FR3139511A1 - Fuel connection - Google Patents

Abstract

Fuel connection (1, 2) intended to connect a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and adapted to adopt a coupled position in which the first fuel circuit is connected to the second fuel circuit and an uncoupled position in which the first fuel circuit is disconnected from the second fuel circuit, said fuel connection comprising: a fixed part (1) connected to the first fuel circuit, and a movable part (2) connected to the second fuel circuit and comprising means for coupling the movable part (2) with the fixed part (1), characterized in that the coupling means is constituted by a lever (10) pivotally mounted around an articulation axis (11) of the movable part (2) and comprising at least one means sliding (18) delimiting a path (23) and intended to grip at least a first lug (7) located on the fixed part (1) and a handle (19) capable of allowing the grip of the lever (10), said lever ( 10) being arranged so that when the at least one sliding means (18) encloses the at least one first lug (7) and traction is applied to the handle (19) in the direction of the movable part (2), the at least one first lug (7) slides along the path (23) delimited by the at least one sliding means (18) and the fuel connection (1, 2) adopts said coupled position. Figure 3

Description

Fuel connection FIELD OF INVENTION

The technical sector of the present invention is that of fuel connections making it possible to simultaneously connect the fuel lines of the fuel circuits of a vehicle to the vehicle engine. The invention particularly relates to fuel connections comprising a fixed part and a movable part intended to mate with the fixed part.

STATE OF THE ART

Fuel fittings are generally used to facilitate the connection of a vehicle's fuel system to the vehicle's engine. In the case, for example, where the vehicle includes a fuel inlet line and a fuel outlet line, this makes it possible to connect the two lines simultaneously and thus avoid alterations and malfunctions to the vehicle's engine.

Known fuel connectors consist of two parts intended to mate to connect the fuel circuit of the vehicle to the engine and to uncouple to disconnect the fuel circuit from the vehicle engine. A fixed part is generally connected to the fuel circuit and is fixed using four tapped holes on a sheet metal of the vehicle chassis. A mobile part is connected to the motor.

These fittings include hydraulic connectors such as ball connectors allowing the fuel lines to be connected together and thus ensuring the continuity of the fuel path between the fuel circuit and the engine.

The coupling is carried out by a wheel and worm screw system which turns female threaded pipes on male threaded pipes, which the user activates using a hexagonal key. Once the connection is connected, the system is locked by a stop plate at the level of a hexagonal end which activates the endless screw.

These connections are particularly specific to certain types of engines. They require special precautions during the coupling and uncoupling phases of the fixed and mobile parts. These phases occur for example when installing/removing the engine in the vehicle chassis, when connecting the engine to its animation bench or even when connecting the engine to the vehicle chassis.

The design of this type of fitting has some disadvantages that cause fuel leaks to occur when it is uncoupled. In addition, the connectors are not protected when the connection is uncoupled, which can lead to damage rendering it inoperable. Finally, the fitting requires an additional tool to couple and uncouple it, which complicates its handling.

The objective of the present invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a fuel connection that is easy to handle and has increased reliability.

• une partie fixe reliée au premier circuit carburant, et
• une partie mobile reliée au deuxième circuit carburant et comprenant un moyen d’accouplement de la partie mobile avec la partie fixe,

The invention therefore relates to a fuel connection intended to connect a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and capable of adopting a coupled position in which the first fuel circuit is connected to the second fuel circuit and an uncoupled position in which the first circuit fuel is disconnected from the second fuel circuit, said fuel connection comprising:

