Block joint assembly with sealing structure

Abstract

A block coupling device for making a rigid connection in a fluid line system includes an adapter body having a passageway with two outlets and an adapter bead formed radially outwardly about the adapter body, a main block having at least one bore along a longitudinal axis and an inward step formed about the at least one bore for receiving the adapter body, a mating block having at least one mating bore and rigidly coupled to the main block and adapter body, and a sealing washer having inner and outer sealing members. In an assembled configuration, the at least one bore and the passageway are aligned and communicate to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis. Further, the sealing washer is disposed within the inward step for sealing contact with the adapter body and the main block.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a block coupling for a fluid line assembly in a motor vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a block coupling having a sealing member for providing a fluid-tight connection in a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Connection arrangements are commonly used in the assembly of fluid lines in automobiles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. In particular, connection arrangements are used in air conditioning systems, cooling systems (e.g., coolant circuits), valve units, and pump units. The design must be particularly compact and lightweight within limited spaces, and pipe or tube connections in air conditioning systems may be made of metal, rubber, and plastic materials. Furthermore, pipes or tubes are attached via block fittings, including adapters, and such block fittings are provided with sealing elements. Therefore, it is necessary for the block fittings and / or adapters to connect pipes with a strong and durable seal and to detachably connect them to further pipes or other components in the air conditioning system. However, in addition to high pressures and temperatures, vibrations occur and are transmitted within the components of the air conditioning system. Therefore, connection arrangements used in air conditioning systems must be configured to provide durable connections even under conditions of vibration, corrosive media, high temperatures, and high pressures, and to prevent fluid leakage.

[0004] For example, vehicle air conditioning systems contain one of a variety of environmentally acceptable refrigerants, such as CO2 (R-744) or fluorinated hydrocarbons. One concern regarding refrigerant release into the atmosphere has led to regulations mandating the operation of substantially leak-free refrigerant systems. Another concern regarding refrigerant release into the system has led to air conditioning system failure due to leaks. The pipes comprising the piping within such systems may be connected to one another at predetermined junctions using block fittings and / or adapters, as described above. To connect opposing pipes, each pipe is attached to a respective element of the block fitting, including the adapter, and then the two blocks are connected together. The junction is sealed with at least one sealing member made of a deformable metal or other suitable material. Typically, vehicle air conditioning systems include components from multiple sources assembled by an OEM. It is common for one block of a block fitting to be integrated with major system components, such as the compressor and condenser, and the mating fitting elements become part of a line set. Modern assembly procedures mandate simplified shipping and handling of components.

