Fluidic device for motor vehicle

Abstract

The fluidic device (1) comprises a tubular end portion (9) of a first conduit (7), this portion (9) being essentially made of synthetic material and having at least one electrically conductive inner surface (25) and an outer surface (27), a fitting (17) adapted to a second conduit (11), the fitting (17) comprising an electrically conductive tubular insert (19) received in the end portion (9) of the first conduit (7) and in contact with at least part of its inner surface (25). Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fluidic device for a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a fluidic device for use, in particular, in a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a device of the type comprising a tubular end portion of a first pipe and a connector capable of fluidically connecting the first pipe to a second. More particularly still, the invention relates to a fluidic device of this type, in which the first pipe and the second are intended for the circulation of a fluid in the gaseous state. The invention also relates to a connection device between pipes of this type.

[0002] Most often, a motor vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine and includes a circuit for supplying fuel to this engine. As a replacement or in addition, the motor vehicle may be powered by an electric motor and then includes a generator, such as a fuel cell for example, as well as a circuit for supplying fuel to this generator.

[0003] In both cases, a supply circuit comprises components of various types, for example reservoirs, pressure regulators or injectors. These components are fluidically connected to each other by pipes, intended for the passage of a fluid for use as fuel or combustible. In particular, the components have pipes, intended for the passage of the fluid and which connect to the pipes.

[0004] Generally, a pipeline also has a conduit, which connects to at least one of the conduits of a component of the supply circuit. The conduits, whether they are part of components or of the conduits which connect these components together, together form a pipe for the circulation of the fluid in the supply circuit.

[0005] A pipeline is generally associated with at least one connector, arranged at one of the ends of its respective pipe, and which ensures the fluid connection of this pipe to another pipe, typically the pipe of one of the components of the supply circuit or another pipe of this circuit. The connectors are generally configured so as to assemble to the pipe of their respective pipe in an irreversible manner, that is to say practically without the possibility of disassembly.

[0006] The fittings are designed to be impermeable to the circuit fluid and to ensure a watertight connection between the pipes and the components, under the operating conditions of the circuit (pressure, temperature). Preference is given to fittings that allow rapid connection and disconnection of the pipes and components between them.

[0007] Nowadays, more and more motor vehicles use as fuel or combustible fluids in the gaseous state, such as dihydrogen, compressed natural gas or a mixture thereof (also known in the art as hydromethane).

[0008] Due to the explosive properties of certain gases, such as dihydrogen for example, it is sought to avoid any risk of electrostatic discharge in the supply circuit. To do this, electrically conductive pipes are generally provided. The connections are then provided so as to ensure electrical continuity between these pipes, in particular between the pipes and the components. Indeed, the latter are generally electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle, typically its chassis.

[0009] In the following, we are more particularly interested in pipes for use in a part of the supply circuit known as "low pressure", that is to say where the nominal service pressure is less than 30 bars.

[0010] In general, the pipes of the low pressure part of the circuit are made like their counterparts in the high pressure part or in the air conditioning circuits, in particular in stainless steel. It is common, in fact, to use, in the low pressure part of the circuit, pipes and fittings identical to those of the high pressure part. This results in pipes and fittings also made of stainless steel, generally having a high mass and bulk, and whose connection to the other components requires the use of tools.

[0011] To lighten the pipes, it is known to make at least part of the conduits of these pipes from a low-density material, in particular synthetic material, and in particular of the plastic type. In order to prevent any risk of electrostatic discharge linked to the passage of gas in these pipes, it is provided that these have an electrically conductive interior surface.

[0012] Generally, pipes of this type are produced in the form of tubes made essentially of synthetic material with an electrically conductive inner layer or coating. This results in electrically conductive pipes which are significantly lighter than stainless steel pipes.

[0013] Typically, a pipe of this type can be produced by extrusion. This then produces a pipe whose inner and outer surfaces are devoid of peripheral relief. In particular, this extruded pipe cannot be provided, even partially, with a peripheral groove suitable for receiving a seal for sealing the connection to another pipe, unlike, for example, a pipe produced by injection of plastic material.

[0014] Thus, in the case of a pipeline comprising a conduit essentially made in the form of a tube made of extruded synthetic material, it is customary to make one or more peripheral grooves of this type on an intermediate connecting piece, rather than on the pipe itself.

