pipeline

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipeline. The present invention relates to a pipeline (20) comprising at least one connection system (30) connecting a conduit (22) and a connecting end piece (24) positioned around the conduit (22) and comprising at least one receiving portion (34') configured to receive an adhesive region for connecting the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24); each receiving portion (34') being delimited by at least one edge face that is incorporated into at least one of the conduit (22), the connecting end piece (24) and at least one spacer element (36), wherein the outer surface (S22) of the conduit (22) and the inner surface of the connecting end piece (24) have substantially the same diameter, or the connection system (30) comprises at least one spacer element (36) being at least partially located between the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24) and simultaneously contacting both elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a conduit comprising at least one adhesive bonding connection system that coaxially connects a conduit and a connecting end piece. Background Technology

[0002] according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the conduit includes a conduit 10 having at least a first end 10.1 and a connecting end piece 12 positioned around the conduit 10 at the first end 10.1 of the conduit 10. The conduit 10 has a cylindrical outer surface S10 having a conduit axis A10.

[0003] The connecting end piece 12 includes:

[0004] a. A sleeve 14 having a sleeve axis A14, an inner surface S14 facing the conduit 10, and an outer surface S14', and extending between a first end 14.1 and a second end 14.2.

[0005] b. A collar 16, which is positioned at a first end 14.1 of the sleeve 14 that protrudes relative to the outer surface S14'.

[0006] According to one arrangement, the first end 14.1 of the sleeve 14 protrudes slightly relative to the first end 10.1 of the conduit 10.

[0007] The conduit 10 and the connecting end piece 12 are connected by an adhesive layer 18 disposed between the conduit 10 and the connecting end piece 12. To accommodate the adhesive layer 18, the inner surface S14 of the sleeve 14 is spaced apart from the outer surface S10 of the conduit 10.

[0008] To achieve optimal connection between the catheter 10 and the connecting end piece 12, the adhesive layer 18 must have a substantially constant thickness around the circumference of the catheter 10, and the catheter axis A10 and the sleeve axis A14 must be coaxial.

[0009] According to an operating procedure, a method for assembling a conduit 10 and a connecting end piece 12 includes the following steps: preparing an outer surface S10 of the conduit 10 in contact with an adhesive layer 18 and an inner surface S14 of the sleeve 14 in contact with an adhesive layer 18; applying an adhesive in a paste or liquid state to at least one of the inner surface S10 and the outer surface S14; positioning the connecting end piece 12 around the conduit 10; and then allowing the adhesive to cure in order to obtain a strong connection between the adhesive layer 18 and the conduit 10 and the connecting end piece 12.

[0010] According to this operating procedure, it is difficult to correctly position the connecting end piece 12 relative to the conduit 10 during the positioning step and / or the connecting end piece 12 may move relative to the conduit 10 during the curing step. In both cases, at the end of the assembly method, the connecting end piece 12 is not correctly positioned relative to the conduit 10, such that the conduit axis A10 and the sleeve axis A14 are not coaxial (as in...). Figure 3 (As illustrated by the dotted line) and / or the adhesive layer 18 surrounding the conduit 10 does not have a substantially constant thickness.

[0011] According to patent application US 2009 / 014121 A1, an apparatus having a pipe joint is particularly known, the pipe joint comprising a first pipe having a cavity, a second pipe having an insertion section, an annular channel forming a keyway, and a flanged annular ring for assembly using an adhesive. However, this solution does not satisfactorily address the problem of obtaining a strictly coaxial axis and an adhesive-bonded connection system with a completely uniform thickness throughout the circumference after a simple assembly method, without the need for complex additional annular components.

[0012] Furthermore, an apparatus is known according to patent application EP 2 255 954 A1, which has a hybrid assembly for snap-fitting and adhesive bonding of the ends of two tubes, involving partial fitting, adhesive injection, and then a final fitting that results in snap-fitting and adhesive compression. However, this solution does not satisfactorily address the problem of maintaining perfect coaxiality and obtaining an adhesive layer of constant thickness without requiring a snap-fit ​​profile—which requires significant insertion force.

