WO2020254212A1

WO2020254212A1 - Semi dry break valve and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2020254212A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/066402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kieron Bradley; Alistair DRURY; Darren WOODHEAD
Original assignee: Castrol Limited
Priority date: 2019-06-20
Filing date: 2020-06-12
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: GB201908859D0

Abstract

A valve assembly (110) includes first (120) and second (160) valve members. The first valve member includes a plunger (150) coupled to a first housing (122). The plunger is movable between a closed position in which the plunger is disposed in a fluid passage (125) provided by a conduit (124) in the housing and an open position in which the plunger is outside of the passage. When in the closed position, the plunger is circumferentially engaged with a seal (128) on an interior wall of the conduit. The second valve member includes a spigot (190) coupled to a second housing (162). The spigot has an exterior wall (194) surrounding a fluid path (195) and a support surface (196). The spigot is movable into the conduit of the first housing such that the support surface holds the plunger in the open position, the exterior wall circumferentially engages the seal, and the fluid path of the spigot provides fluid access through the conduit.

Description

SEMI DRY BREAK VALVE AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Fluid transfers systems are an integral part of a variety of different industrial processes and machinery. Power generation systems, sewage and water treatment systems, vehicles, manufacturing systems, and agricultural systems, are just a few of the many fields that rely on robust systems for transferring fluids from one component or structure to another. In many scenarios, the ability to connect and disconnect the fluid transfer system may be an important requirement. For instance, a mobile fluid tank that receives fluid at one location and delivers fluid at another location needs to frequently connect and disconnect a fluid transfer system in order to receive and deliver the fluid.

[0002] In many instances, allowing the fluid to leak or spill is undesirable, and in some cases must be entirely avoided. To address this concern, dry break systems allow two components to be connected and then disconnected without any leakage of the fluid that is transferred. These types of connections are especially important where the fluid being transferred is of very high value, or where leakage of the fluid would contaminate the surrounding area. For example, the leakage of certain waste products is often prohibited by law or other regulation. In such scenarios, dry break fluid transfer systems may be used to guarantee that no leakage of fluid occurs.

[0003] Conventional dry break fluid transfer systems are typically very complicated and costly. In many applications, while fluid leakage is undesirable, a guaranteed avoidance of fluid leakage by redundant components and overly complicated connections is unnecessary. OVERVIEW

[0004] Disclosed herein are valve assemblies for coupling two valve members so as to allow fluid to flow between the valve members. The valve assemblies described herein may also be referred to as coupling assemblies. Beneficially, the valve members are configured to limit any leakage when the valve members are connected or disconnected without requiring a complex system of parts. Instead, the valve members described herein can achieve a semi dry break system with relatively few parts.

[0005] Thus, in a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve assembly comprising: a first valve member comprising:

a first housing including a conduit defining a fluid passage;

a first seal disposed on an interior wall of the conduit and surrounding the fluid passage;

a plunger coupled to the first housing, the plunger being moveable between: a closed position in which the plunger is disposed in the fluid passage so as to prevent fluid transfer therethrough and is circumferentially engaged with the first seal, and

an open position in which the plunger is disposed outside of the fluid passage and disengaged from the first seal; and

a second valve member configured to mate with the first valve member, the second valve member comprising:

a second housing, and

a spigot coupled to the second housing, the spigot comprising:

an exterior wall surrounding a fluid path, and a support surface disposed at an end of the spigot,

wherein the spigot is movable into the conduit of the first housing, and

wherein, when the spigot is disposed in the conduit, the support surface holds the plunger in the open position, the exterior wall circumferentially engages the first seal, and the fluid path of the spigot provides fluid access through the fluid passage of the conduit.

[0006] In one embodiment, the exterior wall of the spigot includes an opening providing fluid access to the fluid path of the spigot.

[0007] In another embodiment, the spigot includes a closed surface covering the end, and wherein the support surface is part of the closed surface.

[0008] In another embodiment, the support surface includes a conical section, and wherein an end of the plunger includes a complementary conical section.

[0009] In another embodiment, the spigot is attached to the second housing via an elastic member so as to allow lateral deflections of the spigot with respect to the second housing.

