Coupling device for pipes

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device for pipes. The invention relates to a coupling device provided with a well-connected indicator. In particular, the indicator in question is a sound emitting device, more particularly a whistle, which, when activated, prompts a connection failure, and particularly leaks in the connection. The proposed arrangement also uses a cleaning device configured to limit or even prevent dust from entering the coupling device. In order to effectively combine the sound emitting means and the cleaning means, the invention proposes to provide one or more escape paths bypassing the cleaning means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid connection devices implemented in fluid circulation and / or distribution systems.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for connecting a tube, the device being provided with means for verifying that the tube and the connecting device are in a correct connection state. Background Technology

[0003] Today, fluid coupling devices are widely used in motor vehicles and road transport vehicles. These fluid coupling devices are specifically implemented to ensure the circulation and / or distribution of fluids within these vehicles.

[0004] In addition, to ensure assembly rates that meet the requirements of the automotive and / or road transport vehicle industries, fluid coupling devices that can be quickly connected and devices for verifying the assembly may be required.

[0005] In this regard, reference [1] cited at the end of the specification discloses a connection device capable of realizing fluid connection of pipes or pipelines, the connection device including a visual installation indicator.

[0006] Specifically, the connecting device includes a hollow body, which is substantially cylindrical and has a receiving housing leading to an insertion opening. A locking ring and a seal are also provided in the receiving housing, and the locking ring and seal are arranged to secure a tube inserted into the receiving housing through the insertion opening in the insertion direction.

[0007] The coupling device also includes a cylinder capable of being locked in a first or second position within the receiving housing. Initially locked in the first position, the cylinder partially protrudes from the receiving housing through an insertion opening. Inserting a predetermined length into the receiving housing along the insertion direction allows the cylinder to be unlocked and slid from the first position to the second position, wherein the cylinder is fully integrated into the receiving housing.

[0008] The complete insertion of the tube into the receiving housing allows it to be inferred that the tube is properly connected to the coupling device. However, in some cases, the lighting conditions and / or narrowness of the coupling area on the vehicle may obstruct the observation of the tube's position, thereby making the visual control function of the tube inefficient.

[0009] Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a coupling device with an audible indicator. Such an example is disclosed in reference [2] cited at the end of the specification. In particular, the coupling device described in that reference includes an audible indicator formed by a resilient pin, which is configured to vibrate once a tube of a predetermined length is pushed into the coupling device. However, noisy environments make sound detection difficult.

[0010] Alternatively, reference [3] cited at the end of the specification discloses a connection device that proposes an arrangement of discharge lines. In particular, these discharge lines are arranged to direct the fluid outward in the event of a fluid leak, and the fluid flow in the discharge lines generates sound waves.

[0011] However, the connection devices proposed in these documents do not prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the device.

[0012] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that is equipped with a good connection indicator, and for which the entry of dust and other contaminants is still limited.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that is simple to use and ergonomic. Summary of the Invention

[0014] To at least partially achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a connecting device for a pipe, the connecting device comprising:

[0015] - A main body defining a rotationally symmetrical housing having an opening for inserting a tube along an insertion direction, the housing being defined by an inner surface and including a first shoulder that forms a widening of the housing along the insertion direction;

[0016] - A retaining ring, which is at least partially inserted into the housing through an opening, and the retaining ring includes a base (e.g., a circular base) and a rotationally symmetrical retaining portion along the insertion direction, the retaining portion having a diameter smaller than that of the base, the retaining portion having a snap-fit ​​collar on its side surface, the snap-fit ​​collar being configured such that the retaining ring can be held in the housing by means of the collar engaging with a first shoulder, the retaining ring defining a channel through which the tube is intended to be inserted into the housing;

[0017] The retaining ring is mounted in the housing with a non-zero axial clearance to allow for a first or second position. The first position requires the ring to be supported against a first shoulder in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the second position requires the base to be supported against an abutment formed on the body along the insertion direction. An escape path is also provided in the space formed between the side surface and the inner surface and is arranged to allow fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring to escape when the ring is in its first position under pressure that may be applied by a fluid. The escape path is configured such that the flow of the fluid in the escape path generates the emission of sound waves.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the escape path includes one or more holes formed in the snap-fit ​​collar.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the escape path includes one or more notches formed on the outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the emission path includes longitudinal grooves formed on the inner surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the coupling device further includes a guide with a sleeve extending from a free end in the insertion direction, and the guide is intended to guide the tube during insertion into the housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the coupling device includes a locking device disposed downstream of a retaining ring in the housing and intended to engage with a tube inserted into the housing.

