Fluid circuit and method for connecting lines of such a fluid circuit

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid circuits in an aircraft, for example, a drinking water circuit, waste water, drainage, etc. The invention also relates to the connection of pipes of such a fluid circuit.

[0002] As is known, a fluid circuit comprises a plurality of pipes mechanically and fluidically connected to each other. When installing a fluid circuit in an aircraft, the pipes are independently secured to the structure of the aircraft and then fluidically connected to each other. In other words, the pipes are not mobile relative to each other but fixed during a connection. The pipes are subject to thermal expansion. In practice, a small axial clearance can be considered to take into account relative deformations or displacements between the pipes and the surrounding supporting structure. To connect a first pipe to a second pipe, it is known to use a connecting fitting which must be mounted at the interface between the first pipe and the second pipe in order to ensure a sealed connection.

[0003] For example, with reference to the figures 1 et 2 , a first pipe 101 and a second pipe 102 are shown which extend longitudinally along an axis X and which are connected in a sealed manner by a connector 103 capable of translating axially on the first pipe 101 to cooperate with the end of the second pipe 102. Each pipe 101, 102 comprises a connection end 111, 121 on which a connection element 112, 122 is mounted.

[0004] In practice, with reference to the figure 3 , when the pipes 101, 102 are positioned, it is difficult to guarantee that their connection ends 111, 121 are perfectly straight due to manufacturing tolerances, prior bending steps, assembly tolerances, etc. An alignment defect is even more likely to appear when the pipes 101, 102 are made of thermoplastic material. Due to this alignment defect, it is complex to position the connecting fitting 103 and to ensure a seal.

[0005] An immediate solution would be to provide a highly rigid connector 103 which would constrain the connection ends 111, 121 of the pipes 101, 102 in order to align them axially. A highly rigid connector 103 would require applying significant forces to the pipes 101, 102 during assembly and would not allow the expansion effects to be absorbed axially. Document US3596934 discloses a tube coupling system according to the prior art.

[0006] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION DE L'INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to a fluid circuit, in particular for an aircraft, comprising at least one first pipe comprising a first connection end, extending along a first axis and defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the first connection end comprising a first peripheral connection element as well as a first connecting member free in translation and rotation around the first axis, at least one second pipe comprising a second connection end, extending along a second axis and defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the second connection end comprising a second peripheral connection element as well as a second connecting member free in translation and rotation around the second axis, the connection ends of the pipes being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance, a connecting connector, for sealingly connecting the two connection ends,comprising: a central sleeve comprising a peripheral envelope adapted to slide along the second axis, the central sleeve being configured to cooperate, at a first end, with the first connecting member and, at a second end, with the second connecting member, the central sleeve comprising a plurality of flexible teeth configured to cooperate with the second peripheral connection element in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis and the second axis.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the central sleeve can be conveniently manufactured and then connected to the connecting members at a later date. Advantageously, the flexible teeth allow the central sleeve to be guided while allowing it to tilt during connection, which makes it possible to conveniently compensate for any misalignment.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible teeth of the central sleeve are distributed circumferentially. Thus, cooperation is optimal for any type of misalignment.

[0010] Preferably, the second connecting member comprises a plurality of flexible teeth configured to cooperate with the second connection end in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis and the second axis during the cooperation of the second connecting member with the central sleeve. The teeth of the second connecting member also make it possible to compensate for misalignment. The forces linked to misalignment are thus distributed optimally to limit the risk of defect and breakage.

[0011] Preferably, the first connecting member comprises a plurality of flexible teeth configured to cooperate with the first connecting end in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis and the second axis during cooperation of the first connecting member with the central sleeve. Preferably, the flexible teeth are distributed circumferentially.

[0012] Preferably, the first connecting member comprises a corrugated connecting portion connecting the flexible teeth. Such a connecting portion provides flexibility to the teeth and allows movement.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the first connecting member comprises openings, preferably cylindrical, formed in the corrugated connecting portion, for spacing the flexible teeth. In addition to improved flexibility, such openings make it possible to reduce mechanical stresses in the first connecting member.

[0014] Preferably, the connecting portion has an outer bend having a first radius of curvature and an inner bend having a second radius of curvature less than the first radius of curvature so as to provide flexibility and damping to compensate for misalignments without generating stresses.

[0015] According to one aspect, each flexible tooth is inclined towards the first axis at an angle of between 2° and 5° in order to ensure progressive contact with the first pipe while limiting assembly forces.

[0016] Preferably, the flexible teeth of the second connecting member are distributed circumferentially.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are identical. This facilitates industrialization. In addition, the forces applied to the connection are similar at its two ends.

