Improved tubular assembly intended to be connected to second conduit

Abstract

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a tubular assembly (E) comprising a rotationally symmetrical conduit (3) comprising at least a first axial abutment (3440), a second axial abutment (3444) intended to abut a second conduit to be connected, and a sealing wall (36) comprising an inner surface (3460) formed by a counterbore (3060), the counterbore enables the sealing wall (36) to elastically deform by compression having at least one axial component on an outer sealing deformation surface (3464) radially opposite the inner surface. The assembly further comprises a fastening member (32) mounted axially movable about the conduit (3) between a free position and an abutment position, the fastening member comprising axial fastening means (324) for fastening to the second conduit and an axial abutment (321) adjacent to the first axial abutment (3440) of the conduit (3) in the abutment position.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of pipe joints.

[0002] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a pipe and an axial fastening member for sealingly fastening the pipe to another pipe. Background Art

[0003] Metal pipes are known for transporting fluid from one area to a second area. It is often necessary to join different pipes together. One problem is to ensure the seal between the various pipe joints.

[0004] One solution is a welded joint, but this type of joint is not possible in different applications for various reasons (such as the presence of a fire risk during welding, even reaching behind the pipes). In this case, detachable joints between two pipes are known. The two pipes can be manufactured by different suppliers, so joints adapted to the manufacturing limitations of different manufacturers are needed.

[0005] Figure 1 Shows a first pipe assembly 1 joined to a second pipe 2 according to an embodiment proposed by the applicant.

[0006] The pipe assembly 1 includes a pipe 10 and a nut 12, the nut including a tapped portion for attachment by screwing to the thread of the second pipe 2. The first pipe 10 includes an inner surface surrounding a volume in which fluid circulates to an open end. The inner surface is a regular cylindrical surface (same diameter) to reduce head loss.

[0007] The first pipe 10 includes a joint portion 100 that includes a partially cylindrical inner surface up to the open end and a conical outer surface. The second pipe includes a conical inner surface at its open end that corresponds to the conical outer surface of the first pipe, each forming a sealing surface and an abutting contact surface.

[0008] The first pipe 10 further includes an abutment 112 that abuts against a snap ring 121 that is inserted into a hole in the nut to abut against the abutment 112.

[0009] When the nut 12 is screwed onto the second pipe 2, the snap ring 121 abuts against the abutment 112 on the first pipe 10 and causes the sealing surfaces and the abutting contact surfaces of the two pipes to move axially closer together. Clamping the nut with the second pipe results in the confinement of the conical outer surface of the joint portion 100 and the conical inner surface of the second pipe. However, since both the sealing surface and the abutting contact surface may have different dimensional tolerances (which are caused by the dimensional tolerances of the pipes, snap rings, and nuts related to manufacturing), and since the joint is blind, it is necessary to perform "running-in" (i.e., the steps of measuring and inspecting the joint to ensure the blind connection of the two pipes). In practice, in fact, before installing onto the machine, the operator can first clamp the nut onto the second pipe, measure the clamping torque, perform a leak test between the two pipes, loosen the nut and disconnect the two pipes, and then, when the two pipes are joined together on the machine, perform the joining by applying a clamping torque corresponding to the clamping torque performed. In addition, this two-step enables the coupling to run-in and checks whether the two pipes have undergone any plastic deformation due to this clamping.

[0010] This two-step performed by the operator is time-consuming and thus costly. In addition, during multiple joining operations, the clamping torque may change due to wear between the threads and the tapped portion or between the two conical surfaces.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a detachable joint that ensures proper sealing between two pipes without modifying the second pipe and without the user having to perform two operations. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention provides a solution to the previously discussed problem by providing a detachable joint for two pipes, which ensures a certain degree of sealing through metal / lubricant / metal contact and through axial abutment between the two pipes.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention relates to Claim 1.

[0014] By means of the present invention, the rotating sealing wall has a sealing effect, and the radial surface abutting against the first abutment can determine the end of the stroke. In fact, the operator can use a torque wrench to screw the nut, and when the two abutments come into contact, the second abutment abuts against the abutment on the corresponding second pipe.

[0015] A seal is provided therebetween by bringing the outer seal deformation surface into contact with the inclined surface of the second pipe to be joined, and the rotating seal wall is indeed adapted to elastically deform when joined to the second pipe. When the nut at the adjacent position on the first pipe is screwed onto the second pipe, the two pipes are moved towards each other, such that the inclined surface of the second pipe bears on and slides on the outer seal deformation surface of the inclined portion (friction can be reduced by a lubricant, such as a dry lubricant), which elastically deforms the rotating seal wall until the second surface of the second axial abutment on the first pipe abuts against the abutment on the second pipe to be joined. In other words, the outer seal deformation surface is adapted to bear on and slide against the inclined surface of the seal wall of the second pipe to be joined (between the radial and axial directions, for example, at an angle X° relative to the axis of the pipe, such that the angle is measured on the side of the second pipe), so as to elastically deform the rotating seal wall, thereby providing a seal for the seal wall of the second pipe.

[0016] When the fastening member is first fastened to the second pipe, the seal wall will mainly elastically deform and may also locally plastically deform, but during different disassembly and installation operations, the seal wall will only elastically deform.

[0017] In addition to the features just discussed in the previous paragraphs, the tubular assembly according to one aspect of the present invention may have one or more complementary features among the features in the following paragraphs, which are considered individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first pipe includes a main tubular region having a regular thickness between an inner surface and an outer surface, the connecting region includes a connecting end extending from the main tubular region, the connecting end having an inner diameter or an outer diameter different from the inner diameter or the outer diameter of the main tubular region, and wherein the connecting region includes the internal volume of the pipe from the connecting end to the first end, the first end forming a free edge surrounding an axial opening, the engaging wall includes an inner surface surrounding a first portion of the internal volume, and wherein the seal wall surrounds a second portion of the internal volume extending from the first portion of the internal volume to the axial opening.

