LIQUID COUPLING WITH PRE-POSITIONED CRIMP RING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for attaching a hose to a fluid connector, in particular for fluid connections or fittings for connecting a connector to a flexible pipe, in the field of biopharmaceutical applications.

[0002] More specifically, in the biopharmaceutical field, flexible pipes or hoses, and containers or receptacles, are used to transport and contain various biopharmaceutical substances, most often with the necessary aseptic precautions.

[0003] In biopharmaceutical applications, such flexible pipes or hoses allow the circulation, passage, communication of a fluid, such as a biopharmaceutical fluid and can be connected either to a similar flexible pipe or to a container or receptacle, which can also be rigid or flexible, by means of a connector, usually rigid and for example made of plastic and / or metal.

[0004] Such a pipe, usually of circular cross-section, is typically made of plastic material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), but also PVC, the list not being exhaustive. It has a certain overall strength and, simultaneously, both a certain overall flexibility and a certain local flexibility, which allows, by exerting sufficient force, to substantially deform the pipe radially, for example to slip it onto portions of a connector with a diameter greater than a diameter of the pipe at rest.

[0005] In a typical embodiment, for example, the pipe has an outside diameter of between, for example, 6 millimeters and 40 millimeters, the thickness depending on the material, diameter and applications.

[0006] Such a connector, usually also of circular section, has a tubular end piece terminated by an open end and onto which an open front end of the pipe can be slipped.

[0007] Furthermore, the connector, and in particular the tubular end piece of the connector, usually comprises, starting from the open end of the connector along the axis of said connector, radial retaining projections also called grooves, barbs or even by the Anglo-Saxon term "hose barb" followed by a clamping zone, for example substantially cylindrical. The radial retaining projections have an outside diameter greater than or equal to the inside diameter of the pipe at rest. They thus deform the flexible pipe and make it possible to ensure sealing and minimal retention of the flexible pipe relative to the connector.

[0008] In the known art, to fix such a flexible hose to such a connector, the procedure is as follows. First, the open front end of the hose is threaded onto the tubular end piece of the connector so that the front end of the hose surrounds the tubular end piece of the connector, in particular at the location of the radial retaining projections as well as the clamping zone. After this, a clamping collar is brought from the rear of the hose to the front end of the hose and in particular to the clamping zone. Finally, the collar is tightened. The tightened collar exerts sufficient inward radial pressure to hold the flexible hose on the end piece so as, on the one hand, to ensure a good seal of the hose with respect to the end piece, and on the other hand to prevent traction on the hose from leading to disengagement of the hose from the end piece.

[0009] For such clamps, one can use, for example, a metal clamp in the form of a preformed ring with one or two ears projecting outwards relative to the general shape of the ring of the clamp; this type of clamp is sometimes called an Oetiker ® ​​clamp. After inserting the clamp onto the pipe to be held, the ear (or ears) of the clamp is pinched using a tool, which causes a permanent deformation and thus a narrowing of the main diameter of the ring and consequently tightens the clamp on the pipe. This type of clamping using a metal ring is particularly robust and reliable.

[0010] However, for certain types of applications, the radial pressure singularity at the ear (or ears) makes the tightening pressure non-homogeneous around the circumference. And in this case it is preferable to use a 'Shrinking Ring' type collar which is presented as a cylindrical ring of revolution which can be compressed radially inwards to reduce its diameter by a few percent, in practice to fix the order of magnitude between 2% and 30%, preferably between 2% and 15%, the reduction in diameter occurring homogeneously around the entire circumference. Thus no radial pressure singularity is created, which improves the tightening and sealing function. The homogeneity of the tightening obtained is all the better when the reduction in diameter is small. Also the aesthetics of the collar is all the better when the reduction in diameter is small, because this reduces the ripples produced on the surface of the crimped ring.In the known art, to bring such collars from the rear of the pipe to the front end of the pipe and in particular to the overlapping zone between the pipe and the connector, it is therefore necessary to pass the collar above the radial retaining projections, which implies choosing a collar having an internal diameter large enough to do this. This constraint is contradictory, in the case of the rings to be swaged, as indicated above with a small reduction in diameter, a factor of guaranteeing homogeneity.

