Elastic connecting device between two concentric parts and assembly with such an elastic connecting device

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an elastic connection device between two concentric parts as well as to an assembly comprising such an elastic connection device.

[0002] According to an embodiment known from the prior art, an assembly comprises a first part which has an orifice and a second part passing through the orifice and connected to the first part by a connecting device. To limit the propagation of vibrations from one part to the other, the connecting device comprises an elastomer ring inserted between the first and second parts. This embodiment is limited to vibrations of low amplitudes and is not suitable for large amplitudes.

[0003] According to embodiments described in documents EP2265841, US7320389, CN106195104, an elastic connecting device configured to connect first and second concentric parts comprises a first ring secured to the first part, a second ring secured to the second part and a set of return elements and / or springs connecting the first and second rings distributed regularly over the entire circumference of the first and second rings. This type of device tolerates vibrations of large amplitudes. However, this embodiment is not satisfactory because the springs are not protected.

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0005] For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an elastic connecting device configured to connect first and second parts, comprising first and second rings spaced from each other and connected by at least two kinematic subassemblies, the first and second rings being configured to occupy a first state in which the second ring occupies given radial and axial positions relative to the first ring as well as a second state in which the second ring is offset from the given radial position and / or from the given axial position relative to the first ring, the kinematic subassemblies being configured to allow the first and second rings to move relative to each other in at least one axial direction and / or at least one radial direction, each kinematic subassembly comprising a return element configured to maintain the first and second rings in the first state.

[0006] According to the invention, each kinematic subassembly comprises at least one radial element comprising a cylindrical body, at least two ball-joint type connections and at least one slide or sliding pivot type connection. In addition, for each radial element, the second ring comprises a radial housing and, for each kinematic subassembly, the return element is interposed between a bottom of the radial housing and the cylindrical body of the radial element.

[0007] In operation, the elastic connecting device allows a relatively large axial and / or radial movement between the two parts it connects. In addition, if one of the two parts is subjected to vibrations, the elastic connecting device absorbs the deformations and limits the propagation of vibrations to the other part. Finally, each return element is positioned in a housing so as to be protected.

[0008] According to another characteristic, each kinematic subassembly comprises at least one radial element, at least two ball-joint type connections and at least one slide or sliding pivot type connection. In addition, for each radial element, the second ring comprises a radial housing and, for each kinematic subassembly, the return element is interposed between a bottom of the radial housing and the cylindrical body of the radial element.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the elastic connection device comprises three kinematic sub-assemblies distributed around the circumference of the first or second ring.

[0010] According to another characteristic, for each kinematic subassembly, the radial element is connected on the one hand to the first ring by a first ball joint type connection and on the other hand to the second ring by a second ball joint type connection and a slide or sliding pivot type connection.

[0011] According to another characteristic, each radial element comprises a spherical head secured to the cylindrical body. In addition, for each radial element, the first ring comprises a spherical seat configured to receive the spherical head of the radial element and forming with the latter the first ball-joint type connection.

[0012] According to another characteristic, each kinematic subassembly comprises a ball joint configured to fit into one of the radial housings.

[0013] According to another characteristic, for each kinematic subassembly, the ball joint and the cylindrical body of the radial element are configured to allow the cylindrical body to slide relative to the ball joint in order to obtain the slide or sliding pivot type connection between them.

[0014] According to another characteristic, each elastic element is a compression spring.

[0015] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a first part comprising an orifice, a second part passing through the orifice as well as an elastic connecting device, according to one of the preceding characteristics, inserted between the first and second parts and connecting them.

[0016] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an assembly comprising an elastic connecting device illustrating a first embodiment of the invention, The figure 2 is a cross-section along line II-II of the figure 1 , There figure 3 is a perspective view of an elastic connecting device illustrating a second embodiment of the invention, The figure 4 is a cross-section along plane IV of the figure 3 , There figure 5 is a kinematic diagram of an elastic connection device illustrating an embodiment of the invention in a state of equilibrium, The figure 6 is a kinematic diagram of the elastic connection device visible on the figure 5 during radial deformation, and The figure 7 is a kinematic diagram of the elastic connection device visible on the figure 5 during axial deformation.