[0019] According to an example of this embodiment, the inner surface of the engaging wall includes different diameters, wherein the portion of the inner surface located between two axial ends has a diameter forming the minimum volume of the first portion of the internal volume, and the first axial abutment is axially located between the ends of this portion of the inner surface.

[0020] According to another example, the inner surface of the engaging wall includes a constant diameter, thereby forming a first portion of an inner cylindrical volume.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the joining wall includes an inner portion having a first diameter and a restricted area between the inner portion and the sealing wall, the restricted area having a minimum diameter of the connection area.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the joining wall includes a groove extending from a first surface of the collar to another adjacent surface, and an axial adjacent member of the fastening member can move in the groove between the first axial adjacent member and the other adjacent surface defining the groove.

[0023] According to one example, the other adjacent surface defining the groove and the first surface of the collar have a shape corresponding to the shape of the axial adjacent member of the fastening member. This avoids deforming the adjacent member of the fastening member. According to one exemplary embodiment, the end of the collar at the first surface forming the first axial adjacent member is rounded.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the collar includes a groove that divides the collar into a first part and a second part, the first part including a first axial adjacent member that includes a thickness measured axially, the axially measured thickness:

[0025] - is less than the thickness of the second part including the second axial adjacent member,

[0026] - is greater than the thickness of the sealing wall measured between the inner surface and the outer sealing deformation surface.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the axial adjacent member on the fastening member is a snap ring.

[0028] According to one example of this embodiment, the fastening member includes a snap ring insertion port that passes through the fastening member from the outer surface to the inner surface facing the pipe, and the insertion port includes a section corresponding to the snap ring at the inner surface around the pipe.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fastening member is a nut and the fastening device is a tapped portion of the thread to be screwed onto the second pipe.

[0030] According to an alternative, the fastening member includes a thread to be screwed into a nut on the second pipe.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sealing wall further includes a rotary cylindrical portion extending from the inclined portion to the second axial adjacent member of the collar. This allows the inclined portion to have greater flexibility for elastic deformation.

[0032] According to an alternative of this embodiment, the sealing wall only includes an inclined portion that extends directly from the second axial adjacent member of the collar.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the portion of the inner surface forming the inclined portion of the sealing wall is curved. This promotes the elastic deformation of the inclined portion when it contacts the second pipe.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the outer sealing deformation surface is curved. This means that during the elastic deformation of the inclined portion, the friction generated due to contact with the second pipe is small.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the inclined portion of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical spring washer.

[0036] According to an example of this embodiment, the inclined portion of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical spring washer. For example, the portion of the inner surface forming the inclined portion of the sealing wall is also frustoconical.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the variation in the thickness of the sealing wall between the inner surface and the outer sealing deformation surface is less than 10%. For example, the portion of the inner surface forming the inclined portion of the sealing wall is concentric with the outer sealing deformation surface (in the case of a curved surface, so they are parallel).

[0038] According to one embodiment, each element is a metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy) element. For example, the pipe is of the stainless steel type, and the fastening means includes a stainless steel axial fastening means and a stainless steel abutment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the outer sealing deformation surface is inclined at an average angle between 1° and 45° (including 1° and 45°) with respect to the axis of the pipe. In the case of a curved outer sealing deformation surface, the average angle is the average of the angles between the tangents of the sections of the surface and the axis X. In the case of a frustoconical outer sealing surface, the average angle is the angle between the straight line of the section of the surface and the axis X.

[0040] According to an example of this embodiment, the portion of the inner surface forming the inclined portion of the sealing wall is inclined at an average angle between 1° and 45° (including 1° and 45°) with respect to the axis of the pipe.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the outer sealing deformation surface is inclined at an average angle between 45° and 90° with respect to the axis of the pipe, and the counterbore forms a recess that defines the sealing wall and forms the inner surface of the sealing wall.

[0042] According to an example of this another embodiment, the outer sealing deformation surface extends from the second surface of the second axial abutment forming the collar.

[0043] According to an example of this another embodiment, the portion of the inner surface forming the inclined portion of the sealing wall is inclined at an average angle between 45° and 90° with respect to the axis of the pipe.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the collar is formed such that the second surface is located at the axial end of the pipe. In this example, the sealing wall only includes an inclined portion that extends directly from the second surface.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the sealing wall further includes a turned cylindrical portion that extends from the inclined portion to the second surface of the collar.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the engaging wall includes an outer surface that includes a visual indicator between the first surface that forms the first axial abutment and the end of the engaging wall that is axially opposite to the sealing wall, and the visual indicator corresponds to an area that is at least partially covered by the fastening member in the free position and at least partially exposed in the abutment position when the fastening member is coupled to the second pipe. Thus, the indicator shows the operator whether the first pipe is correctly engaged to the second pipe.

[0047] According to one example of the mode including the visual indicator, the visual indicator is a mark indicating incomplete clamping.

[0048] According to one example, the visual indicator is only fully visible in the abutment position.

[0049] According to another example, the visual indicator is partially exposed from the free position.

[0050] According to one example, the fastening member includes an axial end opposite to the axial fastening device, and the fastening member includes a notch at this axial end. This enables the operator to see when he / she is closer to the abutment position to be reached.

[0051] According to one example, the outer surface extends from another abutment surface to the end of the engaging wall.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the collar further includes a groove that divides the collar into a first portion including a first abutment surface and a second sealing and abutting wall, and the second sealing and abutting wall includes an outer sealing deformation surface that extends from the second surface that forms the second axial abutment, and the groove allows the second sealing wall to elastically deform by compression having at least one axial component on the outer sealing deformation surface.