[0011] In fact, in the known art, before crimping the collar, there is a relatively large clearance between the inner diameter of the collar and the outer diameter of the pipe at the clamping area. The cancellation of this clearance and the effective tightening of the collar can cause wrinkles on the pipe or even more serious damage, which can lead to leakage or loss of sterilization detrimental to the biopharmaceutical application. A method according to the state of the art is for example described in document DE3815168.

[0012] There is therefore a need to propose an improvement intended to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawback of the known prior art.

[0013] For this, a method is provided for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe to a connector using a crimp collar, this method being as defined in claim 1.

[0014] As a result, assembly and crimping are carried out simply and reliably, either by automated or manual means.

[0015] Preferably, the collar is slipped around the connector before slipping the front end of the hose onto the tubular end fitting.

[0016] The temporary reception space thus defined makes it possible to at least partially accommodate the collar before inserting the pipe, which makes it possible to choose a diameter D0 as close as possible to D1, even if the retaining projections are relatively thick.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the collar is threaded around the connector by means of a jaw, the jaw holds the collar substantially coaxial with the temporary receiving space of the connector while the front end of the pipe is threaded onto the tubular end piece, and the collar or connector is moved so as to position the collar around at least a portion of the front end of the pipe and substantially opposite the clamping zone of the connector by means of the jaw.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the collar is a constricted metal collar, in particular a collar without an ear.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first external diameter D1 and the inner diameter D0 may be substantially close, and preferably a gap between the first outside diameter D1 and the inner diameter D0 is less than 15% of the inner diameter D0, and preferably less than 10% of the inner diameter D0,or even more preferably less than 5% of the internal diameter D0 .

[0020] D0 and D1 therefore verify the relationship < D 0 D 1 < 1,15 , or even 1 < D 0 D 1 < 1,1 or even 1 < D 0 D 1 < 1,05 , whereby the reduction in diameter during the crimping operation is minimal and thus waves or folds on the surface of the ring and also of the pipe are reduced.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a collar is provided which separates the temporary reception space from the connector body, the collar having a fourth external diameter D4 greater than the inner diameter D0 ; so as to limit the movement of the collar forward relative to the connector.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the temporary reception space has an axial length L1 greater than or equal to an axial length L0 of the collar; so as to be able to fully accommodate the collar.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment to the previous one, the temporary reception space has an axial length L1 less than an axial length L0 of the collar; whereby the temporary accommodation space allows the collar to be accommodated in a cantilevered position, and the front end of the tube can be slid under the cantilevered portion of the collar during the tube insertion operation. The axial compactness of the connector can thus be improved.

[0024] For example, we can choose L1 = 90% of L0, or L1 = 75% of L0 or L1 = 50% of L0.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the temporary reception space is separated from the clamping zone by an auxiliary collar having a fifth external diameter D5 greater than the maximum radial clearance D3 of the temporary reception space and less than the internal diameter D0; whereby a gravity trap is formed which allows axial retention of the collar in the annular groove under the effect of gravity.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the maximum radial size D3 of the temporary reception space is greater than or equal to the first external diameter D1; This forms a natural, thick and robust stop which limits the insertion of the flexible tube.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the temporary reception space may comprise one or more grooves capable of being in contact with the collar; this provides frictional support for the collar on the reception space.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the flutings define a maximum radial size D3 substantially equal to the inner diameter D0 ; which allows the collar to be easily positioned in the receiving space, and then moved to the clamping area.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the clamping zone has an axial length L2 greater than or equal to an axial length L0 of the collar and is terminated at a first axial end by the radial retaining projections and at a second axial end by an axial shoulder for stopping the pipe. As a result, quality crimping over a sufficient length ensures good sealing.

[0030] In one embodiment, the collar is preferably metallic and the collar is either a swaged collar or an ear collar. This provides a robust and durable solution.