[0010] In another embodiment, the first housing includes a first guide and the second housing includes a second guide, wherein the first and second guides include respective mating surfaces configured to align the dock spigot and plunger prior to contact between the support surface of the dock spigot and the plunger.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first valve member includes a second seal disposed on the interior wall of the conduit and surrounding the fluid passage,

wherein the plunger is circumferentially engaged with the second seal when the plunger is in the closed position. [0012] In another embodiment, the exterior wall of the spigot is circumferentially engaged with the second seal when the spigot is disposed in the conduit.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second seal is spaced from the first seal along the length of the conduit, and wherein a wall of the conduit between the first seal and second seal includes a textured surface configured to retain liquid.

[0014] In another embodiment, relative movement between components of each valve member is limited to movement between components of the first valve member.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first valve member includes a spring coupled to the plunger, and wherein the spring is configured to urge the plunger toward the closed position.

[0016] In another embodiment, the first housing includes an opening that provides fluid access to the fluid passage defined by the conduit, and

wherein the plunger blocks the opening when the plunger is disposed in the closed position.

[0017] In another embodiment, the first housing is injection molded.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid transfer system comprising: a fluid container comprising a container housing defining a fluid reservoir and a filter chamber configured to receive a fluid filter;

a dock configured to receive the fluid container and including a dock housing;

first, second, and third valve assemblies according to the disclosure wherein the first housing of each of the valve assemblies is formed by the container housing of the fluid container and the second housing of each of the valve assemblies is formed by the dock housing, wherein the first valve assembly provides a fluid inlet from the dock to the filter chamber of the fluid container,

wherein the second valve assembly provides a fluid outlet from the filter chamber of the fluid container to the dock, and

wherein the third valve assembly provides a fluid path between the fluid reservoir of the fluid container and the dock.

[0019] In one embodiment, the spigot of at least one of the valve assemblies is a floating spigot that is coupled to the dock housing via an elastic member so as to allow lateral deflections of the floating spigot with respect to the dock housing.

[0020] In another embodiment, the distance between the closed position and the open position of the plunger of each of the first, second, and third valve assemblies is the same.

[0021] In another embodiment, the fluid container is an oil cell, and wherein an oil filter is disposed in the filter chamber.

[0022] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a vehicle including the fluid transfer system of the disclosure.

[0023] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of transferring fluid using a valve assembly according to the disclosure, the method comprising:

providing a first component with the first valve member of the valve assembly;

providing a second component with the second valve member of the valve assembly; engaging the plunger of the first valve member with the support surface of the spigot of the second valve member; and inserting the spigot into the conduit of the first housing so as to push the plunger from the closed position to the open position, wherein inserting the spigot into the conduit provides fluid access through the fluid passage via the fluid path of the spigot.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method includes transferring fluid between the first component and the second component through the valve assembly at a pressure of at least 1 kPa.

[0025] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the methods and devices of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements may be distorted for clarity. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross section of a valve assembly in a first position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 is the valve assembly of FIG. 1 in a second position;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section of a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section of a first valve member of a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the first valve member of FIG. 4; [0032] FIG. 6 is an apparatus including a valve assembly in a first position according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0033] FIG. 7 is the apparatus of FIG. 6 including the valve assembly in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Example and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example” and“exemplary” are used herein to mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an“example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0035] The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0036] As used herein, with respect to measurements,“about” means +/- 5 %.

[0037] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms“first,”“second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a“second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a“first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a“third” or higher-numbered item.

[0038] Reference herein to“one embodiment” or“one example” means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrases“one embodiment” or“one example” in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.

[0039] As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being“configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being“adapted to” and/or as being“operative to” perform that function.

[0040] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these particulars. In other instances, details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an example embodiment of a valve assembly for transferring fluid between two components. The ability for fluid to move through the components of the valve assembly is indicated by arrows when the passages through the assembly are open. However, the paths depicted by the arrows are merely illustrative and the fluid may flow along other paths through the valve components, for example, in the opposite direction of that which is shown.

[0042] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a valve assembly 110 that includes a first valve member 120 and a second valve member 160. The first valve member 120 includes a first housing 122 and a plunger 150 that is coupled to the first housing 122. The first housing 122 may form a part of a larger apparatus that incorporates the first valve member 120, such as a fluid storage container as described in more detail below. Alternatively, the first housing 122 may be relatively small, for example the first housing 122 may be the structural outer portion of a fluid coupling, such as at the end of a pipe or hose.

[0043] The first housing 122 includes a conduit 124 that defines a fluid passage 125 through the first housing 122. The fluid passage 125 formed by the conduit 124 provides fluid access from within the first housing 122 to the surrounding area, or to a component, such as the second valve member 160, that is coupled to the first valve member 120. Thus, in some embodiments, the end of the conduit 124 may be open to the outer surface of the first housing 122.