[0053] According to one example of this embodiment, the second collar sealing wall further includes:

[0054] - A radially inner surface that defines the volume of the counterbore and extends between a first radial end and a second radial end of the surface that joins the bottom of the counterbore, the first radial end being opposite to the second radial end,

[0055] - A radially outer surface that joins the first radial end of the outer sealing deformation surface and the first radial end of the radially inner surface,

[0056] - An inner end that axially extends between a second radial end of the radial inner surface and a second radial end of the outer seal deformation surface within the collar, the outer seal deformation surface engaging a second surface that forms a second axial abutment.

[0057] According to an example of this embodiment, the outer seal deformation surface surrounds a portion of a rotary seal wall. According to one implementation of this example, the outer seal deformation surface of the collar is inclined relative to the second surface that forms the second axial abutment. According to another implementation of this example, the seal wall includes an additional thickness that causes the outer seal deformation surface to protrude from the second surface that forms the second axial abutment.

[0058] According to an example of this embodiment, the outer seal deformation surface is adapted to elastically deform by contact with a surface of a second pipe until the surface of the second pipe abuts against the second surface that forms the second axial abutment.

[0059] The present invention also relates to an engagement assembly that includes:

[0060] - A component according to the previous aspect, the component having or not having one or more of these different features of the foregoing paragraphs,

[0061] - A second pipe that includes:

[0062] - A seal surface that is inclined relative to an axis, the seal surface contacting and abutting against the outer seal deformation surface to elastically deform the seal wall, and

[0063] - An axial abutment that axially abuts against the second axial abutment of the engagement wall, and wherein an axial fastening device is fastened to a complementary fastening device,

[0064] - A lubricating layer that is located between the outer seal deformation surface and the inclined seal surface.

[0065] According to an embodiment of this engagement assembly, the lubricating layer is a dry lubricant deposited on the outer seal deformation surface.

[0066] According to an embodiment of this engagement assembly, the inclined seal surface of the second pipe includes a first free end and a second end opposite the free end, the free end extending from a radial surface that forms the axial abutment of the engagement wall, wherein the inclined seal surface is frustoconical, the diameter of the inclined seal surface at the first free end is greater than the maximum diameter of the outer seal deformation surface, and the diameter of the inclined seal surface at the second end is less than the maximum diameter of the outer seal deformation surface.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the joining assembly, the elastic deformation of the sealing wall caused by the inclined sealing surface of the second pipe forces the outer sealing deformation surface of the first pipe to press against the inclined sealing surface of the second pipe.

[0068] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for marking a tubular assembly according to the aspects of the foregoing invention (claim 14).

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method, the step of making a visual indicator on the pipe is, for example, laser marking around the pipe in an axially defined area.

[0070] Another non-claimed invention relates to a tubular assembly to be joined to a second pipe, characterized in that the assembly comprises:

[0071] - a pipe that rotates about an axis, the pipe including a connection area, the connection area including:

[0072] - a rotating joining wall, the joining wall including at least one collar, the collar including:

[0073] - a first surface that forms a first axial abutment, and

[0074] - a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface forming a second axial abutment for abutting against the second pipe,

[0075] - an outer surface that includes a visual indicator, the visual indicator being located between the first surface that forms the first axial abutment and the end of the joining wall that is axially opposite the second axial abutment,

[0076] - a rotating sealing wall that extends from the joining wall, the sealing wall including an outer sealing deformation surface that has a diameter that gradually and continuously increases from a first free end around an opening in the pipe to a second end opposite the first end,

[0077] - a fastening member that is mounted to be axially movable around the connection area between a free position and an abutment position,

[0078] In the free position, the visual indicator is at least partially covered by the fastening member, and in the abutment position, the visual indicator is visible,

[0079] The fastening member includes:

[0080] - an axial fastening device for fastening to a complementary fastening device on the second pipe to be joined, and

[0081] - an axial abutment that, in the abutment position, abuts against the first axial abutment of the pipe collar.

[0082] The present invention enables an indication to be given to the user that a first pipe is adjacent to a second pipe when the two pipes are joined by means of an attachment member covering two axially adjacent members. The visual indicator can be manufactured by the method described above.

[0083] The present invention will be better understood, together with its different applications, by reading the following description and referring to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0084] These drawings are presented for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and in no way limit the present invention.

[0085] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an axial cross-section of a tubular assembly according to the prior art.

[0086] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section of a tubular assembly in a free position according to an example of a first embodiment.

[0087] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 an enlarged view of.

[0088] Figure 4 shows an axial cross-section of a joining assembly including the tubular assembly shown in Figure 2 in a free position.

[0089] Figure 5 shows an axial cross-section of an alternative of the joining assembly in an adjacent position.

[0090] Figure 6 shows an axial cross-section of a marked joining assembly (M) in an adjacent position according to a second example of a first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 7 shows an axial cross-section of a joining assembly including a tubular assembly in an adjacent position according to a third example of a first embodiment.

[0092] Figure 8a shows an axial cross-section of an example of a part of a joining assembly including a tubular assembly, the joining assembly being in a first position showing the inclined part of a first pipe in contact with the inclined sealing surface of a second pipe.

[0093] Figure 8b shows Figure 7 a representation of an axial cross-section of a part of a joining assembly, showing the inclined sealing surface of the second pipe deforming the inclined part of the first pipe.

[0094] Figure 8c shows Figure 7 ​​​​​​​​​​Axial cross-section of a portion of the joining assembly in an adjacent position of a, showing the inclined sealing surface of the second pipe deforming the inclined portion of the first pipe.