[0031] The figures in the drawings are now briefly described. There figure 1is an axial sectional view of a fluid connection assembly during the implementation of a method according to the invention for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe to a connector using a collar, in which the front end of the pipe is threaded onto the tubular end piece, so as to circumferentially surround the radial retaining projections and at least a portion of the clamping zone, and the clamping collar circumferentially surrounds the temporary receiving space. figure 2 is an axial sectional view of the fluid connection assembly of the figure 1 , wherein the collar is placed around the front end of the pipe and substantially opposite the clamping area of ​​the connector. The figure 3 is an axial sectional view of the fluid connection assembly of the figure 1 , in which the collar is crimped so as to secure the open front end of the flexible hose to the connector. The figure 4is an axial sectional view of the fluid connection assembly of the figure 1 during the implementation of a variant of a method according to the invention for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe to a connector using a collar, in which the collar is positioned around the connector by means of an assembly machine jaw. The Figure 5 is an axial sectional view of the fluid connection assembly of the figure 4 , in which the collar or connector with its inserted tube is moved so as to place the collar around at least a portion of the front end of the pipe and substantially opposite the clamping area of ​​the connector by means of the jaw, then the collar is crimped (dotted). The figure 6is an axial sectional view of a fluid connection assembly according to a second embodiment, during the implementation of a method according to the invention for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe to a connector using a collar. figures 7, 8 and 9 are axial sectional views of a fluid connection assembly according to a third embodiment, during the implementation of a method according to the invention for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe to a connector using a collar. The figure 10 is seen in axial section similar to the figure 1 , with a reception space of reduced axial length.

[0032] Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings.

[0033] In the example shown, this is a fluid connection assembly 100 including a connector 1 to which a flexible hose is connected 2in a fluid-tight manner. The connector 1 is itself connected, for example, to a biopharmaceutical product container or another pipe.

[0034] The flexible pipe 2 can be generally defined as a wall 20 delimiting a fluidic space 21. The flexible hose 2 has an open front end 2a and extends from the front end 2a in a rear direction by a substantially cylindrical section and in particular a cylindrical section of revolution. The flexible pipe 2 may comprise a rear end (not shown), for example open and connected to a biopharmaceutical product container or another connector.

[0035] Connector 1 includes a tubular end piece 3 terminated by an open end 3a as well as a connector body 10. The tubular end piece 3 is for example of revolution around an axis AA.The connector body 10 may also be substantially of revolution around the axis AA. The connector body 10 may thus be arranged at a second end 1a of the connector 1, for example an end 1a opposite the open end 3a. The second end 1a of the connector 1 is for example connected to a biopharmaceutical product container or a hose (not shown) to allow a transfer of biopharmaceutical fluid with the flexible hose 2.

[0036] As illustrated in the figure 1 for example, the tubular end piece 3 is capable of receiving, and being fixed to, the front end 2a of the pipe 2.

[0037] For this purpose, the tubular end piece 3 has radial retaining projections. 31 of pipe 2.

[0038] Radial retaining projections 31,also called grooves, barbs or even by the Anglo-Saxon term "hose barb", have for example a general shape of a truncated cone pierced with a central opening, the truncated cone shape having in particular a smaller diameter oriented towards the open end 3a of the tubular end piece 3. Advantageously, a radial projection of extreme retention 31a may be terminated by the open end 3a of the tubular end piece 3, so that the truncated cone shape of the extreme retaining radial projection 31a constitutes a progressive radial ramp from the open end 3a.

[0039] The tubular end piece 3 also has a clamping area 30of the pipe 2. This clamping zone 30 is in particular in the form of a substantially smooth cylinder. The clamping zone 30 is for example substantially coaxial with the tubular end piece 3 and where appropriate the connector body 10. The clamping zone 30 usually has a maximum external diameter D30 less than the maximum outside diameter D31 radial retaining projections 31.

