阅读说明：本技术 燃料箱连通系统 (Fuel tank communication system ) 是由 P·比拉尔 C·芒德斯 L·布瓦西 H·阿马拉 于 2018-07-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的实施例提供了一种燃料箱连通系统。所述连通系统包括：主体(30),被用于将两个燃料囊凸缘(12、20)连接至彼此。所述连通系统提供了两个单独的独立锁定特征(42、60),所述两个单独的独立锁定特征(42、60)可以将燃料囊固定至彼此。(Embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel tank communication system. The communication system includes: a main body (30) is used to connect the two fuel bladder flanges (12, 20) to each other. The communication system provides two separate independent locking features (42, 60) that can secure the fuel bladders to each other.)

1. A fuel tank communication system includes

A first cover configured to be secured to the first fuel bladder;

a second cap configured to be secured to a second fuel bladder;

each shroud includes a central opening;

a body configured to be received by the central opening of each of the first and second covers,

a securing feature for maintaining cooperation of the first cover in the body; and

a first locking system and a second locking system for maintaining cooperation between the second cover and the body.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the securing feature comprises a C-clip.

3. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking system comprises a notched ring and a spring.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the notched ring comprises a plurality of notched protrusions.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the body comprises at least one edge receptacle configured to receive at least one notch of the notched ring.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one edge receptacle comprises an edge opening and an end groove.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a plurality of edge receptacles.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second locking system comprises a locking ring.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a sealing portion.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a rear shoulder.

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second fuel bladders are connectable or disconnectable via access to only one of the first or second bladders.

12. A method for connecting two tanks, comprising:

a. providing a fuel tank communication system according to any one of the preceding claims;

b. securing the first cover to the body via a securing feature;

c. securing the second cover to the body via the first locking system comprising a notched ring and a spring, wherein the body comprises an edge receptacle that receives at least one notch of the notched ring; and

d. securing the second cover to the body via the second locking system comprising a locking ring.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a connection system for use between one or more fuel bladders, which may also be referred to as fuel tanks or fuel holding units. The system provides intercommunication between the fuel bladders, allowing fuel and/or air to flow between the fuel bladders. The disclosed connections may be used for fuel delivery, venting, refueling, or any other instance when intercommunication between fuel bladders or other fluid exchange systems is desired.

Background

In the aerospace field, as well as others, a tank-to-tank connection is often required. For example, tank-to-tank connections are often required for leak-free fuel delivery, particularly for helicopter or aircraft fuel systems. Typically, the connection between two boxes (which may be flexible material boxes or any other type of box) is provided by a system that requires two flexible covers, a rigid sleeve and a metal clip that is secured via a screwdriver. Prior art fig. 1 illustrates an example of such a prior art connection. The figure shows a first flexible boot 1 first bonded to a rigid sleeve 3 on the tank. During assembly, the second flexible cover 2 is assembled (typically by using a lubricating device) on the first flexible cover 1 and then fixed inside the box via a screwdriver by means of a metal clip 4.

The connection (fastening) process for connecting the cover between the two tanks may take some time, and in some instances, the process lasts about fifteen minutes. During assembly, the use of a screwdriver against the metal clip can have the risk of damaging the water tank or the flexible cover due to the constant pressure from screwing and unscrewing the clip. Assembly also relies on the ability and effort of the operator during assembly. This creates variability due to the operator's ability and the amount of force that s/he can exert on the screw during the connection/tightening process. Furthermore, during the life of the tank, the clamping force may be reduced, since the tank is fixed by screwing. Furthermore, after a period of time, the two flexible covers may begin to remain stuck together under the clips due to rubber aging, which can cause difficulty in disassembly and can add to maintenance issues.

Other examples of connections include pawl locks, lever locks, and other options. For example, one system embodying the lever lock 5 is illustrated by prior art fig. 2. Other improvements for improving these fuel tank fittings are still desired and needed.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, embodiments described herein provide a fuel tank communication system. The communication system includes: a main body used to connect two fuel bladder covers (chimney) to each other. The communication system provides two separate independent locking features that can secure the fuel bladders to each other.

