Automatic quick coupling for loading arm
By designing an automatic quick-connect coupling for loading arms and adopting an automated operation structure controlled by an electric push rod, the problems of low efficiency, high labor intensity, and high safety risks in manual operation have been solved. It achieves rapid connection and disconnection, is suitable for automated loading and unloading systems, and improves the loading and unloading efficiency and safety in the petrochemical and chemical industries.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LIANYUNGANG TIANBANG TECH DEV CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing loading arm quick couplings suffer from low efficiency, high labor intensity, high safety risks, limited applicability, and difficulty in handling emergencies when operated manually.
An automatic quick coupling for loading arms was designed, which uses an electric push rod and controller to achieve automated operation. It includes a connecting seat, a movable sleeve, an outer sleeve, an inner sealing ring, and a steel ball groove. Automatic locking and disengagement are achieved by controlling the electric push rod.
It enables rapid connection and disconnection, improves work efficiency, reduces labor intensity and safety risks, adapts to various working conditions, reduces human error, and is suitable for automated loading and unloading systems.
Smart Images

Figure CN224172452U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of quick coupling technology, specifically an automatic quick coupling for loading arms. Background Technology
[0002] Quick-connect couplings for loading arms are essential components installed at the end of loading arms, enabling quick and efficient connection and disconnection with containers such as tank trucks. They are widely used in industries requiring fluid loading and unloading, such as petrochemicals, chemicals, and food processing. Their main functions include:
[0003] Quick Loading and Unloading: Quick couplings enable rapid connection and disconnection between the loading arm and the tank truck interface, significantly reducing fluid loading and unloading time. Excellent Sealing: Ensures no fluid leakage during loading and unloading, crucial for production safety and environmental protection. Adaptable to Different Working Conditions: Different industries and operating environments have different requirements for fluid loading and unloading; quick couplings are available in various specifications and types, allowing selection based on actual needs. Safety Guaranteed: During loading and unloading, quick couplings effectively prevent static electricity buildup, avoiding safety accidents such as fires and explosions caused by static electricity. Easy Maintenance: Quick couplings have a relatively simple structure, facilitating inspection, repair, and replacement of parts in case of wear or damage during use.
[0004] Manual operation of loading arm quick couplings has certain drawbacks, as follows:
[0005] In terms of efficiency, the connection and disassembly speed is slow: When manually operating the loading arm quick coupling, the operator needs to complete multiple steps in sequence, such as aligning the interface, inserting, rotating and tightening or loosening, etc. Especially when the loading and unloading tasks are busy, this step-by-step operation will consume a lot of time and reduce the overall loading and unloading efficiency.
[0006] High labor intensity: Manual operation often requires operators to exert considerable physical strength, especially for large or heavy quick couplings, where repeated connection and disassembly work easily leads to operator fatigue. In a high-intensity working environment, employee efficiency decreases as fatigue increases, thus affecting the efficiency of the entire loading and unloading process.
[0007] Safety aspects: High risk of human error: Manual operation relies on the operator's skill and attention. In actual work, operators may experience loose connections or incomplete disassembly due to fatigue, negligence, or lack of proficiency. This could lead to fluid leaks, causing not only material loss but also environmental pollution, and even serious safety accidents such as fires and explosions.
[0008] Difficulty in handling emergencies: In emergency situations (such as fires, leaks, etc.) requiring rapid shut-off of fluid supply, manual operation has a relatively slow reaction time. Operators may not be able to accurately and quickly complete the disassembly or closure of connections in the first instance, thus delaying the best opportunity for emergency response and causing the accident's impact to escalate further.
[0009] In terms of applicable scenarios, it is greatly limited by the environment: in some harsh working environments, such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, and strong corrosion, manual operation becomes more difficult. It also requires high operator skills: different types of loading arm quick couplings have different operating methods and requirements, and new employees need a certain period of training to master the operating techniques. If the operator's skills are not proficient, improper operation may occur, affecting the smooth progress of loading and unloading operations.