[0017] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 1 , an assembly comprises a first part 10 comprising an orifice 12 as well as a second part 14 passing through the orifice 12. The orifice 12 has an axis A12.

[0018] For the remainder of the description, a longitudinal direction is parallel to the A12 axis. An axial direction is the same as the A12 axis. A longitudinal plane contains the A12 axis. A radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the A12 axis. A transverse plane is perpendicular to the A12 axis.

[0019] According to one configuration, the orifice 12 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical inner contact face S12. The second part 14 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical outer contact face S14. The first part 10 comprises a planar transverse contact face S16, surrounding the orifice 12, approximately perpendicular to the axis A12 of the orifice 12.

[0020] According to one application, the first part 10 is a wall and the second part 14 is a conduit or a tube.

[0021] The first and second parts 10 and 14 are connected by an elastic connecting device 18 interposed between the first and second parts 10, 14, more precisely between the outer and inner contact faces S12, S14.

[0022] The elastic connecting device 18 comprises first and second rings 20, 22 spaced from each other in order to delimit an annular space 24 between them. The first and second parts 20, 22 are rigid.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first ring 20 is positioned around the second ring 22 and connected to the first part 10. The first ring 20 comprises a collar 26 pressed against the transverse contact face S16 in operation. The first ring 20 comprises an outer contact surface S20 having a diameter substantially equal to that of the inner contact face S12 of the orifice 12. According to this embodiment, the assembly comprises fixing elements 28 connecting the collar 26 and the first part 10, distributed around the orifice 12 and oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. The second ring 22 comprises an inner contact surface S22 having a diameter substantially equal to that of the outer contact face S14 of the second part 14. According to one embodiment, the second ring 22 is glued to the second part 14.Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment concerning the connections between on the one hand the first and second rings 20, 22 and on the other hand the first and second parts 10, 14. Furthermore, the first ring 20 could be connected to the second part 14 and the second ring 22 positioned around the first ring 20 and connected to the first part 10.

[0024] Whatever the embodiment, the first and second rings 20, 22 are configured to occupy a first state called equilibrium in which the second ring 22 occupies given radial and axial positions relative to the first ring 20, as well as a second state in which the second ring 22 is offset from the given radial position and / or from the given axial position relative to the first ring 20.

[0025] According to one configuration, when the second ring 22 occupies the given radial position, the first and second rings 20, 22 are coaxial, namely the outer contact surface S20 of the first ring 20 and the inner contact surface S22 of the second ring 22 are coaxial.

[0026] The elastic connecting device 18 comprises at least two kinematic sub-assemblies 30, connecting the first and second rings 20, 22, positioned in the annular space 24, regularly distributed over the entire circumference of the first or second ring 20, 22. According to embodiments visible on the figures 1 à 4 , the elastic connection device 18 comprises three kinematic sub-assemblies 30 forming angles of approximately 120° between them.

[0027] The kinematic subassemblies 30 are configured to allow the first and second rings 20, 22 to move relative to each other in at least one axial direction and / or at least one radial direction.

[0028] According to one configuration, the kinematic subassemblies 30 are all identical.

[0029] Each kinematic subassembly 30 comprises at least one radial element 32, at least two ball-and-socket type connections 34, 36 as well as at least one slide or sliding pivot type connection 38.

[0030] According to one configuration, for each kinematic subassembly 30, the radial element 32 is connected to the first ring 20 by a first ball-joint type connection 34 as well as to the second ring 22 by a second ball-joint type connection 36 and a slide or sliding pivot type connection 38.

[0031] According to another configuration, each kinematic subassembly 30 comprises a first radial element connected to the first ring 20 by a first ball-joint type connection 34, a second radial element connected to the second ring 22 by a second ball-joint type connection 36, the first and second radial elements being connected to each other by a slide or sliding pivot type connection 38.

