Latch system and method for fluid line coupling

Abstract

Latch systems and methods for fluid line coupling. The latch system includes a coupling having a connector and a port, the connector and the port providing a coupling as a mating fluid connection. The main latch secures the connector to the port. The secondary latch secures the connector to the port and ensures engagement of the primary latch. The secondary latch includes a latch arm that is movable into the connector and ensures that the primary latch is in a latched position. The auxiliary latch comprises a locking plate located on a latch arm. The lock plate engages the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to locking fluid line connections, and more particularly to systems and methods including a secondary latch to ensure a secure connection between two portions of a fluid line, such as at a disconnect coupling. Background Art

[0002] In various types of machinery, equipment, and other devices, many types of fluid conveyance lines can be employed as conduits for conveying fluid flow and / or pressure. Disconnectable connectors can be employed to provide a convenient way to assemble and disassemble one section of a fluid line from another. For example, quick connectors can be employed, where a socket (coupling body) on a separate section of a fluid conduit receives a spigot (coupling plug) on one section of a fluid conduit using a latch mechanism to hold the two portions together and allow fluid to flow between the two sections. In various applications and without the use of specialized tools, quick connect fittings are commonly used as a way to quickly connect and disconnect pipes and hoses. The latch mechanism can be disconnectable such that the plug can be selectively removed from the socket. The latch mechanism can be a snap-type spring, ring, or ball latch mechanism that automatically locks the two halves of the connector fitting when they are pushed together. A disconnect sleeve or button can be employed to disengage the latch and unlock the connection. Other quick connect fittings may not include a latch.

[0003] Because connectors can be designed to provide a convenient and ergonomic connection method, quick closure is preferred. Typically, the plug is simply inserted and seated in the socket. For fluid line connectors, there is a risk that the fitting is not fully inserted, becomes loose, or separates, which can result in leakage or improper fluid conveyance. Therefore, a method for ensuring a secure connection is needed.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a fluid line connector for a system having a closure mechanism that ensures the connection can only be closed when the connector is fully secured. Additionally, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A latch system and method for fluid line coupling are provided. In various embodiments, the latch system includes: a coupling having a connector and a port, the connector and port together providing the coupling as a mating fluid connection. A primary latch secures the connector to the port. A secondary latch secures the connector to the port and ensures engagement of the primary latch. The secondary latch includes a latch arm that is movable into the connector and ensures the primary latch is in a latched position. The secondary latch includes a locking tab located on the latch arm. The locking tab engages the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector, and the primary latch and secondary latch are fully secured.

[0006] In another embodiment, the secondary latch has a body, where a latch arm extends from the body and a handle extends from the body. The handle is for manipulating the secondary latch to secure the secondary latch.

[0007] In another embodiment, the secondary latch has a body and a latch arm extends from the body in a selected direction. The latch system includes a spacer extending from the body in another direction opposite to the selected direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the port is formed with a shaft. The secondary latch has a pair of legs clamped on the shaft.

[0009] In another embodiment, the port has a shaft and a flange formed around the shaft. The primary latch includes a clip that clamps the connector onto the port against the flange.

[0010] In another embodiment, when the coupling is fully engaged, the locking arm of the secondary latch extends beyond the connector and serves as a disengaging member of the secondary latch from the connector.

[0011] In another embodiment, the secondary latch has a body in a semi-cylindrical shape. The port includes a shaft and the body is clamped on the shaft.

[0012] In another embodiment, the latch arm has a terminal. The port has a hollow shaft and a flange on the outer side of the shaft. The terminal engages the flange to ensure that the shaft is fully engaged within the connector.

[0013] In another embodiment, the port has a shaft and a flange on the outer side of the shaft. The primary latch has a clip with a bent section that engages the shaft near the flange to fix the port and the connector together. The latch arm of the secondary latch has a terminal that engages the flange to ensure that the bent section seats against the shaft at the flange.

[0014] In another embodiment, the connector has a bell portion and a tube portion. The primary latch is contained within the bell portion and the secondary latch is configured to be inserted into the bell portion. The secondary latch has a locking tab that engages the bell portion to fix the coupling together.