[0015] For example, DE 10 2012 112 563 A1 discloses a pipe, or fluidic device, comprising a first conduit shaped into a multilayer tube, which connects to a second conduit. The multilayer tube has an electrically conductive inner layer. The fluidic device further comprises a connector, intended for the second conduit. The connector comprises a stainless steel insert, which has a first portion and a second portion opposite each other. The first portion of the insert is received in the multilayer tube and in contact with the inner layer thereof. The second portion of the insert is received in the second conduit. The insert has three grooves, each receiving a seal.One of these grooves is arranged on the first portion of the insert and ensures sealing with the first pipe, while the other two are arranged on the second portion of the insert and ensure sealing with the second pipe.

[0016] This device does not give complete satisfaction, in particular from the point of view of its size and its mass.

[0017] The invention improves the situation.

[0018] To this end, it proposes a fluidic device, in particular for use in a fuel or combustible supply circuit of a motor vehicle, the device comprising:

[0019] - a tubular end portion of a first pipe, this portion being essentially made of synthetic material and having at least one electrically conductive inner surface, as well as an outer surface,

[0020] - a connector, adapted to a second pipe, the connector comprising - an electrically conductive tubular insert, received in the end portion of the first pipe and in contact with at least part of the inner surface thereof, and - a housing suitable for receiving at least one sealing member between the first pipe and the second pipe,

[0021] characterized in that the insert has a shoulder zone, which protrudes from the end portion, and this shoulder zone and the outer surface of the end portion are arranged so as to jointly delimit, at least in part, the housing of the sealing member.

[0022] The proposed device makes it possible to obtain a connection between pipes which is both watertight and compact. This device comprises a shorter insert, in particular in comparison with the insert of DE 10 2012 112 563 A1, and therefore less heavy and less bulky.

[0023] This device is particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to simplify the fa- manufacturing of the insert, on which it is not necessary to machine a groove.

[0024] The Applicant has noticed that it can take advantage of the low roughness of the external surface of the end portion of the first pipe to install the sealing member there for connection to the second pipe, in particular when this end portion is obtained by extrusion of synthetic material.

[0025] Optional features of the invention, complementary or substitutable, are set out below:

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoulder zone is in abutment against the end portion of the first pipe.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoulder zone has a circumferential rim, arranged so as to at least partially surround the end portion of the first pipe, and this circumferential rim is arranged so as to delimit, at least partially, the housing of the sealing member.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoulder zone forms a wall for housing the sealing member.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector further comprises a sleeve, mounted around the end portion, while the sleeve, the shoulder zone of the insert and the outer surface of the end portion are arranged so as to jointly form the housing of the sealing member.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector further comprises at least one spacer, mounted around the end portion, the shoulder zone and the sleeve, the spacer dividing the housing into parts, each part being suitable for receiving a respective sealing member, and the shoulder zone forming a wall for one of these parts.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve has an end zone, this end zone being configured so as to delimit the housing of the sealing member, together with the shoulder zone of the insert and the outer surface of the end portion of the first pipe.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is further capable of supporting an attachment to the second pipe.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector further comprises the attachment to the second pipe, and this attachment comprises a nut configured to abut against the sleeve and / or comprises a tab or flange, which extends from the sleeve and is suitable for receiving a member for attachment to the second pipe.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end portion is obtained by multilayer extrusion of at least one outer layer of plastic material and at least one inner layer of electrically conductive material.

[0035]

[0036]

[0037]

[0038]

[0039]