• a fixed part connected to the first fuel circuit, and
• a mobile part connected to the second fuel circuit and comprising means for coupling the mobile part with the fixed part,

characterized in that the coupling means is constituted by a lever mounted pivoting around an articulation axis of the movable part and comprising at least one sliding means delimiting a path and intended to grip at least a first lug located on the fixed part and a handle capable of allowing the lever to be gripped, said lever being arranged so that when the at least one sliding means encloses the at least one first lug and traction is applied to the handle in the direction of the movable part , the at least one first lug slides along the path delimited by the at least one sliding means and the fuel connection adopts said coupled position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sliding means is represented by a hook delimiting a curvilinear path in the involute of a circle having as center the articulation axis and defining a first sliding surface allowing the passage of the connector fuel from the uncoupled position to the coupled position and a second sliding surface allowing passage of the fuel connection from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the fuel connection also comprises a first means for locking the fuel connection in the coupled position represented by a second lug located on the movable part and intended to be housed in a bore of the lever when the connection fuel is in the coupled position so as to lock said fuel connector in the coupled position.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the fuel connector comprises a guide means capable of guiding the movable part during coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connector.

Advantageously, the guide means comprises on the one hand two recesses and a vertical plate located on the movable part and, on the other hand, a platform connected to the fixed part and comprising two side plates delimiting between them a slot, the two recesses and the vertical plate being of respectively complementary shape to the two side plates and the slot.

Advantageously, the platform is connected to the fixed part at a weakening zone of the platform so that the platform separates from the fixed part during an impact on the platform.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the lever comprises two lateral arms connected together at the level of the articulation axis by a handle, each lateral arm comprising a hook each intended to grip a first lug of the part fixed.

Advantageously again, at least one lateral arm comprises a light cooperating with a third lug located on the movable part so as to limit the movements of the lever.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, each of the fixed and movable parts comprises at least one fuel line connector comprising a valve arranged so as to prevent the flow of fuel from the fuel connection in the uncoupled position, the at least a connector of the mobile part being complementary and located opposite the at least one connector of the fixed part when the fuel connection is in the coupled position.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the mobile part comprises a means for docking the mobile part on the vehicle engine when the fuel connection is in the uncoupled position.

An advantage of the present invention lies in the easier handling of the fuel connection.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the fuel connector does not require additional tools to move from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the increased protection of fuel line connectors.

Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the absence of fuel leaks when the fuel connection is in the uncoupled position.

Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the ease of connection of the movable part and the fixed part of the fuel connection.

Other characteristics, advantages and details of the invention will be better understood on reading the additional description which follows in relation to the drawings in which:

is a view of the fixed part of the fuel connection,

is a view of the moving part of the fuel connection, and

is a view of the fuel connection in the coupled position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As described above, the invention relates to a fuel connection for connecting a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit. The fuel connection according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to connect the fuel tank of a vehicle to the vehicle's engine but also to connect two fuel tanks to each other.

The fuel connection is capable of adopting a coupled position and an uncoupled position.

In the context of the present invention, the term coupled position means the position in which the fuel connection ensures the connection of the first fuel circuit and the second fuel circuit. The fuel is thus able to circulate between the first fuel circuit connected for example to the fuel tank and the second fuel circuit for example connected to the engine.

In the context of the present invention, the term uncoupled position means the position in which the fuel connection ensures the disconnection of the first fuel circuit and the second fuel circuit. The fuel cannot then circulate between the fuel circuits. This position makes it possible, for example, to isolate the engine from the tank and the user can then carry out installation, removal and maintenance operations on the vehicle engine.

The fuel connection according to the invention comprises a fixed part 1 and a mobile part 2.

The fixed part 1 is connected to the first fuel circuit. It is capable of coupling with the mobile part 2 so as to form the fuel connection in the coupled position. This part is fixed in the sense that it is fixed on the vehicle, for example on the chassis of the vehicle, and cannot be moved in the context of its normal use.

The mobile part 2 is connected to the second fuel circuit. It is able to mate with the fixed part 1 to form the fuel connection in the coupled position. This part is mobile in the sense that it is not fixed to the vehicle but only connected to the second fuel circuit, for example by means of fuel lines. It is movable towards the fixed part 1, which allows it to be positioned opposite the fixed part 1 so as to form the connection in the coupled position. Its mobility also allows it to be uncoupled from the fixed part 1 so as to form the fuel connection in the uncoupled position.