[0018] Preferably, at least one end of the central sleeve comprises a clamping device configured to cooperate with a connecting member. A clamping member makes it possible to achieve axial clamping, guaranteeing the durability of the connection.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the clamping device comprises at least one guide slot, preferably so as to allow quarter-turn clamping. Advantageously, axial clamping is conveniently achieved by guided rotation of a connecting member. Bayonet-type clamping is quick and convenient.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting connector comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member configured to cooperate respectively with the first connection end and the second connection end in the connection position. Thus, sealing is guaranteed.

[0021] Preferably, the sealing members have different diameters. When the sleeve is made by thermoplastic injection, a draft angle is provided to allow it to be removed from the mold. The sealing members have different diameters to ensure optimal sealing taking this draft angle into account.

[0022] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a fluid circuit as presented previously, in which the first pipe and the second pipe are secured to a structure of the aircraft, the connection ends of the pipes being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for connecting at least a first pipe and a second pipe by means of a fluid circuit connection fitting as presented previously, the connection ends of the pipes being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance, the connection fitting extending over a connection end of a pipe, the method comprising a step of moving the central sleeve of the connection fitting between the connection ends, the flexible teeth of the central sleeve cooperating with the second peripheral connection element in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis and the second axis.

[0024] Preferably, the method comprises a step of cooperation of the second connecting member with the central sleeve so as to lock the connecting connection. PRESENTATION DES FIGURES

[0025] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects. There figure 1 is a schematic representation of two pipelines with a fitting in the standby position. The figure 2 is a schematic representation of two pipes with a fitting in the mounted position. The figure 3 is a schematic representation of two pipes whose ends are not axially aligned. The figure 4 is a schematic perspective representation of two pipes with a fitting according to the invention in the connection position. The figure 5 is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of the figure 5 . There figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of a central sleeve according to the invention. The figure 7 is a close-up schematic representation of the flexible teeth of the central sleeve of the figure 6 . There figure 8 is a schematic front representation of a connecting member according to the invention. The figure 9 is a schematic representation in section AA of the connecting member of the figure 8 . There figure 10 is a schematic representation of a fluid circuit before connection. The figure 11 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit of the figure 10 after moving the central sleeve.

[0026] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail for implementing the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0027] A fluid circuit according to the invention will now be presented, intended for aeronautical use, in particular for the transport of fuel, water and oxygen, air, fire-resistant gas, refrigeration, etc.

[0028] In this example, the fluid circuit comprises a plurality of pipes that are tuned to each other to guide a fluid. For an aeronautical application, the individual pipes are first secured to a structure of an aircraft and then connected to each other.

[0029] Subsequently, the invention will be presented for the connection of two pipes of a fluid circuit. However, the invention also applies to the connection of more than two pipes, in particular, three pipes.

[0030] In reference to the figure 4 , there is shown an embodiment of a fluid circuit according to the invention which comprises a first pipe 1, a second pipe 2 and a connecting connector 3 mounted at the interface between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2, in order to fluidically connect the first pipe 1 to the second pipe 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, each pipe comprises a tubular body which is terminated at each end by a connection end. The tubular body of each pipe preferably comprises curved portions so as to allow the fluid circuit to connect different equipment in a practical manner while freeing itself from positioning constraints. In addition, each pipe defines an inner surface, in contact with the fluid to be conducted, and an outer surface, opposite the inner surface.

[0032] In reference to the figure 5 , the first pipe 1 comprises a first connection end 11, extending along a first axis X1 and defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The first connection end 11 comprises a first connection element 12, in particular, an L-shaped peripheral connection ring.

[0033] Similarly, always with reference to the figure 5 , the second pipe 2 comprises a second connection end 21, extending along a second axis X2 and defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The second connection end 21 comprises a second peripheral connection element 22, in particular, a connection ring. The axes X1, X2 are preferably aligned but may be offset by an angular offset of up to 10° or a vertical / lateral offset of up to 10mm.

[0034] Preferably, the connecting rings 12, 22 are split rings, more preferably, each connecting ring 12, 22 has an L-shaped section. The pipes 1, 2 have similar structures in order to allow industrialization at lower costs. It goes without saying that the connecting elements 12, 22 could be in other forms, in particular, a crenellated crown or a lug. Preferably, each connecting element 12, 22 has an axial thickness of the order of 2 mm and a radial length of between 4 mm and 8 mm relative to the axis X1, X2.