[0044] The fluid passage 125 that is formed by the conduit 124 is specifically defined by an interior wall 126 of the conduit 124. The housing 122 further includes a first seal 128 on the interior wall 126 that entirely surrounds the fluid passage 125. This allows the conduit 124 to be completely sealed when an appropriately sized component is disposed within the conduit 124 and engages the first seal 128.

[0045] For example, plunger 150 is movable between a closed position in which the plunger 150 is disposed in the fluid passage 125 to an open position in which the plunger 150 is disposed outside of the fluid passage 125. The length or extent of the fluid passage 125 as described herein is only limited in its capacity to provide an opening through which fluid may flow when it is unblocked and to hinder flow of fluid when it is blocked. Thus, as in housing 122, the fluid passage 125 may only comprise a portion of an extended conduit, where movement of the plunger 150 to a different area of the conduit allows fluid to flow through the fluid passage 125.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plunger 150 may be moveable along a linear path from retracted location when the plunger 150 is in the open position to an extended location when the plunger 150 is in the closed position. For example, the plunger 150 may be retracted into a storage compartment 152 when it is removed from the fluid passage 125, and then extended into fluid passage 125 when the valve is closed to fluid flow. In some embodiments the plunger 150 may include a projection 154 and the storage compartment 152 may include a corresponding restricted opening to prevent the plunger 150 from being entirely removed from the storage compartment 152. Accordingly, the plunger 150 may be free to move within a range between the retracted and extended locations, but also be prevented from moving further outward.

[0047] The second valve member 160 includes a second housing 162 and a spigot 190 that is coupled to the second housing 162. Similar to the first housing 122, the second housing 162 may form a part of a larger apparatus that incorporates the second valve member 160, such as a fluid container dock as described in more detail below. Alternatively, the second housing 162 may be relatively small, for example the second housing 162 may be the structural outer portion of a fluid coupling, such as at the end of a pipe or hose. It may be noted, that the size of the first housing 122 and second housing 162 do not need to match. For example, first housing 122 may be part of a larger structure, while second housing 162 may be a small coupling structure, or the reverse.

[0048] The spigot 190 may include an exterior wall 194 that surrounds a fluid path 195. For example, spigot 190 may have a substantially hollow tubular shape formed by the exterior wall 194, where the interior of the hollow tube forms the fluid path 195. The spigot 190 may also include a support surface 196 at an end thereof. In particular, in some embodiments, the support surface 196 may be disposed at the distal end of the spigot 190, i.e., at the opposite end of where the spigot 190 is connected to the second housing 162.

[0049] The valve assembly 110 is configured such that, when the first valve member 120 is coupled to the second valve member 160, the spigot 190 is disposed within the conduit 124 of the first housing 122 and the plunger 150 is in the open position and outside of the fluid passage 125. In particular, the valve assembly 110 may be configured such that the spigot 190 is movable into the conduit 124 of the first housing 122 as the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 are coupled to one another. When the spigot 190 is disposed in the conduit 124 of the first housing 122, the support surface 196 of the spigot 190 may hold the plunger 150 in the open position. Further, the spigot may also be positioned such that the exterior wall 194 of the spigot 190 circumferentially engages with the first seal 128 in the first housing 122. As a result, fluid flow around the spigot 190, between the spigot 190 and the conduit 124 is prevented. Instead, fluid is directed through the fluid path 195 that is provided within the exterior wall 194 of the spigot 190. [0050] Thus, while the plunger 150 of first valve member 120 prevents flow through fluid passage 125 when it is disposed in the conduit 124 of first housing 122, the spigot 190 has the opposite effect. In particular, when the spigot 190 is disposed in the conduit 124, it provides a fluid path 195 through the fluid passage 125, and thereby opens the connection of the valve assembly 110.

[0051] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first valve member 120 is positioned above second valve member 160 and connection between the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 occurs by relative vertical movement of these parts, for example, by a lowering of the first valve member 120. In other embodiments, however, the orientation of the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 may be entirely different. For example, the valve assembly 110 may be oriented horizontally, with the first valve member 120 disposed beside the second valve member 160 and the coupling of the two valve members may occur by way of a relative horizontal movement. Likewise, the first valve member 120 may be disposed under the second valve member 160. Furthermore, regardless of the orientation of the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160, in various embodiments the fluid may flow in either direction, i.e., from the first valve member 120 to the second valve member 160, or from the second valve member 160 to the first valve member 120. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the fluid may intermittently flow in both directions.