[0013] Finally, an apparatus is known according to patent application US 5,486,024 A, which has a sleeve for connecting pipe ends, the sleeve including an annular element for aligning the pipe and sealing the annular space, and a radially extending protrusion. However, this solution does not satisfactorily address the problem of providing a specific receiving portion demarcated by an edge face to limit an adhesive region of uniform thickness between conduits and connecting end pieces having approximately the same diameter. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome all or some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention proposes a pipeline comprising:

[0016] a. At least one catheter having a first end, at least an outer surface, and a first axis.

[0017] b. At least one connecting end piece positioned at a first end of the catheter, the connecting end piece having at least an inner surface facing the catheter and a second axis.

[0018] c. At least one connection system that connects a catheter and a connector, and includes at least one receiving portion positioned around the catheter between the catheter and the connector, the receiving portion being configured to receive an adhesive region for connecting the catheter and the connector, the outer surface of the catheter and the inner surface of the connector having substantially the same diameter; or the connection system includes at least one spacer element at least partially disposed between the catheter and the connector, having a first surface facing the catheter and contacting the outer surface of the catheter, and a second surface facing the connector and contacting the inner surface of the connector.

[0019] d. And according to the main aspect, the at least one receiving portion is defined by at least one edge surface that is incorporated into at least one of the conduit, the connecting end piece and the at least one spacer element, characterized in that the receiving portion is disposed on the outer surface of the conduit and is open at the first end of the conduit.

[0020] As can be seen from this main aspect, positioning the receiving part on the outer surface of the conduit and opening it at the first end of the conduit facilitates the injection and uniform distribution of the adhesive, while ensuring optimal coaxial retention during assembly.

[0021] This solution enables the acquisition of coaxial first and second axes, as well as a uniform connection system on the circumference of the conduit, after the assembly process.

[0022] According to another feature, the connection system includes a plurality of receiving portions regularly distributed around the catheter. According to another feature, the receiving portions are located on the inner surface of the connection end piece and / or the outer surface of the catheter.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the receiving portion is disposed on the inner surface of the connecting end member and is open at the end of the connecting end member furthest from the first end of the conduit.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the receiving part is disposed on the outer surface of the conduit and is open at the first end of the conduit.

[0025] According to another configuration, the connection system includes a spacer ring disposed between the conduit and the connection end piece, the spacer ring extending completely around the conduit, having a substantially constant thickness, and having a first surface facing the conduit and contacting the outer surface of the conduit, and a second surface facing the connection end piece and contacting the inner surface of the connection end piece.

[0026] According to another configuration, the connection system includes a plurality of spacer elements, each having a first surface facing the conduit and in contact with the outer surface of the conduit, and a second surface facing the connection end and in contact with the inner surface of the connection end, each spacer element having the same thickness.

[0027] According to another feature, each spacer element includes a first branch and a second branch that are generally parallel to each other, and a base connecting the first branch and the second branch; in operation, the first branch and the second branch are positioned on two sides of the connecting end piece, and the base contacts the end piece of the connecting end piece that is furthest from the first end of the conduit.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the receiving parts are separate and spaced apart from each other.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the receiving parts are connected to each other.

[0030] According to another feature, the receiving portion is defined by the edge surface of the undulating portion formed on the entire circumference of the conduit or the entire circumference of the connecting end piece. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of a pipeline, illustrating one embodiment of the prior art.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connecting end piece, illustrating one embodiment of the prior art.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-section of a portion of the visible pipeline. Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-section of a portion of the pipeline, illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connecting end piece, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of the catheter, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the spacer ring of a connection system that connects the catheter and spacer end pieces, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 8 It is positioned on the catheter Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the spacer rings visible in the image.

[0039] Figure 9 Before installing the connectors Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the spacer ring and catheter visible in the image.

[0040] Figure 10 Along after installing the connecting end pieces Figure 9 The cross-section of line A in the diagram.

[0041] Figure 11 Along after installing the connecting end pieces Figure 9 The cross-section of line B in the middle,

[0042] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a connecting end member equipped with a spacer element, illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the spacer element, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 It includes Figure 12 A cross-section in the first longitudinal plane of a portion of the pipeline containing the visible connecting end pieces and spacer elements.

[0045] Figure 15 It includes Figure 12 A cross-section in the second longitudinal plane of a portion of the pipeline containing the visible connecting end pieces and spacer elements. Detailed Implementation

[0046] according to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the pipeline 20 includes a conduit 22 having at least a first end 22.1 and a connecting end piece 24 positioned around the conduit 22 at the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22.