[0023] According to one implementation, the locking device includes a ring, referred to as a locking ring.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a seal is disposed in the housing downstream of the locking device, the seal being configured to provide a seal between an inner surface and a side surface of a tube that can be inserted into the housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a cleaning seal is arranged in the channel, which is configured to allow the removal of dirt and / or dust that may be present on the side surface of the tube when the tube is inserted into the housing. Advantageously, the cleaning seal is also configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the retaining portion and the side surface of the tube that can be inserted into the housing, so as to prevent any leakage of fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring when the ring is in its first position under pressure that may be exerted by the fluid.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the base is configured to limit or even prevent dust from entering the housing when the base supports an abutting device.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the abutment device is formed by the edge of the opening of the defining housing of the body.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the abutment device is formed by a second shoulder formed on the inner surface.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for connecting a tube to a female element by means of a coupling device according to the invention, the method comprising performing the following steps:

[0030] - Connect the connecting device to the female component;

[0031] - Connecting the tube to the coupling device, the connection comprising inserting the tube into the housing via a ring along the insertion direction;

[0032] The method also includes selecting a coupling device, for which the discharge path allows for the emission of an audible signal in the event of a fluid leak.

[0033] According to one implementation, the discharge path is sized to emit an audible signal with an intensity greater than 80 dB in the event of a fluid leak. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a schematic depiction of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is worth noting that... Figure 1 A connecting device is depicted based on a cross section passing through the main axis AA' of the connecting device;

[0036] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The example implements the main body and is schematically depicted according to the cross-section through the main axis AA' of the connecting device;

[0037] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 The example shows the retaining ring implemented and is schematically depicted according to a cross-section passing through the main axis AA' of the connecting device;

[0038] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic depiction shown is of a retaining ring that supports a cleaning seal.

[0039] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is a schematic and partial depiction of a retaining ring mounted on the body along a cross section passing through the main axis AA', wherein the retaining ring is in the first position;

[0040] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is a schematic and partial depiction of a retaining ring mounted on the body along a cross section passing through the main axis AA', wherein the retaining ring is in the second position;

[0041] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is a partial schematic depiction of a pipe installed in the connecting device along a cross section passing through the main axis AA', the pipe having an inclined free end;

[0042] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 The example shown is a schematic depiction of a retaining ring, which includes a large notch;

[0043] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 The example shown is a schematic depiction of a retaining ring, which includes a small notch;

[0044] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 Is Figure 1 The example shown is a schematic depiction of a retaining ring, which includes a hole passing through a snap-fit ​​collar in the direction AA';

[0045] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 Is Figure 1 The example shown is a schematic depiction of a retaining ring, which includes a hole extending radially through a snap-fit ​​collar. Figure 11 );

[0046] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 Is Figure 1 The example shown is a schematic depiction of a body that includes grooves formed on its inner surface;

[0047] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 It is a schematic depiction of the body and the retaining ring, which abuts against a second shoulder formed on the inner surface of the body. Detailed Implementation

[0048] This invention relates to a connection device equipped with an indicator of good connection. Specifically, the indicator in question is a sound-emitting device, more particularly a whistle, which, when activated, indicates a connection failure, and especially a leak in the connection. The proposed arrangement also utilizes a cleaning device configured to limit or even prevent dust from entering the connection device. To effectively combine the sound-emitting device and the cleaning device, the invention proposes providing one or more escape paths bypassing the cleaning device.

[0049] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a connecting device that can be considered within the scope of the present invention, along a longitudinal cross-section.

[0050] "Longitudinal cross section" refers to the intersection between the connecting device and the plane passing through the elongation axis of the device.

[0051] The principles described below are not limited to the arrangement shown in this example. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider other constructions based on the following.

[0052] Specifically, the coupling device 1 includes a body 10, a retaining ring 20, a locking device 30, an optional guide 40, and a seal 50 (e.g., an O-ring).

[0053] The main body 10 extends along the main axis AA', and specifically extends from one end 10a to the other end 10b.

[0054] The main body 10 defines a housing 11 having an opening 12 at the end 10a. Figure 2 The opening 12 specifically allows the tube to be inserted in the insertion direction “u” in the direction defined by the main axis AA'. The housing 12 is defined by the inner surface 13 of the body 10, which is rotationally symmetrical about the main axis AA'.

[0055] The outer surface of the body 10 may include one or more circumferential grooves R1, R2, which are designed to receive one or more O-rings, thereby ensuring a sealing connection with the female element.