[0005] Furthermore, it is important that fluid line systems, such as air conditioning systems in vehicles, be constructed to be lightweight and durable within limited spaces. However, research by the present inventors has revealed that the number of fastening means for securing components of fluid line systems together is limited, and that it is also difficult to construct block fittings and / or adapters to provide durable sealing of connection arrangements for achieving a rigid connection (i.e., a fluid-tight connection) in fluid line systems. In order to effectively arrange sealed, rigid fluid lines within vehicles, numerous devices and methods for connection arrangements, including block fittings, have been continuously developed and are used in various fluid line systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a block coupling apparatus for fluid line systems in automobiles, including electric and hybrid vehicles. For example, the block coupling apparatus may be used to connect sections in a refrigeration system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a block coupling apparatus for providing a rigid connection in a fluid line system includes an adapter body having a passageway with two outlets and an adapter bead formed radially outwardly around the adapter body; a main block having at least one bore along a longitudinal axis and an inward step formed around the at least one bore to receive the adapter body; a mating block having at least one mating bore and rigidly coupled to the main block and the adapter body; and a sealing washer having inner and outer sealing members, the sealing washer being disposed within the inward step for sealing contact with the adapter body and the main block in an assembled configuration. Furthermore, the main block and the adapter body are joined together, and the at least one bore and the passageway are aligned and communicate to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing washer includes a body portion having an inner radial passage for receiving an inner sealing member and an outer radial passage for receiving an outer sealing member. The inward step of the main block includes a stepped annular surface formed radially around the first bore and an inner radial surface formed substantially perpendicular to the stepped annular surface. The stepped annular surface defines a radial dimension greater than a radial dimension of the first bore.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, in an assembled configuration, the sealing washer is positioned along the longitudinal axis between a stepped annular surface formed within the inward step and a first surface of the adapter bead. The inner sealing member of the sealing washer is frictionally engaged with a first radially outer surface of the adapter body, and the outer sealing member of the sealing washer is frictionally engaged with a radially inner surface formed within the inward step of the main block, thereby adapting the sealing washer to seal the fluid flow path radially relative to the longitudinal axis. An outer diameter dimension of an outer edge of the outer sealing member is larger than a diameter dimension of the stepped annular surface, and an inner diameter dimension of an outer edge of the inner sealing member is smaller than a diameter dimension of the first radially outer surface of the adapter body. The block coupling device further has a first radial gap defined between the stepped annular surface of the main block and a first planar surface of the sealing washer, and a second radial gap defined between a second planar surface of the sealing washer and the first surface of the adapter bead.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing washer has a body portion formed of a metallic or polymeric material, and the inner and outer sealing members of the sealing washer are each formed of an elastomeric material.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, in an assembled configuration, the first outlet of the adapter body is inserted into the first bore of the main block so as to communicate with the passageway of the adapter body to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis, and the adapter bead of the adapter body is positioned within the inward step of the main block such that the first surface of the adapter bead faces substantially parallel to the stepped annular surface of the main block.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the main block with the adapter body and the mating block are rigidly coupled by a fastener inserted through a second mating bore formed in the mating block and tightened within the second bore formed in the main block.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the main block includes a first opening extending from the planar outer end surface for receiving the first tube in tight, sealed contact therewith, and a second opening having an inward step formed in the planar inner end surface, The mating block includes a first mating bore for mating with a second outlet of the adapter body, the second outlet of the adapter body receiving the second tube.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a block coupling device for making a rigid connection in a fluid line system includes providing an adapter body having a passageway with at least two outlets and an adapter bead formed therein; providing a main block having a first bore along a longitudinal axis and an inward step formed around the first bore; providing a sealing washer having inner and outer sealing members; positioning the sealing washer between the main block and the adapter body along the longitudinal axis; inserting the first outlet of the adapter body into the first bore of the main block, thereby aligning and communicating the first bore and the passageway to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis; providing a mating block having at least one mating bore; and rigidly coupling a second outlet of the adapter body with the first mating bore of the mating block. Additionally, the method further includes inserting a fastener through a second mating bore formed in the mating block, such that the fastener is securely engaged within the second bore formed in the main block.

[0014] Further details and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a block joint device including a main block and a mating block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary block joint arrangement of FIG.

[0018] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the block joint device including the two pipes of FIG.

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the block coupling arrangement including a sealing washer disposed between the main block, adapter and mating block of FIG.

[0020] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a sealing washer located inside a block coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing washer along line AA in FIG.

[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a block coupling apparatus 10 connected to a pipe or hose, and FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the block coupling apparatus 10. As shown, the block coupling apparatus 10 includes a main block 100, a mating block 200, an adapter body 250, and a sealing washer 300, which are joined together in an assembled configuration and collectively define opposing interface surfaces to form a fluid-tight connection for pipes 12 and 14 aligned with a longitudinal axis X. While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the block coupling apparatus 10 joining spaced-apart pipe sections 12 and 14 as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the block coupling apparatus 10 may join one of the pipe sections 12 and 14 to a system component (not shown), such as a compressor or evaporator.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the block coupling device 10 connected to the pipes 12 and 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the main block 100 includes a first bore 102 and a second bore 104, each of which is substantially circular in cross section and extends through the thickness of the main block 100. The first bore 102 defines a fluid flow path through the main block 100, and the second bore 104 is configured to receive a fastener 16, as described below. According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the first bore 102 and the second bore 104 may also be asymmetrically formed, non-circularly formed, or formed with radially protruding portions. The main block 100 includes a first opening 106 and a second opening 108, which communicate with each other via the first bore 102. Furthermore, for example, the main block 100 may be part of or a component of a fluid line system within a vehicle. Additionally, as shown in Figures 1-3, a first opening 106 formed in a substantially circular shape extends from the planar outer end surface 110 to receive the first tube 12 so that the first tube 12 is inserted into the first opening 106 and firmly coupled to the main block 100.