[0047] In one application, conduit 20 is used to guide air from the aircraft's air conditioning system. However, the invention is not limited to this application.

[0048] The conduit 22 includes a cylindrical outer surface S22 having a first axis A22 and a first diameter D22 at a first end 22.1.

[0049] Connecting end piece 24 includes:

[0050] a. A sleeve 26 having a second axis A26, a cylindrical inner surface S26 facing the conduit 22, and an outer surface S26', and extending between a first end 26.1 and a second end 26.2.

[0051] b. A collar 28, which is positioned at the first end 26.1 of the sleeve 26 in a manner that protrudes relative to the outer surface S26'.

[0052] For the remainder of the specification, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the first axis A22 or the second axis A26, and the radial direction is perpendicular to the first axis A22 or the second axis A26. The longitudinal plane includes the first axis A22 or the second axis A26, and the transverse plane is perpendicular to the first axis A22 or the second axis A26.

[0053] The collar 28 has a contact surface F28, which is located in the same transverse plane (perpendicular to the second axis A26) as the first end 26.1 of the sleeve 26.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the conduit 22 is made of a first material such as a composite material, and the connecting end 24 is made of a second material different from the first material, such as an aluminum alloy. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The conduit 22 and the connecting end 24 may be made of the same material.

[0055] In one arrangement, the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22 and the first end 26.1 of the sleeve 26 are located in the same transverse plane. In a variant, the first end 26.1 of the sleeve 26 protrudes relative to the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22.

[0056] Regardless of the implementation method, pipeline 20 includes:

[0057] a. At least one conduit 22, the conduit 22 having a first end portion 22.1, at least an outer surface S22, and a first axis A22.

[0058] b. At least one connecting end piece 24, positioned at a first end portion 22.1 of the catheter 22, the connecting end piece 24 having at least an inner surface S26 facing the catheter 22 and a second axis A26.

[0059] c. At least one connection system 30 that connects the conduit 22 and the connector 24, the connection system 30 including at least one adhesive region 32 disposed between and in contact with the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22 and the inner surface S26 of the connector 24.

[0060] according to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6In the embodiment visible in the diagram, the inner surface S26 of the connecting end piece 24 has a second diameter D24 that is substantially equal to the first diameter D22 of the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22, so as to allow the connecting end piece 24 to fit onto the conduit 22 without gaps. Therefore, when the connecting end piece 24 is positioned around the conduit 22, the first axis A22 and the second axis A26 must be substantially coaxial.

[0061] according to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the visible embodiment, at least one of the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22 and the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24 includes a plurality of receiving portions 34, which are positioned completely around the conduit 22 between the conduit 22 and the connecting end member 24 and are configured to accommodate adhesive so as to form an adhesive region 32 after the adhesive has cured.

[0062] These individual receiving parts 34 are regularly distributed around the conduit 22. All of these receiving parts are substantially identical. Therefore, the connection system 30 is substantially uniform around the conduit 22.

[0063] According to one configuration, all receiving portions 34 are open at the ends of the conduit 22 and / or the connecting end piece 24.

[0064] according to Figure 5 In the first variant visible in the image, the receiving portions 34 are separate and spaced apart from each other. Each receiving portion 34 forms a notch defined by two lateral edge surfaces 34.1, 34.2 that are generally parallel to the first axis A22 or the second axis A26, a transverse edge surface 34.3 connecting the lateral edge surfaces 34.1, 34.2, and a bottom 34.4 that is generally parallel to the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22 or the inner surface S26 of the connecting end piece 24.

[0065] according to Figure 6 In the second variant, the receiving portions 34 are interconnected. These receiving portions are defined by an edge surface 34.1' forming an undulating portion across the entire circumference of the conduit 22 or connecting end member 24, and a bottom 34.4' substantially parallel to the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22 or the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24. Of course, the invention is not limited to these two variants regarding the receiving portions 34. The receiving portions may have other forms.

[0066] according to Figure 5 In the first embodiment, the receiving part 34 is provided on the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24.

[0067] According to one arrangement, the receiving portion 34 is open at the end of the connecting end member 24 furthest from the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22, and more specifically at the second end 26.2 of the sleeve 26.

[0068] according to Figure 6 In the second embodiment, the receiving part 34 is provided on the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22.

[0069] According to one arrangement, the receiving part 34 is open at the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22.

