Fuel connection

Abstract

Fuel fitting (1, 2) intended to connect a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and capable of assuming 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 fitting comprising: a fixed part (1) connected to the first fuel circuit, and a movable part (2) connected to the second fuel circuit and comprising a coupling means of the movable part (2) with the fixed part (1), characterized in that the coupling means consists of a lever (10) mounted pivotally about an articulation axis (11) of the movable part (2) and comprising at least one sliding means (18) defining a path (23) and intended to grip at least one first lug (7) located on the fixed part (1) and a handle (19) capable of allowing the lever (10) to be grasped,said lever (10) being arranged such that when at least one sliding means (18) grips at least one first lug (7) and a pull is applied to the handle (19) in the direction of the moving part (2), at least one first lug (7) slides along the path (23) delimited by at least one sliding means (18) and the fuel fitting (1, 2) assumes said coupled position. Figure 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Fuel fitting FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to fuel fittings for simultaneously connecting the fuel lines of a vehicle's fuel circuits to the vehicle's engine. The invention particularly relates to fuel fittings comprising a fixed part and a moving part intended to couple with the fixed part. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Fuel fittings are generally used to facilitate the connection of a vehicle's fuel system to the vehicle's engine. For example, if the vehicle has a fuel inlet line and a fuel outlet line, this allows both lines to be connected simultaneously, thus preventing damage and malfunctions to the vehicle's engine.

[0003] Known fuel fittings consist of two parts designed to couple to connect the vehicle's fuel circuit to the engine and to couple to disconnect the fuel circuit from the vehicle's engine. A fixed part is generally connected to the fuel circuit and is attached by means of four threaded holes to a sheet metal part of the vehicle's chassis. A movable part is connected to the engine.

[0004] These fittings include hydraulic connectors such as ball valve 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.

[0005] The coupling is achieved by a worm gear system that rotates female threaded pipes on male threaded pipes, which the user operates using a hex key. Once the fitting is connected, the system is locked by a retaining plate at a hexagonal end that drives the worm gear.

[0006] These couplings are particularly specific to certain types of motors. They require special precautions during the coupling and uncoupling phases of the fixed and moving parts. These phases occur, for example, when installing / removing the motor from the vehicle chassis, when connecting the motor to its drive unit, or when connecting the motor to the vehicle chassis.

[0007] The design of this type of fitting has certain drawbacks which mean that fuel leaks can occur when it is disconnected. Furthermore, the connectors are not protected when the fitting is disconnected, which can lead to damage rendering it inoperative. Finally, the fitting requires an additional tool for coupling and uncoupling, which complicates its handling.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a fuel fitting that is easy to handle and has increased reliability. Description of the invention

[0009] The invention therefore relates to a fuel fitting intended to connect a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and capable of assuming 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 fitting comprising: • a fixed part connected to the first fuel circuit, and • a moving part connected to the second fuel circuit and comprising a means for coupling the moving part with the fixed part,

[0010] characterized in that the coupling means consists of a lever mounted pivoting about an articulation axis of the moving part and comprising at least one sliding means defining a path and intended to grip at least one first lug located on the fixed part and a handle suitable for gripping the lever, said lever being arranged so that when the at least one sliding means grips the at least one first lug and a pull is applied to the handle in the direction of the moving part, the at least one first lug slides along the path defined by the at least one sliding means and the fuel fitting adopts said coupled position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one sliding means is represented by a hook delimiting a curvilinear path in involute of a circle having as its center the axis of articulation and defining a first sliding surface allowing the passage of the fuel fitting from the uncoupled position to the coupled position and a second sliding surface allowing the passage of the fuel fitting from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the fuel fitting also includes a first means for locking the fuel fitting in the coupled position represented by a second lug located on the moving part and intended to fit into a hole in the lever when the fuel fitting is in the coupled position so as to lock said fuel fitting in the coupled position.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the fuel fitting includes a guide means suitable for guiding the moving part during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel fitting.

[0014] Advantageously, the guiding means comprises, on the one hand, two recesses and a vertical plate located on the moving part and, on the other hand, a platform connected to the fixed part and comprising two lateral plates delimiting between them a slot, the two recesses and the vertical plate being of shape respectively complementary to the two lateral plates and the slot.