There represents a profile view of the fixed part 1 of the fuel connection according to one embodiment of the invention.

The fixed part 1 has a front face intended to face the movable part 2, a rear face opposite the front face, a lower face, an upper face and two side faces.

The fixed part 1 comprises a body 3 connected to the first fuel circuit. It can be attached to the vehicle chassis (not shown on the ) by means of four fixing points 5 located on the side faces.

Body 3 encompasses and protects the fuel lines (not visible on the ) from the first fuel circuit. The body 3 can be made of any material having sufficient mechanical strength to ensure the integrity of the connectors 6 and the fuel lines in the event of an impact on the fixed part 1. The body 3 is for example made of metal.

Fuel line connectors 6 are located projecting at the front face of the fixed part 1. The connectors 6 are intended to be located opposite the connectors 12 of the mobile part 2 as will be explained below. The connectors 6 have a free end projecting from the body 3 and are complementary to the connectors 12 of the mobile part 2. Each connector 6 is capable of being connected in the body 3 to a fuel line.

According to this embodiment, the fixed part 1 comprises two male connectors 6, each connected to a fuel line of the fuel circuit of the vehicle. A first pipe allows for example the delivery of fuel from the first fuel circuit to the second fuel circuit and a second pipe allows the delivery of fuel from the second fuel circuit to the first fuel circuit. The two connectors 6 are preferably located on the same vertical axis so as to limit the bulk of the fuel connection.

The fixed part 1 comprises a platform 8 located between the connectors 6 and extending horizontally from the front face. In the embodiment shown, the platform 8 allows on the one hand the coupling of the movable part 2 with the fixed part 1 and, on the other hand, the guiding of the movable part 2 during coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connection.

When handling the fuel connection, the platform 8 is exposed and can receive shocks which could lead to its deformation or even breakage.

The platform 8 can be connected to the fixed part at the level of a weakening zone 28 of the platform 8. Thus in the event of an impact on the platform 8, the possible breakage or deformation of the platform 8 is controlled and it is then just necessary to replace platform 8 because any collateral damage to block 3 of fixed part 1 is avoided.

The platform 8 can for example be welded to the fixed part 1 while providing a weakening zone 28 at the weld level.

To do this, the platform 8 comprises two side plates 4 delimiting between them a slot 9. The platform 8 is located between the two connectors 6 of the fixed part 1.

The side plates 4 as well as the slot 9 are of respectively complementary shapes of recesses 15 made in the mobile part 2 and a vertical plate 16 (not visible in this figure) located on the fixed part 1. This particular configuration allows in in addition to guiding the mobile part 2 when coupling the fuel connection.

The side plates 4 each comprise a first lug 7 extending in the direction opposite to the slot 9. Each first lug 7 is intended to be gripped by a hook 18 of the movable part 2 so as to allow the coupling of the fuel connection . The first lug 7 has a round-shaped section facilitating its movements in the path 23 delimited by the hook 18 of the movable part 2.

More generally, the shape of the first lug 7 is complementary to the shape of the path 23 delimited by the hook 18 so as to facilitate the gripping of the first lug 7 as well as its movements in the path 23.

This embodiment of the invention comprises two first lugs 7 each located on a side plate 4. It goes without saying that the fuel connection according to the invention can comprise a single first lug 7 and therefore a single hook 18.

There represents an oblique view of the movable part 2 of the fuel connection according to one embodiment of the invention.

The movable part 2 has a front face intended to face the fixed part 1, a rear face opposite the front face, a lower face, an upper face and two side faces.

The mobile part 2 comprises a means of coupling with the fixed part 1. The coupling means is here represented by an operating lever 10 pivotally mounted around an articulation axis 11 secured to the mobile part 2.