[0070] according to Figures 7 to 15 In the embodiment that can be seen, the connection system 30 includes at least one spacer element 36 disposed between the conduit 22 and the connection end piece 24. The spacer element 36 has a first surface S36 facing the conduit 22 and contacting the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22, and a second surface S36' facing the connection end piece 24 and contacting the inner surface S26 of the connection end piece 24.

[0071] according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the connection system 30 includes a spacer ring 36 disposed between the conduit 22 and the connection end piece 24. The spacer ring 36 has a first surface S36 facing the conduit 22 and in contact with the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22, and a second surface S36' facing the connection end piece 24 and in contact with the inner surface S26 of the connection end piece 24.

[0072] The spacer ring 36 extends completely around the conduit 22 and has a substantially constant thickness over its entire circumference. In operation, since the spacer ring 36 contacts both the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24 and has a substantially constant thickness over its circumference, the first axis A22 and the second axis A26 are necessarily substantially coaxial when the spacer ring 36 is positioned between the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the spacer ring 36 is obtained by cutting a strip of material having the same profile as the spacer ring 36 and a length equal to the circumference of the conduit 22, and then adhesively bonding the strip of material to the conduit 22 before fitting the connecting end piece 24.

[0074] A spacer ring 36 extends between a first edge surface 36.1 and a second edge surface 36.2, the first edge surface 36.1 being closer to the first end portion 22.1 of the conduit 22 than the second edge surface 36.2. The first edge surface 36.1 and the second edge surface 36.2 connect the first surface S36 and the second surface S36'. The first edge surface 36.1 includes a plurality of notches, each notch forming a receiving portion 34' configured to receive adhesive so as to form an adhesive region 32 connecting the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24 after the adhesive has cured.

[0075] These individual receiving parts 34' are regularly distributed around the conduit 22. All of these receiving parts are substantially identical. Therefore, the connection system 30 is substantially uniform around the conduit 22.

[0076] According to one configuration, the second edge surface 36.2 is positioned in a transverse plane perpendicular to the first axis A22 and the second axis A26. The first edge surface 36.1 alternately includes straight portions 38.1 and semi-circular portions 38.2. According to this configuration, each receiving portion 34' is defined by two straight portions 38.1 and a semi-circular portion 38.2 connecting the two straight portions 38.1. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration of the receiving portion 34'. The receiving portion can have other forms.

[0077] according to Figures 12 to 15 In another embodiment, as seen in the diagram, the connection system 30 includes a plurality of spacer elements 40 at least partially disposed between the conduit 22 and the connecting end member 24. Each spacer element 40 has a first surface S40 facing the conduit 22 and contacting the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22, and a second surface S40' facing the connecting end member 24 and contacting the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24. Each spacer element 40 includes at least one edge surface 40.1 connecting the first surface S40 and the second surface S40'.

[0078] The spacer elements 40 are regularly distributed on the circumference of the conduit 22. By way of example, the connection system 30 includes six spacer elements 40. Of course, the invention is not limited to this number of spacer elements 40.

[0079] Each spacer element 40 has the same thickness (the dimension measured between the first surface S40 and the second surface S40' for each spacer element 40). In operation, since each spacer element 40 simultaneously contacts the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24 and has the same thickness, the first axis A22 and the second axis A26 are necessarily approximately coaxial when the connecting end piece 24 and the spacer element 40 are positioned around the conduit 22.

[0080] According to one configuration, all spacer elements 40 are identical and each has a U-shaped form. Therefore, each spacer element 40 includes a first branch 42.1 and a second branch 42.2 that are generally parallel to each other, and a base 42.3 connecting the first branch 42.1 and the second branch 42.2. In operation, the first branch 42.1 and the second branch 42.2 are positioned on two sides of the connecting end member 24, and the base 42.3 contacts the end of the connecting end member 24 furthest from the first end 22.1 of the conduit 22, and more specifically, the second end 26.2 of the sleeve 26.

[0081] Each spacer element 40, conduit 22, and connector 24 defines a receiving portion 34'', which is configured to accommodate adhesive so that, after the adhesive cures, an adhesive region 32 is formed that connects the conduit 22 and the connector 24. These individual receiving portions 34'' are regularly distributed around the conduit 22.

[0082] The receiving parts are all roughly the same. Therefore, the connection system 30 is roughly uniform around the conduit 22.