[0040] The invention also relates to a connection device, in particular for use in a fuel or combustible supply circuit of a motor vehicle, the device comprising: an electrically conductive tubular insert, configured so as to be housed in a tubular end portion of a first pipe, this portion being essentially made of synthetic material and having at least one electrically conductive interior surface, the insert being further configured to come into contact with this interior surface, and a housing suitable for receiving at least one sealing member between the first pipe and a second pipe, characterized in that the insert has a shoulder zone, configured so as to protrude from the end portion of the first pipe when the insert is received in this portion, and that this shoulder zone delimits, at least in part, the housing of the sealing member, jointly with an external surface of the end portion. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention are set out in detail in the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] represents an assembly of an interface and a fluidic device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in sectional view; - [Fig.2] is a side view of the assembly of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] is analogous to [Fig.l], the assembly being shown in view in burst; - [Fig.4] is similar to [Fig.2], the assembly being shown in exploded view; - [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the assembly of [Fig.l], shown in isometric perspective; - [Fig.6] represents an assembly of an interface and a fluidic device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in sectional view; - [Fig.7] is a side view of the assembly of [Fig.6]; - [Fig.8] is analogous to [Fig.6], the assembly being shown in view in burst; - [Fig.9] is similar to [Fig.7], the assembly being shown in exploded view; - [Fig. 10] is an exploded view of the assembly of [Fig. 6], shown in isometric perspective; - [Fig. 11] represents a fluidic device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in sectional view; - [Fig. 12] is a side view of the device of [Fig. 11]; - [Fig. 13] is analogous to [Fig. 11], the device being shown in view in burst; - [Fig. 14] is analogous to [Fig. 12], the device being shown in exploded view; - [Fig. 15] is an exploded view of the device of [Fig. 11], shown in isometric perspective; - [Fig. 16] represents a fluidic device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in sectional view; - [Fig. 17] is a side view of the device of [Fig. 16]; - [Fig. 18] is analogous to [Fig. 16], the device being shown in view in burst; - [Fig. 19] is analogous to [Fig. 17], the device being shown in exploded view; - [Fig.20] is an exploded view of the device of [Fig. 16], shown in isometric perspective.

[0041] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0042] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 5.

[0043] These figures show an assembly 1 comprising an interface 3, here in the form of a portion of emerging pipe, and a fluidic device, or portion of pipe 5, according to a first embodiment of the invention. For example, the assembly 1 is part of a hydrogen supply circuit for a fuel cell. For example, the interface 3 is part of a component of this supply circuit, such as an injector. The interface 3 is connected to the ground of the supply circuit.

[0044] The pipe 5 comprises a first conduit 7, having at least one generally tubular end portion. Here, the first conduit 7 is shaped into a tube 9. The tube 9 extends along a main axis 13. The tube 9 is hollow.

[0045] The tube 9 has an electrically conductive inner surface 25. The tube 9 further has an outer surface 27. In particular, the tube 9 is a tube essentially made of low-density material, for example synthetic material, in particular of the plastic type. For example, the tube 9 is a multilayer tube, comprising a thick outer layer of plastic material, corresponding to its outer surface 27, and a thin electrically conductive inner layer, for example metallic or made of electrically conductive plastic material, corresponding to its inner surface 25. In this way, the first pipe 7 is lighter than a all-metal conduit while having an electrically conductive inner surface, suitable for use with gaseous fluids.

[0046] The outer surface 27 of the tube 9 here has a surface condition of very low roughness. For example, for an extruded tube made of polyamide material, the surface roughness Ra is between 0.05 and 0.1 (micrometers) to be compared with the surface roughness of an injected plastic part whose roughness is between 1.2 and 2.0. Such a surface condition can be obtained by manufacturing the tube 9 by extrusion. In this case, the inner surface 25 of the tube 9 can also have a surface condition of very low roughness. Furthermore, in this case, the outer surface 27 of the tube 9 is free of any trace of a joint plane.

[0047] As a replacement or in addition, the tubular portion of the first pipe can be manufactured by any other process making it possible to obtain an electrically conductive interior surface and an exterior surface of very low roughness.

[0048] Here, the tube 9 has a general shape of a cylinder of revolution around the main axis 13.

[0049] Here, the interface 3 comprises a body 15 and a portion of a second conduit 11, arranged in the body 15. The second conduit 11 generally extends along an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in a mounted state. The second conduit 11 has an inner surface 65, here electrically conductive. For example, the interface 3 is made of stainless steel.

[0050] The second conduit 11 has a mouth 29, intended to receive the tube 9, and a main portion 31, which extends from the mouth 29. The tube 9 has an end 43, received in the mouth 29.

[0051] Here, the second pipe 11 further has a shoulder 33, which connects the mouth 29 and the main portion 31 to each other. Here, the mouth 29 has a general shape of a hollow cylinder, of revolution around an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state. Here, the main portion 31 has a general shape of a hollow cylinder, of revolution around an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state. The mouth 29 has a diameter greater than that of the main portion 31.

[0052] The pipe 5 further comprises a connector 17, which is mounted on the first pipe 7, here irreversibly, and makes it possible to connect this first pipe 7 to the second pipe 11.

[0053] The connector 17 comprises an insert 19, generally elongated and hollow. The insert 19 has a first end portion, received in the tube 9, and a second end portion, opposite the first and received in the second pipe 11, in particular in the mouth 29 thereof. The insert 19 is crossed by the fluid circulating between the first pipe 7 and the second pipe 11. Preferably, the insert 19 participates in both the mechanical connection and the electrical connection between the tube 9 and the second pipe 11.