[0032] According to another configuration, each kinematic subassembly 30 comprises a first radial element connected to the first ring 20 by a first ball joint type connection 34, a second radial element connected to the second ring 22 by a slide or sliding pivot type connection 38, the first and second radial elements being connected to each other by a ball joint type connection 36.

[0033] Of course, the invention is not limited to these combinations for the radial elements 32, the ball-and-socket type connections 34, 36 and the slide or sliding pivot type connections 38.

[0034] Each radial element 32 comprises a cylindrical body 40 having an axis A40, a frustoconical section 42 at a first end oriented towards the first ring 20, as well as an end face 44 at a second end oriented towards the second ring 22, said end face 44 being planar and approximately perpendicular to the axis A40. In addition to the cylindrical body 40, each radial element 32 comprises a spherical head 46 secured to the cylindrical body 40. This spherical head is attached to the end of the frustoconical section 42 oriented towards the first ring 20, corresponding to the smallest section of the frustoconical section 42.

[0035] For each radial element 32, the first ring 20 comprises a spherical seat 48 configured to receive the spherical head 46 of the radial element 32 and forming with the latter the first ball-and-socket type connection 34. The spherical seat 48 is configured to prevent any translation of the spherical head 46 relative to the spherical seat 48 in operation.

[0036] For each radial element 32, the second ring 22 comprises a radial housing 50 which has a cylindrical lateral surface 50.1 having an axis A50, oriented in a radial direction, as well as a flat bottom 50.2 approximately perpendicular to the axis A50.

[0037] Each kinematic subassembly 30 comprises a ball joint 52 configured to be housed in one of the radial housings 50 and to house the cylindrical body 40 of the radial element 32. According to one configuration, the ball joint 52 comprises outer and inner rings 54, 56. The outer ring 54 comprises an outer surface 54E having an outer diameter equal to that of the cylindrical lateral surface 50.1 of a radial housing 50 and an inner surface 54I in contact with the inner ring 56 in the form of a portion of a sphere. The inner ring 56 comprises a cylindrical inner surface 56I as well as an outer surface 56E in contact with the outer ring 54, in the form of a portion of a sphere, having a diameter equal to that of the inner surface 54I of the outer ring 54.

[0038] In operation, the outer ring 54 is stationary in the radial housing 50. According to one embodiment, the outer ring 54 can be force-fitted or glued into its radial housing 50.

[0039] The ball joint 52 and the cylindrical body 40 of the radial element 32 are configured to obtain a slide or sliding pivot type connection between them.

[0040] Thus, the inner surface 56I of the inner ring 56 and the cylindrical body 40 have substantially identical diameters to allow the cylindrical body 40 to slide without play inside the inner ring 56. The cylindrical body 40 and the inner ring 56 may be made of a material or include a coating promoting the sliding of one relative to the other.

[0041] According to one feature, each kinematic subassembly 30 comprises a return element 58 configured to maintain the first and second rings 20, 22 in the equilibrium state in which the first and second rings 20, 22 are positioned according to the given radial and axial positions.

[0042] Each return element 58 is positioned in a cylindrical housing, in which the cylindrical body 40 of one of the radial elements slides in an adjusted manner.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the return element 58 is interposed between the bottom 50.2 of the radial housing 50 and the end face 44 of the cylindrical body 40 causing an approximately radial displacement of the radial element 32 which tends to move the first and second rings 20, 22 apart or closer together.

[0044] According to a configuration visible on the figures 1 à 4 , each return element 58 is a compression spring causing a centrifugal movement of the radial element 32 which tends to separate the first and second rings 20, 22.

[0045] According to another configuration, each return spring 58 is a tension spring causing a centripetal movement of the radial element 32 which tends to bring the first and second rings 20, 22 closer together.

[0046] The recall elements 58 of the kinematic subassemblies 30 are all identical.

[0047] The first and second rings 20, 22 are configured to occupy the equilibrium state, visible in the figures 2 , 4 et 5 , when none of them is stressed by forces or vibrations, in which the first and second rings 20, 22 are positioned according to the given radial and axial positions.

[0048] When the first and second rings 20, 22 are in the equilibrium state, the axes A40 of the radial elements 32 are oriented radially.