The mobile part 2 also includes a plate enclosing connectors 12 and protecting them mechanically. The mobile part 2 has a first cage or front cage 13 enclosing the free front part of the connectors 12 and a second cage or rear cage 14 enclosing the rear part of the connectors 12.

The plate also provides mechanical support for the connectors 12 and protects them from possible shocks. Thus, it can be made of any material having sufficient strength to ensure the integrity of the connectors 12 in the event of an impact on the mobile part 2. The plate is for example made of metal.

The connectors 12 of the mobile part 2 are intended to be located opposite the connectors 6 of the fixed part 1 and are complementary to these. These are female connectors having a free end set back from the front face of the first cage 13 of the plate. In fact, the free end of the connectors 12 is not flush with the front surface of the mobile part 2, which protects them from possible shocks when the fuel connection is in the uncoupled position.

Each connector 12 is capable of being connected at its rear part to a fuel line. According to this embodiment, the two female connectors 12 of the mobile part 2 are each connected to a fuel line of the second fuel circuit. In the same way as for the fixed part 1, the two connectors 12 are located on the same vertical axis so as to limit the size of the fuel connection.

Recesses 15 separated by a vertical plate 16 are made in the first cage 13 of the plate of the movable part 2 so as to allow the movable part 2 to be guided relative to the fixed part 1 during coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connection.

The recesses 15 have a complementary shape to the side plates 4 of the fixed part 1 and the vertical plate 16 has a complementary shape to the slot 9 of the fixed part 1.

When coupling the fuel connection, the side plates 4 of the fixed part 1 fill the space left free in the plate by the recesses 15 of the movable part 2. The vertical plate 16 fills the space delimited by the slot 9 between the two side plates 4 of the fixed part 1.

This particular configuration also makes it possible to guide the movable part 2 horizontally and vertically relative to the fixed part 1 while limiting the bulk of the fuel connection in the coupled position.

The lever 10 consists of two lateral arms 17 located on either side of the lateral faces of the movable part 2. These arms 17 are connected to each other and pivotally relative to the movable part 2 at the level of an axis hinge 11 projecting from either side of the first cage 13 of the plate. This pivoting connection is for example made using suitable screws and nuts.

The upper ends of the lateral arms 17 are connected by a handle 19. This handle 19 also allows easier maneuvering of the movable part 2, but also to apply traction making it possible to pivot the lever 10 around the axis of joint 11.

On the embodiment shown in , the sliding means according to the invention is represented by a hook 18. In fact each of the lower ends of the lateral arms 17 is extended by a hook 18 extending from the lower end towards the fixed part 1 at an angle between 40° and 50° from the horizontal. Each hook 18 comprises a first sliding surface 26 and a second sliding surface 27 delimiting a path 23 between them.

The path 23 has an opening at the free end of this hook 18 and allows the hook 18 to grip the first lug 7.

Indeed, each hook 18 of each lateral arm 17 is intended to grip each first lug 7 of the fixed part 1.

Preferably, the path 23 has a curvilinear involute shape of a circle which makes it possible to reduce the forces necessary for coupling and uncoupling the fuel connection. The involute of a circle has a center represented by the hinge axis 11.

Thus, the first sliding surface 26 has a concave profile and the second sliding surface 27 a convex profile.

The hinge pin 11 is conveniently located in the middle part of the two lateral arms 17. When the hook 18 grips the first lug 7 at its free end and traction is applied to the handle 19 in the direction of the mobile part 2, the first lug 7 is engaged in the path 23 and slides along this path 23 until the fuel connection adopts the coupled position.

Thus, when passing the fuel connection from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, the first lug 7 takes support and slides along the first sliding surface 26. The curvilinear nature of the hook 18 makes it possible to gradually reduce the distance between the hinge pin 11 and the first lug 7 thus bringing the movable part 2 closer to the fixed part 1 while minimizing the efforts necessary for coupling the fuel connection.