[0095] Figure 9a Shows an axial cross-section of an example of a portion of a joining assembly including a pipe assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment, the joining assembly being in a position before the inclined portion contacts the inclined sealing surface of the second pipe.

[0096] Figure 9b Shows an axial cross-section of a portion of the joining assembly in an adjacent position.

[0097] Figure 10 Shows a joining assembly (M) including a tubular assembly in a free position according to a first example of a first embodiment.

[0098] Figure 11 Shows Figure 10 A representation of the joining assembly in an adjacent position.

[0099] Figure 12 Shows a representation of different dimensional chains on an axial cross-section of a first example of a tubular assembly in an adjacent position according to a first embodiment.

[0100] Figure 13a Shows an axial cross-section of an example of a portion of a joining assembly including a tubular assembly in an adjacent position according to a third embodiment.

[0101] Figure 13b Shows Figure 13a An enlarged view of the cross-section of.

[0102] Figure 14a Shows an axial cross-section of an example of a portion of a joining assembly including a tubular assembly in an adjacent position according to a fourth embodiment.

[0103] Figure 14b Shows Figure 14a A schematic diagram of the framed area of the cross-section of.

[0104] Figure 14c Schematically shows an example of a pipe of a pipe assembly according to a fourth embodiment. Detailed Description

[0105] These drawings are presented for illustrative purposes of the present invention and in no way limit the present invention.

[0106] Figure 2 Shows a schematic representation of an axial cross-section of a tubular assembly E according to a first example of a first mode of the present invention. ​​​​​​​​​​

[0107] The tubular component E is to be joined to a second pipe 4, which is shown in axial cross-section in the Figure 4 joining assembly R. In other words, the joining assembly R includes the tubular component E and the pipe 4 joined together. Figure 5 Shows a joining assembly R including a tubular component E, which is an alternative according to a first example of a first embodiment. Figure 6 Shows a joining assembly R different from the Figure 4 joining assembly.

[0108] The component E includes a fastening member 32 and a pipe 3 that rotates about an axis X. The pipe 3 includes a connection region 34 and a main tubular region. The pipe 3 and / or the fastening member 32 are each made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy. For example, the pipe 3 and the fastening member 32 are each made of a steel of the stainless steel type.

[0109] The main tubular region includes a regular thickness between an inner surface and an outer surface (herein, the inner surface and the outer surface are cylindrical). The boundary between the connection region 34 and the main tubular region is formed by a connecting end of the connection region 34, which extends from the main tubular region and has an inner diameter or an outer diameter different from the inner diameter or the outer diameter of the main tubular region. The connection region 34 includes an internal volume of the pipe 3 from the connecting end to an opening 30 formed by a first end 3461, which forms a free edge surrounding the axial opening 30.

[0110] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 an enlarged view at this connection region 34. The fastening member 32 is mounted to be axially movable about the connection region 34 between a free position and an abutting position. Thus, the fastening member 32 includes an axial fastening device 324 that fastens to a complementary fastening device 424 of the pipe 4, enabling them to be fastened together. In this example, the fastening member 32 herein is a nut, the fastening device 324 of the fastening member 32 is a tapped portion, and the complementary fastening device 424 of the pipe 4 is a thread to be screwed together.

[0111] The connection region 34 includes a rotating joining wall 342, which includes at least one collar 344. The collar 344 includes a first surface forming a first axial abutment 3440 and a second surface forming a second axial abutment 3444.

[0112] The pipe 4 also includes an axial abutment 404 that abuts the second axial abutment 3444 when in the abutting position (and thus is potentially joined to the pipe 3).

[0113] The fastening member 32 includes an axial abutment 321 that abuts the first axial abutment 3440 of the collar 344 of the pipe 3 in the abutting position.

[0114] Thus, in order to perform fastening (the fastening is performed by screwing in this document), the fastening member 32 moves along the rotational axis X towards the pipe 4 until the axial abutment 321 abuts against the first axial abutment 3440 of the collar 344. During the fastening, which in this document is during the screwing, the second pipe 4 moves closer to the first pipe until the second pipe contacts the second axial abutment 3444 of the collar 344.

[0115] In this first embodiment, the second pipe 4 includes an axial abutment 443 which, in this document, is located at the axial end of the complementary fastening means 424 of the pipe 4.

[0116] The engaging wall 342 includes a groove 3421 (see Figure 5 , which shows an alternative to the first example shown in Figures 2 to 4 ), which extends from the first surface 3440 of the collar 344 to another abutment surface 3422. The axial abutment 321 of the fastening member 32 can move in the groove 3421 between the first axial abutment 3440 and the another abutment surface 3422 that defines the groove 3421. Figure 5 The assembly E shown in Figure 4 is an alternative to the assembly in Figure 2 and Figure 4 because the another abutment surface 3422 that defines the groove 3421 is a radial surface, while in the first example, as shown in

[0117] In this embodiment, the axial abutment 321 of the fastening member 32 is a snap ring. The fastening member 32 includes an insertion port 3210 which is visible in the cross-section in Figure 6 as well as Figure 10 and Figure 11 and Figure 10 and Figure 11Respectively show the external views of the first example of the first embodiment in the free position and the adjacent position. The insertion port 3210 has a spiral shape, and the cross-section of the spiral shape corresponds to the cross-section of the snap ring 321. This insertion port passes through the fastening member 32 from the outer surface to the inner surface facing the pipe 3. The insertion port 3210 allows the snap ring (by plastic deformation or elastic deformation) to be inserted into the groove around the pipe 3. Therefore, in order to form the assembly E, the fastening member 32 (without the snap ring forming the fastening member 32) is installed on the connection area 34 until the inner outlet of the insertion port 3210 faces the groove 3421, and then the snap ring (via the outer inlet of the insertion port 3210) is inserted into the insertion port 3210. The snap ring is deformed by deforming in the groove 3421 and exits from the inner outlet until the snap ring forms the axial adjacent member 321.