[0010] The applicant has many years of experience in the professional research of loading arm quick couplings. In order to solve the drawbacks of manual quick couplings as described above, an automatic loading arm quick coupling was designed. Utility Model Content
[0011] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background art, this utility model provides an automatic quick coupling for loading arms, and the technical solution adopted is as follows:
[0012] An automatic quick coupling for loading arms includes a connecting seat, a movable sleeve, an outer sleeve, an outer sealing ring, and an inner sealing ring. The connecting seat is connected to the fixed seat by bolts.
[0013] An outer sealing ring is provided between the connecting seat and the fixed seat for sealing.
[0014] A spring is installed between the connecting seat and the movable sleeve for the movement of the movable sleeve;
[0015] The outer cover seat slides up and down on the fixed seat.
[0016] An inner sealing ring is provided between the movable sleeve and the fixed seat for sealing.
[0017] The mounting base is provided with a steel ball groove, and the steel ball is placed in the steel ball groove;
[0018] The retaining sleeve is installed on the fixed seat by a limit bolt.
[0019] The core improvements of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] The electric actuator is mounted on a fixed base to provide thrust, and the telescopic rod of the electric actuator is connected to the outer casing.
[0021] The electric actuator is used to move the outer sleeve up and down. The pin passes through the hole in the electric actuator and the hole in the outer sleeve, and the pin is fixed in the hole of the pin. The electric actuator is controlled by a controller and can be operated remotely. The control of the electric actuator is a conventional method for those skilled in the art, and the applicant will not elaborate on it here.
[0022] This structure enables automatic loosening and locking of the quick-connect male connector and is mainly used on loading and unloading arms.
[0023] This utility model has the following effects:
[0024] Automatic loading arm quick couplings are advanced fluid loading and unloading connection devices that offer numerous significant advantages over traditional manual quick couplings:
[0025] By using this invention, efficient and rapid connection and disconnection can be achieved. The automatic quick coupling for loading arms enables automated and rapid docking and disconnection, greatly shortening loading and unloading time. In the material loading and unloading process of industries such as petrochemicals and chemicals, the automatic quick coupling can complete the connection or disconnection action within seconds, significantly improving work efficiency compared to manual operation, reducing vehicle waiting time, and increasing logistics turnover speed.
[0026] With strong continuous operation capabilities, the automatic quick-connect coupling can be integrated into automated loading and unloading systems, enabling collaborative operation and continuous operation with other equipment. In automated production lines or large-scale warehousing and logistics centers, it can work closely with equipment such as conveying pipelines, pumps, and valves, achieving automated control of the entire loading and unloading process through the control system, reducing manual intervention, and improving production efficiency and operational continuity.
[0027] Safe and reliable, reducing the risk of human error: Automated quick couplings, through automated operation and precise positioning devices, ensure accurate connections every time, effectively avoiding problems such as loose connections and leaks caused by improper manual operation. This advantage is particularly important in scenarios involving the loading and unloading of flammable, explosive, toxic, or hazardous fluids, significantly reducing the probability of accidents and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.
[0028] Reduced labor intensity and manpower input: The automated operation of automatic quick couplings significantly reduces manual operations and lowers the need for a large number of operators. In large-scale loading and unloading operations, companies can reduce labor costs and avoid the impact of insufficient staff or fatigue on work efficiency and quality.
[0029] Easy and comfortable to operate: For operators, the automatic quick-connect coupling is much simpler to use. Operators can connect and disconnect the coupling simply by using control buttons or a remote control system, eliminating the need for heavy physical labor, improving working conditions and reducing labor intensity. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the present invention in its return-to-position state.