[0015] Advantageously still, the platform is connected to the fixed part at the level of a weakening zone of the platform so that the platform detaches from the fixed part during a shock on the platform.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the lever comprises two lateral arms connected to each other at the articulation axis by a handle, each lateral arm comprising a hook each intended to grip a first lug of the fixed part.

[0017] Advantageously still, at least one lateral arm includes a light cooperating with a third lug located on the movable part so as to limit the movements of the lever.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, each of the fixed and moving parts includes at least one fuel line connector comprising a valve arranged to prevent fuel from flowing from the fuel fitting in the uncoupled position, the at least one connector of the moving part being complementary and located opposite the at least one connector of the fixed part when the fuel fitting is in the coupled position.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the moving part includes a means for anchoring the moving part to the vehicle engine when the fuel fitting is in the uncoupled position.

[0020] One advantage of the present invention lies in the easier handling of the fuel fitting.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that the fuel fitting does not require additional tools to move from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

[0022] Another further advantage of the present invention lies in the increased protection of the fuel line connectors.

[0023] Another further advantage of the present invention lies in the absence of fuel leaks when the fuel fitting is in the uncoupled position.

[0024] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the ease of connecting the moving part and the fixed part of the fuel fitting. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features, advantages and details of the invention will be better understood upon reading the supplementary description that follows in relation to the drawings in which ones:

[0026] [Fig. 1] is a view of the fixed part of the fuel fitting,

[0027] [Fig.2] is a view of the moving part of the fuel fitting, and

[0028] [Fig.3] is a view of the fuel fitting in the coupled position.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] As described above, the invention relates to a fuel fitting for connecting a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit. The fuel fitting according to the invention allows, for example, connecting the fuel tank of a vehicle to the vehicle's engine, but also connecting two fuel tanks together.

[0031] The fuel fitting is capable of adopting a coupled position and a discoupled position.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, the coupled position is understood to be the position in which the fuel fitting connects the first fuel circuit to the second fuel circuit. Fuel is thus able to flow between the first fuel circuit, connected for example to the fuel tank, and the second fuel circuit, connected for example to the engine.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "disconnected position" refers to the position in which the fuel fitting disconnects the first fuel circuit from the second fuel circuit. Fuel cannot then flow between the fuel circuits. This position allows, for example, the engine to be isolated from the tank, enabling the user to perform engine installation, removal, and maintenance on the vehicle.

[0034] The fuel fitting according to the invention comprises a fixed part 1 and a movable part 2.

[0035] The fixed part 1 is connected to the first fuel circuit. It is adapted to couple with the moving part 2 so as to form the fuel fitting in the coupled position. This part is fixed in the sense that it is attached to the vehicle, for example to the vehicle chassis, and cannot be moved during its normal use.

[0036] The movable part 2 is connected to the second fuel circuit. It is capable of coupling with the fixed part 1 to form the fuel fitting in the coupled position. This part is movable 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 fitting in the coupled position. Its mobility also allows it to be uncoupled from the fixed part 1 so as to form the fuel fitting in the uncoupled.

[0037] Fig. 1 represents a profile view of the fixed part 1 of the fuel fitting according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] The fixed part 1 has a front face intended to be opposite the moving part 2, a rear face opposite the front face, a lower face, a top face and two lateral faces.

[0039] The fixed part 1 comprises a body 3 connected to the first fuel circuit. It can be fixed to the vehicle chassis (not shown in [Fig. 1]) by means of four fixing points 5 located on the lateral faces.

[0040] The body 3 encloses and protects the fuel lines (not visible in [Fig. 1]) originating from the first fuel circuit. The body 3 can be made of any material with 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.

[0041] Fuel line connectors 6 are located projecting from the front face of the fixed part 1. The connectors 6 are intended to be located opposite the connectors 12 of the moving 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 moving part 2. Each connector 6 is suitable for connection within the body 3 to a fuel line.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the fixed part 1 comprises two male connectors 6, each connected to a fuel line of the vehicle's fuel circuit. For example, a first line carries fuel from the first fuel circuit to the second fuel circuit, and a second line carries fuel from the second fuel circuit to the first fuel circuit. The two connectors 6 are preferably located on the same vertical axis to minimize the overall size of the fuel connection.