[0118] The pipe 3 further includes a rotating sealing wall 36, which extends from the joint wall 342 opposite to the first axial adjacent member 3440.

[0119] The joint wall 342 includes an inner surface 3420 surrounding the first part of the internal volume of the connection area 34, and the sealing wall 36 surrounds the second part of the internal volume extending from the first part of the internal volume to the axial opening 30.

[0120] The sealing wall 36 includes an inclined portion 346 with respect to the rotation axis X of the pipe 3, that is, the inner surface and the outer surface of this inclined portion are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the rotation axis X. The inclined portion 346 includes the first end 3461 of the pipe 3.

[0121] The inclined portion 346 further includes a second end 3462 axially opposite to the first end 3461. In other words, the inclined portion 346 is defined axially between the two ends 3462 and 3461 of this inclined portion. Beyond the second end 3462, the second end 3462 is also the end of the sealing wall 36 (as in the second embodiment explained below), or the sealing wall 36 includes a non-inclined portion, which is a rotating cylindrical portion 360 in this first embodiment of the present text (the inner surface and the outer surface of this cylindrical portion are parallel to the rotation axis X), and this cylindrical portion extends from the second end 3462 to the second axial adjacent member 3444 of the collar 344.

[0122] The inclined portion 346 further includes an outer sealing deformation surface 3464, which has a diameter that gradually and continuously increases from the free first end 3461 to the second end 3462.

[0123] The sealing wall 36 includes an inner surface 3460 that is radially opposite to the outer sealing deformation surface 3464. The inner surface is formed by a counterbore 3060, which enables the sealing wall 36 to elastically deform by compression having at least one axial component on the outer sealing deformation surface 3464.

[0124] Figure 7 Showing a cross-section of the joining assembly R' including the component E according to the third example of the first embodiment, where the difference in the inner diameter of the inner surface 3420 of the joining wall 342 is mentioned. A part 34200 of the inner surface 3420 has a constant diameter D3420 with the smallest volume forming a first part of the internal volume. The part 34200 is defined between the internal chamfer and the counterbore 3060. The first axial abutment 3440 is axially located at the part 34200 of the inner surface 3420, that is, between the internal chamfer and the counterbore 3060. In addition, Figure 7 The example shown is different in that the fastening member 32 is axially shorter and does not include any markings explained below.

[0125] In this first embodiment, at least before joining, the inner surface 3460 formed by the counterbore includes a diameter D3060 that is larger than the diameter D3461 of the inner surface 3460 at the opening 30 at the second axial abutment 3444 of the collar 344. The constant diameter D3420 of the part 34200 is smaller than the constant diameters D3060, D3461 of the counterbore.

[0126] The second pipe 4 includes an inclined sealing surface 406 (refer to Figure 7 ) relative to the axis X. When the pipe 4 is joined to the pipe 3, the inclined sealing surface contacts and abuts against the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 by elastically deforming the sealing wall 36. In other words, at the time of joining, the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 initially contacts the inclined sealing surface 406 of the pipe 4, and at the time of fastening, by moving the pipe 4 towards the pipe 3 via the fastening member 32, the sealing wall 36 is deformed until the axial abutment 404 axially abuts against the second axial abutment 3444 of the joining wall 342.

[0127] In Figure 4 the first example shown and its alternatives in Figure 5 as well as in Figure 7 the third example in Figure 6In a second example, the inclined sealing surface 406 of the pipe 4 extends from the free end to the inner end that is contiguous with the main inner surface via an inner shoulder (the value of the diameter of the inner end is between the value of the diameter of the main inner surface and the value of the diameter of the free end).

[0128] Furthermore, according to one example, the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 is curved convexly or is frustoconical, thereby allowing it to deform when in contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 and limiting friction. According to one option, the part of the inner surface 3460 that forms the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is curved concavely or is frustoconical, as shown in the example shown. Thus, the inclined part of the sealing wall can be shaped like a conical spring washer.

[0129] The variation in the thickness of the sealing wall 36 between the inner surface 3460 and the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 is less than 10%, and preferably the thickness is constant. In particular, the part of the inner surface 3460 that forms the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is concentric with the outer sealing deformation surface 3464.

[0130] The inclined sealing surface 406 of the second pipe 4 includes a first free end 4061 and a second inner end 4062, and the second inner end is axially opposite to the first free end 4061. The first free end 4061 extends from the radial surface that forms the axial abutment 404. The inclined sealing surface 406 is frustoconical, and the diameter of the inclined sealing surface at the first free end 4061 is greater than the maximum diameter of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464, and the diameter at the second end 4062 is less than the maximum diameter of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464.

[0131] In this first embodiment, the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 is inclined at an average angle between 1° and 45° (including 1° and 45°), for example 15° herein, with respect to the axis of rotation X of the pipe 3 before deformation. The part of the inner surface 3460 that forms the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is concentric with the outer sealing deformation surface 3464, so the angle is also 15°.

[0132] When the axial abutment 404 is axially adjacent to the second axial abutment 3444 of the engaging wall 342, the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 allows for sealing contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 of the pipe by the forces applied to each other through elastic deformation. The engaging assembly includes a lubricating layer located between the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 and the inclined sealing surface 406 to reduce the friction between these two surfaces during fastening, and thus reduce deformation.