[0083] Of course, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments of the connection system 30. Regardless of the embodiment, the connection system 30 includes at least one receiving portion 34, 34', 34'' positioned around the conduit 22 between the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24, and configured to receive a cured adhesive region 32 that connects the conduit 22 and the connecting end piece 24. Each receiving portion 34, 34', 34'' is defined by at least one edge surface 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.1', 38.1, 40.1, which are incorporated into at least one of the conduit 22, the connecting end piece 24, and the at least one spacer element 36, 40.

[0084] According to one arrangement, each edge surface 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.1', 38.1, 40.1 includes: a first edge 44.1, which is slightly spaced from or forms part of the conduit 22; and a second edge 44.2, which is radially offset relative to the first edge 44.1, and is slightly spaced from or forms part of the connecting end member 24. For the present invention, if two elements are spaced apart by a distance less than one-tenth of a millimeter, these elements are considered to be slightly spaced apart.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the connection system includes a plurality of receiving portions 34, 34', 34'' regularly distributed around the catheter 22. The edge surfaces 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.1', 38.1, 40.1 of each receiving portion 34, 34', 34'' have substantially the same height (a dimension measured in the radial direction). This solution allows for a connection system 30 that is uniformly distributed around the circumference of the catheter. Typically, the receiving portions are substantially identical.

[0086] According to the first embodiment, the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22 and the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24 have approximately the same diameter. According to these first embodiments, the edge surfaces 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.1' of each receiving portion 34, 34', 34'' are coupled in the region of the conduit 22 and / or the region of the connecting end member 24, and these receiving portions 34 are provided at the inner surface S26 of the connecting end member 24 and / or the outer surface S22 of the conduit 22.

[0087] According to a second embodiment, the connection system 30 includes at least one spacer element 36, 40 at least partially disposed between the conduit 22 and the connection end piece 24, the spacer element 36, 40 being configured to retain a coaxial first axis A22 and a second axis A26. According to these second embodiments, the edge surfaces 38.1, 40.1 of each receiving portion 34, 34', 34'' engage in the region of the spacer element 36, 40. More specifically, these second embodiments are applicable to existing pipelines, each comprising a conduit having a smooth outer surface (without a receiving portion) and a connection end piece having a smooth inner surface (without a receiving portion) whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the conduit.

Claims

1. A pipeline (20), comprising: At least one catheter (22) having a first end (22.1), at least an outer surface (S22) and a first axis (A22). At least one connecting end piece (24) is positioned at the first end (22.1) of the catheter (22), the connecting end piece (24) having at least an inner surface (S26) facing the catheter (22) and a second axis (A26). At least one connection system (30) connects the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24), and the connection system (30) includes at least one receiving portion (34, 34', 34'') positioned around the conduit (22) between the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24), the receiving portion being configured to receive an adhesive region (32) for connecting the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24), characterized in that the outer surface (S22) of the conduit (22) and the inner surface (S26) of the connecting end piece (24) have substantially the same diameter, or the connection system (30) includes a spacer ring (36) disposed between the conduit (22) and the connecting end piece (24), the spacer ring (36) extending completely around the conduit (22), the spacer ring (36) having a substantially constant thickness, and the spacer ring (36) having a face facing the conduit (22) and the outer surface (S22) of the conduit (22) and the inner surface (S26) of the conduit (24) having a diameter of substantially the same diameter. 2) A first contacting surface (S36) and a second surface (S36') facing the connecting end member (24) and contacting the inner surface (S26) of the connecting end member (24), and the connection system includes a plurality of receiving portions (34, 34', 34'') regularly distributed around the conduit (22), the receiving portions (34, 34', 34'') being disposed at the outer surface (S22) of the conduit (22) and at the first end (22.1) of the conduit (22). The at least one receiving portion (34, 34', 34'') is open, and each receiving portion is defined by at least one edge face (34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.1', 38.1, 40.1), which is incorporated into at least one of the following elements: the conduit (22), the connecting end piece (24), the at least one spacer element (36, 40), and the spacer ring (36).

2. The pipeline (20) of claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving parts (34) are separate and spaced apart from each other.

3. The pipeline (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving parts (34) are connected to each other.

4. The pipeline (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The receiving portion is defined by the edge surfaces (34.1', 36.1) of the undulations formed on the entire circumference of the conduit (22) or the entire circumference of the connecting end piece (24).

Images