[0054] The insert 19 is electrically conductive. The insert 19 ensures electrical continuity, which is also sometimes called galvanic continuity, between the inner surface 25 of the tube 9 and the inner surface 65 of the second pipe 11. In this way, the pipe 5 is electrically connected to the ground of the interface 3. Any risk of accumulation of electrostatic charges in the pipe 5 is prevented. The pipe 5 complies with the normative requirements relating to the prevention of risks of electrostatic discharge, also called ESD requirements (from the English equivalent "electrostatic discharge"). The pipe 5 is suitable for the transport of explosive gases, such as dihydrogen for example.

[0055] Here, the insert 19 is made of metal, for example aluminum or stainless steel, in particular grade 316 L. In particular, the insert 19 can be machined or stamped. In addition or as a replacement, the insert 19 can be made of electrically conductive plastic material, for example plastic material loaded with carbon fibers.

[0056] Here, the insert 19 is mounted in the tube 9 with interference of diameters, so as to ensure its electrical connection with the interior surface 25 of the tube 9 and an irremovable mechanical connection with this tube. Here, the insert 19 is mounted in the second conduit 11 with interference of diameters, so as to ensure its electrical connection with the inner surface 65 of the second conduit 11. In addition or as a replacement, the insert 19 may have an external relief, configured so as to come into contact with the inner surface 25 of the tube 9 or the inner surface 65 of the second conduit 11 and thus ensure an electrical connection between the insert 19 and this tube 9 or this second conduit 11. For example, this external relief may comprise one or more metal tabs, in the case where the insert 19 is made of metal, or ribs of electrically conductive plastic material, in the case where the insert 19 is made of this material.

[0057] The insert 19 has a portion shaped into a body 35, housed in the tube 9. This body 35 ensures the electrical connection of the insert 19 with the interior surface 25 of the tube 9.

[0058] The body 35 of the insert 19 has an outer surface in shape cooperation with the inner surface 25 of the tube 9. In particular, here, this outer surface is in shape correspondence with the inner surface 25 of the tube 9. Here, the body 35 of the insert 19 has a general shape of a hollow cylinder, of revolution around an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state.

[0059] The insert 19 further has a shoulder portion 41, which extends its body 35 and protrudes from the tube 9. The shoulder 41 abuts against the end 43 of the tube 9. The shoulder 41 is received in the mouth 29. The shoulder 41 is in shape cooperation with the end 43 of the tube 9. In particular, here, the shoulder 41 is in shape correspondence with the end 43 of the tube 9. Here, the shoulder 41 has a circumferential rim 45, which extends so as to surround the end 43 of the tube 9. Indeed, the tube 9 may possibly have a beveled end linked to a cutting defect during cutting, with a predefined cutting tolerance. Preferably, as can be seen in [Fig. 5], the rim 45 of the shoulder portion 41 delimits around the cylinder of the body 35 of the insert 19 a hollowed-out annular space inside which the end 43 of the tube 9 is housed. This hollowed-out annular space makes it possible to absorb the cutting tolerances of the tube 9, for example obtained by extrusion.

[0060] The insert 19 also has a part shaped as a collar 37, which extends the shoulder 41 along an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state. The collar 37 is received in the mouth 29. The collar 37 ensures the electrical connection of the insert 19 with the inner surface 65 of the second pipe 11.

[0061] The collar 37 is in shape cooperation with the inner surface 65 of the mouth 29. In particular, here, the collar 37 is in shape correspondence with the inner surface 65 of the mouth 29. Here, the collar 37 has a general shape of a hollow cylinder, of revolution around an axis coinciding with the main axis 13 when the interface 3 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state. The collar 37 has a diameter greater than that of the body 35 of the insert 19.

[0062] The collar 37 has an end portion 39, opposite the shoulder 4L. This end portion 39 comes into abutment against the shoulder 33 of the second pipe 11. Here, this end portion 39 has a chamfer on its circumference.

[0063] The collar 37 has a length along the main axis 13 such that the collar 37 has a contact surface with the inner surface 65 of the second pipe 11 suitable for ensuring sufficient electrical continuity between the insert 19 and the second pipe 11. Preferably, this length is chosen to be fairly short, so as to improve the compactness of the connector 17.