[0026] Additionally, second opening 108 formed in planar inner end surface 112 includes an inward step 114 that defines a stepped annular surface 116 for receiving adapter body 250. As shown in FIG. 3 , stepped annular surface 116 of second opening 108 is formed radially around first bore 102 relative to longitudinal axis X. Additionally, stepped annular surface 116 has a radial dimension Da that is greater than a radial dimension Db of first bore 102.

[0027] 2 and 3, the adapter body 250 has a passage 252 as a fluid flow path formed in a linear configuration along the longitudinal axis X. When the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 are joined together, the first bore 102 of the main block 100 and the passage 252 of the adapter body 250 are aligned and communicate to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the adapter body 250 includes at least two outlets, such as a first outlet 254 and a second outlet 256, formed at each end of the adapter body 250 such that the first outlet 254 communicates with the second outlet 256 via the passage 252. In FIG. 3, the first outlet 254 of the adapter body 250 is inserted into the first bore 102 of the main block 100 such that the passage 252 formed in the adapter body 250 communicates with the first bore 102 of the main block 100, thereby defining a fluid flow path. The second outlet 256 is generally connected to a second tube or hose 14 to provide a tight connection (ie, a fluid-tight connection) in the fluid line system.

[0028] 2-3 , the second outlet 256 of the adapter body 250 connectively receives the second tube 14 by a securely adhesive method, particularly by laser welding, spin welding, and other adhesive materials, whereby the second tube 14 is inserted into the second outlet 256 and securely connected to the adapter body 250. While both the first and second openings formed in the adapter body 250 are designated "outlets," those skilled in the art will recognize that one or both openings may also be considered "inlets," whereby each of the openings 254 and 256 of the adapter body 250, while referred to herein as an outlet for simplicity, may also be considered an inlet based on the selected arrangement in the block coupling apparatus 10.

[0029] 2, the first outlet 254 has a first end 253 and a second end 255 extending from the first end 253 along the longitudinal axis X. Additionally, the adapter body 250 includes an adapter bead 258 formed radially outwardly around the first end 253 of the first outlet 254. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adapter bead 258 has a first surface 257 that faces the stepped annular surface 116 of the main block 100 and a second surface 259 that faces the inner surface 206 of the mating block 200 in the assembled configuration of the block coupling device 10.

[0030] The adapter body 250 is formed from a polymer material such as polyamide (PA) (e.g., polyamide 612 (PA612), PA6, PA12), PPA, or PPS. To enhance strength and / or mechanical stability, the plastic material may be reinforced with fiberglass or other materials, such that the adapter body 250 is formed from a pressure-resistant plastic material. Furthermore, the adapter body 250 may be formed from a resin-based plastic material. Resin-based plastic materials are rigid, glass-like components that are tightly three-dimensionally cross-linked through chemical bonds. This type of material combines high thermomechanical strength with low density.

[0031] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , the second pipe 14, which is combined with the adapter body 250 in the block coupling device 10, is also made of a plastic material, which is selected from materials connectable or weldable to the adapter body 250, such as polyamide (PA). Furthermore, the adapter body 250 of the block coupling device 10 is typically combined with a multi-layer pipe having an outer (or inner) layer of a material compatible for welding (e.g., laser welding or spin welding). However, even if polyamide (PA) is used for the adapter body 250 and the pipe, the polyamide (PA) materials used for both components may be different. In a fluid line system, the pipe may be a single-layer or multi-layer pipe and is typically made of polyamide (PA6, PA12, PA612, semi-aromatic polyamide (PA 9T), HDPE, PP, etc.) and is weldable to the adapter body. However, the adapter body is typically made of PA12 (with up to 30% glass fiber reinforcement), PPA (polyphthalamide), or PP (polypropylene). As a result, the mechanical and chemical properties are comparable. The block coupling device of the present disclosure is exemplified in connection with a fluid line system, such as an air conditioning system or a cooling system, in a vehicle, including electric and hybrid vehicles. As an example, the block coupling device 10 of the present disclosure is used in an air conditioning system having a compressor, a condenser, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, and further intermediate connections. In particular, the block coupling device 10 is provided for an air conditioning system that is lightweight and has durable and hermetic connections between the components of the air conditioning system in a vehicle (i.e., suppresses leakage at the component connections). However, the block coupling device of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be used in other fluid line systems, such as a cooling system (e.g., a coolant circuit), a valve unit, a pump unit, etc. Furthermore, for example, the main block 100 can be part or a component of any fluid line system (e.g., a refrigerant circuit or a coolant circuit) in a vehicle.

