  132 .  FIG. 1B  a prior art male adaptor  190  comprising mating end  191 , second end  192 , peripheral arcuate groove  193  and engaging face  195 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of a quick connect-disconnect coupling  200 , comprising body  201 , first end  202 , second end  203 , internal bore  205 , internal surface  206 , wrench-receiving contour  210 , wrench receiving contour face  211 , sealing surface  215 , second end face  216 , peripheral aperture  220 , and locking mechanisms  230 . Quick connect-disconnect coupling  200  comprises a body  201  having a first end  202 , a second end  203 , and an internal bore  205  extending through the first end  202  and the second end  203  thereby defining an internal surface  206 . Second end  203 , in some embodiments, is capable of accepting the mating end  191  of a male adaptor  190 . In some embodiments, internal surface  206  can comprise threads  207  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). In some such embodiments, the threads are proximate the first end  202 . Body  201  can be fashioned from metals, such as aluminum, iron, and the like, polymers and plastics, and other suitable materials as those of skill in the art would identify after review of this disclosure. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments the body  201  and additionally or alternatively the internal bore  205  are substantially cylindrical. A stop extending radially inward from the internal surface  206  can form a sealing surface  215 . A stop and a sealing surface can be sized based on the surface area and additionally or alternatively the radial distance as measured from the body internal surface necessary to effect a seal between a sealing surface and a male adaptor engaging face. In some embodiments, a stop and a sealing surface can be sized based on the shape and contour of a male adaptor. In some embodiments, a stop and a sealing surface can be sized based on the size, type, and material of a sealing member used therewith to effect a seal. In some embodiments, the sealing surface  215  is planar with a cross section of the internal bore  205 . In some embodiments, second end  203  face  216  acts as a sealing surface. In other embodiments, sealing surface  215  and second end  203  face  216  both act as sealing surfaces. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, quick connect-disconnect coupling  200  comprises a wrench receiving contour  210  having a plurality of faces or facets  211  capable of engaging a wrench or other suitable tool. First end  202  in many embodiments is capable of connecting to one or more of a pipe, a hose, a vessel, or a material transport vehicle. In some embodiments, first end  202  comprises one or more of a female coupling, female threads, male threads, a male adaptor, a cylindrical pipe, a flange, a filter, a nozzle, a safety bump, a valve, a fluid diode, or a hose shank. First end  202  is capable of connecting to tanks, hoses, pipes, trucks, conduits. For example, first end  202  can connect to threaded element  290  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). 
         [0026]      FIG. 3A  shows a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230 , lever arm  233 , pivot point  234 , locking bar linkage member  235 , lever arm stop  240 , body protrusions  212  and restraining means  221 . Embodiments of quick connect-disconnect couplings  200  described herein can comprise one or a plurality of multi-bar linkage locking mechanisms  230 . Locking mechanism  230 , in many embodiments, is aligned with a radial aperture  220  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the number of radial apertures  220  is equal to the number of locking mechanisms  230 . In other embodiments, the number of radial apertures  220  differs from the number of locking mechanisms  230 . For example, two or more locking mechanisms  230  may share a radial aperture. Locking mechanism  230  comprises a plurality of linkage members. A first linkage member is rotably attached to body  201 . In some embodiments, the first linkage member is rotably attached to body protrusions  212 . First linkage member can rotably attach to body  201  or body protrusion  212  with metal pins or the like. First linkage member can comprise a lever arm  233 . Lever arm  233  can rotably attach to body  201  or body protrusion  212  at a pivot point  234 . Lever arm  233  can rotably attach to a subsequent linkage member at pivot point  234  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). Lever arm  233  can further comprise pull rings, pull chains, or the like. 
         [0027]    Locking mechanism  230  comprises a last linkage member, or locking bar linkage member  235 . In some embodiments one or more linkage members are sequentially rotably attached between locking bar  235  and lever arm  233 . In other embodiments, locking bar  235  is rotably attached to lever arm  233  at pivot point  236  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). Locking bar  235  may be fashioned from metal or plastic and polymer materials. Material of construction can be selected based on factors such as electrochemical potential between coupling  200  components, and male adaptor material. 
         [0028]    Locking mechanism  230  can comprise a lever arm stop  240 . In some embodiments stop  240  comprises a protrusion of body  201 . 