[0133] In Figures 8a to 8cAs can be seen, the stress difference in the sealing wall 34 varies according to the deformation of the sealing wall 34 when the axial adjacent part 443 of the second pipe 4 is closer to the second axial adjacent part 3444 of the pipe 3. In Figure 8a In it, the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 contacts the inclined sealing surface 406. In Figure 8b In it, the pipe 3 moves closer to the pipe 4 at the intermediate position by deforming the sealing wall 34 (by means of a fastening member 32 not shown, which is screwed onto the thread of the pipe 4). In Figure 8c In it, it can be seen that the pipe 3 is joined to the second pipe 4, where the axial adjacent part 443 of the second pipe 4 abuts against the second axial adjacent part 3444 of the pipe 3. At this position, the visible stress exerted by the elastic deformation in the sealing wall 34 allows for sealing between the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 and the inclined sealing surface 406.

[0134] According to the second embodiment, the component E and the component R are different from those of the first embodiment in that the sealing wall 36' of the pipe 3 is different and the inclined sealing surface 406' is different.

[0135] Figure 9a And Figure 9b respectively show cross-sections of a part of the pipe 3 of the component R and the second pipe 4' when the sealing wall 36' and the inclined sealing surface 406' are in the non-joined position and the joined position.

[0136] In this second embodiment, the sealing wall 36' only includes an inclined part 346', which directly extends as an extension of the second axial adjacent part 3444' of the collar 344', and the outer sealing deformation surface 3464' is inclined at an average angle between 45° and 90° with respect to the rotational axis X of the pipe 3'. Here, the inclined part 346' only includes the outer sealing deformation surface 3464', which extends as an extension of the second surface forming the second axial adjacent part 3444'. The counterbore in this second embodiment forms a recess 3060', which defines the sealing wall 346' and forms the inner surface 3460' of the sealing wall. The formed part of the inner surface that forms part of the sealing wall 36' is inclined with respect to the rotational axis X of the pipe 3', and the average angle of this inclination also lies between 45° and 90°. Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the formed part of the inner surface 3460 that forms part of the sealing wall 36 is parallel to the outer sealing deformation surface 3464', and in this case, both the part of the inner surface and the outer sealing deformation surface are curved (the outer sealing deformation surface 3464' is concave, while the part of the inner surface 3460 is convex). Thus, the collar 344' of the rotating joining wall 342' is formed by the groove 3421 (which forms the first axial adjacent part) and the curved part of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464'. The advantage of this second embodiment is that the connection area is axially more compact.

[0137] The inclined sealing surface 406' of the second duct 4' extends as an extension of the axial abutment 404' to the first free inner end 4060'. The inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial abutment 404' are frustoconical surfaces, the outer diameter of the inclined sealing surface at the outer end of the axial abutment 404' being greater than the maximum diameter of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464', and the inner diameter at the first free inner end 4060' being at least less than the maximum diameter of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464'. In the present context, this inner diameter is less than the minimum diameter of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464'.

[0138] The sealing wall 36' having the second axial abutment 3444' is arranged relative to the inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial abutment 404' such that the inner end of the sealing wall 36' first contacts the inclined sealing surface 406 to elastically deform the sealing wall 36'. Then, as Figure 9b shown, in the abutment position, the sealing wall 36' is elastically deformed by the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second duct 4', generating stresses in the outer sealing deformation surface 3464' of the first duct 3 and the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second duct, thereby providing a seal. It can be seen that the deformation of the sealing wall 36' causes the deformation of the outer sealing deformation surface 3464', which is closer to the frustoconical surface of the inclined sealing surface 406 than to its curvature in its initial state (without elastic deformation before contacting the duct 4').

[0139] Optionally, according to an aspect of another invention, the tubular assembly E is marked by a visual indicator. Figure 10 and Figure 11 represents the marking of the engagement assembly R according to the first example of the first embodiment, but can also be applied to its alternatives and second example as well as the second embodiment. By modifying the marking, the marking can also be applied to the examples described in Figure 1 .

[0140] The engagement wall 342 includes an outer surface, which includes a visual indicator 307 between the first surface forming the first axial abutment 3440 and the end of the engagement wall 342 axially opposite to the sealing wall 36, which corresponds to the area that is at least partially covered by the fastening member 32 in the free position and at least partially exposed in the abutment position when the fastening member is coupled to the second duct 4.

[0141] In this example, as visible in Figure 11 , the visual indicator 307 is only fully exposed in the abutment position. In this example, as in Figure 10As can be seen, the visual indicator 307 is partially exposed from the free position 307. In this example, the fastening member 32 includes notches 327 that are located at the axial end opposite the axial fastening device 324. These notches allow the visual indicator 307 to be partially covered, thereby warning the user whether the fastening member 32 is fully screwed onto the second pipe 4 such that the axial abutment 404 of the second pipe 4 axially abuts the second axial abutment 3444 of the engagement wall 342 of the first pipe 3.

[0142] A marking method will now be described in conjunction with Figure 12 a description of the marking method, Figure 12 showing different axial dimension chains on an axial cross-section of a first example of a tubular assembly E in an abutting position according to the first embodiment for marking operations.

[0143] The abutment 321 includes an axial length l321, the collar 344 includes an axial length l344, and the fastening member 32 includes a total axial length l32. The assembly E includes an axial length L324 between the end of the fastening member 32 and the second axial abutment 3444 of the engagement wall 342.

[0144] The marking method includes the step of inserting a second test pipe against the second axial abutment 3444 of the first pipe 3 to form an engaged marking assembly. The second test pipe includes an axial fastening device corresponding to the axial fastening device of the fastening member 32, and the second test pipe is arranged such that the sealing wall 36 is not elastically deformed. In other words, the second test pipe does not include an inclined sealing surface 406, but rather includes an inner cylindrical wall having an inner diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the sealing wall 36 and an axial length greater than the axial length of the sealing wall 36, such that the axial end of the second test pipe abuts the second axial abutment 3444. This axial end is preferably a radial surface.

[0145] The method then includes the step of positioning the fastening member 32 in the abutting position by clamping the fastening member 32 to the second test pipe until a predetermined torque.