[0032] 1-3, the block coupling apparatus 10 includes a main block 100 and a mating block 200, which are configured to mate with one another. Like the main block 100, the mating block 200 has a substantially cylindrical cross-section including a first mating bore 202 and a second mating bore 204 extending through the thickness of the mating block 200. The second mating bore 204 is spaced laterally, i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis X, from the first mating bore 202. In the assembled configuration of the block coupling apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the first mating bore 202 of the mating block 200 and the first bore 102 of the main block 100 are aligned along the longitudinal axis X such that the first mating bore 202 of the mating block 200 is rigidly coupled to the adapter body 250. Furthermore, in the assembled configuration of the block coupling apparatus 10, the second outlet 256 of the adapter body 250 is disposed inside the first mating bore 202 of the mating block 200 such that the second radially outer surface 260 of the second outlet 256 mates with the first mating bore 202 of the mating block 200. As shown in FIG. 3 , for example, the end of the second outlet 256 extends through the thickness of the mating block 200 to receive the second tube 14. Furthermore, the second surface 259 of the adapter bead 258 is in full contact with, and also fully mates with, the inner surface 206 of the mating block 200 in the assembled configuration of the block coupling apparatus 10.

[0033] In FIG. 3 , the second bore 104 of the main block 100 and the second mating bore 204 of the mating block 200 are used to secure the main block 100 and the mating block 200, including the adapter body 250, within the block coupling apparatus 10. In the assembled configuration of the block coupling apparatus 10, the second bore 104 of the main block 100 is threaded to allow fasteners 16, such as screws, to tightly hold the mating block 200 relative to the main block 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, the main block 100 and the mating block 200 are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, or a polymeric material. In particular, the materials of the main block 100 and the mating block 200 are highly rigid and have a high stress capacity such that the materials of the main block 100 and the mating block 200 inhibit plastic deformation by limiting creep due to assembly torque at the joints.

[0034] 2 and 3, block coupling apparatus 10 includes sealing washer 300 having a flat, annular, ring-shaped body portion 302 with a first planar surface 301 and a second planar surface 303. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, sealing washer 300 further includes an inner sealing member 304 radially mounted along the inner periphery of body portion 302 and an outer sealing member 306 radially mounted along the outer periphery of body portion 302, such that body portion 302, inner sealing member 304, and outer sealing member 306 are formed as a single unit.

[0035] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 , the body portion 302 of the sealing washer 300 is substantially H-ring shaped with inner and outer radial passages 308, 310 for receiving the inner and outer sealing members 304, 306, respectively. Furthermore, the body portion 302 of the sealing washer 300 is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, or a polymeric material, such as PA6, while the inner and outer sealing members 304, 306 of the sealing washer 300 are each formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, or a resilient material, such as silicone. However, it will be appreciated that other sealing materials may be used as desired. The sealing washer 300, having such materials, is configured to reduce system fluid penetration between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 in the assembled configuration of the block coupling device 10.