[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the present invention in its locked state;
[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1 Connecting seat; 2 Outer sealing ring; 3 Fixed seat; 4 Spring; 5 Outer seat; 6 Inner sealing ring; 7 Movable sleeve; 8 Limit bolt; 9 Stop sleeve; 10 Steel ball; 11 Pin; 12 Pin shaft; 13 Electric push rod; 14 Bolt. Detailed Implementation
[0035] Example 1
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown:
[0037] An automatic quick coupling for loading arms includes a connecting seat 1, a movable sleeve 7, an outer sleeve 5, an outer sealing ring 2, and an inner sealing ring 6.
[0038] The connecting seat 1 is connected to the fixed seat 3 by bolt 14;
[0039] Outer sealing ring 2 is disposed between connecting seat 1 and fixed seat 3;
[0040] Spring 4 is installed between connecting seat 1 and movable sleeve 7;
[0041] Outer cover 5 slides up and down on the fixed base 3.
[0042] Inner sealing ring 6 is disposed between movable sleeve 7 and fixed seat 3;
[0043] The fixed base 3 is provided with a steel ball groove, and the steel ball 10 is placed in the steel ball groove;
[0044] The retaining sleeve 9 is installed on the fixed base 5 by the limiting bolt 8.
[0045] The electric actuator 13 is mounted on the fixed base 3 to provide thrust, and the telescopic rod of the electric actuator 13 is connected to the outer casing 5;
[0046] The electric push rod 13 is used to push the outer casing 5 up and down.
[0047] The pin 12 passes through the hole in the electric push rod 13 and the hole in the outer sleeve 5, and the pin is inserted into the hole in the pin 12 for fixation.
[0048] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0049] like Figure 2 As shown: When the automatic loading arm connector is in the return position, the electric push rod 13 is in a non-working state, the cylinder rod is inside, the movable sleeve 7 is pushed out under the action of the spring 4, and the steel ball 10 can move within the space of the outer sleeve seat 5.
[0050] like Figure 3 As shown: When the male quick connector is inserted into the automatic quick connector, it pushes the movable sleeve 7 inward against it. When the groove of the male quick connector enters the position of the steel ball 10, the controller controls the electric push rod 13 to extend. The electric push rod 13 drives the outer sleeve 5 to move outward, and at the same time pushes the steel ball 10 into the groove of the male quick connector, realizing the automatic locking function.
[0051] When the male quick-connect coupling needs to be disengaged from the automatic quick-connect coupling, the controller retracts the electric push rod 13, which moves the outer sleeve 5 inward. Simultaneously, the steel ball can move within the steel ball groove of the outer sleeve 5. The steel ball 10 can then disengage from the male quick-connect coupling groove, thus disengaging the male quick-connect coupling. The movable sleeve 7 is pushed out by the spring 4, allowing the steel ball 10 to move within the steel ball groove of the outer sleeve.
[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. An automatic quick coupling for loading arms, comprising a connecting seat (1), a movable sleeve (7), an outer sleeve (5), an outer sealing ring (2), and an inner sealing ring (6), The connecting seat (1) is connected to the fixed seat (3) by bolts (14); An outer sealing ring (2) is provided between the connecting seat (1) and the fixed seat (3); Spring (4) is installed between connecting seat (1) and movable sleeve (7); Outer cover (5), the outer cover (5) slides up and down on the fixed base (3), An inner sealing ring (6) is provided between the movable sleeve (7) and the fixed seat (3); The fixed base (3) is provided with a steel ball groove, and the steel ball (10) is placed in the steel ball groove; The retaining sleeve (9) is mounted on the fixed base (5) by a limiting bolt (8), characterized in that, An electric push rod (13) is mounted on a fixed base (3) to provide thrust. The telescopic rod of the electric push rod (13) is connected to the outer casing (5). The electric push rod (13) is used to push the outer casing (5) up and down.
2. The automatic quick coupling for loading arms as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pin (12) passes through the hole of the electric push rod (13) and the hole of the outer sleeve (5), and the pin is inserted into the hole of the pin (12) for fixation.