[0064] Here, the connector 17 further comprises a sleeve 21, mounted around the tube 9. The sleeve 21 is suitable for supporting a fixing 23 to the second pipe 11.

[0065] The sleeve 21 is preferably made of low-density material, so as to lighten the connector 17. Here, the sleeve 21 is made of plastic, for example by injection. For example, depending on the operating conditions of the connector 17, the plastic material used may be a polyamide (in particular PA 12, PAU, PA6 or PA6.6), a polyolefin (PE, PER, PP), a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS, in particular for compliance with class V0 of the UL / CSA 94 standard) or in polysulfone (PSU).

[0066] Here, the sleeve 21 is secured to the tube 9, for example by welding, in particular by laser welding.

[0067] The sleeve 21 participates in the transmission of the clamping force of the tube 9 onto the interface 3. The mutual assembly of the tube 9 and the interface 3 is facilitated.

[0068] The sleeve 21 has an inner surface 47, in shape cooperation with the outer surface 27 of the tube 9. In particular, here, the inner surface 47 of the sleeve 21 is in shape correspondence with a part of the outer surface 27 of the tube 9.

[0069] The sleeve 21 further has an outer surface 49, in shape cooperation at least over a portion with the inner surface 65 of the mouth 29 of the second pipe 11. In particular, here, the outer surface 49 of the sleeve 21 is in shape correspondence with the inner surface 65 of the mouth 29. Here, the sleeve 21 has a general shape of a cylinder of revolution whose axis coincides with the main axis 13 when the interface 13 and the pipe 5 are in the mounted state.

[0070] Preferably, the sleeve 21 and the body 15 of the interface 3 are assembled by welding, for example by means of a laser. For this purpose, the sleeve 21 comprises an outer peripheral region 53 which is configured to cooperate with an inner peripheral region 51 of the second conduit 11 of the body 15 of the interface 3. In the example illustrated, the outer region 53 comprises a circumferential groove inside which the inner region 51 is positioned.

[0071] The sleeve 21 has a first end 55 and a second end 57 which are mutually opposite. The sleeve 21 is mounted on the tube 9 in such a way that the second end 57 of the sleeve 21 extends opposite a portion of the shoulder 41 of the insert 19, here opposite the circumferential rim 45 thereof.

[0072] The connector 17 further comprises the attachment 23, supported by the sleeve 21. The attachment 23 provides a mechanical connection between the tube 9 and the interface 3.

[0073] The fastener 23 is preferably made of low-density material, for example plastic. Typically, the fastener 23 is made by plastic injection. For example, depending on the operating conditions of the connector 17, the plastic material used may be a polyamide (in particular PA 12, PAU, PA6 or PA6.6), a polyolefin (PE, PER, PP), a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polysulfone (PSU).

[0074] The fixing 23 is adapted to the interface 3, in particular to the shape of the interface 3. Here, the body 15 of the interface 3 is shaped, around the mouth 29, into a portion of hollow cylinder having an external thread, while the fixing 23 is shaped into a nut having an internal thread in cooperation in shape with the thread external of the interface 3. The nut is mounted around the tube 9 and screwed onto a part of the body 15 of the interface 3. The nut further has an internal surface 59, which abuts against the first end 55 of the sleeve 21.

[0075] The connector 17 also comprises a seal between the first pipe 7 and the second pipe 11. This seal comprises a sealing member 63, here of the seal type, and a housing 61, suitable for receiving the sealing member 63.

[0076] The housing 61 is delimited by a bottom surface 67 and a pair of mutually opposite side walls, namely a front wall, close to the end 43 of the tube 9, and a rear wall, distant from this end 43. The housing 61 here has the appearance of a groove.

[0077] The tube 9 participates in the delimitation of the housing 61, in particular of the bottom surface 67 thereof. The tube 9 delimits the housing 61 by means of a part of its external surface 27. Here, as the external surface 27 of the tube 9 has a very low roughness, this makes it possible to ensure good sealing of the connection between the first pipe 7 and the second pipe 11. The pipe 5 is, in this way, suitable for use with a fluid in the gaseous state.

[0078] The insert 19 participates in the delimitation of the housing 61, in particular of the front wall thereof. The insert 19 delimits the housing 61 by means of a part of its shoulder 4L. In particular, here, the insert 19 delimits the housing 61 by means of the circumferential rim 45 of its shoulder 4L.

[0079] Here, the sleeve 21 further participates in the delimitation of the housing 61, in particular of the rear wall thereof. The sleeve 21 delimits the housing 61 via its second end 57.