[0056] The body 10 also includes a first shoulder that forms a widening of the inner surface along the insertion direction. In this respect, the first shoulder may be formed by a circumferential stop 14 formed on the inner surface 13. This circumferential stop 14 may particularly include a circumferential rib formed on the inner surface and having rotational symmetry. More specifically, the circumferential rib may include an annular surface 14a that forms the stop along a direction opposite to the insertion direction "u". It should be understood that, needless to say, the annular surface 14a forms the shoulder, and particularly results in an increase in the diameter of the inner surface along the insertion direction "u".

[0057] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is about maintaining the depiction of ring 20. More specifically, Figure 3 A separate retaining ring 20 is depicted, while Figure 4 A retaining ring 20, on which a cleaning seal 25, as described in the following statement of the invention, is mounted, is depicted. Figure 1 As shown, the retaining ring 20 is designed to be at least partially inserted into the housing 11 through the opening 12. Specifically, the retaining ring 20 includes a base 21 (e.g., a circular base) and a retaining portion 22 extending from the circular base 21 along the insertion direction "u". Both the base 21 and the retaining portion 22 may be rotationally symmetrical.

[0058] Furthermore, the diameter of the retaining portion 22 is smaller than that of the base 21. In other words, if the base 21 is circular, its diameter is larger than that of the retaining portion 22.

[0059] The retaining part 22 has a snap-fit ​​collar 23 on its side surface, which is configured to allow the retaining ring to be held in the housing in a snap-fit ​​engagement manner. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, maintaining the snap-fit ​​engagement involves the engagement between the snap-fit ​​collar 23 and the annular surface 14a.

[0060] The retaining ring 20 defines a channel 24 through which the tube is intended to be inserted into the housing 11. It should be understood, without further explanation, that the channel 24 extends coaxially with the housing.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the retaining ring 20 is mounted in the housing 11 with a non-zero axial clearance (axial clearance refers to clearance along the main axis AA'). In particular, this clearance allows the retaining ring to be positioned in a first or second position, for example, by displacement along the direction AA'.

[0062] In this respect, the first position is where the collar 23 needs to be supported against the first shoulder (and in particular against the annular surface 14a) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Figure 5 The second position is where the base 21 abuts against the abutment device formed on the main body along the insertion direction. Figure 6 In particular, such as Figure 6 As shown, the abutment device may be formed by the edge of the defining opening 12 of the body. Alternatively, the abutment device may include a second shoulder 26 formed in the housing. Figure 13 The latter construction better restricts particles and other contaminants from entering the shell.

[0063] According to the invention, the retaining ring 20 may be provided with a cleaning seal 25. More specifically, the cleaning seal 25 may be installed in the channel 24 of the retaining ring, and particularly held in a groove in the channel 24.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the locking device 30 is arranged in the housing 11 downstream of the retaining ring 20 and is intended to engage with a tube inserted into the housing. The locking device is specifically described in reference [4] cited at the end of the specification. In particular, that reference describes an embodiment of a locking ring that can be associated with the locking device according to the terminology of the present invention.

[0065] Particularly advantageously, the locking device includes a ring called a locking ring for securing a tube that can be inserted into the housing in the insertion direction “u”. More specifically, the locking ring is arranged to prevent the tube from being pulled out when the tube is inserted into the housing 11 and engages with the locking ring.

[0066] In this respect, the locking ring may be provided with an attachment device that allows it to engage with the tube. More specifically, the locking ring may have a tapered inner cross section, such that it can clamp the outer surface of the tube, thereby engaging with the tube.

[0067] "Joint" should be understood as meaning that two components are mechanically fixed to each other. The expression "joint" also implies reciprocity, such that the jointing of the first component with the second component also implies the jointing of the second component with the first component. Therefore, throughout the specification, once the locking ring is joined to the tube, the tube is also joined to the locking ring.

[0068] The retaining ring, positioned upstream of the locking ring along the insertion direction "u", forms a barrier that may abut against when the locking ring engages with the tube and when a removal force is applied to the tube in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. In other words, a pull-out force on the tube engaged with the locking ring in the withdrawal direction (opposite to the insertion direction u) will position the locking ring against the retaining ring, thereby preventing the removal of the tube.

[0069] The connecting device 1 according to the present invention further includes a guide 40.

[0070] Specifically, the guide 40 includes a sleeve 41 that extends from the free end 40a along the insertion direction u and is coaxial with the channel 24.