[0035] In this embodiment, as illustrated in figure 5 , the distance between the first connection element 12 and the end edge of the first pipe 1 is greater than the distance between the second connection element 22 and the end edge of the second pipe 2. This advantageously makes it possible to pre-assemble the connecting connector 3 between the first peripheral connection element 12 and the end edge of the first pipe 1 as will be presented later. Thus, it is sufficient to translate the connecting connector 3 housed on the first pipe 1 to ensure sealing with the second pipe 2.

[0036] It goes without saying that each connection end 11, 21 could also be formed by a connection end piece which would be mounted in an attached manner with its connection element 21, 22.

[0037] As illustrated in the figure 5 , the connection ends 11, 21 of the pipes 1, 2 are fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance Jx, between 5mm and 10mm, which is filled by the displacement of the connecting connector 3 as will be presented later.

[0038] Each pipe 1, 2 has a tubular body which comprises one or more curved portions. The diameter of the tubular body and / or of each connection end is preferably between 12.7 mm and 50.8 mm. Preferably, each pipe 1, 2 is made of plastic material but it goes without saying that other materials could be suitable, for example, a metallic material. For a metallic construction, the connecting fitting 3 preferably comprises a metallization in order to ensure electrical conductivity. Preferably, the central sleeve 4, the flexible teeth 41 and the connecting members 5, 6 comprise a metallization, for example, at least one metallization strip.

[0039] On the figure 5 , the axes X1, X2 are oriented from right to left. As will be presented during the implementation example, the connecting connector 3 allows the two pipes 1, 2 which are separated to be put into fluid communication.

[0040] The first pipe 1 further comprises a first connecting member 5, free in translation and rotation about the first axis X1, configured to cooperate with a first end of the connecting connector 3. Similarly, the second pipe 2 further comprises a second connecting member 6, free in translation and rotation about the second axis X2, configured to cooperate with a second end of the connecting connector 3. In other words, the connecting members 5, 6 make it possible to immobilize and secure the position of the connecting connector 3. The connecting members 5, 6 are not positioned between the connection elements 12, 22 but externally to the latter. Preferably, the connecting members 5, 6 are mounted captively on the connection ends 11, 21 so as to prevent their loss when handling a pipe 1, 2.Thus, the first connecting member 5 is mounted to the left of the first connecting element 12 while the second connecting member 6 is mounted to the right of the second connecting element 22. The structure and function of the connecting members 5, 6 will be presented later.

[0041] As will be presented later, the first connecting member 5 and the central sleeve 4 are pre-assembled on the first pipe 1 while the second connecting member 7 is pre-assembled on the second pipe 2. The first connecting member 5 is connected to the central sleeve 4 during pre-assembly, in particular in the workshop, while the second connecting member 6 is connected to the central sleeve 4 in situ, in particular in an aircraft.

[0042] Still referring to the figure 5 , the fluid circuit comprises a connecting connector 3 configured to mechanically connect the two connection ends 11, 21. The connecting connector 3 comprises a central sleeve 4, a first sealing member 71, a second sealing member 72, a first spacer 8 and a second spacer 9.

[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, the central sleeve 4 is configured to extend externally to the connection ends 11, 21 in order to provide a fluid connection between the pipes 1, 2. The central sleeve 4 is configured to compress the sealing members 71, 72 in order to provide a seal between the connection ends 11, 21. The central sleeve 4 has an internal diameter slightly smaller than that of the sealing members 71, 72 so as to compress them radially.

[0044] As illustrated in figures 5 And 6, the central sleeve 4 is in the form of a peripheral envelope which extends axially along the first axis X1. In the mounted position, the central sleeve 4 is adapted to slide along the first axis X1 on the connection end 11 of the first pipe 1. With reference to the figure 6 , the central sleeve 4 comprises a first portion 4A intended to extend on the side of the first pipe 1 in the locked position and a second portion 4B intended to extend on the side of the second pipe 2 in the locked position.

[0045] The central sleeve 4 comprises, at the second portion 4B, a plurality of flexible teeth 41 configured to cooperate with the second connection element 22 in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. The flexible teeth 41 extend parallel to the first axis X1 and have the same axial position so as to form a crenellated crown. In this example, with reference to the figure 7 , each flexible tooth 41 has a length of between 2mm and 20mm, in order to allow an angular movement of less than or equal to 10°. The flexible teeth 41 are angularly spaced from each other, in particular, in a distributed manner.

[0046] In reference to the figure 5 , the flexible teeth 41 are radially aligned with the second sealing member 72 so as to allow the flexible radial teeth 41 to move the second sealing member 72 during a longitudinal movement of the central sleeve 4 towards the first pipe 1.

[0047] The central sleeve 4 comprises, at the level of the second portion 4B, a radial crown 42 extending externally to the flexible teeth 41 and advantageously allowing the central connection 4 to be manipulated without damaging the flexible teeth 41.