Conversely, when moving the fuel connection from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, a force in the direction of the fixed part is applied to the lever. The first lug 7 is supported and slides along the second sliding surface 27 of the path 23. The curvilinear nature of the path 23 makes it possible to gradually increase the distance between the hinge pin 11 and the first lug 7, thus spreading the mobile part 2 of the fixed part 1 while minimizing the efforts necessary to uncouple the fuel connection.

At least one of the lateral arms 17 comprises a bore 20 intended to grip the second lug 22 of the movable part 2 when the fuel connection is in the coupled position. The cooperation between the drilling 20 and the second lug 22 makes it possible to hold the lever 10 in position and thus to lock the fuel connection in the coupled position.

At least one of the lateral arms 17 comprises a slot 25 cooperating with a third lug 24 located on the movable part 2 so as to limit the movements of the lever 10. This makes it possible to limit the rotary movements of the lever 10 in particular when the fuel connection is in position. uncoupled position.

The third lug 24 is for example located on the first cage 13 of the plate and extends from the lateral face of the movable part 2 towards the lateral arm 17. This lug cooperates with the contours of the slot 25 of the lateral arm 17 to limit the movements of lever 10.

There represents the fuel connection in the coupled position.

We can see the mobile part 2 which is pressed against the fixed part 1 and the fuel connection is locked in the coupled position by the first locking means.

The mobile part 2 can also include on one of its side faces a mooring means here represented by an opening 21 complementary to a notch (not shown) secured to the vehicle engine. This makes it possible to secure the mobile part 2 to the engine when the fuel connection is in the uncoupled position and to avoid improper handling which could damage the mobile part 2.

Thus, when coupling the fuel connection, the free end of the hook 18 comes to bear against the first lug 7 of the fixed part 1 and the movable part 2 is centered relative to the fixed part 1 using the vertical plate 16 and the slot 9. A force is then applied to the handle 19 in the direction of the movable part 2 and the combined effect of leverage and the gripping of the first lug 7 by the hook 18 ensures that the part movable 2 of the fuel connection is powerfully pressed against the fixed part 1 while securely engaging the male connectors 6 of the fixed part 1 in the female connectors 12 of the movable part 2.

Thanks to the guiding means, the connection of the mobile part 2 to the fixed part 1 is greatly facilitated.

The guiding means also makes it possible to limit the stresses suffered by the connectors 6 and 12 during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connection, which makes it possible to avoid any alterations to the connectors 6 and 12. Due to the complementarity of the shapes of the plates side plates 4 and recesses 15, the forces experienced by the fuel connection during coupling of the movable part 2 with the fixed part 1 are almost entirely absorbed by the recesses 15 of the movable part 2 and the side plates 4 of the fixed part 1.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a first locking of the fuel connection is produced. The complementary male 6 and female 12 connectors in fact comprise a second means of locking between them represented by a ball and spring system.

Connectors 6 and 12 are then coupled together and the vehicle's fuel circuit is connected to the engine. The particular design of the fuel connection according to the invention ensures that the coupling and uncoupling process does not require any additional tools.

The fuel connection is then held in the coupled position by the first locking means represented by the second lug 22 and the drilling 20.

The fuel connection is uncoupled by performing the reverse operations. The second lug 22 is removed from the drilling 20 and a force in the direction of the fixed part 1 is applied to the handle 19. The leverage effect is then reversed and the connectors 6 and 12 separate after the extraction of the first lug 7 from the path 23 of the hook 18. The movable part 2 is then moved away from the fixed part 1 and the fuel connection is found in the uncoupled position.

Each connector 6 and 12 may include valves to prevent fuel leaks from the fuel connection in the uncoupled position.

The embodiment of the invention shown in the figures is the preferred embodiment. During normal use of the fuel connection according to this embodiment, the lever 10 is initially oriented in a substantially vertical direction in order to allow the grip of the first lug 7 by the sliding means 18. However, the initial orientation of the lever 10 may vary depending on the integration constraints of the fuel connection which may be imposed on those skilled in the art.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described above. The fuel connection can in fact be in the form of a mobile part connected to the fuel circuit and a fixed part connected to the engine.