[0071] More specifically, the outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the channel, and particularly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. This last aspect allows the sleeve to be inserted into the tube when it is positioned. In other words, the sleeve guides the tube into the housing.

[0072] Still according to the invention, the seal 50 is arranged in the housing downstream of the locking device along the insertion direction.

[0073] Therefore, during operation, tube 60 can be inserted into channel 24 in the insertion direction “u”. During insertion, the outer surface of tube 60 contacts cleaning seal 25, which traps any impurities that may be present on the outer surface by friction against said surface, while a sleeve penetrates (or fits) into the tube for guiding purposes. Cleaning seal also provides a seal between the inner wall of the channel and the outer surface of tube 60.

[0074] When the tube is inserted, it encounters a locking device followed by a seal 50. The locking device is specifically configured to resist the tube's withdrawal from the housing when it contacts the outer surface of the tube. The seal 50 is configured to provide a seal between its inner surface and the side surface of the tube that can be inserted into the housing 11.

[0075] Therefore, once the pressurized fluid flows through the pipe connection assembly, the locking ring can be seen moving backward (in the opposite direction to the insertion direction), abutting against the retaining ring and particularly at the free end of the retaining portion 23. This latter movement has the effect of pressing the snap-fit ​​collar 23 and the annular surface 14a together.

[0076] There are also cases where the tube is not tightly fitted into the housing. This can occur significantly when the seal is not properly or evenly pressed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the tube. For example, the presence of defects or impurities on the outer surface of the tube can alter the tightness of the assembly and lead to leakage of pressurized fluid. Alternatively, an overly pronounced bevel (in...) Figure 7 The free end of the tube (marked with an arrow) can restrict the contact between the outer surface of the tube and the seal, thus creating a leakage path for pressurized fluid.

[0077] Therefore, if the component is not sealed, the pressurized fluid can only escape outward through the space between the body and the retaining ring (in fact, as mentioned earlier, the cleaning seal prevents any fluid from flowing into the space between the inner surface of the channel and the outer surface of the tube).

[0078] Therefore, the present invention provides one or more discharge paths in the space formed between the side surface of the retaining ring and the inner surface of the housing. In particular, the one or more discharge paths are arranged to allow fluid that may be present in a chamber downstream of the retaining ring to escape outward when the retaining ring is in its first position under pressure that may be applied by a fluid.

[0079] In particular, according to the invention, one or more discharge paths are arranged such that the flow of the fluid in the discharge path generates the emission of sound waves, and more specifically, generates sound waves with an energy of at least 80 decibels.

[0080] This sound wave can be obtained in particular by forming a passage for pressurized fluid that allows a sufficiently high flow rate to depressurize the pressurized fluid in order to generate a sound wave.

[0081] The dimensions of the exhaust path follow the laws of aerodynamics (pressure ratio and flow cross-section limit flow velocity) and the laws of acoustics (the energy of sound waves is particularly related to the leakage velocity and hearing distance), and technicians will be fully able to determine the dimensions of the exhaust path while reading the following.

[0082] therefore, Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 Four example implementation schemes for emission pathways are shown. Specifically, Figure 8 and Figure 9 A large notch 22a is formed on the outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar. Figure 8 ) and small notch 22b ( Figure 9 ). Figure 10 and Figure 11 Achieved along direction AA' ( Figure 10 ) and along the radial direction ( Figure 11) Pass through holes 22c and 22d of the buckle engagement ring.

[0083] Alternatively, a groove 22e (oriented along direction AA') can be considered on the inner surface of the body. Figure 12 This provides an escape path between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the retaining ring. Figure 11 ).

[0084] Therefore, the coupling device according to the invention provides a combination of a discharge path and a retaining ring that limits or even prevents particles from entering the housing. The discharge path also bypasses the retaining ring and is further sized to generate acoustic waves when pressurized fluid flows through it. Finally, the assembly clearance of the retaining ring compensates for dimensional tolerances between the ring and the body.

[0085] The inventors were able to test the effectiveness of the emission path in indicating the presence of a leak by emitting sound waves.

[0086] In particular, the inventors were initially able to observe that no whistle (or sound wave) was emitted in the absence of an emission path, even in the presence of a leak.

[0087] However, if the retaining ring includes one or more holes and / or one or more recesses formed in the snap-fit ​​collar, a whistle with an intensity greater than 80 dB is detected when the component leaks. Specifically, for components subjected to an air pressure equal to 12 bar, a whistle with an intensity of 90 dB is measured. Therefore, the present invention enables leak detection in noisy environments.