In a particular example, a fuel tank communication system is provided having: a first cover configured to be secured to the first fuel bladder; a second cap configured to be secured to a second fuel bladder; each shroud includes a central opening; a body configured to be received by the central opening of each of the first and second covers; a securing feature for maintaining cooperation of the first cover in the body; and a first locking system and a second locking system for maintaining cooperation between the second cover and the body.

In one embodiment, the securing feature is a C-clip. In any of the above or below examples, the first locking system includes a notched ring and a spring. In any of the above or below examples, the notched ring includes a plurality of notched protrusions. In any of the above or below examples, the body includes at least one edge receptacle configured to receive at least one notch of a notched ring. In any of the above or below examples, the at least one edge receptacle includes an edge opening and an end recess. In any of the above or below examples, the body may include a plurality of edge receptacles. In any of the above or below examples, the second locking system comprises a locking ring. In any of the above or below examples, the body includes a sealing portion. In any of the above or below examples, the body includes a rear shoulder. In any of the above or below examples, the first and second fuel bladders may be connected or disconnected via access to only one of the first or second bladders.

In another example, a method for connecting two tanks is provided, comprising: providing any of the fuel tank communication systems described above; securing the first cover to the body via the securing feature; securing the second cover to the body via a first locking system comprising a notched ring and a spring, wherein the body comprises an edge receptacle that receives at least one notch of the notched ring; and securing the second cover to the body via a second locking system comprising a locking ring.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a prior art shroud clip connection.

Figure 2 shows a prior art lever lock connection.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side exploded view of one embodiment of the fuel tank connection system described herein.

Fig. 4 shows a side perspective view of the body.

Fig. 5 shows a side perspective view of the body of fig. 4 with a first cover positioned over the body.

Fig. 6 shows a side perspective view of fig. 5 with a second cover positioned thereon.

Fig. 7 shows a side perspective view of fig. 6 with the spring positioned on the body.

Fig. 8 shows a side perspective view of fig. 7 with a notched ring positioned on the body.

FIG. 9 shows a side perspective view of FIG. 8 with the locking ring positioned on the body.

FIG. 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of an assembled fuel tank connection system.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the invention described herein provide improved connections for tanks and particularly fuel tanks on aircraft and/or helicopters and other airborne vehicles. The connections described herein may also be used in other vehicles that require a fixed connection between tanks for fuel delivery or other purposes. The connections described herein may also be useful for any other type of fluid communication between two separate containers.

The interconnect fitting system 10 shown and described is used to perform tank to tank connections. Fuel or air delivery may be provided to the helicopter and/or aircraft fuel system to the minimum that there are no leaks in the system. To meet certain aircraft requirements, there are two separate and independent locking systems that are used to maintain system 10 in a locked configuration.

The interconnect fitting system described in the present disclosure provides the following possibilities: the fuel tanks are connected and disconnected by access to only a single tank without requiring treatment inside each of the two connected tanks. For example, the connection/disconnection may be made through a channel inside the second tank, which may allow a user to disconnect the two tanks from each other.

Referring now to fig. 3, each fuel bladder or fuel tank is provided with a cover. (for ease of viewing, fig. 3 shows the cover not attached to the fuel bladder/tank.) the first cover 12 is shown with an outer flange 14 and a molding 16. The molding 16 surrounds a central opening 18. The molding 16 may be used to help center the first cover 12 (of the first fuel bladder) relative to the second cover 20 (of the second fuel bladder). The shroud 20 has a female opening 22, which female opening 22 corresponds in shape and size to the male moulding 16, so that the components are designed to fit into each other. As described in more detail below, the central opening 18 of the cover 12 is configured to receive the body 30.

Referring now to fig. 4, the body 30 provides interconnecting support. The body 30 is generally illustrated as having a circular periphery that is designed to fit within the central opening 18 of the covers 12, 20. However, it should be understood that alternative shapes may be possible. The body 30 has a connector 32 extending from the body 30. The connector 32 may function as an exhaust tube, a filler tube, or any other use understood in the art. The body 30 also has a rear shoulder 34. In use, the rear shoulder 34 provides a stop abutment for the cover 12 when the cover 12 is positioned on the body as illustrated by fig. 5. The sealing portion 36 of the body 40 may help secure the cover 12 in place and provide a leak-free seal.