[0052] In an example embodiment the exterior wall 194 of the spigot 190 includes an opening 192 providing fluid access to the fluid path 195 of the spigot 190. For example, the spigot 190 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a plurality of openings 192 disposed around the circumference of the exterior wall 194. When the spigot 190 is disposed within the conduit 124 of first housing 122, these openings 192 allow fluid to flow between the fluid path 195 in the spigot 190 and the first housing 122. Moreover, this fluid communication between the fluid path 195 within the spigot 190 and the first housing 122 likewise provides fluid communication between the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160, thereby permitting fluid flow through the valve assembly 110.

[0053] In an example embodiment the end of the spigot 190 is covered by a closed surface that forms the support surface 196. In particular, the end of the spigot 190 may be entirely closed off across the entire width of the spigot 190 such that fluid cannot flow through the end of the spigot 190. For example, the spigot 190 may be formed as a hollow shell with the exterior wall 194 being capped at the end by the closed-off support surface 196. Having the support surface 196 be completely closed and extend across the entire width of the spigot 190 allows the end of the spigot 190 to come into contact with an opposing end of the plunger 150 when the valve assembly 110 is open. Accordingly, the two ends may be kept flush against one another and avoid contact with any fluids passing through the valve assembly 110. This avoidance of the fluid by the end of the plunger 150 and spigot 190 reduces the opportunity for fluid to from the valve components as the valve assembly is separated.

[0054] In other embodiments, the end of the spigot 190 is open to fluid flow therethrough. For example, the support surface 196 at the end of the spigot 190 may include openings to allow fluid to pass therethrough when the spigot 190 is disposed within the conduit 124 of first housing 122. In other embodiments, the support surface 196 may be entirely disconnected from the exterior wall 194 of the spigot 190, and the exterior wall 194 may have an open end. For example, the support surface 196 may be formed by the end of a central post that is surrounded by, but detached from, the exterior wall 194. In such an embodiment, fluid may flow directly into the fluid path 195 through the open end of the exterior wall 194. [0055] In one example embodiment, the support surface includes a conical section, and an end of the plunger includes a complementary conical section. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. Valve assembly 310, shown in FIG. 3, includes a first valve member 320 and a second valve member 360. Similar to valve assembly 110, the first valve member 320 includes a first housing 322 and a plunger 350. Likewise, the second valve member 360 includes a second housing 362 and a spigot 390. The spigot 390 is configured to be movable into a conduit 324 in the first housing 322 and displace the plunger 350, which opens the valve assembly 310 by providing a fluid path 395 through the fluid passage 325 via the interior of the spigot 390.

[0056] The support surface 396 of spigot 390 includes a convex conical surface around its outer edge. Likewise, in the area where support surface 396 is configured to come into contact with the end of plunger 350, the plunger end has a complementary concave conical surface. In other embodiments, the orientation of the convex and concave complementary conical surfaces can be reversed. Moreover, the positioning of the convex and concave conical surfaces can be specifically selected in view of the characteristics of the fluid being transferred through the valve assembly 310 as well as the orientation of the valve assembly 310 in order to minimize spillage or dripping. For example, in embodiments where one of the valve components is above the other, when the upper component has a concave conical surface, i.e., the conical surfaces are “pointing up” as in valve assembly 310, that concave conical surface has a tendency to distribute and retain any residual liquid disposed thereon. In contrast, in embodiments where the upper component has a convex conical surface, i.e.“pointing down” that surface has a tendency to promote dripping of any residual liquid on the surface. In some embodiments the selection of whether the conical surface“points up” or“points down” can be based on the characteristics of the fluid. For example, in systems using a viscous fluid with high surface tension, the upper valve member may advantageously utilize a concave conical surface, because there is a high probability that the residual liquid can successfully be retained on the surface. In contrast, when the fluid has a very low viscosity and low surface tension, the upper component may

advantageously utilize the convex surface, in order to promote dripping during or immediately after disengagement of the valve members and before the fluid can be spilled.

[0057] In an example embodiment, at least one of the closed surface of the spigot and an end of the plunger includes an absorbent volume. The absorbent volume may be formed of a fibrous, porous, or other absorbent material that retains fluid in order to reduce or prevent dripping when the valve assemblies are separated. In some embodiments, the absorbent volume may be compressible. Accordingly, when the first and second valve members are connected, the absorbent volume is compressed and holds little or no fluid. As the valve members are separated, the absorbent volume may expand and collect fluid to reduce or prevent dripping.