[0015] In a plurality of additional embodiments, a method of coupling fluid lines with a latch system includes: constructing a mating fluid connection according to a coupling having a connector and a port. The primary latch secures the connector to the port. The secondary latch secures the connector to the port. The secondary latch ensures that the primary latch engages. The latch arm of the secondary latch moves into the connector. The secondary latch ensures that the primary latch is in a latched position. A locking tab on the latch arm of the secondary latch engages the connector to lock the secondary latch within the connector.

[0016] In another embodiment, a body is provided on the secondary latch. A latch arm extends from the body. A handle extends from the body. The handle is manipulated to secure the secondary latch.

[0017] In additional embodiments, the latch arm and the spacer extend from the body of the secondary latch in opposite directions.

[0018] In additional embodiments, the port is configured to have a shaft. The secondary latch has a pair of legs. The secondary latch is clamped onto the shaft by the legs.

[0019] In additional embodiments, the port is configured to have a shaft and a flange formed around the shaft. The primary latch is configured to have a clip. The clip is used to clamp the connector onto the port, and the primary latch is positioned against the flange.

[0020] In additional embodiments, when the coupling is fully engaged, the latch arm of the secondary latch extends beyond the connector. The secondary latch is disengaged from the connector by the latch arm.

[0021] In additional embodiments, the secondary latch is configured to have a body in the shape of a semi-cylinder. The shaft is included as part of the port. The body of the secondary latch is clamped onto the shaft.

[0022] In additional embodiments, the latch arm is configured to have a terminal. The port is configured to have a hollow shaft and a flange on the outer side of the shaft. The terminal engages the flange to ensure that the shaft is fully engaged within the connector.

[0023] In additional embodiments, the port is configured to have a shaft and a flange on the outer side of the shaft. The primary latch is configured to have a clip with a curved section. The curved section engages the shaft near the flange to fix the port and the connector together. The terminal of the latch arm engages the flange to ensure that the curved section seats against the shaft at the flange.

[0024] In a number of other embodiments, a latch system for fluid line coupling in a vehicle includes: a coupling having a connector and a port on the vehicle. The connector and the port together form the coupling as a mating fluid connection. The primary latch fixes the connector to the port. The secondary latch also fixes the connector to the port and is used to ensure that the primary latch is engaged. The secondary latch includes a latch arm that moves into the connector. The latch arm includes a terminal that engages the port to ensure that the primary latch is in the latched position. The secondary latch includes a locking tab located on the latch arm. The locking tab engages the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements, and where:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a fluid line coupling latch system according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 is in the primary latch state according to various embodiments Figure 1 A diagram of the connection of the means of transport;

[0028] Figure 3 is in a secondary latch state according to various embodiments Figure 2 A diagram of the connection of the means of transport;

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 A plan view illustration of various aspects of a primary latch of a connector of a vehicle;

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method for Figure 1 A three-dimensional illustration of various aspects of a secondary latch of a connector of a vehicle;

[0031] Figure 6 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A plan view illustration of a secondary latch of a connector of a vehicle; and

[0032] Figure 7 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A cross-sectional illustration of a fluid line connection latch system for a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , shows an example of a vehicle 100 having a latch system 102 for a coupling 104 in a fluid line 106. Figure 1 As depicted, vehicle 100 generally includes a structure including a body 108, which is supported on wheel assemblies 110, such as by a suspension assembly (not shown). Body 108 can be of various types defining a physical shape for a desired purpose. Body 108 substantially surrounds the components of vehicle 100 and defines an outer surface, and wheel assemblies 110 are each rotatably coupled near respective corners of body 108. In various embodiments, vehicle 100 can be a front-wheel drive vehicle as shown, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or an all-wheel drive vehicle with any number of wheels, however, other drive arrangements are contemplated.

[0035] The propulsion of the vehicle 10 (such as on a road) is provided by a propulsion system 112. The propulsion system 112 can be any one of various types such as: electric, internal combustion, hybrid, or others. The torque generated by the propulsion system 112 is transmitted to the wheel assembly 110 through a driveline 114. The driveline 114 includes a plurality of torque transmission elements that can be coupled to any number of wheel assemblies 110. In this embodiment, the propulsion system 112 is coupled to the front wheel assembly 110 through a pair of half shafts of the driveline 114.