[0080] Here, the tube 9, the insert 19 and the sleeve 21 jointly form the housing 61 of the sealing member 63. Here, more particularly, the outer surface 27 of the tube 9, the circumferential rim 45 of the shoulder 41 of the insert 19 and the second end 57 of the sleeve 21 jointly form the housing 61. Here, the housing 61 has a generally annular shape, of revolution around the main axis 13.

[0081] Here, the sealing member 63 is of the O-ring type. The sealing member 63 is compressed radially by the inner surface of the mouth 29 of the second pipe 11. Depending on the operating conditions of the connector 17, the sealing member 63 is for example made of one of the elastomer materials known in the art under the acronyms EPDM, IIR, VMQ or FKM.

[0082] Typically, to form the pipe 5, the fixing 23 and the sleeve 21 are successively mounted on the tube 9, then the sleeve 21 is secured to the tube 9. Next, the sealing member 63 is mounted around the tube 9. Finally, the insert 19 is introduced into the end 43 of the tube 9, until the shoulder 41 of the insert 19 abuts against this end 43. This delimits the housing 61 for the sealing member. 63.

[0083] Subsequently, the assembly 1 is carried out by introducing the pipe 5 into the interface 3, until the end portion 39 of the collar 37 of the insert 19 comes to abut against the shoulder 33 of the second pipe 11. Then, the fixing 23 is put in place on the interface 3.

[0084] The connection of the pipeline described has both reduced size and mass compared to the connections of the state of the art. In addition, this connection makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the pipeline and the interface. In particular, this assembly now only requires a low insertion force.

[0085] Reference is made to Figures 6 to 10.

[0086] Elements functionally similar to those described for Figures 1 to 5 bear the same reference numbers.

[0087] Figures 6 to 10 show a second embodiment of the fluidic device 5, which differs from the first essentially in that the insert 19 also has one or more metal tabs 69, here a pair. Preferably, the metal tabs 69 are regularly arranged around the collar 37 of the insert 19. Here, the metal tabs 69 are diametrically opposite one another. The metal tabs 69 participate in the electrical connection between the insert 19 and the inner surface 65 of the second conduit 11. In this embodiment, the insert 19 does not abut radially against the inner surface of the interface 15.

[0088] Reference is made to Figures 11 to 15.

[0089] These figures show a third embodiment of the fluidic device 5, which differs from the first essentially in that the attachment 23 is shaped at least in part as a portion of a tab or flange. The flange 23 is formed in a single piece with a portion forming a sleeve 21. The flange 23 here extends radially from the sleeve 21. The flange has an orifice 71, configured so as to receive a fixing member (not shown), such as a threaded rod, to the second pipe 11. For example, the fixing member is fixed to the body of the interface (not shown). In addition, the attachment 23 may comprise additional tabs. In a variant not shown, the flange 23 may be mounted separately from the sleeve, for example as a “free” flange in order to eliminate any positional constraint relative to the tube.

[0090] This third embodiment is, in particular, suitable for connection to an interface not having an external thread.

[0091] As can be seen in Figures 11 and 15, the flange 23 has a portion 73 for connecting the flange 23 and the sleeve-forming portion 21. Preferably, this portion 73 is perforated, for example to lighten the part and to absorb mechanical stresses by giving flexibility to the assembly.

[0092] Reference is made to Figures 16 to 20.

[0093] These figures show a fourth embodiment of the fluidic device 5, which differs from the third essentially in that the connector 17 further comprises a spacer 77, mounted around the tube 9 between the sleeve 21 and the insert 19. The spacer 77 divides the housing 61 into two parts 75, 79. Each part 75, 79 of the housing 61 houses a respective sealing member 63, here of the seal type. Each part 75, 79 of the housing 61 has the appearance of a groove. The spacer 77 has a generally annular shape.

[0094] The spacer 77 has a first radial wall 81 and a second radial wall 83 mutually opposite. The first part 75 of the housing 61 is formed jointly by the sleeve 21, the tube 9 and the spacer 77. In particular, here, this first part 75 is formed jointly by the second end 57 of the sleeve 21, the upper surface 27 of the tube 9 and the first radial wall 81.

[0095] The second part 79 of the housing 61 is formed jointly by the spacer 77, the tube 9 and the insert 19. In particular, here, this second part 79 is formed jointly by the second radial wall 83 of the sleeve 21, the upper surface 27 of the tube 9 and the circumferential rim 45 of the shoulder 41 of the insert 19.