[0088] Advantageously, the emission path can have a diameter greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. 2 The cumulative cross-section. When the fluid pressure is about 12 bar, this cross-section detects leaks by emitting an audible signal.

[0089] The term "cross section of the emission path" refers to the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the emission path.

[0090] It should be understood that temperature, pressure, or even the expected noise level may necessitate a redetering of the dimensions of the emission paths (particularly their cross-sections). These latter aspects are within the grasp of those skilled in the art, who, based on their general knowledge in the fields of thermodynamics and acoustics, will be able to determine the dimensions of the emission paths, particularly the dimensions of the notches and / or orifices, according to the applied conditions.

[0091] The present invention also relates to a method for connecting a pipe to a coupling device according to the present invention.

[0092] The method includes connecting the coupling device to the female element at its end 10b. The method also includes connecting the tube by inserting it into the housing via a ring along the insertion direction u until it engages with a locking device.

[0093] The method also includes determining the dimensions of the discharge path to allow for an audible signal of greater than 80 dB in the event of a fluid leak. As a reminder, those skilled in the art can determine this dimension theoretically or empirically, and particularly by conducting experimental measurements, based on the laws of thermodynamics and acoustics. It should also be understood that the dimension considered depends on various parameters, particularly the fluid pressure, the expected noise level in the event of a leak, the fluid under consideration, etc.

[0094] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and variations can be added without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0095] References

[0096] [1]WO2021148737A1;

[0097] [2]FR3021089A1;

[0098] [3]US10969041B2;

[0099] [4]FR3128271A1.

Claims

1. A coupling device for a pipe (60), the coupling device comprising: The main body (10) defines a rotationally symmetrical housing (12) having an opening for inserting a tube (60) in an insertion direction. The housing (12) is defined by an inner surface (13) and includes a first shoulder that forms a widening of the housing (12) in the insertion direction. A retaining ring (20) is inserted at least partially into the housing (12) through the opening, and the retaining ring includes a base (21), such as a circular base, and a rotationally symmetrical retaining portion (22) in the insertion direction, the retaining portion having a diameter smaller than that of the base (21), the retaining portion (22) having a snap-fit ​​collar (23) on its side surface, the snap-fit ​​collar being configured such that the retaining ring (20) can be held in the housing (12) by means of the collar engaging with the first shoulder, the retaining ring (20) defining a channel (24) through which the tube (60) is intended to be inserted into the housing (12); The retaining ring (20) is mounted in the housing (12) with a non-zero axial clearance to allow for a first position or a second position. The first position requires the ring to be supported against a first shoulder in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the second position requires the base (21) to be supported against an abutment formed on the body (10) in the insertion direction. An escape path is also provided in the space formed between the side surface and the inner surface (13) and is arranged to allow fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring (20) to escape when the ring is in its first position under pressure that may be applied by the fluid. The escape path is arranged such that the flow of the fluid in the escape path generates the emission of sound waves.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein, The escape path includes one or more holes (22c, 22d) formed in the snap-fit ​​collar (23).

3. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein, The escape path includes one or more notches (22a, 22b) formed on the outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar (23).

4. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein, The escape path includes a longitudinal groove (22e) formed on the inner surface (13).

5. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The coupling device further includes a guide (40) provided with a sleeve (41) extending from a free end (40a) in the insertion direction, the guide being intended to guide the tube (60) during insertion into the housing (12).

6. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The coupling device includes a locking device arranged in the housing (12) downstream of the retaining ring (20) and intended to engage with a tube (60) inserted into the housing (12). Advantageously, the locking device includes a ring referred to as a locking ring.

7. The connecting device according to claim 6, wherein, A seal (50) is disposed downstream of the locking device in the housing (12), the seal (50) being configured to provide a seal between the inner surface (13) and the side surface of the tube (60) that can be inserted into the housing (12).

8. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, A cleaning seal (25) is arranged in the channel (24), the cleaning seal (25) being configured to allow removal of dirt and / or dust that may be present on the side surface of the tube when the tube (60) is inserted into the housing (12). Advantageously, the cleaning seal is also configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the retaining portion (22) and the side surface of the tube (60) that can be inserted into the housing (12) so as to prevent any leakage of fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring (20) when the ring is in its first position under the action of pressure that may be applied by the fluid.

9. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The base (21) is configured to restrict or even prevent dust from entering the housing (12) when the base supports abutting the abutting device.

10. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The abutting device is formed by the edge of the body (10) that defines the opening of the housing (12).

11. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The abutting device is formed by a second shoulder formed on the inner surface (13).

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