Such an absorbent volume is shown in FIG. 3. In particular, absorbent volume 355 is disposed on an end of the plunger 350 to gather any fluid around the interface between the plunger 350 and spigot 390 as the first valve member 320 and second valve member 360 are separated. In other embodiments, the absorbent volume 355 may be disposed on the spigot 390. Still, in other embodiments, an absorbent volume 355 may be included on both the plunger 350 and the spigot 390.

[0058] In an example embodiment, the spigot includes a variable volume, so as to be expandable when the spigot is disposed outside of the conduit of the first housing. For example, the spigot 390 in FIG. 3 includes a variable volume 398 that collapses when the spigot 390 is disposed in the conduit 324 of the first housing 320 but may expand when the spigot 390 is not disposed in the conduit 324. The expansion of the variable volume 398 of the spigot 390 allows the spigot 390 to hold a larger amount of fluid when the spigot 390 is not disposed in the conduit 324. Accordingly, the variable volume 398 provides a location for any excess fluid flowing through the valve assembly to drain into when the first valve member 320 and second valve member 360 are separated. In some embodiments, the variable volume 398 may be provided by a bellows or other flexible section along the perimeter wall of the spigot.

[0059] In an example embodiment, the spigot is attached to the second housing via an elastic member so as to allow lateral deflections of the spigot with respect to the second housing. For example, in valve assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, spigot 190 is held in a frame 164 that is attached to the second housing 162 through an elastic member 166 around the circumference of the frame 164. The elastic member 166 allows the frame 164 and spigot 190 to undergo small lateral deflections as the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 are coupled to one another. Without such a floating arrangement, any small variance in the position of the spigot 190 can result in an over-constrained system in which the spigot is difficult to insert into the conduit 124. In some embodiments, the lateral deflections permitted by the elastic member 166 are no more than 1mm. The word lateral, as used herein, is defined as perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160 as the valve assembly 110 is connected.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the first housing 122 includes a first guide 132 and the second housing 162 includes a second guide 172. The first guide 132 and second guide 172 are configured so as to align the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 as the two valve members are connected. In particular the first guide 132 includes a first mating surface 134 that engages the second mating surface 174 of the second guide 172 during connection of the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160. In some embodiments, the first guide 132 and second guide 172 are configured to align the spigot 190 and the plunger 150 before there is any contact between the support surface 196 and the plunger 150.

[0061] In an example embodiment, the first valve member 120 includes a second seal 130 disposed on the interior wall 126 of the conduit 124. Similar to the first seal 128, the second seal 130 surrounds the fluid passage 125. In some embodiments, the plunger 150 may be configured to circumferentially engage with both the first seal 128 and the second seal 130 when it is disposed in the closed position. Likewise, the spigot 190 may also be configured such that the exterior wall 194 circumferentially engages with both the first seal 128 and the second seal 130. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plunger 150 and the spigot 190 engage both the first seal 128 and the second seal 130. Each of the plunger 150 and spigot 190 moves sufficiently far into the conduit 124 to engage both seals. Thus, as the valve assembly 110 is connected or disconnected, the two seals, i.e., the first seal 128 and second seal 130 are effectively passed from the plunger 150 to the spigot 190 and vice versa. In other embodiments, either of the plunger 150 or the spigot 190 may engage only one of the two seals. For example, in some embodiments, the plunger 150 may engage both the first seal 128 and the second seal 130, while the spigot 190 only engages the first seal 128. Likewise, in other embodiments, the spigot may engage both the first seal 128 and the second seal 130, while the plunger only engages the first seal 128. In such an embodiment, the positions of the first seal 128 and the second seal 130 may be switched from what is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such that the second seal 130 is closer to the outer opening of the conduit 124 and the first seal 128 is further interior in the first housing 122.