[0040] The clamping zone 30 is terminated at a first axial end by the radial retaining projections 31 and at a second axial end by an axial shoulder 32 for stopping the pipe 2. The axial shoulder 32 is thus, for example, arranged opposite the radial retaining projections 31 relative to the axis AA. The axial shoulder 32 makes it possible to limit the advance of the flexible pipe onto the tubular end piece 3. The axial shoulder 32 terminates, for example, the tubular end piece 3 on its axial end opposite the open end 3a.

[0041] So, in sequential order along the axis AA starting from the open end 3a, the tubular end piece 3 may comprise, first of all, the radial retaining projections 31 then the clamping zone 30 and finally the axial shoulder 32. The tubular end piece 3 may however comprise additional elements, at the beginning, at the end or interposed between the three elements mentioned above.

[0042] In the example of the figure 1 , the front end 2a of the pipe 2 is mounted (arrow F1) on the tubular end piece 3 so as to circumferentially surround the radial retaining projections 31 and a portion of the clamping zone 30, substantially close to the entire clamping zone 30. The front end 2a of the pipe 2 thus comes close to the axial shoulder 32.

[0043] It can be noted that the inner diameter D0' of the tubular end piece 3 can advantageously be substantially close to the internal diameter D0"of the flexible pipe 2 at rest. When the flexible pipe 2 is put on the tubular end piece 3, the end opening 2b of the front end 2a of the pipe 2 deforms radially outwards thanks to the progressive radial ramp of the end retaining radial projection 31a, remains deformed outwards along the radial retaining projections 31, then returns to a narrower diameter at the clamping zone 30.

[0044] In this configuration mounted on the tubular end piece 3, the front end 2a of the pipe 2 then has a first external diameter D1 at the location of the clamping zone 30 and a second outer diameter D2 at the location of the radial retaining projections 31. The first outside diameter D1 may in particular be less than the second outside diameter D2, as illustrated on the figure 1 .

[0045] The fluid connection assembly 100 further includes a collar5 to be crimped to fix the front end 2a of the flexible pipe 2 to the connector 1. The collar makes it possible to exert radial pressure on the end of the pipe which surrounds the tubular end piece. This radial pressure has two objectives: the first is to ensure a sufficiently efficient seal between the pipe 2 and the tubular end piece 3, and the second consists of mechanically holding the pipe around the end piece to prevent traction exerted on the pipe from leading to disengagement of the pipe from the tubular end piece, the second objective being mainly achieved thanks to the geometric condition D31>D30.

[0046] The necklace 5, when it circumferentially surrounds the AA axis has an axial length L0. Furthermore, the collar 5 at rest before crimping has an internal diameter D0.

[0047] Throughout this description, the term "axial length" of an element means the total size of said element along the axis AA.

[0048] The collar 5 is in particular adapted to be clamped around the front end 2a of the pipe 2 at the point where said front end 2 circumferentially surrounds the clamping zone 30.

[0049] Thus, to allow suitable tightening of the collar around the flexible pipe 2, the tightening zone 30 advantageously has an axial length L2 greater than or equal to the axial length L0 of the collar 5. In this way, it presents an optimal clamping surface for a given collar.

[0050] According to the embodiments envisaged, the collar 5, preferably metallic, can be a constricting collar or an ear collar as detailed below in relation to the different embodiments of the invention presented.

[0051] Connector 1 also includes a temporary reception area 4 which will now be detailed further.

[0052] The temporary reception area 4 is for example arranged between the tubular end piece 3 and the connector body 10, in particular between the axial shoulder 32 of the tubular end piece 3 and the connector body 10.

[0053] In the example of the figures, the temporary reception space 4 appears as a substantially smooth cylinder with an axial length L1 greater than or equal to the axial length L0 of the collar 5. The temporary reception space 4 has a maximum radial footprint D3 less than or equal to the inner diameter D0. In this way, the temporary accommodation space 4 can completely accommodate the collar 5.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment shown in the figure 10 , the temporary reception space 4 may have an axial lengthL1 less than the axial length L0 of the collar 5. In this variant, the temporary reception space 4 advantageously has a maximum radial size D3 greater than or equal to the first outside diameter D1 of the pipe 2 at the location of the clamping area 30. In this way, the collar 5 can be placed cantilevered over the temporary reception space 4 while the pipe 2 is inserted onto the tubular end piece 3, and slid under the cantilevered part of the waiting collar 5.