[0036] 3, the sealing washer 300 is disposed in the space defined between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 to seal the fluid flow path of the block coupling apparatus 10. In the assembled configuration of the block coupling apparatus 10, a first planar surface 301 of the body portion 302 faces the stepped annular surface 116 of the main block 100, and a second planar surface 303 of the body portion 302 faces the first surface 257 of the adapter bead 258. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first radial gap 18 is defined between the main block 100 and the sealing washer 300, and a second radial gap 20 is defined between the adapter body 250 and the sealing washer 300, which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the block coupling apparatus 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the assembled configuration of the block coupling device 10, the inner sealing member 304 and the outer sealing member 306 are in deformable contact with the main block 100 and the adapter body 250, respectively, such that the inner sealing member 304 and the outer sealing member 306 of the sealing washer 300 are configured to radially seal the fluid flow path defined between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0037] Additionally, the outer diameter dimension Do of the outer edge of the outer sealing member 306 is slightly larger than the diameter dimension Da of the stepped annular surface 116 formed around the inward step 114 of the main block 100, and the inner diameter dimension Di of the outer edge of the inner sealing member 304 is slightly smaller than the diameter dimension Dr of the first radially outer surface 262 of the adapter body 250. Thus, in the assembled configuration of the block coupling device 10, the sealing washer 300 is held radially relative to the longitudinal axis X by frictional engagement between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 when radially disposed between the radially inner surface 118 of the main block 100 and the first radially outer surface 262 of the adapter body 250.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the main block 100, mating block 200, adapter body 250, and sealing washer 300 in an assembled configuration of the block coupling device 10. In Figure 4, the outer sealing member 306 of the sealing washer 300 is deformable and frictionally engages the radially inner surface 118 of the inward step 114, thereby bringing the outer sealing member 306 into radial sealing contact with the radially inner surface 118 of the main block 100. The inner sealing member 304 of the sealing washer 300 is also deformable and frictionally engages the first radially outer surface 262 of the first outlet 254 formed in the adapter body 250, thereby bringing the inner sealing member 304 into radial sealing contact with the first radially outer surface 262 of the adapter body 200. This allows the sealing washer 300 to be frictionally and deformably held to the main block 100 and adapter body 250 radially relative to the longitudinal axis X, thereby eliminating the need for sealing methods that rely on torque along the longitudinal axis X (i.e., in the axial direction of the block coupling apparatus 10). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sealing washer 300 having inner and outer sealing members 304, 306 is positioned within the space defined between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 along the longitudinal axis X to increase resistance to system fluid leakage within the fluid flow paths formed within the block coupling apparatus 10.

[0039] 1 and 2 , to rigidly assemble the block coupling apparatus 10, the main block 100, the adapter body 250, and the mating block 200 are connected by fasteners 16, such as screws, that are inserted through the second mating bore of the mating block 200 and tightened securely within the second bore 104 of the main block 100. When the block coupling apparatus 10 is assembled, the sealing washer 300 is radially disposed between the main block 100 and the adapter body 250 in the longitudinal direction of the block coupling apparatus 10. Furthermore, the sealing washer 300, having an inner sealing member 304 and an outer sealing member 306, is frictionally held between the radially inner surface 118 of the main block 100 and the first radially outer surface 262 of the adapter body 250 in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the block coupling apparatus 10. Once assembled, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, main block 100, mating block 200 and adapter body 250 cooperate with sealing washer 300 to form a fluid-tight seal to inhibit leakage of fluid (liquid or gas) flowing from tubes 12 and 14.

[0040] 4 and 5 , because the body portion 302 of the sealing washer 300 is made of a metallic or polymeric material, the first planar surface 301 and the second planar surface 303 of the body portion 302 are configured as a permeation barrier to inhibit system fluids from passing through the thickness of the body portion 302. The permeation barrier of the body portion 302 reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the elastomeric seal formed by the inner sealing member 304 and the outer sealing member 306, thereby reducing the permeation area of ​​the system fluid in the sealing washer 300. As a result, the sealing washer 300 used in the example block coupling apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is configured to enhance the performance of a fluid-tight connection within a fluid line system. As noted above, the radial sealing of the inner and outer sealing members 304, 306 formed within the sealing washer 300 also eliminates the need for torque-dependent sealing along the length of the block coupling apparatus 10 (i.e., the axial direction of the block coupling apparatus), thereby configuring the sealing washer 300 to reduce the likelihood of creep of components within the block coupling apparatus 10.

[0041] The block coupling device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable for various fluid line systems, such as air conditioning or cooling systems in automobiles, including electric and hybrid vehicles. For example, the block coupling device 10 is suitable for cooling / temperature-regulating electronic components such as batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as for air conditioning systems. Furthermore, it is desirable for fluid line systems used in vehicles to be as lightweight as possible, but also to provide stable connections between components due to vibrations and shocks experienced during vehicle operation. Therefore, the block coupling device 10 of the present disclosure enables lightweight, stable, and durable connections.

[0042] The foregoing description of various aspects of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The form discussed was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention with various modifications in various forms suited to the particular uses contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention, as determined by the appended claims, when they are interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. 1. A block coupling device for making a rigid connection in a fluid line system, comprising: an adapter body having a passageway with two outlets and an adapter bead formed radially outwardly about the adapter body; a main block defining at least one bore along a longitudinal axis and an inward step about the at least one bore, the at least one bore and the inward step configured to receive the adapter body such that when the main block and the adapter body are joined together, the at least one bore and the passage are aligned and in communication to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis; a mating block having at least one mating bore, the mating block being rigidly coupled to the main block and the adapter body; a sealing washer having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member, the sealing washer being disposed within the inward step for sealing contact with the adapter body and the main block in an assembled configuration; 1. A block joint device comprising:

2. 2. The block joint arrangement of claim 1, wherein the sealing washer includes a body portion having an inner radial passage for receiving the inner sealing member and an outer radial passage for receiving the outer sealing member.