[0062] In an example embodiment, the second seal may be spaced from the first seal along the length of the conduit and the wall of the conduit may include a textured surface that is configured to retain liquid. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which depict another embodiment of a first valve member 420. Similar to the previously described embodiments, first valve member 420 includes a first housing 422 and a plunger 450. Further, the first housing 422 includes a conduit 424 that defines a fluid passage 425 near the outlet of the first housing 422. The interior wall 426 of the conduit 424 includes a first seal 428 and a second seal 430 that are configured to engage the plunger 450 and a cooperating spigot as the valve members are connected and disconnected. The first seal 428 and the second seal 430 are spaced apart from one another along the length of the conduit 424. In some embodiments, the two seals may be spaced apart by at least 1 cm, in other embodiments the two seals may be positioned closer. Between the first seal 428 and the second seal 430 the interior wall 426 of the conduit 424 may be textured in a manner that is configured to retain liquid. Thus, as the plunger 450 or spigot move out of the conduit 424, the textured surface of the interior wall 426 may retain any liquid disposed in the gallery between the two seals and effectively clean the plunger 450 and/or spigot as they are removed from the seals. In particular, the textured surface of the interior wall 426 may remove liquid from the surface of the spigot as it is moved out of the conduit 424 when the valve members are being disconnected.

[0063] In some embodiments, this textured surface may be formed by projections that extend radially inward so as to contact the outer surface of the plunger and/or spigot. For example, interior wall 426 of first valve member 420 includes a number of small projections 442 that extend radially inward within the gallery between the first seal 428 and the second seal 430. In other embodiments, the interior wall of the conduit may have a roughened surface without any portions that are intended to contact the outer surfaces of the spigot or plunger. [0064] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the textured surface of the interior wall 426 is part of an elastic sleeve 440 that is disposed in the conduit and includes both the first seal 428 and the second seal 430. In other embodiments, the seals may be formed by o-rings or discrete sealing elements, and the textured surface may be formed directly on the surface of the housing.

[0065] In an example embodiment, relative movement between the components of each valve member is limited to movement between components of the first valve member. For example, in the valve assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160 are connected, there is only relative movement between the components of the first valve member 120. Specifically, the plunger 150 moves with respect to the first housing 122. In contrast, there is no relative movement between the components of the second valve member 160. As stated herein, the relative movement is defined as movement of more than 3mm. Thus, the relative movement described herein does not include small deflections that may be imparted to the spigot 190 in order to adjust for manufacturing tolerances. However, no components of the second valve member 160 undergo intentional and substantial movements between one another as the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 are connected. This ability of the valve assembly 110 to provide a fluid connection while confining relative movements to the first valve member 120 is advantageous over more complicated dry break couplings, where both valve members have moving components.

[0066] Confining relative movements between components of the valve members to only those components in the first valve member 120 allows the construction of the valve assembly 110 to be significantly less complicated than other systems where both valve members have moving parts. Moreover, this less complicated system is easier to manufacture and thus less costly. Furthermore, because only components within the first valve member 120 are moving relative to one another, the force needed to make the connection between the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160 is comparably low.

[0067] In an example embodiment, the first valve member 120 includes a spring 158 coupled to the plunger 150. The spring 158 is configured to urge the plunger 150 toward the closed position. Thus, when the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160 are connected, the spring 158 pushes the plunger 150 into the closed position thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the first housing 122 via the fluid passage 125. On the other hand, when the first valve member 120 and second valve member 160 are connected, the support surface 196 of the spigot 190 pushes the plunger 150 compressing the spring 158 so as to move the plunger 150 out of the fluid passage 125.

[0068] The spring may be a metal spring, such as the coil spring shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other embodiments, the spring may be another type of spring. For example, in some

embodiments the spring 158 may be a pneumatic spring including compressed air within a piston and cylinder arrangement. Likewise, in some embodiments the spring may be a magnetic spring. In other embodiments, the movement of the plunger 150 into the closed position may be achieved by other means. For example, in some embodiments, the plunger 150 may be urged into the closed position by the force of gravity. In other embodiments, the plunger 150 may be urged into the closed position by a controlled electromagnetic force, for example by a solenoid.

[0069] In an example embodiment, the first housing 122 includes an opening 136 that provides fluid access to the fluid passage 125 that is defined by the conduit 124, and the opening 136 is blocked by the plunger 150 when the plunger 150 is disposed in the closed position. The opening 136 is provided on a side of the conduit 124 and thus provides a fluid path into the fluid passage 125 that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plunger 150. Thus, as the plunger 150 moves into the conduit 124, the exterior wall 194 of the plunger 150 moves across the opening 136 blocking access to the fluid passage 125.

[0070] In an example embodiment, the first housing 122 and the second housing 162 may lock together after the first valve member 120 is connected to the second valve member 160. For example, the first housing 122 may include a latch that engages a cooperating structure on the second housing 162 thereby locking the first housing 122 and second housing together 162. By locking the two housings together, and thereby securing the two valve members together, the valve assembly 110 can operate at high pressures without risking disengagement between the first valve member 120 and the second valve member 160.