[0096] Here, each part 75, 79 of the housing 61 has a generally annular shape. Here, each sealing member 63 is an O-ring.

[0097] The materials for the sealing members generally have limited operating temperature ranges. In this fourth embodiment of the invention, it is possible to provide for producing each of the sealing members in a material having operating properties adapted to distinct temperature ranges. The use of two sealing members instead of just one thus makes it possible to increase the operating temperature range of the connection (typically -40°C to 150°C for a connection for use in the automotive field).

[0098] Furthermore, the use of two sealing members makes it possible to distribute the pressure over the two members.

[0099] The fluidic device according to the invention can be used in different types of fluid circuits, such as circuits for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, anode loop circuits, ventilation, detection (for example, for sending to security sniffers), cooling, purge / drain and exhaust.

[0100] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all variants conceivable by those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims

1. Fluidic device (5), in particular for use in a fuel or combustible supply circuit of a motor vehicle, the device (5) comprising: - a tubular end portion (9) of a first pipe (7), this portion (9) being essentially made of synthetic material and having at least one electrically conductive inner surface (25), as well as an outer surface (27), - a connector (17), adapted to a second pipe (11), the connector (17) comprising - an electrically conductive tubular insert (19), received in the end portion (9) of the first pipe (7) and in contact with at least part of the inner surface (25) thereof, and - a housing (61) suitable for receiving at least one sealing member (63) between the first pipe (7) and the second pipe (11), characterized in that the insert (19) has a shoulder zone (41), which protrudes from the end portion (9),and this shoulder zone (41) and the outer surface (27) of the end portion (9) are arranged so as to jointly delimit, at least in part, the housing (61) of the sealing member (63).,

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the shoulder zone (41) is in abutment against the end portion (9) of the first pipe (7).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in which the shoulder zone (41) has a circumferential rim (45), arranged so as to surround at least in part the end portion (9) of the first pipe (7), and this circumferential rim (45) is arranged so as to delimit, at least in part, the housing (61) of the sealing member (63).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the shoulder zone (41) forms a wall for the housing (61) of the sealing member (63).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector (17) further comprises a sleeve (21), mounted around the end portion (9), while the sleeve (21), the shoulder zone (41) of the insert (19) and the outer surface (27) of the end portion (9) are arranged so as to jointly form the housing (61) of the sealing member (63).

6. Device according to claim 6, in which the connector (17) further comprises at least one spacer (77), mounted around the end portion (9) between the shoulder zone (41) and the sleeve (21), the spacer (77) dividing the housing (61) into parts (75,79), each part (75,79) being suitable for receiving a respective sealing member (63), and the shoulder zone (41) forming a wall for one of these parts (75,79).

7. Device according to any one of claims 5 and 6, in which the sleeve (21) has an end zone (57), this end zone (57) being configured so as to delimit the housing (61) of the sealing member (63), together with the shoulder zone (41) of the insert (19) and the outer surface (27) of the end portion (9) of the first pipe (7).

8. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which the sleeve (21) is further adapted to support an attachment (23) to the second pipe (11).

9. Device according to claim 8, in which the connector (17) further comprises the attachment (23) to the second pipe (11), and this attachment (23) comprises a nut configured so as to abut against the sleeve (21) and / or comprises a tab or a flange, which extends from the sleeve (21) and is suitable for receiving a member for attachment to the second pipe (11).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the end portion (9) is obtained by multilayer extrusion of at least one outer layer (27) of plastic material and at least one inner layer (25) of electrically conductive material.

11. Connection device (17), in particular for use in a fuel or combustible supply circuit of a motor vehicle, the device (17) comprising: an electrically conductive tubular insert (19), configured so as to be housed in a tubular end portion (9) of a first pipe (7), this portion (9) being essentially made of synthetic material and having at least one electrically conductive inner surface (25); strictly conductive, the insert (19) being further configured to come into contact with this interior surface (25), and a housing (61) suitable for receiving at least one sealing member (63) between the first pipe (7) and a second pipe (11), characterized in that the insert (19) has a shoulder zone (41), configured so as to protrude from the end portion (9) of the first pipe (7) when the insert (19) is received in this portion (9), and that this shoulder zone (41) delimits, at least in part, the housing (61) of the sealing member (63), together with an external surface (27) of the end portion (9).

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