INTERLOCK SYSTEM FOR VALVE COUPLING
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to valve couplings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fluid couplings provide sealed fluid communication between two fluid
passageways, such as those defined by hoses, tubes, etc. Some couplings include
valves that selectively obstruct fluid communication to prevent fluid flow through the
coupling when the coupling is not engaged with a complementary coupling, thereby to
avoid unwanted fluid spillage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A fluid coupling includes a body defining a passageway. A valve
member is selectively movable between a closed position in which the valve member
obstructs the passageway and an open position in which the valve member does not
obstruct the passageway. The coupling includes an interface at which the body is
connectable to a complementary coupling thereby to provide sealed fluid
communication between the passageway and another passageway defined by the
complementary coupling. The coupling further includes an interlock system that
permits movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position
when the complementary coupling is connected to the body at the interface. The
interlock system prevents movement of the valve member from the closed position to
the open position when the complementary coupling is not connected to the body at the
interface.
[0004] Accordingly, the coupling provided herein prevents or minimizes the
possibility of an unintentional opening of the valve when the coupling is not connected
to a complementary coupling.

[0005] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of
the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIGURE 1 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional side view of a coupling
with a valve in an open position;
[0007] FIGURE 2 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional side of the coupling of
Figure 1 with the valve in a closed position;
[0008] FIGURE 3 is a schematic end view of the coupling of Figure 1;
[0009] FIGURE 4 is a schematic side view of the coupling of Figure 1;
[0010] FIGURE 5 is a schematic side view of the coupling of Figure 1 engaging
a complementary coupling;
[0011] FIGURE 6 is a schematic, cross sectional side view of an interlock
system of the coupling of Figure 1 when the valve is closed and the coupling is not
attached to the complementary coupling;
[0012] FIGURE 7 is a schematic, cross section side view of the interlock system
of Figure 6 when the valve is open and the coupling is attached to the complementary
coupling; and
[0013] FIGURE 8 is a schematic, partial cut-away side view of an alternative
coupling in accordance with the claimed invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring to Figure 1, a coupling 10 includes a body 12 defining a
passage 14 that extends from a first end 16 of the body 12 to a second end 18 of the
body 12. The body 10 also defines an annular valve seat 20 and a seal ring 22. The
valve seat 20 and the seal ring 22 are concentric with the passage 14 about axis A1. A
ball valve 26 is rotatably mounted within the passage 14 and includes a spherical

exterior surface 30 and a diametrical bore 34 which extends therethrough. The valve
seat 20 and seal 22 engage the ball valve surface 30.
[0015] An annular adapter extension 38, which may be mounted upon a hose, or
other conduit component of the fluid circuit, not shown, extends into the passage 14
and is sealed with respect thereto by O-ring 42. The adapter 38 is maintained within
body 12 by a drive wire 46 received within aligned grooves wherein rotation of the
body 12 relative to the adapter 38 is possible.
[0016) The valve 26 is selectively rotatable about axis A2 between an open
position, as shown in Figure 1, and a closed position, as shown in Figure 2. Axis A2
is perpendicular to, and intersects, axis Al. Referring to Figure 2, the valve 26 is
within the passage 14. When the valve 26 is in the closed position, surface 30 of the
valve cooperates with the seat 20 and seal ring 22 to completely obstruct the passage
14, thereby preventing fluid communication through the passage 14 from the first end
16 of the body to the second end 18 of the body. Referring again to Figure 1, when the
valve 26 is in the open positon, the bore 34 is coaxially aligned with the passage 14 and
permits fluid communication therethrough.
[0017] An actuator SO extends through a bore 54 defined in the wall of the body
12 and is sealed with respect thereto by seal 58. The actuator 50 is rigidly connected to
the valve 26 for rotation therewith about axis A2 by a screw 60. The actuator 50
includes a handle portion 62 disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the body 12 as to
be exteriorly accessible. Accordingly, rotation of the handle portion 62 about axis A2
causes the movement of the valve 26 between the open and closed positions.
[0018] The body 12 defines a hole 63 that is across the passage 14 from bore
54. A pivot pin 64 extends into the hole 63 and is operatively connected to the valve
26. Thus, the pivot pin 64 cooperates with the actuator 50 and screw 60 to maintain
the axial position of the valve 26 along axis A1 while permitting rotation of the valve
26 about axis A2. A spring 65 inside hole 63 urges the pin 64 upward (as seen in
Figure 1), which facilitates assembly of the valve 26 into the body 12. The coupling 10
includes two polymeric washers 67, 68 that separate me body 12 from the valve 26 to