[0146] The method then includes the step of making a visual indicator 307 (following notch 327 herein) on the pipe 3. This step can be carried out by laser, for example by marking around the pipe on an axially defined area. Herein, making a visual indicator around the pipe on an axially defined area indicates incomplete clamping. Thus, independent of the dimension chains of lengths L324, L344, L321, and L32, this marking indicates to the user the screwing distance that the fastening member will undergo to ensure a minimum pressure between the second axial adjacent member 3444 of the first pipe 3 and the axial adjacent member 443. Thus, when manufacturing the assembly E, these dimension chains each have manufacturing tolerances, resulting in differences between the respective objects. When the second pipe is connected to the assembly E, the visual indicator indicates to the user that the axial adjacent member 443 of the pipe 4 abuts against the second axial adjacent member 3444 of the pipe 3.

[0147] Figure 13a An axial cross-section is shown of an example of a portion of an engagement assembly R including a tubular assembly E in an adjacent position according to a third embodiment. The tubular assembly E differs from the first example of the first embodiment in that the collar 344' includes a groove 3442. The second pipe 4 is similar to the pipe of the first example of the first embodiment.

[0148] Thus, the collar 344' includes a first portion 3441 that includes a first axial adjacent member 3440, which herein is adjacent to the axial adjacent member 321 (a snap ring herein) of the fastening member 32. The collar 344' includes a second portion 3443 that is opposite and separated from the groove 3442, and this second portion includes a second axial adjacent member 3444, which herein abuts against the axial adjacent member 404 of the second pipe 4. The axially measured thickness of the second portion 3443 is preferably greater than the axially measured thickness of the first portion 3441. The axially measured thickness of the first portion is in turn greater than the thickness of the sealing wall 36 measured perpendicularly between the inner surface 3460 and the outer sealing deformation surface 3464. Thus, this allows the sealing wall 36 to elastically deform before the snap ring or the first portion 3441 deforms.

[0149] The groove 3442 allows the first portion 3441 to elastically deform to avoid squeezing and plastically deforming the snap ring during clamping.

[0150] Thus, this third embodiment includes a visual indicator made in the same manner as the marking method explained above, such that in the step of positioning the fastening member 32 in an adjacent position by the step of clamping the fastening member 32 to the second test pipe until a predetermined torque, this further elastically deforms the first portion 3441 to ensure proper sealing between the first pipe 3 and the second pipe 4.

[0151] Figure 14a Shows an axial cross-section of a portion of a joining assembly R including a tubular component E in an adjacent position according to the fourth embodiment. The tubular component E is different from the example of the third embodiment in that the second part is a second sealing and adjacent wall 3443', which includes an outer sealing deformation surface 3446 extending from a second surface 3444 forming a second axial adjacent member. In this embodiment, the groove 3442' is close enough to the outer sealing deformation surface 3446 so that the second sealing and adjacent wall 3443' elastically deforms when contacting the pipe 4. Figure 14b Schematically shows an enlarged view of the framed area formed by the pipe 4 against the pipe 3, as well as the stress (schematic stress) in the second sealing and adjacent wall 3443' and the rotating sealing wall 36. Therefore, the axially measured thickness of the second sealing and adjacent wall 3443' is preferably less than the axially measured thickness of the first part 3441' (contrary to the third embodiment). The depth of the groove 3442' further makes the end of the second axial adjacent member 3444 closest to the axis closer to the axis than the bottom of the groove 3442'. In other words, the radius of the bottom of the groove is greater than the minimum radius of the second axial adjacent member 3444 (at the rounded corner with the wall 36).

[0152] The second pipe 4 is similar to the second pipe of the first example of the first embodiment.

[0153] Therefore, the collar 344' includes a first part 3441, which includes a first axial adjacent member 3440, which is adjacent to the axial adjacent member 321 (a snap ring in this case) of the fastening member 32 in this article. The first part 3441 includes a second surface 3447 opposite to the first axial adjacent member 3440, and this second surface is visible in Figure 14b The collar 344' includes a second sealing and adjacent wall 3443' opposite to and separated by the groove 3442, which includes an outer sealing deformation surface 3446 extending from the second axial adjacent member 3444', as visible in Figure 4 c and Figure 4 a and Figure 4 b, and this outer sealing deformation surface abuts against the axial adjacent member 443 (also called 404, 404' in other examples) of the second pipe 4.

[0154] The axially measured thickness of the second seal and the adjacent wall 3443' further approaches the thickness of the seal wall 36 measured perpendicular to these two surfaces between the inner surface 3460 and the outer seal deformation surface 3464. The axially measured thickness of the first part 3441' is also greater than the thickness of the seal wall 36 measured radially perpendicular to these two surfaces between the inner surface 3460 and the outer seal deformation surface 3464. Thus, this allows the seal wall 36 and the second seal and adjacent wall 3443' to elastically deform before the snap ring or the first part 3441 deforms.

[0155] Thus, the example of this fourth embodiment includes a visual indicator made in the same manner as the marking method explained above, such that in the step of positioning the fastening member 32 in the adjacent position by the step of clamping the fastening member 32 to the second test pipe until a predetermined torque, this further elastically deforms the first part 3441 so as to ensure proper sealing between the first pipe 3 and the second pipe 4.

[0156] According to an example of this embodiment, the second seal wall 3443' of the collar 344' further includes a radially inner surface 3445 that defines the volume of the groove 3442' by axially bounding the groove 3442' with the surface 3447 of the first part 3441'. The radially inner surface 3445 extends between a first radial end and a second radial end of the surface of the bottom 3448 that engages the groove 3442'. The first radial end is opposite to the second radial end. The second seal wall 3443' of the collar 344' includes a radially outer surface 3449 that engages the first radial end of the outer seal deformation surface 3446 and the first radial end of the radially inner surface 3445.