[0036] In the current embodiment, the propulsion system 112 uses a fluid such as fuel and is coupled to a fluid tank 118 through a fluid line 106. The propulsion system 112 is connected to the fluid line 106 through a coupling 104. The coupling 104 is associated with a port 120 on the propulsion system 112. In this embodiment, the port 120 is an engine port through which fuel is delivered from the fluid tank 118 to the propulsion system 112. In multiple embodiments, the port 120 can be any element configured to be coupled to a mating element of the coupling 104 to provide a fluid communication connection. For example, the port 120 can be a connector, plug, tube, socket, or other structure. The connection between the port 120 and the fluid line 106 through the coupling 104 is fixed by a latch system 102, which is described in more detail below.

[0037] Additionally referring to Figure 2 And continuing to refer to Figure 1 , the coupling 104 includes a port 120, a connector 122, and a latch system 102. The latch system 102 includes a main latch (described below) hidden within the connector 122 in the Figure 2 view and includes a secondary latch 124. The port 120 includes a shaft 126 and a bead 128. The shaft 126 is tubular and hollow to direct the fluid, and the bead 128 is shaped as an annular ring around the outer side of the shaft 126 and can be formed as an integral part thereof.

[0038] The connector 122 includes a fitting housing 130, which includes various components described below. In multiple embodiments, the secondary latch 124 is located on the port 120, particularly on the shaft 126 of the port 120, and is slidable along the shaft 126. As Figure 2 shown, the shaft 126 of the port 120 is in the process of being inserted into the fitting housing 130 of the connector 122 and is currently inserted up to the bead 128.

[0039] The secondary latch 124 includes a body 132 in the shape of a semi-cylinder and includes a pair of legs 134, 136 such that it is clamped onto the shaft 126 of the port 120. The secondary latch 124 further includes a pair of latch arms 140, 142 that extend from the body 132 and are configured to be inserted into the fitting housing 130. The latch arms 140, 142 have corresponding locking tabs 144, 146 that are configured to lock into the fitting housing 130. The secondary latch 124 also includes a handle 147 that extends from the body 132 in a direction (radially) away from the shaft 126. With respect to the coupling 104, the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the center of the fluid passage through the coupling 104 and outward, while the longitudinal direction is the direction along or parallel to the center of the fluid passage. The handle 147 is configured to be grasped by an operator and manipulated to slide the secondary latch 124 along the shaft 126. The secondary latch 124 further includes a spacer 148 that extends (longitudinally) from the body 132 on the side opposite the handle 147 and extends along the shaft 126 to space the handle 147 from the propulsion system 112 such that the handle 147 can be easily accessed and grasped. It should be understood that the handle 147 can be manipulated by a human operator or a machine operator.

[0040] As Figure 3 shown, the port 120 is further inserted into the fitting housing 130 of the connector 122. The latch arms 140, 142 extend into the fitting housing 130, and the handle 147 is positioned adjacent to the fitting housing 130. The locking tabs 144, 146 are located inside the fitting housing 130 to hold the port 120 and the secondary latch 124 in place. This ensures that the port 120 is fully inserted into the connector 122. Using the handle 147 for insertion helps to visually confirm whether the port 120 is fully inserted to ensure a secure connection.

[0041] Referring Figure 4 to, the port 120 is shown without the secondary latch 124 and with the primary latch 152 in a fixed position relative to the port 120. In this view, the primary latch 152 is removed from the fitting housing 130 of the connector 122 where it normally resides to demonstrate the relative positions for a corresponding full connection. The port 120 includes a shaft 126 and a flange 128. The shaft 126 includes a terminal 154 that is spaced from the flange 128 and is at the forefront when the connector 122 is coupled to the port 120.

[0042] The primary latch 152 includes a ring 156 through which the shaft 126 extends, and the ring 156 is located between the flange 128 and the terminal 154. A plurality of clips 158 extend from the ring 156. In the current embodiment, there are four clips 158, three of which are Figure 4is visible. Each clip 158 includes a segment 160 that extends radially outward from the loop 156 and a segment 162 that extends from the segment 160 and is bent at an angle 164 relative to the segment 160. The angle 164 causes the segment 162 to extend away from the terminal 154 and to be disposed obliquely relative to the axis 126. Another segment 166 extends from the segment 162 and is bent at an angle 168. The angle 168 causes the segment 166 to extend from the angle 164 toward the terminal 154 and causes the segment 166 to extend obliquely relative to the axis 126. A bent segment 170 is provided at the end of the segment 166 opposite the angle 168. The bent segment 170 turns radially outward relative to the axis 126. When the port 120 is fully moved into the connector 122, the shape of the clip 158 is such that the bent segment 170 is in a position of being clamped on the flange 128 and is also disposed against the axis 126.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the secondary latch 124 is shown separately in perspective and plan views to show its various details. These details include the body 132, the leg clips 134, 136, the latch arms 140, 142, the locking tabs 144, 146, the handle 147, and the spacer 148. As shown, it can be seen that the body 132 is semi-cylindrical in shape. Also visible is an opening 172 defined between the leg clips 134, 136, which allows the secondary latch 124 to be clamped on the axis 126 of the port 120 as shown in Figure 2 . The latch arms 140, 142 include respective segments 174, 176 that lead (longitudinally) from the body 132 to respective terminals 178, 180 formed by U-bends, and reverse segments 182, 184 extend (longitudinally) back from the terminals 178, 180 toward the body 132. The locking tabs 144, 146 are formed on the segments 174, 176 and extend radially outward therefrom.