[0043] 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 moving part 2 with the fixed part 1 and, on the other hand, the guidance of the moving part 2 during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel fitting.

[0044] During the handling of the fuel fitting, the platform 8 is exposed and may receive shocks which may cause it to deform or even break.

[0045] The platform 8 can be connected to the fixed part at 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 only necessary to replace the platform 8 because any collateral damage on the block 3 of the fixed part 1 is avoided.

[0046] The platform 8 can for example be welded to the fixed part 1 while providing a weakening zone 28 at the weld.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The side plates 4 and the slot 9 are respectively complementary in shape to recesses 15 made in the movable part 2 and to a vertical plate 16 (not visible in this figure) located on the fixed part 1. This particular configuration also allows the movable part 2 to be guided during the coupling of the fuel fitting.

[0049] The side plates 4 each include a first lug 7 extending in the direction opposite to the slot 9. Each first lug 7 is designed to be gripped by a hook 18 of the movable part 2 so as to allow the fuel fitting to be coupled. The first lug 7 has a round cross-section facilitating its movement within the path 23 defined by the hook 18 of the movable part 2.

[0050] 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 clamping of the first lug 7 as well as its movements in the path 23.

[0051] This embodiment of the invention includes two first lugs 7 each located on a side plate 4. It is understood that the fuel fitting according to the invention may include only one first lug 7 and therefore only one hook 18.

[0052] Fig. 2 represents an oblique view of the movable part 2 of the fuel fitting according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The movable part 2 has a front face intended to be opposite the fixed part 1, a rear face opposite the front face, a lower face, a top face and two lateral faces.

[0054] The moving part 2 includes a coupling means with the fixed part 1. The coupling means is represented here by an operating lever 10 mounted pivotally about an articulation axis 11 integral with the moving part 2.

[0055] The moving part 2 also includes a plate that clamps connectors 12 and mechanically protects them. The moving part 2 has a first cage or front cage 13 clamping the free front portion of the connectors 12 and a second cage or rear cage 14 clamping the rear portion of the connectors 12.

[0056] The plate also provides mechanical support for the connectors 12 and protects them from potential impacts. Therefore, it can be made of any material with sufficient strength to ensure the integrity of the connectors 12 in the event of an impact on the moving part 2. The plate is, for example, made of metal.

[0057] The connectors 12 of the moving part 2 are intended to be located opposite the The connectors 6 of the fixed part 1 are complementary to them. They are female connectors with a free end recessed relative to the front face of the first cage 13 of the plate. Indeed, the free end of the connectors 12 is not flush with the front surface of the moving part 2, which protects them from potential impacts when the fuel fitting is in the uncoupled position.

[0058] Each connector 12 is suitable for connection at its rear end to a fuel line. According to this embodiment, the two female connectors 12 of the movable part 2 are each connected to a fuel line of the second fuel circuit. As with the fixed part 1, the two connectors 12 are located on the same vertical axis to minimize the size of the fuel connection.

[0059] Recesses 15 separated by a vertical plate 16 are made in the first cage 13 of the plate of the moving part 2 so as to allow the guidance of the moving part 2 relative to the fixed part 1 during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel fitting.

[0060] The recesses 15 are complementary in shape to the lateral plates 4 of the fixed part 1 and the vertical plate 16 is complementary in shape to the slot 9 of the fixed part 1.

[0061] When the fuel fitting is coupled, the side plates 4 of the fixed part 1 fill the space left free in the plate by the recesses 15 of the moving 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.

[0062] This particular configuration also allows the moving part 2 to be guided horizontally and vertically relative to the fixed part 1 while limiting the size of the fuel fitting in the coupled position.

[0063] 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 a pivot axis 11 projecting on either side of the first cage 13 of the plate. This pivoting connection is achieved, for example, by means of suitable screws and nuts.