reduce friction therebetween during rotation of the valve 26 about axis A2. Exemplary
materials for the washers 67,68 include nylon and porytetrafluoroethylene.
[0019] Referring to Figures 1-3, the coupling 10 defines an interface 66 at
which another coupling (shown at 10A in Figure 5) is matable with the coupling 10.
The interface 66 includes a pair of arcuate projections 70 extending from the body flat
sealing surface 74 defined at the end 16 of the body 12 perpendicular to the axis A1.
Each of the projections 70 includes a respective head or knob 78. Each knob 78
defines a radial surface 80 that faces sealing surface 74.
[0020] The interface 66 also includes a pair of arcuate grooves 82 formed in
surface 74. Each groove 82 cooperates with a respective lip 84 to define a respective
slot 85. Each lip 84 defines a respective radial surface 86. Each groove 82 also
includes a respective enlarged access opening 88. More particularly, the access
openings 88 are portions of the grooves 82 in surface 74 unobstructed by a respective
lip 84. The projections 70 and the grooves 82 are concentrical about axis Al. The
body 12 defines three bored holes 94, 98,104 in sealing surface 74 that extend parallel
to axis Al.
[0021] Referring to Figure 4, the actuator SO is mounted to the valve (shown at
26 in Figures 1 and 2) such that, when the handle 62 of the actuator 50 is in the positon
shown in phantom at 62A, the valve 26 is in its closed position. When the actuator
handle 62 is in the position shown at 62, the valve 26 is in its open position. Thus,
rotation of the handle with respect to the body 12 about axis A2 between the positions
shown at 62A and 62 causes movement of the valve 26 between its open and closed
positions.
[0022] A pin 108 is disposed within bore 94. The pin 108 is selectively
translatable within the bore 94, in a direction parallel with axis A1, between an
extended positon, as shown at 108, and a retracted position, as shown in phantom at
108A. One end of the pin 108 includes a plurality of teeth 112. The actuator 50
includes a gear portion 116 having teeth 120 in meshing engagement with the teeth 112
of the pin 108 so that rotation of the actuator 50 about axis A2 causes the translation of
the pin 108 inside the bore 94.

[00231 More specifically, the pin 108 is connected to the actuator 50 (including
the handle 62) via teeth 112,120 such that the pin 108 is in its extended position when
the handle is in the position shown at 62, and the pin is in its retracted position (shown
at 108A) when the handle is in the position shown at 62A. Accordingly, the pin 108 is
mechanically coupled to the valve 26 such that the pin is in its extended position when
the valve 26 is in its open position, and the pin 108 is in its retracted position when the
valve 26 is in its closed position.
[0024] Referring to Figure 5, wherein like reference numbers refer to like
components from Figures 1-4, the coupling 10 is matable with another coupling 10A.
Coupling 10A is identical to coupling 10. Thus, coupling 10A includes an interface
66A that is identical to interface 66. Interface 66A includes a sealing surface 74A
identical to sealing surface 74, and arcuate projections 70A identical to arcuate
projections 70. Sealing surface 74A includes grooves (not shown), lips (not shown)
that define radial surface (not shown), and enlarged access openings (not shown) that
are identical to the grooves 82, lips 84, radial surfaces 86, and enlarged access
openings 88, respectively, of the sealing surface 74 of coupling 10.
[0025] Coupling 10A also includes a passage 14A that extends from sealing
surface 74A. To connect couplings 10 and 10A to each other about axis A1 so that
passage 14 and passage 14A are in sealed fluid communication with one another, the
bodies 12, 12A are aligned such that the axis of passages 14A is coextensive with axis
Al. The bodies 12, 12A are then rotated relative to each other such that each
projection 70A in the interface 66A aligns with a respective access opening (shown at
88 in Figures 1-3) of interface 66, and each projection 70 of interface 66 aligns with a
respective access opening (not shown) of interface 66A.
[0026] Upon this alignment being achieved the bodies 12 and 12A are axially
moved toward each other and rotated relative to each other causing each radial surface
80A of body 12A to engage a respective slot surface 86 on body 12, and each radial
surface 80 on body 12 to engage a respective slot surface (not shown) on body 12A.
The radial surfaces 80, 86 may be inclined in a slight helical configuration to "draw"
the body sealing surfaces 74, 74A toward each other. Seals (shown at 122 in Figures 1