[0044] Referring to Figure 7 , for visibility, the fully assembled and latched latch system 102 is shown in cross-section, including the area within the fitting housing 130. The port 120 is fully inserted into the connector 122, and both the primary latch 152 and the secondary latch 124 are latched. The primary latch 152 is shown in its normal receiving position within the fitting housing 130. The secondary latch 124 is shown in its latched and locked state, where the locking tabs 144, 146 are seated against the interior of the fitting housing 130.

[0045] The fitting housing 130 includes a bell portion 186 and a tube portion 188. The bell portion 186 includes an opening 190 through which the port 120 extends after being inserted therethrough. The bell portion 186 includes a wall 192 surrounding the opening, the wall 192 extending radially and shaped as an annulus, providing mating elements for engagement of the locking tabs 144, 146. When the port 120 is inserted through the opening 190, the locking tabs 144, 146 and / or the latch arms 140, 142 bend radially inwardly to enter, and when the port 120 is fully inserted, they bend radially outwardly against the locking tabs 144, 146 to engage the interior of the bell portion 186 at the wall 192.

[0046] The fitting housing 130 houses the main latch 152 in the bell portion 186. When the port 120 is fully inserted into the connector 122, this action causes the bent section 170 of the clip 158 to be set against the shaft 126 and against the flange 128, being clamped on the flange 128 when the port 120 is fully moved into the connector 122. This engages the port 120 by the main latch 152 to hold the connector 122 on the port 120. In an embodiment, the connector 122 can be removed from the port 120, such as for maintenance purposes, and a disengaging tool (not shown) can be used to extend the latch arms 140 to disengage from the flange 128.

[0047] The tube portion 188 of the fitting housing 130 includes a guide 194 having a bevel 196 facing the opening 190 to center and align the port 120 when coupling with the connector 122. Inside the guide 194, the tube portion 188 houses a pair of seals 198, 200 separated by a spacer 202. The seals can be elastomeric O-ring seals and can engage the shaft 126 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the connector 122 and the port 120. The port 120 includes an opening 204 through the shaft 126, and the fitting housing 130 includes an opening 206 extending through the entire length of the fitting housing 130 such that fluid can move through the coupling 104.

[0048] To accomplish a reliable and secure connection of the coupling 104, the port 120 and the connector 122 come together as the terminal 154 of the shaft 126 enters the opening 190. The terminal 154 of the shaft 126 moves through the opening 190 of the bell portion 186. The primary latch 152 is located within the bell portion 186 and the terminal 154 moves through the interior of the bend section 170. The terminal 154 is then guided by the ramp 196 of the guide 194 to a central position within the connector 122. Next, the terminal 154 moves through the seals 198, 200. Substantially simultaneously, the flange 128 moves through the primary latch 152, thus deploying the clip 158. When fully inserted as shown, the bend section 170 is clamped onto the flange 128 and the primary latch 152 is secured. However, in the event of incomplete insertion, the clamping action does not occur.