[0055] Furthermore, the first outer diameter D1 of pipe 2 is less than or equal to the inner diameter D0 and the second outer diameter D2 of pipe 2 is greater than or equal to the inner diameter D0.

[0056] In this way, the temporary reception space 4 makes it possible to temporarily accommodate the collar 5 during the implementation of the process of tightening the flexible pipe to the connector 1 and in particular before the insertion of the pipe 2 on the end piece 3 as will be detailed below. This advantageously makes it possible to choose a diameter D0 of collar 5 at rest before crimping as close as possible to the first outside diameter D1 of the pipe 2 at the location of the clamping zone 30, even if the retaining projections 31 are relatively thick.

[0057] So for example we can choose the first outside diameter D1 and the inner diameter D0 substantially close. Preferably, a gap between the first outside diameter D1 and the inner diameter D0 may be less than five percent of the inside diameter D0,see less than 3 percent. In this way, the reduction in diameter of the clamp during the tightening operation is minimal and the risk of causing waves or folds on the surface of the pipe during tightening of the clamp is significantly reduced.

[0058] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 1 , connector 1 may include a connector body collar 11 separating the temporary reception space 4 from the connector body 10. The connector body collar 11 may in particular have a fourth external diameter D4 greater than the inner diameter D0 of the collar 5. In this way, it is possible to limit the travel of the collar 5 forwards relative to the connector 1 along the axis AA.

[0059] In a first embodiment of the fluid connection assembly illustrated in the figures 1 to 5 , the maximum radial footprint D3of the temporary reception space 4 is greater than or equal to the first external diameter D1. The collar 5 can then be temporarily placed on the temporary reception space 4 during the insertion of the pipe 2. Then the collar is brought (arrow F2) around the front end 2a of the pipe 2 to the location of the clamping zone 30 easily by a simple translation without needing to axially center the collar 5 on the connector 1. Then the collar 5 is pressed inwards by crimping (arrow F3).

[0060] We notice that while the necklace 5 is waiting in the temporary reception area 4, collar 5 is not located in the outer radial area of ​​the tip 3,and the front end of the flexible hose can be pushed and guided by the fingers of an operator or a gripper of a manipulator, without the collar causing any hindrance, because it is located axially beyond the axial stop shoulder 32 for inserting the pipe.

[0061] In a second and a third embodiment, illustrated respectively in the figure 6 and on THE figures 7 to 9 , the maximum radial footprint D3 of the temporary reception space 4 is less than or equal to the first external diameter D1. In this way, it is possible to temporarily retain the collar 5 on the temporary reception space 4 in particular in the manner which will now be detailed.

[0062] Thus, in the second embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 , the temporary reception space 4 is separated from the clamping zone 30 by an auxiliary collar 40having a fifth outside diameter D5 greater than the maximum radial clearance D3 of the temporary reception area. Furthermore, the fifth external diameter D5 is less than the inner diameter D0 of the necklace 5.

[0063] The auxiliary collar 40, combined where appropriate with the connector body collar 11 separating the temporary receiving space 4 from the connector body 10, allows axial retention of the collar 5 in the temporary receiving space 4. In fact, the assembly constituted by the auxiliary collar 40, the connector body collar 11 and the temporary receiving space 4 forms an annular groove in which the collar 5 can be retained under the effect of gravity as illustrated in the figure 6 .

[0064] In the third embodiment illustrated in the figures 7 to 9 , the temporary reception area 4 also includes gadroons 41.The grooves are able to be in contact with the collar 5 and make it possible to keep the collar 5 substantially coaxial with the connector 1.

[0065] Thus, the 41 gadroons define a maximum radial size D3 which is substantially equal to the internal diameter D0 of the necklace 5.