3. 2. The block coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the inward step of the main block includes a stepped annular surface formed radially about the first bore and an inner radial surface formed substantially perpendicular to the stepped annular surface.

4. 4. The block coupling apparatus of claim 3, wherein said stepped annular surface defines a radial dimension greater than a radial dimension of said first bore.

5. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the assembled configuration, the sealing washer is disposed along the longitudinal axis between a stepped annular surface formed in the inward step and a first surface of the adapter bead.

6. 2. The block coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the inner sealing member of the sealing washer is frictionally engaged with a first radially outer surface of the adapter body and the outer sealing member of the sealing washer is frictionally engaged with a radially inner surface formed in the inward step of the main block, whereby the sealing washer is adapted to seal the fluid flow passage radially relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. 7. The block coupling apparatus of claim 6, wherein an outer diameter dimension about an outer edge of the outer sealing member is greater than a diameter dimension of a stepped annular surface, and an inner diameter dimension about an outer edge of the inner sealing member is less than a diameter dimension of the first radially outer surface of the adapter body.

8. 7. The block coupling arrangement of claim 6, wherein in the assembled configuration, the block coupling arrangement has a first radial gap defined between a stepped annular surface of the main block and a first planar surface of the sealing washer, and a second radial gap defined between a second planar surface of the sealing washer and the first surface of the adapter bead.

9. The block joint arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the sealing washer has a body portion formed from a metallic or polymeric material.

10. 2. The block joint apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member of the sealing washer are each formed from an elastomeric material.

11. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the assembled configuration, a first outlet of the adapter body is inserted into a first bore of the main block in communication with the passage of the adapter body to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis.

12. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the assembled configuration, the adapter bead of the adapter body is disposed within the inward step of the main block such that the first surface of the adapter bead faces substantially parallel to a stepped annular surface of the main block.

13. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main block with the adapter body and the mating block are rigidly coupled by fasteners inserted through second mating bores formed in the mating block and tightened within second bores formed in the main block.

14. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main block includes a first opening extending from a planar outer end surface for receiving a first tube in tight, sealed contact therewith, and a second opening having the inward step formed in the planar inner end surface.

15. 2. The block coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mating block includes a first mating bore for mating with a second outlet of the adapter body, the second outlet of the adapter body receiving a second tube.

16. 1. A method of assembling a block coupling device for making a rigid connection in a fluid line system, comprising: providing an adapter body having a passageway with at least two outlets and an adapter bead formed therein; providing a main block having a first bore along a longitudinal axis and an inward step formed around the first bore; providing a sealing washer having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member; disposing the sealing washer along the longitudinal axis between the main block and the adapter body; inserting a first outlet of the adapter body into the first bore of the main block, thereby aligning and communicating the first bore and the passageway to define a fluid flow path along the longitudinal axis; providing a mating block having at least one mating bore; rigidly coupling the second outlet of the adapter body with the first mating bore of the mating block; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising inserting a fastener through a second mating bore formed in the mating block, and securely clamping the fastener within the second bore formed in the main block.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein disposing the sealing washer along the longitudinal axis between the main block and the adapter body includes disposing the sealing washer around the first outlet of the adapter body such that the inner sealing member of the sealing washer is frictionally engaged with the first outlet of the adapter body.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the outer sealing member of the sealing washer frictionally engages with a radially inner surface formed in the inward step when the adapter body with the sealing washer is inserted into the first bore of the main block.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein in an assembled configuration of the block coupling device, the sealing washer is disposed in sealing contact with the adapter body and the main block radially relative to the longitudinal axis.

21. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising inserting a first tube into a first opening formed in the main block to form a tight, sealed connection.

22. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising inserting a second tube into a second outlet formed in the adapter body to form a tight, sealed connection.

23. 10. The block coupling device of claim 1, wherein the block coupling device is part of a refrigerant or coolant circuit located within a vehicle.

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