[0064] The upper ends of the lateral arms 17 are connected by a handle 19. This handle 19 also allows for easier maneuvering of the movable part 2, and also for applying traction to rotate the lever 10 around the articulation axis 11.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the sliding means according to the invention is represented by a hook 18. Indeed, each of the lower ends of the lateral arms 17 extends into a hook 18 extending from the lower end towards the fixed part 1 at an angle between 40° and 50°. horizontal relationship. Each hook 18 comprises a first sliding surface 26 and a second sliding surface 27 delimiting between them a path 23.

[0066] The path 23 has an opening at the free end of this hook 18 and allowing the hook 18 to come and grip the first lug 7.

[0067] Indeed, each hook 18 of each lateral arm 17 is intended to come and grip each first lug 7 of the fixed part 1.

[0068] Preferably, the path 23 has a curvilinear involute shape, which reduces the forces required for coupling and uncoupling the fuel fitting. The involute has a center represented by the articulation axis 11.

[0069] Thus, the first sliding surface 26 has a concave profile and the second sliding surface 27 has a convex profile.

[0070] The pivot axis 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 a pull is applied to the handle 19 in the direction of the movable part 2, the first lug 7 is engaged in the path 23 and slides along this path 23 until the fuel fitting adopts the coupled position.

[0071] Thus, when the fuel fitting is moved 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 allows the distance between the articulation axis 11 and the first lug 7 to be progressively reduced, thus bringing the moving part 2 closer to the fixed part 1 while minimizing the forces required for coupling the fuel fitting.

[0072] Conversely, when the fuel fitting moves from the coupled to the uncoupled position, a force is applied to the lever in the direction of the fixed part. The first lug 7 bears against and slides along the second sliding surface 27 of the path 23. The curvilinear nature of the path 23 allows the distance between the pivot axis 11 and the first lug 7 to be progressively increased, thus separating the moving part 2 from the fixed part 1 while minimizing the forces required to uncouple the fuel fitting.

[0073] At least one of the side arms 17 includes a hole 20 for engaging the second lug 22 of the movable part 2 when the fuel fitting is in the coupled position. The interaction between the hole 20 and the second lug 22 allows the lever 10 to be held in position and thus the fuel fitting to be locked in the coupled position.

[0074] At least one of the lateral arms 17 has 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 helps to limit the rotational movements of lever 10, particularly when the fuel fitting is in the uncoupled position.

[0075] The third lug 24 is for example located on the first cage 13 of the plate and extends from the lateral face of the moving part 2 towards the lateral arm 17. This lug cooperates with the contours of the light 25 of the lateral arm 17 to limit the movements of the lever 10.

[0076] Figure 3 represents the fuel fitting in the coupled position.

[0077] The movable part 2 is distinguished as being pressed against the fixed part 1 and the fuel fitting is locked in the coupled position by the first locking means.

[0078] The moving part 2 may also include on one of its lateral faces a mooring means, here represented by an opening 21 complementary to a notch (not shown) integral with the vehicle's engine. This allows the moving part 2 to be secured to the engine when the fuel connection is in the disconnected position and prevents improper handling that could damage the moving part 2.

[0079] Thus, during the coupling of the fuel fitting, the free end of the hook 18 comes to rest against the first lug 7 of the fixed part 1 and the moving part 2 is centered with respect to the fixed part 1 by means of the vertical plate 16 and the slot 9. A force is then applied to the handle 19 in the direction of the moving part 2 and the combined effect of leverage and the clamping of the first lug 7 by the hook 18 ensures that the moving part 2 of the fuel fitting 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 moving part 2.

[0080] Thanks to the guiding means, the connection of the moving part 2 to the fixed part 1 is greatly facilitated.

[0081] The guiding means also makes it possible to limit the stresses experienced by the connectors 6 and 12 during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel fitting, which prevents any alteration of the connectors 6 and 12. Due to the complementary shapes of the side plates 4 and the recesses 15, the forces experienced by the fuel fitting during the coupling of the moving part 2 with the fixed part 1 are almost entirely absorbed by the recesses 15 of the moving part 2 and the side plates 4 of the fixed part 1.

[0082] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a first locking of the fuel fitting is achieved. The complementary male connectors 6 and female connectors 12 include a second locking means between them represented by a ball and spring system.

[0083] 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 fitting according to the invention ensures that the coupling and uncoupling process requires no additional tools.