         [0029]    Locking mechanism  230  can comprise a restraining means  221 . In some embodiments, restraining means  221  comprises the external contour of body  201 . Restraining means  221  is suitably disposed such that locking bar  234  is maintained proximate radial aperture  220  radial aperture  220  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Restraining means  221  can ensure that locking bar  234  is directed towards and through radial aperture  220  upon actuating lever arm  231 .  FIG. 3A  shows a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230  and an alternative restraining means  222 . In some embodiments, restraining means  222  can comprise a pin. In some such embodiments, pin  222  is removable. Removable restraining means, such as  222 , can facilitate component inspection, replacement, and repair, and can also increase ease of component assembly and/or disassembly. Removable restraining means  222  can be fashioned of materials such as metals, plastics and polymers, or other suitable materials as those of skill in the art would identify after review of this disclosure. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4A  shows quick connect-disconnect coupling  200 , threads  207 , restraining means  221 , locking mechanism  230  in an unlocked position  231 , locking mechanism  230  in a locked position  232 , pivot point  234 , pivot point  236 , contact point  237 , lever arm stop  240 , sealing member  250 , male adaptor  190 , threaded element  290 , and system  300 . 
         [0031]    Coupling  200  second end  203  is capable of accepting mating end  191  of male adaptor  190 . Actuating lever arm  233  from an unlocked position  231  to a locked position  232  directs locking bar  235  through peripheral aperture  220  into internal bore  205 . In some embodiments, locking bar  235  is directed initially substantially radially inward towards internal bore  205  and increasingly longitudinally upward towards the coupling  200  first end  202 . When male adaptor  190  is disposed within coupling  200  internal bore  205 , actuating lever arm  233  from an unlocked position  231  to a locked position  232  directs the locking bar  235  into the male adaptor  190  peripheral groove  193 . Locking bar  235  contacts male adaptor  190  peripheral groove  193  at contact point  237 , thereby coupling the coupling  200  and male adaptor  190 . In locked position  232 , male adaptor  190  engaging face  195  is contiguous with coupling  200  sealing surface  215 , thereby forming a substantially leak-proof seal. In some embodiments, coupling  200  comprises a sealing member  250 , such as an O-ring, or other compressible member capable of enhancing the sealing efficacy of the coupling  200  and male adaptor  190  system  300 . 
         [0032]    The direction of travel of locking bar  235  can reduce the required locking force as compared to a conventional camlock fitting because force generated by lever arm  233  is partially or substantially normal to the sealing surface  215 . 
         [0033]    A coupled system  300  can be achieved by orienting one or more locking mechanisms  230  in a locked position  232 . System  300  facilitates fluid communication between coupling  200  first end  202  and male adaptor  190  second end  192  in either or both directions. System  300  can further comprise attached components at coupling  200  first end  202 , such as element  290 , and additionally or alternatively attached components at male adaptor  190  second end  192 . Attached components can comprise tanks, hoses, pipes, trucks, conduits, and the like, or other suitable components as identified by those of skill in the art after review of this disclosure. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4B  shows a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230  in an over-the-center orientation  260 . Throughout a locking motion, lever arm  233  is actuated from at or near an unlocked position  231  towards at a locked position  232 . In some embodiments, lever arm  233  starts in the unlocked position  231  wherein the pivot point  234  is positioned above a line  261  formed by eventual contact point  237  between receiving groove  193  and locking bar  235 , and pivot point  234 . At a position between locked position  232  and unlocked position  231  the force required to actuate the lever arm  233  will reach a maximum. In some embodiments this maximum required actuating force can occur where the contact point  237 , pivot point  234 , and pivot point  236  are all aligned. If present in the embodiment, a sealing member  250  contiguous with coupling  200  sealing surface  215  and male adaptor  190  engaging face  195  can be most compressed. Further actuating lever arm  233  towards locked position  232  positions pivot point  236  below the line  261  formed by contact point  237  and pivot point  234  and into an over-the-center orientation  260 . 
         [0035]    In an over-the-center orientation  260 , sealing member  250  can be compressed, but less compressed than at the maximum actuation force position. As a result, an “actuation force well” forms between the final locked position and the maximum actuation force position thereby maintaining the locking mechanism  230  in a locked position  232 . Such an “actuation force well” can substantially increase the ability of a locking mechanism  230  to resist transition for a locked position  232  towards an unlocked position  231  due to factors including vibration, extraneous material such as dust or fluids present on peripheral groove  193 , sealing member  250  shrinkage or wear, or other factors germane to coupling operating environments such as high fluid pressure. High locking reliability can be particularly essential from safety and environmental perspectives when working with high pressure, high pressure, or hazardous fluids. Further, the transition from the maximum actuation force position to the actuation force “well” will be noticeable to the operator and will provide assurance that the multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230  has achieved a locked or substantially locked position. 