Likewise, each fixed and movable part may comprise a single or a plurality of fuel line connectors. The complementary arrangement of connectors in the form of male and female connectors may vary. The fixed part can in fact comprise female connectors and the mobile part male connectors. Each fixed and mobile part can also include a male connector and a female connector provided that a female connector is always opposite a male connector.

Note that the female connectors, whether located on the mobile part or on the fixed part, are always recessed in the fixed or mobile part in order to ensure their protection when the fuel connection is in the uncoupled position.

Claims (10)

Fuel connection (1, 2) intended to connect a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and adapted to adopt a coupled position in which the first fuel circuit is connected to the second fuel circuit and an uncoupled position in which the first fuel circuit is disconnected from the second fuel circuit, said fuel connection (1, 2) comprising:

• a fixed part (1) connected to the first fuel circuit, and
• a mobile part (2) connected to the second fuel circuit and comprising means for coupling the mobile part (2) with the fixed part (1),

characterized in that the coupling means is constituted by a lever (10) pivotally mounted around an articulation axis (11) of the movable part (2) and comprising at least one sliding means (18) delimiting a path (23) and intended to grip at least a first lug (7) located on the fixed part (1) and a handle (19) capable of allowing the lever (10) to be gripped, said lever (10) being arranged so that when the at least one sliding means (18) encloses the at least one first lug (7) and traction is applied to the handle (19) in the direction of the movable part (2), the at least one first lug ( 7) slides along the path (23) delimited by the at least one sliding means (18) and the fuel connection (1, 2) adopts said coupled position. Fuel connection (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sliding means (18) is represented by a hook (18) delimiting a curvilinear path (23) involute of a circle having as center the axis articulation (11) and defining a first sliding surface (26) allowing the passage of the fuel connection (1,2) from the uncoupled position to the coupled position and a second sliding surface (27) allowing the passage of the fuel connection (1,2) from the coupled position to the uncoupled position. Fuel connection (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also comprises a first means for locking the fuel connection (1, 2) in the coupled position represented by a second lug (22) located on the part movable (2) and intended to be housed in a bore (20) of the lever (10) when the fuel connection (1, 2) is in the coupled position so as to lock said fuel connection (1, 2) in the coupled position. Fuel connection (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a guiding means capable of guiding the movable part (2) during coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connection (1, 2). Fuel connection (1, 2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide means comprises on the one hand two recesses (15) and a vertical plate (16) located on the movable part (2) and, on the other hand share a platform (8) connected to the fixed part (1) and comprising two side plates (4) delimiting between them a slot (9), the two recesses (15) and the vertical plate (16) being of respectively complementary shape to the two side plates (4) and the slot (9). Fuel connection (1, 2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the platform (8) is connected to the fixed part (1) at a weakening zone (28) of the platform (8) so as to what the platform (8) separates from the fixed part (1) during an impact on the platform (8). Fuel connection (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (10) comprises two lateral arms (17) connected together at the level of the articulation axis (11) and by a handle (19), each lateral arm (17) comprising a hook (18) each intended to grip a first lug (7) of the fixed part (1). Fuel connection (1, 2) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one lateral arm (17) comprises a slot (25) cooperating with a third lug (24) located on the movable part (2) so as to limit the movements of the lever (10). Fuel connection (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the fixed (1) and movable (2) parts comprises at least one fuel line connector (6, 12) comprising a valve arranged so as to prevent the flow of fuel from the fuel connector (1, 2) in the uncoupled position, the at least one connector (12) of the movable part (2) being complementary and located opposite the at least one connector (6 ) of the fixed part (1) when the fuel connection (1, 2) is in the coupled position. Fuel connection (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable part (2) comprises a means (21) for docking the movable part (2) on the vehicle engine when the connection fuel (1, 2) is in the uncoupled position.