[0071] In an example embodiment, the first housing 122 is injection molded. Further, in some embodiments, each of the first housing 122, second housing 162, plunger 150 and spigot 190 is injection molded. Injection molding provides strong components that are accurate and cost effective to manufacture. In other embodiments, one or more of the components may be cast or milled. Other manufacturing methods are also possible. Moreover, any combination of the above-described features and components of the various embodiments of the valve assembly that are shown in FIGS. 1-4 and/or described above can be included in a specific embodiment of a valve assembly. For example, an embodiment may include the absorbent material 355 of FIG. 3 and the small projections 442 of FIG. 4 and might not include the conical surface 392 or variable volume 398 of FIG. 3. Likewise any other combination of the described features is possible.

[0072] The valve assembly of the disclosure may be used in a wide variety of fluid transfer systems. For example, the valve assembly may be used for connecting two fluid lines together, or for connecting a fluid line to a stationary structure or container, or for connecting a container to larger structure such as a dock for the container. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a fluid transfer system that includes specific components used with the valve assembly described herein.

[0073] FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically depict an example embodiment of a fluid transfer system that includes a plurality of the valve assemblies according to the disclosure. The fluid transfer system 600 has a fluid container 602 that includes a container housing 622 defining a fluid reservoir 604 and a filter chamber 606 configured to receive a fluid filter 608. The fluid transfer system 600 also includes a dock 661 that is configured to receive the fluid container 602 and includes a dock housing 662. The fluid transfer system 600 also includes a plurality of valve assemblies according to any of the embodiments described herein. In each case, the container housing 622 forms the first housing of the first valve member 620 of the corresponding valve assembly and the dock housing 662 forms the second housing of the second valve member 660. Further, for each valve assembly, a plunger 650 is coupled to the container housing 622 and a spigot 690 is coupled to the dock housing 662. Moreover, any combination of the above- described features and components of the various embodiments of the valve assembly can be included in one or more of the valve assemblies of the fluid transfer system 600.

[0074] In an example embodiment, the fluid transfer system 600 includes a first valve assembly 612, a second valve assembly 614, and a third valve assembly 616. The first valve assembly 612 provides a fluid inlet from the dock 661 to the filter chamber 606 of the fluid container 602. The second valve assembly 614 provides a fluid outlet from the filter chamber 606 of the fluid container 602 to the dock 661. The third valve assembly 616 provides a fluid path between the fluid reservoir 604 of the fluid container 602 and the dock 661. In operation, when the fluid container 602 is received in the dock 661, the respective spigots 690 of the first valve assembly 612, second valve assembly 614, and third valve assembly 616 are inserted into the respective conduits 624 so as to provide a fluid path through the respective fluid passages 625. Accordingly, fluid can be transferred into and out of the container through the first valve assembly 612, second valve assembly 614, and third valve assembly 616 when the fluid container 602 is received on the dock 661.

[0075] In an example embodiment, the spigot 690 of at least one of the valve assemblies 612 is a floating spigot that is coupled to the dock housing 662 via an elastic member 666 so as to allow lateral deflections of the floating spigot 690 with respect to the dock housing 662. In contrast, one or more of the spigots may have a constrained connection including a rigid engagement with the dock housing 662. For example, one or more of the spigots may be threaded into the dock housing 662. In some embodiments, no more than one valve assembly in the fluid transfer system 600 has a constrained connection, and each of the other spigots have a floating connection.

[0076] In example embodiment, the distance between the closed position and the open position of the plunger 650 of each of the first valve assembly 612, second valve assembly 614, and third valve assembly 616 is the same. In other words, the plunger 650 of each of the valve assemblies moves the same distance as the fluid container 602 is inserted into the dock 661.

[0077] In an example embodiment, the fluid container 602 of the fluid transfer system 600 is an oil cell and the fluid filter 608 is an oil filter.

[0078] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle including the fluid transfer system of the disclosure. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the fluid transfer system 600 disposed in a vehicle 601. In some embodiments, the fluid container 602 of the fluid transfer system 600 is an oil cell that may provide lubricating oil from the fluid reservoir 604 to the engine of the vehicle via the first valve assembly 612. Furthermore, the fluid transfer system 600 may also be used to filter the lubricating oil by circulating the oil through the fluid filter 608 using the inlet provided by valve assembly 614 and the outlet provided by valve assembly 616.