and 2) will engage and be deformed during coupling, producing a fluid tight seal
between the couplings 10, 10A and providing fluid communication between passages 14
and 14A. Referring to Figure 1, seal 122 is annular and circumscribes the opening of
passage 14, and engages the corresponding seal on coupling 10A. Seal 122 is shown
having a solid cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes and configurations may be
employed within the scope of the claimed invention. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, seal 122 has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape.
[0027] Referring to Figure 6, the coupling 10 includes an interlock system 124
that permits movement of the valve (shown at 26 in Figures 1 and 2) from the closed
position to the open position when the complementary coupling 10A is connected to the
body 12 at the interface 66, and that prevents movement of the valve member 26 from
the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling 10A is not
connected to the body 12 at the interface 66.
[0028] More specifically, the interlock system 124 includes an interlock
member, which, in the embodiment depicted, is pin 128. The pin 128 is disposed
within the hole 98 and is selectively movable with the hole 98 between a first position,
as shown in Figure 6, and a second position, as shown in Figure 7. The pin 128
protrudes out of the hole 98 from surface 74 in the first position, and is substantially
entirely contained within the hole 98 in the second position. A spring 132 biases the
pin 128 in its first position.
(0029) The pin 128 is tapered at various segments along its length. More
specifically, the pin 128 includes segments 136A-E. The diameter of segment 136C is
less than the diameters of segments 136A and 136E, and thus segment 136C is a locally
narrowed portion of the pin 128. Segment 136B interconnects segments 136A and
136C, and defines a ramp having a diameter that varies. Similarly, segment 136D
interconnects segments 136C and 136E, and defines a ramp having a diameter that
varies.
[0030] Pin 108 is tapered at various segments along its length. More
specifically, the pin 108 includes segments 140A-F. Segment 140A defines a tapered
tip of the pin 108. The diameter of segment 140D is less than the diameters of

segments 140B and 140F, and thus segment HOC is a locally narrowed portion of the
pin 108. Segment 140C interconnects segments 140B and 140D, and defines a ramp
having a diameter that varies. Similarly, segment 140E interconnects segments 140D
and 140F, and defines a ramp having a diameter that varies.
[0031] The body 12 defines an opening 144 between the holes 94 and 98. A
locking member, namely roller element 148, is disposed within the opening 144. The
pin 108 is configured such that segment 140D is aligned with the opening 144 when the
pin 108 is in the retracted position, as shown in Figure 6. Pin 128 is configured such
that segment 136E is aligned with the opening 144 when the pin 128 is in the first
position, as shown in Figure 6. Thus, with pin 108 in the retracted position and pin 128
in its first position, me roller element 148 is partially located within the groove 152
defined by segments 140C, 140D, and 140E of pin 108, and is in contact with segment
136E of pin 128.
(0032) Wben the pin 108 is in me extended position, as shown in Figure 7,
segment 140F of pin 128 is aligned with the opening 144, and thus the roller element
148 contacts segment 140F. Accordingly, movement of the pin 108 from the retracted
position to the extended position requires movement of the roller element 148 into hole
98 by a distance that is equal to the difference between the radii of segments 140D and
140F. However, as show in Figure 6, when segment 136E of pin 128 is aligned with
opening 144, segment 136E prevents such movement of the roller element 148.
[0033] More specifically, segment 140E urges the roller element 148 toward
hole 98 as pin 108 is moved to its extended position; however, segment 136E of pin
128 is sufficiently wide to prevent adequate movement of the roller 148 to permit the
roller element 148 to clear segment 140E. Accordingly, when pin 128 is in the first
position, pin 108 is locked in its retracted position, and, therefore, the valve 26 is
locked in its closed position.
[0034] Referring to Figure 7, when coupling 10A is connected to body 12 at
interface 66, pin 128A of coupling 10A acts on the pin 128 to maintain the pin 128 in
its second position. When the pin 128 is in the second position, segment 136C is
aligned with the hole 144. The groove 154 defined by segments 136B, 136C, and