         [0036]    In other embodiments, lever arm  233  starts in an unlocked position  231  wherein contact point  237 , pivot point  234 , and pivot point  236  are all aligned. In other embodiments, lever arm  233  stops in a locked position  232  wherein contact point  237 , pivot point  234 , and pivot point  236  are all aligned. In other embodiments, the maximum force required to actuate lever arm  233  occurs where the pivot point  236  is below line  261 . In other embodiments, the maximum force required to actuate lever arm  233  occurs where pivot point  236  is positioned above line  261 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the orientation of pivot point  234  and pivot point  236  on lever arm  233  can be modified to exaggerate the “over-the-center” orientation  260 . For example, angle θ, as formed by line  261  and line  262 , can be increased or decreased. Modifying θ can depend on sealing member  250  compressibility and/or thickness, locking bar  235  length, male adaptor  190  peripheral groove  193  depth, and other factors. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, lever arm  233  is designed such that a range of motion is restricted at or near the unlocked position  232 . In some other embodiments, coupling  200  is alternatively or additionally designed such that a range of motion of lever arm  233  is restricted at or near the unlocked position  232 . In other embodiments, not pictured, lever arm  233  and/or a coupling  200  body  201  can comprise adjustable and/or removable elements, which enable the range of motion of lever arm  233  at or near the unlocked position  232  to be modified. Such embodiments enhance the versatility of a coupling  200 , for example by allowing locking bars  235  of different lengths and sizes to be used, or by accommodating varying orientations of pivot point  234  and pivot point  236 . For example, where a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230  comprises a shorter locking bar  235 , the range of motion of lever arm  233  thereof can be restricted such that locking bar  235  is maintained in position throughout the range of motion of lever arm  233  by the appurtenant radial aperture  220 , restraining means  221 , or combinations thereof. In other examples, where a multi-bar linkage locking mechanism  230  comprises a longer locking bar  235 , the range of motion of lever arm  233  thereof can be extended such that locking bar  235  is maintained in position throughout the range of motion of lever arm  233  by the appurtenant radial aperture  220 , restraining means  221 , or combinations thereof, while still allowing lever arm  233  sufficient range of motion towards an unlocked position  231  in order to retract locking bar  235  from the internal bore  205  of coupling  200 , thereby allowing a male adaptor  190  unimpeded entry thereinto. A longer locking bar  235  may be useful, for example, where a male adaptor  190  having a smaller than typical diameter is coupled with coupling  200 , where male adaptor  190  peripheral groove  193  is deeper than a typical peripheral groove, or combinations thereof. 
         [0039]    In other examples, as the distance between pivot point  134  and pivot point  236  increases, a greater range of motion of lever arm  233  towards the unlocked position  231  is required to retract locking bar  235  from coupling  200  internal bore  205 . In some embodiments, the range of motion of lever arm  233  is adjusted to remove locking bar  235  from a restraining means  221  to allow for, for example, removal, maintenance, or inspection. 
         [0040]    Some embodiments relate to a coupling with a capped or flanged second end. Such embodiments are useful for closing off hoses, receiving vessel ports, or discharging vessel ports, where said hoses, receiving vessel ports, or discharging vessel ports comprise a receiving groove. In other embodiments the hose, receiving vessel port, or discharging vessel port comprise a coupling, and can be closed using a component comprising a receiving groove on a first end and a cap or flange on a second end. 
         [0041]    Some embodiments relate to a coupling  200  further comprising a valve located between first end  202  and second end  203 . Such embodiments are useful for connecting to hoses, receiving vessels, or discharging vessels having a receiving groove end, to affect flow therethrough using the valve. The valve may be a reduced nipple valve, a ball valve, a check valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, a parallel gate valve, a wedge gate valve, a plug valve, a needle valve, a diaphragm valve, a pinch valve, a safety or relief valve, a piston valve, or other type of valve. In some embodiments coupling  200  second end  203  may be the same diameter as coupling  200  first end  202 . In other embodiments coupling  200  second end  203  may have a reduced or expanded diameter, relative to the diameter of coupling  200  first end  202 . Second end  203  may further comprise a coupling, male threads, female threads, a hose shank/barb, a receiving groove, a smooth pipe, a screen/filter, a safety bump, a fluid diode, or a nozzle.