LNG NOZZLE SAFETY LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling for a connecting a LNG nozzles to a LNG vehicle tank receptacle and their connection apparatus to a LNG vehicle tank for fueling.

The invention comprises a double connection system to provides additional safety to a LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism for being locked into a LNG receptacle on a vehicle tank, by combining two different locking mechanisms: one the so-called “collet type” locking mechanism with the locking handles, and two the valved receptacle and valved nozzle approach with the rotating handle.

Claims

1. An LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism for being locked into a LNG receptacle on a vehicle tank, characterized in that it comprises a double connection system to provide additional safety to the LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism, comprising: an “Ice Breaker” type nozzle having collets, and at the front end, comprises a quarter turn bayonet having a portion with crosswise blind slots, that permit that the quarter turn bayonet pulls the nozzle against the receptacle before being open by means of a lever means; thereby ensuring that the “Ice Breaker” type nozzle is tightly seated against the receptacle before it is opened and also preventing the kickback commonly encountered when disengaging the nozzle.

2. The LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever means that activates the collets comprises two locking handles.

3. The LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism, according to claim 1, characterized in that a protective element is provided fitted against the inner surface of the quarter turn bayonet, which is adapted to prevent the gases from reaching the operator.

4. The LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism, according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective element comprises a portion which has a trunk cone-shape surface.

5. The LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism, according to claim 1, characterized in that the slots of the quarter turn bayonet are uniformly distributed along the perimeter of the quarter turn bayonet portion.

6. The LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism, according to any of previous claims 1, characterized in that each of the components are manufactured with a material selected from: aluminum, and/or plastic and/or plastic fiber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0039] In the attached figures:

[0040] FIG. 1 represents a photo of an LNG vehicle tank receptacle;

[0041] FIG. 2 represents a photo of an LNG nozzle that is locked in place with collets activated with two locking handles (the so-called “collet type” locking mechanism);

[0042] FIG. 3 represents a photo of an LNG valved receptacle;

[0043] FIG. 4 represents a drawing of the LNG valve receptacle from U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,477;

[0044] FIG. 5 represents a photo of a valved LNG nozzle;

[0045] FIG. 6 represents a drawing of a valved LNG nozzle from U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,477;

[0046] FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism of the invention in an unlocked position;

[0047] FIG. 8 represents a first lateral view of this embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism of the invention shown in FIG. 7, in which also a LNG hose and a receptacle is also included in an exploded view;

[0048] FIG. 9 represents a second lateral view of this embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism of the invention shown in previous FIG. 8;

[0049] FIG. 10 represents a front view of this embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism of the invention shown in FIG. 7;

[0050] FIG. 11 represents different views of the quarter turn bayonet of the invention; and

[0051] FIG. 12 represents a perspective exploded view of this embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism of the invention shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0052] As mentioned previously, FIG. 2 represents a photo of an LNG nozzle that is locked in place with collets activated with two locking handles, the so-called “collet type” locking mechanism. This type of nozzle intended for use in NO-VENT (top fill) LNG fuel systems. A key feature of this nozzle is the independent shut-off valve located in the flow path within the nozzle. The operator mates the nozzle to the receptacle by pushing it over the receptacle with handles pulled all the way back. By pushing two handles forward, locking of the nozzle to the receptacle and opening of the internal valves is achieved, and fueling can be started. When fueling is complete, the operator returns the handles back to vent position and waits to complete venting of the residual LNG. Then the nozzle can be unlocked and de-mated by pulling two handles all the way back.

[0053] As described previously, a preferable embodiment of the LNG Nozzle Safety Locking Mechanism (10) of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0054] In those FIGS. 7 to 11 a possible embodiment of locking handles (11) are shown, which presents a double scissor shape with to handles (11a, 11b) and respective counterhandles (16). The operator actuates pushing each handle with each of his hands in order to push the two handles forward to engage and start the fueling operation, and also in order to returns the handles back to disengage and stop the fueling.

[0055] The handles (11a, 11b) are connected to a central element (18) and the respective counterhandles (16) are connected to an upper element (17).

[0056] The central outer body (12) of the LNG Nozzle

[0057] Safety Locking Mechanism (10) has a cylindrical shape with several openings (22) preferably in a helicoidally direction. In the interior part an inner body (24) is disposed which is moved axially by means of the manual handles (11a, 11b) and also helped by an elastic element (23) in respect to the outer body (12) which remains unmoving, see FIG. 12.

[0058] At the rear part said central outer body (12) ends forming a connecting part (15) which us adapted to connect a conventional hose (19).

[0059] At the opposite end of the central outer body (12) —in the front part—a quarter turn bayonet (13) is connected.

[0060] As it may be appreciated in the attached figures, an optional protective element (14) is provided fitted close to the inner rear surface of the quarter turn bayonet (13), which is adapted to prevent the gases from reaching the face of the operator in working position. This protective element comprises a portion which has a trunk cone-shape surface. It preferably has two different portions: a first trunk cone-shape portion and a second cylindrical portion, see FIGS. 8 and 12. The second cylindrical portion is adapted to be connected to one end of the central outer body (12).

[0061] As it may be clearly seen especially in FIGS. 11 and 12, the quarter turn bayonet (13) of the invention comprises crosswise slots (25) for the operator to quarter turn the Nozzle Locking Mechanism (10). These crosswise slots (25) are preferably blind slots, in order to achieve a final position when the operation has end the complete quarter turn. As a concrete and non-limiting example, three different same slots are provided, which engage with the receptacle. These three same slots are uniformly distributed along the perimeter.

[0062] As it may be seen in FIG. 12, the quarter turn bayonet (13) has a cylindrical body, configured by two different portions: a first cylindrical portion provided with the blind crosswise slots in the outer surface, and a second cylindrical portion with a minor diameter that the first portion. Said second portion is adapted to be connected to one end of the central outer body (12).

[0063] Preferably, the crosswise slots comprise different directions: an first front transversal portion, another longitudinal portion, another crosswise portion, and a longitudinal blind end portion, see FIG. 8. This advantageous directions helps the correct engagement of the quarter turn bayonet against the receptacle (20). This existing receptacle (20) has corresponding means to enter in these blind crosswise slots (25). For example, they may be protruding means.

[0064] In case that a protective element (14) is used, the second portion of the quarter turn bayonet (13) is connected to the protective element (14), see FIG. 8.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.