136D permits movement of the roller element 148 into hole 98, and therefore pin 108 is
movable from the retracted position to the extended position.
[0035] The interlock system 124 is thus configured to prevent movement of the
pin 108 from its retracted position to its extended position when the complementary
coupling 10A in not engaged with interface 66, i.e., when pin 128 is in its first
position, and is configured to permit movement of the pin 108 from its retracted
position to its extended position when the complementary coupling 10A is engaged with
interface 66, i.e., when pin 128 is in its second position. The pin 108 is mechanically
coupled to the valve 26 so that the valve 26 is in the open position when the pin 108 is
in the extended position and the valve 26 is in the closed position when the pin 108 is in
the retracted position. Therefore, interlock system 124 is configured to prevent
movement of the valve 26 from its closed position to its open position when the
complementary coupling 10A is not engaged with interface 66, i.e., when pin 128 is in
its first position, and is configured to permit movement of the valve 26 from its closed
position to its open position when the complementary coupling 10A is engaged with
interface 66, i.e., when pin 128 is in its second position.
[0036] When the pin 108 is in its extended position, it extends into bore 104A
of coupling 10A, thereby preventing rotation of couplings 10,10A relative to each
other about axis A1 when the valve 26 is in the open position. Rotation of the valves
10,10A relative to each other is necessary to decouple coupling 10A from coupling 10,
and thus the pin 108 in the extended position prevents decoupling of the couplings 10,
10A when the valve 26 is open. Similarly, pin 108A of coupling 10A extends into hole
104 of body 12 when the valve (not shown) of coupling 10A is in the open position.
Thus, to disconnect the couplings 10,10A, the valves of each coupling must be in their
closed positions.
[0037] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, coupling 10 includes an annular
bumper 160 that circumscribes at least pan of the interface 66, The bumper 160
protects the coupling 10 if the coupling 10 is dropped or dragged. The bumper 160 also
acts as a dust seal when the coupling 10 is operatively connected to the complementary