[0049] To ensure that the clamping action of the primary latch 152 occurs, the secondary latch 124 slides along the shaft 126 such that the latch arms 140, 142 enter the opening 190. As manipulated by the handle 147 ( Figure 5 ), the secondary latch 124 moves and the terminals 178, 180 will contact the flange 128 and, if not fully clamped, will move the flange 128 into position such that the bend section 170 is clamped in place near the flange 128 and moves against the shaft 126. This ensures that the primary latch 152 is fully secured. Substantially simultaneously, the tabs 144, 146 move out of the opening 190 and bend outwardly, locking the secondary latch 124 within the connector 122. As a result, the secondary latch 124 ensures that the primary latch 152 is fully engaged and the tactile feedback (such as a latching action) on the handle 147 alerts the operator that the secondary latch 124 is fully engaged and locked. Thus, the connection provided by the coupling 104 is secure and leak - free. In some embodiments, the secondary latch 124 may be attached to the connector 122 rather than to the port 120 to be ready for use prior to engaging the coupling 104.

[0050] To decouple the coupling 104, such as when maintenance of the fluid line 106 or the propulsion system 112 is required, the latch arms 140, 142 (especially a portion of the segments 174, 176) extend beyond the opening 190 and remain accessible. The latch arms 140, 142 can be pressed together to move the tabs 144, 146 radially inward to a position where they will exit and move through the opening 190. The handle 147 can be used to slide the secondary latch 124 along the shaft 126 and out of the connector 122. Then, the primary latch 152 can be accessed and disengaged, such as by using a tool to compress the clip 158.

[0051] Accordingly, the latch system and method include a secondary latch to ensure full engagement of the primary latch and to ensure a secure connection. The secondary latch can be employed in the latch system without the need for a separate tether for connection. Polymers, metals, or other materials can be used to fabricate the secondary latch. Handle features can be included for manipulating the secondary latch and for providing tactile feedback to the operator. For locking purposes, locking features in the form of tabs can be included to hold the secondary latch after assembly inside the connector. The latch arm can also function to disassemble the coupling by pressing on the flexible latch arm. Spacers can ensure sufficient space to operate the secondary latch in the environment of the surrounding portion of the port, which can be a fuel port of an engine. The secondary latch can be pre-assembled on the engine port or the connector, which eliminates the need for a tether to hold the secondary latch. Additionally, the one-piece spacer increases the clearance with other components when configuring the package and improves the assembly operability.

[0052] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit in any way the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functionality and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A latch system for a fluid line connection, the latch system comprising: a coupling, the coupling comprising a connector and a port, wherein the connector and the port are configured to constitute the coupling as a mating fluid connection; a primary latch configured to secure the connector to the port; as well as a secondary latch configured to secure the connector to the port and ensure engagement of the primary latch, the secondary latch comprising a latch arm configured to move into the connector and ensure engagement of the primary latch, and the secondary latch comprising a locking tab on the latch arm configured to engage the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector.

2. The latch system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary latch comprises a body, wherein the latch arm extends from the body, and comprises a handle extending from the body, wherein the handle is configured to manipulate the secondary latch to secure the secondary latch.

3. The latch system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary latch comprises a body, wherein the latch arm extends from the body in a first direction, and the latch system comprises a spacer extending from the body in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

4. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the port comprises a shaft, wherein the secondary latch comprises a pair of clamping legs configured to clamp onto the shaft.

5. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the port comprises a shaft and a flange formed around the shaft, wherein the primary latch comprises a clip configured to clamp the connector to the port against the flange.

6. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the latch arm of the secondary latch is configured to extend out of the connector when the coupling is fully engaged and serve as a release member for the secondary latch from the connector.

7. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the secondary latch comprises a body in a semi-cylindrical shape, wherein the port comprises a shaft, and wherein the body is configured to clamp onto the shaft.

8. The latch system of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a bell portion and a tube portion, wherein the primary latch is contained in the bell portion and the secondary latch is configured to be inserted into the bell portion, wherein the secondary latch comprises a locking plate configured to engage the bell portion to secure the couplings together.

9. A method for coupling a fluid line using a latch system, the method comprising: configuring a mating fluid connection according to a coupling having a connector and a port; securing the connector to the port via a primary latch; as well as securing the connector to the port via a secondary latch; ensuring engagement of the primary latch by means of the secondary latch; moving a latch arm of the secondary latch into the connector; Ensuring that the primary latch is in a latched position by means of the secondary latch; as well as The locking tabs on the latch arms of the secondary latch are engaged with the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising: configuring the port to have a shaft and a flange on an outer side of the shaft; configuring the primary latch to have a clip with a curved section; engaging the shaft adjacent the flange via the curved segment to secure the port and the connector together; as well as The flange is engaged by a terminal end of the latch arm to ensure that the bent section is seated against the shaft at the flange.

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