LOCKING MECHANISM FOR UNISEX BALL VALVE COUPLING

摘要

A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.

主权项

1. A unisex ball valve coupling comprising:
a body portion having an internal passage and an interface end that is configured to engage an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly, the interface end comprising a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of the interface end of the mating coupling half; a valve within the body portion, the valve having a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage, the valve further comprising a valve shaft that engages the valve body and rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position, the valve shaft having a first surface; a blocking member movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion; wherein in the blocking position the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and in the non-blocking position the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.