coupling 10A. The bumper 160 is comprised of an elastomeric materia! such as
neoprene.
[0038] In the embodiment depicted, a depressiblc button 164 is mounted to the
handle 62. A second interlock system (not shown) prevents rotation of the actuator 50
and valve 26 unless the button 164 is depressed, thereby further preventing
unintentional movement of the valve 26.
[0039] Referring to Figure 8, wherein like reference numbers refer to like
components from Figures 1-7, a coupling 200 having an alternative interlock
configuration is schematically depicted. The coupling 200 is substantially identical to
the coupling shown at 10 in Figures 1-7, except that the body 204 of coupling 200 does
not include the hole and pin shown at 98 and 212, respectively, in Figures 6 and 7.
Instead, body 204 defines a hole 208 that extends perpendicularly to holes 94, 104.
Hole 208 opens to one of the grooves 82 defined by one of the lips 84. A pin 212 is
positioned within the hole 208 and is selectively translatable therein.
[0040) Hole 208 partially intersects hole 94, which contains pin 108 (not shown
in Figure 8), such that a wide portion 216 of the pin 212 is contained within the groove
defined by segments 140C, 140D, 140E of pin 108, thereby preventing movement of
the pin 108, and, therefore, movement of the valve. A spring 220 biases the pin 212
such that the tip of the pin 212 is within the slot 85 and in the pathway of one of the
projections (shown at 70A in Figure 5) of coupling 10A when coupling 10A is engaged
with coupling 200. As one of the projections 70A rotates through the groove 82 during
engagement, the projection 70A urges the pin 212 further into hole 208, overcoming
the bias of the spring 216. When coupling 10A is fully engaged with coupling 200,
projection 70A has caused movement of pin 212 such that a narrow portion 224 of the
pin 212 is aligned with hole 94. The narrow portion 224 is sufficiently narrow not to
interfere with pin 108, and thus pin 108, and, correspondingly, the valve 26, is free to
move.
[0041] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described
in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various

altcrnativc designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.

We Claim:
1. A fluid coupling (10) comprising:
a body (12) defining a passageway (14);
a valve member (26) being selectively movable between a closed position
in which the valve member (26) obstructs the passageway (14) and an open position in
which the valve member (26) does not obstruct the passageway (14);
an interface (66) at which the body (12) is connectable to a
complementary coupling (10A); and
an interlock system (124) that permits movement of the valve member
(26) from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling
(10A) is connected to the body (12) at the interface (66), and that prevents movement of
the valve member (26) from the closed position to the open position when the
complementary coupling (10A) is not connected to the body (12) at the interface (66).
2. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 1, wherein the valve member
(26) is a ball valve defining a bore (34) therethrough; and wherein the bore (34) is
aligned with the passageway (14) when the valve member (26) is in the open position.
3. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 2, wherein the interface (66)
includes a sealing surface (74);
wherein the body (12) defines a first hole (94) open at the sealing surface
(74); and
wherein the fluid coupling (10) further comprises a pin (108) being
selectively movable within the first hole (94) between a retracted position and an
extended position;
wherein the pin (108) extends farther outward from the first bole (94) in
the extended position than in the retracted position; and
wherein the pin (108) is operatively connected to the valve member (26)
such that the pin (108) is in the extended position when the valve member (26) is in the

open position, and the pin (108) is in the retracted position when the valve member (26)
is in the closed position.
4. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 3, wherein the body (12) defines
a second hole (98);
wherein the interlock system includes an interlock member (128) that is
selectively movable within the second hole (98) between a first position and a second
position;
wherein the interlock member (128) is biased in the first position;
wherein the interlock member (128) is positioned with respect to the
interface (66) such that the complementary coupling (10A) maintains the interlock
member (128) in the second position when the complementary coupling (10A) is
engaged with the interface (66).
5. The fluid coupling 10 of claim 4, wherein the interlock member
(128) defines a first groove (154);
wherein the pin (108) defines a second groove (152);
wherein the body (12) defines an opening (144) between the first and
second holes (94, 98); and
wherein the coupling (10) further includes a locking member (148)
disposed within the opening (144).
6. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 5, wherein the interlock member
(128) is configured such that the first groove (154) is aligned with the opening (144) to
receive at least a portion of the locking member (148) when the interlock member (128)
is in the second position; and
wherein the interlock member (128) is configured such that the first
groove (154) is not aligned with the opening (144) to receive at least a portion of the
locking member (148) when the interlock member (128) is in the first position.

7. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 6, wherein the pin (108) is
configured such that the second groove (152) is aligned with the opening (144) to
receive at least a portion of the locking member (148) when the pin (108) is in the
retracted position; and
wherein the pin (108) is configured such that the second groove (152) is
not aligned with the opening (144) to receive at least a portion of the locking member
(148) when the pin (108) is in the extended position.
8. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 7, wherein movement of the
interlock member (128) between the first and second positions is parallel to movement
of the pin (108) between the extended and retracted positions.
9. The fluid coupling (200) of claim 4, wherein movement of the
interlock member (212) between the first and second positions is perpendicular to
movement of the pin (108) between the extended and retracted positions.
10. The fluid coupling (200) of claim 9, wherein the interface (66)
includes a lip (84) defining a slot (85); and wherein the interlock member (212) extends
into the slot (85) when in the first position.
11. A fluid coupling (10) comprising: .
a body (12) defining a passageway (14);
a valve member (26) being selectively movable between a closed position
in which the valve member (26) obstructs the passageway (14) and an open position in
which the valve member (26) does not obstruct the passageway (14);
an interface (66) at which the body (12) is connectable to a
complementary coupling (10A); and
an interlock system (124) that permits movement of the valve member
(26) from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling
(10A) is connected to the body (12) at the interface (66), and that prevents movement of

the valve member (26) from the closed position to the open position when the
complementary coupling (10A) is not connected to the body (12) at the interface (66);
and
wherein the interface (66) includes first and second projections (70), a
first arcuate slot (85) having a first enlarged opening (88), and a second arcuate slot
(85) have a second enlarged opening (88).
12. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 11, wherein the valve member
(26) is a ball valve defining a bore (34) therethrough; wherein the ball valve (26) is
selectively rotatable between the open and closed positions; and wherein the fluid
coupling (10) further comprises an actuator (50) having a handle (62) that is operatively
connected to the ball valve (26) for rotation therewith.
13. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 12, wherein the interface (66)
includes a sealing surface (74);
wherein the body (12) defines a first hole (94) open at the sealing surface
(74); and
wherein the fluid coupling (10) further comprises a pin (108) being
selectively movable within the first hole (94) between a retracted position and an
extended position;
wherein the pin (108) extends farther outward from the first hole (94) in
the extended position than in the retracted position; and
wherein the pin (108) is operatively connected to the valve member (26)
such that the pin (108) is in the extended position when the valve member (26) is in the
open position, and the pin (108) is in the retracted position when the valve member (26)
is in the closed position.
14. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 13, wherein the pin (108) defines
a plurality of teeth (112); wherein the actuator (50) includes at least a portion of gear

(116) in meshing engagement with said plurality of teeth (112) such that rotation of the
actuator (50) causes translation of the pin (108).
15. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 14, wherein the body (12)
defines a second hole (98);
wherein the interlock system (124) includes an interlock member (128)
that is selectively movable within the second hole (98) between a first position and a
second position;
wherein the interlock member (128) is biased in the first position;
wherein the interlock member (128) is positioned with respect to the
interface (66) such that the complementary coupling (10A) maintains die interlock
member (128) in the second position when the complementary coupling (10A) is
engaged with the interface (66).
16. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 15, wherein the interlock
member (128) defines a first groove (154);
wherein the pin (108) defines a second groove (152);
wherein the body (12) defines an opening (144) between me first and
second holes (94, 98); and
wherein the coupling (10) further includes a locking member (148)
disposed within the opening (144).
17. The fluid coupling (10) of claim 16, wherein the interlock
member (128) is configured such that the first groove (154) is aligned with the opening
(144) to receive at least a portion of the locking member (148) when the interlock
member (128) is in the second position; and
wherein the interlock member (128) is configured such that the first
groove (154) is not aligned with the opening (144) to receive at least a portion of me
locking member (148) when the interlock member (128) is in the first position.

ABSTRACT

A fluid coupling (10) includes a body (12) defining a
passageway (14), a valve member (26) that is
selectively movable between a closed position and an
open position, and an interface (66) at which the body
(12) is connectable to a complementary coupling (10A).
An interlock system (124) is configured to permit
movement of the valve member (26) from the closed
position to the open position when the complementary
coupling (10A) is connected to the body (12) at the
interface (66), and to prevent movement of the valve
member (26) from the closed position to the open
position when the complementary coupling (10A) is not
connected to the body (12) at the interface (66).