[0084] The fuel fitting is then held in the coupled position by the first locking means represented by the second lug 22 and the bore 20.

[0085] Disconnecting the fuel fitting is achieved by performing the reverse operations. The second lug 22 is removed from the bore 20 and a force is applied to the handle 19 in the direction of the fixed part 1. The leverage effect is then reversed and the connectors 6 and 12 separate after the first lug 7 is extracted from the path 23 of the hook 18. The moving part 2 is then moved away from the fixed part 1 and the fuel fitting is in the disconnected position.

[0086] Each connector 6 and 12 may include valves to prevent fuel leakage from the fuel fitting in the uncoupled position.

[0087] The embodiment of the invention shown in the figures is the preferred embodiment. During normal use of the fuel fitting according to this embodiment, the lever 10 is initially oriented in a substantially vertical direction to allow the first lug 7 to be engaged by the sliding means 18. However, the initial orientation of the lever 10 may vary depending on the integration constraints of the fuel fitting that may be imposed by a person skilled in the art.

[0088] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described above. The fuel fitting can in fact be in the form of a moving part connected to the fuel circuit and a fixed part connected to the engine.

[0089] Similarly, each fixed and moving part may comprise one or more fuel line connectors. The complementary arrangement of the connectors in the form of male and female connectors may vary. The fixed part may, in fact, comprise female connectors and the moving part male connectors. Each fixed and moving part may also comprise a male connector and a female connector, provided that a female connector is always opposite a male connector.

[0090] It should be noted that the female connectors, whether located on the moving part or on the fixed part, are always recessed in the fixed or moving part in order to ensure their protection when the fuel fitting is in the uncoupled position.

Claims

Demands

1. A fuel fitting (1,2) for connecting a first fuel circuit to a second fuel circuit and capable of assuming 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 fitting (1,2) comprising: • a fixed part (1) connected to the first fuel circuit, and • a moving part (2) connected to the second fuel circuit and including a means for coupling the moving part (2) with the fixed part (1), in which the coupling means consists of a lever (10) pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (11) of the moving part (2) and includes at least one sliding means (18) defining a path (23) and intended to engage at least one first lug (7) located on the fixed part (1) and a handle (19) adapted to allow gripping the lever (10), said lever (10) being arranged such that when the at least one sliding means (18) engages the at least one first lug (7) and a pull is applied to the handle (19) in the direction of the moving part (2), the at least one first lug (7) slides along the path (23) defined by the at least one sliding means (18) and the fuel fitting (1,2) adopts said coupled position, characterized in that it includes a guiding means adapted to guide the moving part (2) during the coupling and uncoupling of the fuel connection (1,2)said guiding means comprising, on the one hand, two recesses (15) and a vertical plate (16) located on the movable part (2) and, on the other hand, a platform (8) connected to the fixed part (1) and comprising two lateral plates (4) defining between them a slot (9), the two recesses (15) and the vertical plate (16) being of a shape respectively complementary to the two lateral plates (4) and the slot (9).

2. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sliding means (18) is represented by a hook (18) delimiting a curvilinear involute path (23) having as its center the articulation axis (11) and defining a first sliding surface (26) allowing the passage of the fuel fitting (1,2) from the uncoupled position to the coupled position and a second sliding surface (27) allowing the passage of the fuel fitting (1,2) from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

3. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also comprises a first means for locking the fuel fitting (1, 2) in the coupled position represented by a second lug (22) located on the movable part (2) and intended to fit into a bore (20) of the lever (10) when the fuel fitting (1,2) is in the coupled position so as to lock said fuel fitting (1, 2) in the coupled position.

4. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (8) is connected to the fixed part (1) at the level of a weakening zone (28) of the platform (8) so that the platform (8) separates from the fixed part (1) during an impact on the platform (8).

5. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (10) comprises two lateral arms (17) connected to each other at the pivot 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).

6. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one side arm (17) includes 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).

7. Fuel fitting (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) including a valve arranged to prevent fuel from flowing from the fuel fitting (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 fitting (1,2) is in the coupled position.

8. Fuel fitting (1,2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving part (2) includes a means for anchoring (21) the moving part (2) to the vehicle engine when the fuel fitting (1,2) is in the uncoupled position.