[0049] At least one of the first and second rings 20, 22 may be subjected to stresses, such as vibrations for example, with relatively large amplitudes.

[0050] According to a first example visible on the figure 6 , the stresses can be radial causing a radial displacement of the second ring 22 relative to the first ring 20 or vice versa. In this case, the axes A40 are positioned in a radial plane and the axes A40 of certain radial elements 32 can be inclined relative to a radial direction.

[0051] According to a second example visible on the figure 7 , the stresses can be axial causing an axial displacement of the second ring 22 relative to the first ring 20 or vice versa. In this case, the axes A40 of the radial elements 32 are inclined relative to a radial plane.

[0052] Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of stress, the latter being able to be radial and axial.

[0053] The elastic connecting device makes it possible to maintain the second part 14 in a state of equilibrium relative to the first part 10 in which the second part 14 occupies a given position relative to the first part 10, in particular centered in the orifice 12. The elastic connecting device allows axial and / or radial displacement of the second part 14 relative to the first part 10 with a relatively large amplitude. Finally, when the second part 14 is subjected to vibrations, the elastic connecting device 18 absorbs the deformations and limits the propagation of the vibrations towards the first part 10.

[0054] The first ring 20 can be made in several parts to form the spherical seats 48 and allow the assembly of the second ring 22 on which the radial elements 32 are attached.

[0055] The second ring 22 may be more or less hollowed out, as illustrated in the figures 2 And 4.

Claims

1. Elastic connecting device (18) configured to connect first and second parts (10, 14), comprising first and second rings (20, 22) spaced from each other, connected by at least two kinematic subassemblies (30) and configured to occupy a first state in which the second ring (22) occupies given radial and axial positions relative to the first ring (20) as well as a second state in which the second ring (22) is offset from the given radial position and / or given radial position relative to the first ring (20), the kinematic subassemblies (30) being configured to allow the first and second rings (20, 22) to move relative to each other in at least one axial direction and / or at least one radial direction, each kinematic subassembly (30) comprising a return element (58) configured to hold the first and second rings (20, 22) in the first state, characterized in that each kinematic subassembly (30) comprises at least one radial element (32) comprising a cylindrical body (40), at least two ball-and-socket type connections (34, 36) as well as at least one slide or sliding pivot type connection (38) and in that, for each radial element (32), the second ring (22) comprises a radial housing (50) and in that, for each kinematic subassembly (30), the return element (58) is interposed between a bottom (50.2) of the radial housing (50) and the cylindrical body (40) of the radial element (32).

2. Elastic connection device (18) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic connection device comprises three kinematic subassemblies (30) distributed over the circumference of the first or second ring (20, 22).

3. Elastic connecting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each kinematic subassembly (30), the radial element (32) is connected on the one hand to the first ring (20) by a first ball-and-socket type connection (34) and on the other hand to the second ring (22) by a second ball-and-socket type connection (36) and a slide or sliding pivot type connection (38).

4. Elastic connecting device (18) according to the preceding claim, wherein each radial element (32) comprises a spherical head (46) secured to the cylindrical body (40) and in that, for each radial element (32), the first ring (20) comprises a spherical seat (48) configured to receive the spherical head (46) of the radial element (32) and forming therewith the first ball-and-socket type connection (34).

5. Elastic connecting device (18) according to the preceding claim, wherein each kinematic subassembly (30) comprises a ball joint (52) configured to be housed in one of the radial housings (50).

6. Elastic connecting device (18) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein, for each kinematic subassembly (30), the ball joint (52) and the cylindrical body (40) of the radial element (32) are configured to allow the cylindrical body (40) to slide relative to the ball joint (52) in order to obtain the slide or sliding pivot type connection (38) between them.

7. Elastic connecting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each elastic element (58) is a compression spring.

8. Assembly comprising a first part (10) comprising an orifice (12), a second part (14) passing through the orifice (12) as well as an elastic connecting device (18) according to one of the preceding claims interposed between the first and second parts (10, 14) and connecting them.