[0066] Maximum radial clearance D3 is also advantageously greater than or equal to the first external diameter D1. The collar 5 can then be temporarily placed on the grooves 41 of the temporary reception space 4 and brought around the front end 2a of the pipe 2 to the location of the clamping zone 30 easily by a simple translation without needing to axially center the collar 5 on the connector 1.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the temporary receiving space 4 may be of non-circular section, in particular of polygonal section, for example hexagonal. In this way, the temporary receiving space 4 may have additional functions, for example allowing gripping by a jaw of a tool to allow the connector to be screwed onto a support. The temporary receiving space 4 may also be formed by three (or) radial projections whose free end fits into a diameter of dimension D3.

[0068] A method according to the invention for sealingly fixing a flexible pipe 2 to a connector 1 using a clamp 5 can thus be implemented, for example, in the following manner.

[0069] First, the collar 5 is threaded around the connector 1 via the tubular end piece 3 until the collar circumferentially surrounds the temporary reception space 4. The result of this step is illustrated, for example, figure 7 in the case of the third embodiment.

[0070] Then, the front end 2a of the pipe 2 is threaded onto the tubular end piece 3 of the connector 1 until said front end circumferentially surrounds the radial retaining projections 31 and at least a portion of the clamping zone 30. The configuration of the figures 1 , 4 , 6 And 8 .

[0071] Here too, it is noted that while the collar 5 is waiting on the temporary reception space 4, the collar 5 is not located in the outer radial zone of the end piece 3, and the front end of the flexible pipe can be pushed (arrow F1) and guided by the fingers of an operator or a gripper of a manipulator, without the collar causing any hindrance, because it is located axially beyond the axial stop shoulder 32 for the insertion of the pipe. In other words, the collar 5 does not radially cover the space 30 provided to receive the end of the pipe.

[0072] As mentioned above, the front end 2a of the pipe then has a first outside diameter D1 at the location of the clamping zone 30 and a second outer diameter D2 at the location of the radial retaining projections 31.

[0073] Advantageously, the first outside diameter D1 is less than the second outside diameter D2,so as to ensure minimal retention of the pipe on the connector.

[0074] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first outside diameter D1 and the maximum radial footprint D3 are advantageously less than or equal to the internal diameter D0, and the second outer diameter D2 is advantageously greater than or equal to the internal diameter D0. This way, the clamp has a diameter close to the first pipe diameter and can still be accommodated in the temporary accommodation space. The tightening process is thus simplified and presents low risks of damage to the pipe during tightening of the clamp.

[0075] In a subsequent step, the collar 5 (arrow F2) is moved towards the open end 3a of the tubular end piece 3 to place it around at least a portion of the front end 2a of the pipe and substantially opposite the clamping zone 30 of the connector as illustrated in the figures 2 , 5 And 9 .

[0076] Alternatively, the collar 5 can be held in a fixed position and the connector 1 with its inserted flexible tube 2 is then moved.

[0077] Finally, the collar 5 (arrow F3) is crimped to fix the open front end 2a of the flexible pipe 2 to the connector 1 as illustrated in the figures 3 as well as dotted lines on the figures 5 And 9 . In particular, the collar 5 can be crimped by manual action (pliers) or by suitable automated means.

[0078] In particular, in the method according to the invention, the collar 5 can be threaded around the connector 1 before threading the front end 2a of the pipe onto the tubular end piece 3. This embodiment makes it possible to avoid bringing the collar from the rear of the pipe 2.

[0079] In one embodiment of the method illustrated in the Figures 4 and 5 , you can use a mounting machine equipped with a jaw 50 comprising gripping fingers to implement the clamping process as follows.

[0080] The collar 5 is gripped using the jaw 50. A portion of the connector 1, for example the body of the connector 10, can also be gripped using a second jaw of the assembly machine, not shown.

[0081] Then, the collar 5 is threaded around the connector 10 using the jaw 50.

[0082] The jaw 50 then holds the collar substantially coaxial with the temporary reception space 4 of the connector while the front end 2 of the pipe is threaded onto the tubular end piece 3.