[0157] The second seal wall 3443' of the collar 344' is radially bounded by Figure 14c the inner end represented by the dashed line in the figure, which axially extends between the second radial end of the radially inner surface 3445 and the second radial end of the outer seal deformation surface 3446, and the outer seal deformation surface engages the second surface that forms the second axial adjacent member 3444'.

[0158] According to this example of the embodiment, the outer seal deformation surface 3446 includes an additional thickness as visible in FIG. 14C, and this additional thickness surrounds the portion 346 of the rotating seal wall (as represented by the very light dashed line).

[0159] Unless otherwise specified, the same elements appearing in different figures have a single reference numeral.

Claims

1. A tubular component (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4'), characterized in that, The component (E) comprises: - Pipes (3, 3') that rotate about an axis (X), the pipes including a connection area (34), the connection area including: ○ Rotating joining walls (342, 342'), the joining walls including at least one collar (344, 344'), the collar including:

1. A first surface that forms a first axial abutment (3440, 3440'), and 2. A second surface that forms a second axial abutment (3444, 3444') for abutting against the second pipe (4, 4'), ○ Rotating sealing walls (36, 36'), the sealing walls extending from the joining walls (342, 342'), the sealing walls (36, 36') including:

1. Inclined portions (346, 346'), the inclined portions including: a. A first end (3461, 3061') that forms a free edge of an axial opening (30) around the pipe (3, 3'), b. A second end (3462, 3062') that is axially opposite the first end (3461, 3461'), c. An outer sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464') having a diameter that gradually and continuously increases from the free first end (3461, 3461') to the second end (3462, 3462'), 2. An inner surface (3460, 3460') that is radially opposite the outer sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464'), The inner surface is formed by a counterbore (3060, 3060') for elastically deforming the sealing wall (36) by compression having at least one axial component on the outer sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464'), - A fastening member (32) that is mounted to be axially movable around the connection area (34) between a free position and an abutment position, the fastening member including: ○ An axial fastening device (324) for fastening to a complementary fastening device (424) on the second pipe (4) to be joined, and ○ An axial abutment (321) that abuts against the first axial abutment (3440) of the collar (344) of the pipe (3) in the abutment position.

2. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The joining walls (342, 342') include grooves (3421, 3421') that extend from the first surface (3440, 3440') of the collar (344, 344') to another abutment surface (3422), and the axial abutment (321) of the fastening member (32) can move in the grooves (3421, 3421') between the first axial abutment (3440, 3440') and the another abutment surface (3422) that defines the groove (3421).

3. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The collar (344) includes a groove (3442) that divides the collar into a first part and a second part. The first part includes the first axial abutment (3440), and the first axial abutment includes an axially measured thickness, and the axially measured thickness: - is less than the thickness of the second part (3443) including the second axial abutment (3444), - is greater than the thickness of the sealing wall (36) measured between the inner surface (3460) and the outer sealing deformation surface (3464).

4. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sealing wall (36) further includes a rotating cylindrical portion (360) that extends from the inclined portion (346) to the second axial abutment (3444) of the collar (344).

5. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The engaging wall (342, 342') includes an outer surface that includes a visual indicator (307). The visual indicator is located between the first surface forming the first axial abutment (3440, 3440') and the end of the engaging wall (342, 342') that is axially opposite to the sealing wall (36, 36'). The visual indicator corresponds to an area that is at least partially covered by the fastening member (32) in the free position and at least partially exposed in the abutment position when the fastening member is coupled to the second pipe (4, 4').

6. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to claim 5, wherein, The visual indicator (307) is only fully visible in the abutment position.

7. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, The fastening member (32) includes an axial end opposite to the axial fastening device (324), and the fastening member (32) includes a notch (327) at the axial end.

8. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fastening member (32) is a nut, and the fastening device (324) is a tapped portion of the thread to be screwed onto the second pipe (4).

9. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464') is curved.

10. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4'), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The portion of the inner surface (3460) that forms the sealing wall (36) and the portion of the inclined portion (346') are curved.

11. The tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer sealing deformation surface (3464) is inclined at an average angle relative to the axis (x) of the pipe (3), and the average angle is between 1° and 45°, including 1° and 45°.

12. Tubular assembly (E) to be joined to a second pipe (4'), according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein, The outer sealing deformation surface (3464') is inclined at an average angle between 45° and 90° relative to the axis (x) of the pipe (3'), and the countersink forms a recess (3060'), and the recess defines the sealing wall (346'), and forms the inner surface (3460') of the sealing wall.

13. An engaging assembly (R), the engaging assembly including: - the assembly (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, - the second pipe (4, 4'), and the second pipe includes: ○ a sealing surface (406, 406') inclined relative to the axis (X), the sealing surface contacting and abutting against the outer sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464'), causing the sealing wall (36, 36') to elastically deform, and ○ Axial adjacents (404, 404', 443) that axially adjoin the second axial adjacents (3444, 3444') of the joint walls (342, 342'), and wherein the axial fastening means (324) is fastened to the complementary fastening means (424), - A lubricating layer located between the outer seal deformation surface and the inclined seal surface.

14. A method for marking a tubular assembly (E) according to one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: - Inserting a second test pipe against the second axial adjacent (3444, 3444') to form a joint marking assembly, the second test pipe including an axial fastening means corresponding to the axial fastening means of the fastening member (32), the second test pipe being arranged not to elastically deform the seal walls (36, 36'), - Positioning the fastening member (32) in the adjacent position by clamping the fastening member (32) to the second test pipe until a predetermined torque, - Making a visual indicator (307) on the pipe (3, 3').

Images