[0079] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of transferring fluid using a valve assembly according to the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 880 according to an example embodiment. As shown by block 882, the method may involve providing a first component with a first valve member of the valve assembly of the disclosure. Further, the method may also involve, as shown by block 884, providing a second component with a second valve member of the valve assembly. The first and second components may be any one of various structures that exchange fluids with one another. For example, in an example embodiment, the first component may be a fluid container and the second component may be a dock for the fluid container, as described in more detail above.

[0080] As shown by block 886, the method may also involve engaging the plunger of the first valve member with the support surface of the spigot of the second valve member. Further, as shown by block 888, the method may involve inserting the spigot into the conduit of the first housing so as to push the plunger from the closed position to the open position, where inserting the spigot into the conduit provides fluid access through the fluid passage via the fluid path of the spigot.

[0081] In an example embodiment, the method includes transferring fluid between the first component and the second component through the valve assembly at a pressure of at least 300 kPa. [0082] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, Figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0083] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly comprising:

a first valve member comprising:

a first housing including a conduit defining a fluid passage;

a second housing, and

a spigot coupled to the second housing, the spigot comprising:

an exterior wall surrounding a fluid path, and

a support surface disposed at an end of the spigot, wherein the spigot is movable into the conduit of the first housing, and

2 The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the exterior wall of the spigot includes an opening providing fluid access to the fluid path of the spigot.

3. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spigot includes a closed surface covering the end, and wherein the support surface is part of the closed surface.

4. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support surface includes a conical section, and wherein an end of the plunger includes a complementary conical section.

5. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the closed surface of the spigot and an end of the plunger includes an absorbent volume.

6. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spigot includes a variable volume, so as to be expandable when the spigot is disposed outside of the conduit of the first housing.

7. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spigot is attached to the second housing via an elastic member so as to allow lateral deflections of the spigot with respect to the second housing.

8. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first housing includes a first guide and the second housing includes a second guide, wherein the first and second guides include respective mating surfaces configured to align the spigot and plunger prior to contact between the support surface of the spigot and the plunger.

9. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first valve member includes a second seal disposed on the interior wall of the conduit and surrounding the fluid passage,

wherein the plunger is circumferentially engaged with the second seal when the plunger is in the closed position.

10. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the exterior wall of the spigot is circumferentially engaged with the second seal when the spigot is disposed in the conduit.

11. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second seal is spaced from the first seal along the length of the conduit, and wherein a wall of the conduit between the first seal and second seal includes a textured surface configured to retain liquid.

12. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein relative movement between components of each valve member is limited to movement between components of the first valve member.

13. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first valve member includes a spring coupled to the plunger, and wherein the spring is configured to urge the plunger toward the closed position.

14. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first housing includes an opening that provides fluid access to the fluid passage defined by the conduit, and wherein the plunger blocks the opening when the plunger is disposed in the closed position.

15. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first housing is injection molded.

16. A fluid transfer system comprising:

a fluid container comprising a container housing defining a fluid reservoir and a filter chamber configured to receive a fluid filter;

a dock configured to receive the fluid container and including a dock housing; and first, second, and third valve assemblies, each as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first housing of each of the valve assemblies is formed by the container housing of the fluid container and the second housing of each of the valve assemblies is formed by the dock housing,

wherein the first valve assembly provides a fluid inlet from the dock to the filter chamber of the fluid container,

17. The fluid transfer system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the spigot of at least one of the valve assemblies is a floating spigot that is coupled to the dock housing via an elastic member so as to allow lateral deflections of the floating spigot with respect to the dock housing.

18. The fluid transfer system as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the distance between the closed position and the open position of the plunger of each of the first, second, and third valve assemblies is the same.

19. The fluid transfer system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fluid container is an oil cell, and wherein an oil filter is disposed in the filter chamber.

20. A vehicle including the fluid transfer system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19.

21. A method of transferring fluid using a valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising:

providing a first component with the first valve member of the valve assembly;

providing a second component with the second valve member of the valve assembly; engaging the plunger of the first valve member with the support surface of the spigot of the second valve member; and

inserting the spigot into the conduit of the first housing so as to push the plunger from the closed position to the open position, wherein inserting the spigot into the conduit provides fluid access through the fluid passage via the fluid path of the spigot.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising transferring fluid between the first component and the second component through the valve assembly at a pressure of at least 300 kPa.