[0083] Finally, the collar is moved to place the collar around at least a portion of the front end 2a of the pipe and substantially opposite the clamping zone 30 of the connector by means of the jaw 50. Of course, it is also possible to hold the collar 5 in a fixed position and move the connector fitted with its flexible tube already inserted.

[0084] Depending on the type of collar chosen, the collar can be tightened by crushing at least one ear of the collar in the case of an ear collar, or by tensioning the collar in the case of a collar with a necking or "crimped necking", i.e. a radial contraction directed inwards.

[0085] In this latter embodiment of the method, the collar 5 may be a constricted collar, and in particular a collar without an ear.

[0086] The clamping collar may, however, also be a metal-type collar with one or more lugs provided for clamping. The clamping lug(s) is (are) then preferably positioned angularly at a distance from each of the gripping fingers of the jaw 50.

[0087] Pliers are then used to crush the ear shape so as to reduce the diameter of the ring formed by the clamping collar 5. As a result, the clamping collar 5 then has a smaller diameter than that of the outer surface of the flexible pipe 2 at rest, it therefore exerts radial pressure directed inwards.

[0088] It should be noted that it is possible to use several 5 clamps side by side for the clamping function.

[0089] Similarly, we note that we can choose for example for L1 = 90% of L0, or L1 = 75% of L0 or even L1=2 / 3 of L0 as illustrated in figure 10 , or L1 = 50% of L0.

Claims

1. A method for fixing a flexible hose (2) in a sealed manner to a connector (1) using a crimping collar (5), wherein: - the following is provided: a. a flexible hose (2) with an open front end (2a), b. a connector (1) including i. a connector body (10), ii. a tubular nozzle (3) able to receive the front end of the hose, the tubular nozzle including retaining radial projections (31) of the hose as well as a clamping area (30) of the hose, and iii. a temporary accommodation space (4) axially interposed between the tubular nozzle (3) and the connector body (10) and having a maximum radial size of diameter D3, the temporary accommodation space (4) and the clamping are (30) being separated from each other on the connector (1), and c. a crimping collar (5) for fixing the front end of the flexible hose to the connector, the collar at rest prior to crimping having an inner diameter D0, - the collar (5) is engaged around the connector (1) by the tubular nozzle (3) until the collar circumferentially surrounds at least partially the temporary accommodation space (4), - the front end (2a) of the hose is engaged around the tubular nozzle (3) of the connector (1) until said front end (2) circumferentially surrounds the retaining radial projections (31) and at least part of the clamping area (30), so that with the crimping collar (5) circumferentially surrounding the temporary accommodation space (4), the front end of the hose has a first outer diameter D1 at the location of the clamping area (30) and a second outer diameter D2 at the location of the retaining radial projections (31), the first outer diameter D1 being smaller than the second outer diameter D2, the first outer diameter D1 and the diameter D3 of the maximum radial size being smaller than or equal to the inner diameter D0, and the second outer diameter D2 being larger than or equal to the inner diameter D0, - the collar or the connector is moved in order to leave the temporary accommodation space (4) with regard to the collar (5) and position the crimping collar (5) around at least part of the front end (2a) of the hose and substantially opposite the clamping area (30) of the connector, and - the collar (5) is crimped for fixing the open front end (2a) of the flexible hose (2) to the connector (1), knowing that the temporary accommodation space (4) and the clamping area (30) are separated by a separating means chosen among an abutting axial shoulder (32) of the hose or a collar (40).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein - the collar (5) is engaged around the connector (10) by means of a jaw, - the jaw maintains the collar substantially coaxial with the temporary accommodation space (4) of the connector while the front end (2) of the hose is being engaged on the tubular nozzle (3), and - the collar or the connector is moved in order to position the collar around at least part of the front end (2a) of the hose and substantially opposite the clamping area (30) of the connector by means of the jaw.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the collar (5) is a multi-crimp metallic collar, specifically a collar without lugs.