Once the cover 12 is positioned relative to the body 30 (using the perimeter of the body 30 received within the central opening 18), the securing features 38 (shown in fig. 3) are positioned on opposite sides of the cover 12. As shown, one example of a securing feature 38 may be a C-clip. The C-clip is typically secured to the body 30 and maintains the position of the cover 12.

Next, as illustrated by fig. 6, a second cover 20 (having a similar central opening 18 as the first cover 12) is positioned over the body 30. The boot 20 may be similarly positioned over the sealing portion 36 to obtain a leak-free connection. In order to securely lock the cover 20 relative to the body 30, two separate locking systems are provided. According to the required standards, the intercommunicating accessory must contain two separate locking devices, according to CS § 29.607, as a failsafe measure. The first locking system 40 features a notched ring 42 and a spring 44. The second locking system 60 features a locking ring 62.

Referring now to the first locking system 40, the body 30 has at least one edge receiver 46. in a particular embodiment, the edge receiver 46 is formed as an L-type lock or a J-type lock it should be understood that alternative geometries are possible and contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure the edge receiver 46 is generally formed as an internal notch extending into the body 30 from the edge opening 48. the edge receiver 46 forms an elongated groove that terminates at an end notch portion 54. the edge opening 48 receives a corresponding notch 50 on the notched ring 42.

In use, as shown in fig. 7, the spring 44 is initially positioned on the body 30 against the extension member 52 of the shroud 20. The spring is compressed by positioning the notched ring 42 as shown in fig. 8. The ring 42 has a plurality of notches 50 extending around the circumference of the ring. In the example shown by fig. 3, there are four notches 50 equally spaced around the ring 42. However, it should be understood that any suitable number of notches may be provided. Each recess is typically formed as an inward projection. The shape of the recess 50 corresponds to the shape of the edge opening 48 of the edge pocket 46. In use, the recess 50 follows the groove formed by the edge-receiving portion 46. Once the notch 50 is fully positioned, the notch 50 is engaged in the end groove 54 of the edge pocket 46. In a particular example, the end groove 54 is shaped like the end of a "J" such that the compression energy against the notched ring 42 via the spring 44 presses into the end groove 54 relative to the notch 50 and is retained in the end groove 54. This locks the notched ring 42 in place, which in turn locks the second cover 20 in place relative to the body 30.

The second locking system 60 is provided by a locking ring 62. As illustrated by fig. 3, the locking ring 62 may be U-shaped such that it may be positioned around the spring 44 and the body 30. In use, the locking ring 62 provides a clamping force that secures the notched ring 42 in place. If the spring fails, it can provide a secondary lock. Lock ring 62 prevents cover 20 from moving away from body 30. Figure 9 illustrates the locking ring 62 positioned in use.

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the disclosed interconnect fitting system 10 in use. It shows two covers 12, 20, the two covers 12, 20 being fixed to each other, positioned around the body 30, and locked to the body 30. As shown and described, the two covers 12, 20 are fixedly assembled into each other, which seals the connection. To prevent leakage, the intercommunicating fittings must be sized appropriately with respect to the internal pressure created by fuel delivery and collision effects. The interconnect assembly should also meet ESD (electrostatic discharge) requirements. According to the required standards, the intercommunicating accessory must contain two separate locking devices, according to CS § 29.607, as a failsafe measure. The assembly should also have some crashworthiness capabilities. For example, in one embodiment, the intercommunicating assembly should withstand a drop test according to CS § 29.952. The materials selected for the intercommunicating fittings may be: for example a light weight metal or alloy such as 2024 aluminium or a high performance thermoplastic polymer such as polyphthalamide (PPA) with ESD properties to save mass. These are merely non-limiting examples. To simplify assembly and maintenance, two separate locking devices are preferably fastened together by simple movement, preferably without specific tool requirements.

Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and the appended claims.