[0048] With reference to figs 5 and 6, the first portion 4A of the central sleeve 4 is connected to the second portion 4B by a substantially cylindrical sheath 43 in which the sealing members 71, 72 and the spacers 8, 9 are housed.

[0049] The central sleeve 4 comprises, at each portion 4A, 4B, a clamping device 46 configured to cooperate with a connecting member 5, 6. In this example, with reference to the figure 6 , each clamping device 46 comprises a plurality of guide slots 47, formed at the periphery of the clamping device 46, to allow axial locking following an angular rotation of a connecting member 5, 6, in particular a quarter-turn clamping. It goes without saying that other clamping means could be suitable, in particular a screw thread.

[0050] The central sleeve 4 further comprises a first locking member 48 configured to cooperate with the first connecting member 5 and a second locking member 49 configured to cooperate with the second connecting member 6. Such locking members 48, 49 make it possible to prevent any involuntary removal of the connecting members 5, 6.

[0051] As illustrated in figures 5 And6 , the locking members 48, 49 extend longitudinally along the first axis X1 radially outwardly to the sheath 43. The locking members 48, 49 are connected by a radial wall 44 to the sheath 43 allowing each locking member 48, 49 to be able to tilt towards the center of the central sleeve 4 relative to the first axis X1 so as to cooperate with a connecting member 5, 6. The locking members 48, 49 respectively comprise at their free ends locking teeth 481, 491 projecting radially outwardly so as to be able to be introduced into a through-orifice of a connecting member 5, 6.

[0052] Preferably, the central sleeve 4 is a single-piece, i.e. formed from a single piece, which makes it possible to do without a mechanical articulation which could wear out or represent a fragile area. Preferably, the central sleeve 4 is made of a plastic material.

[0053] In this embodiment, with reference to the figure 5 , the connecting connector 3 comprises a first sealing member 71 and a second sealing member 72 to ensure sealing with the central sleeve 4 respectively with the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 21. Each sealing member 71, 72 has a toric shape and is made of an elastic material.

[0054] In this example, the first sealing member 71 has a larger diameter than the second sealing member 72 so as to allow an inclination of the connecting connector 3 relative to the first axis X1.

[0055] Still referring to the figure 5 , the connecting connector 3 comprises a first spacer 8, positioned between the first connection member 11 and the first sealing member 71 and a second spacer 9 positioned longitudinally between the two sealing members 71, 72.

[0056] The first spacer 8 and the second spacer 9 advantageously make it possible to hold the sealing members 71, 72 and to move them together during a movement of the central sleeve 4. For this purpose, the longitudinal ends of the second spacer 9 are curved so as to match the shape of the sealing members 71, 72 of circular section.

[0057] When the central sleeve 4 is moved to the right (towards the second pipe 2), the first connecting member 5 moves the first spacer 8 which moves the first sealing member 71 which moves the second sealing member 72 thanks to the second spacer 9. Thus, the sealing members 71, 72 are moved concomitantly, which ensures optimal sealing when the connecting connector 3 is put in place or removed.

[0058] In order to maintain the connecting connector 3 in the connecting position between the connecting ends 11, 21, the connecting members 5, 6 lock the central sleeve 4. In this embodiment, the connecting members 5, 6 are identical and only the first connecting member 5 will be presented subsequently for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0059] In reference to the figures 8 et 9 , the first connecting member 5 comprises a plurality of flexible teeth 51 configured to cooperate with the outer surface of the first pipe 1 in order to correct any misalignment between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. The flexible teeth 51 extend parallel to the first axis X1 and have the same axial position. In this example, the flexible teeth 51 are substantially similar to the flexible teeth 41 previously presented and are organized to form a crown.

[0060] In reference to the figure 8 , the flexible teeth 51 are spaced apart by cylindrical openings 54 in order to avoid a concentration of stresses.

[0061] The flexible teeth 51 are connected to an outer annular crown 52 via a connecting portion 53. In this example, the connecting portion 53 has a corrugated section, preferably S-shaped, so as to increase flexibility and allow relative inclination between the flexible teeth 51 (which align with the first axis X1) and the outer annular crown 52 which aligns with the central sleeve 4 along the second axis X2.

[0062] Preferably, the openings 54 are formed in the connecting portion 53 configured, on the one hand, to provide an elastic connection in order to resist the stresses and, on the other hand, to ensure sufficient rigidity to allow a realignment of the axes X1, X2. With reference to the figure 9 , the connecting portion 53 has for this purpose a thickness of the order of 1 to 2 mm, an external bend 53e having a radius of curvature of between 2 mm and 3 mm and an internal bend 53i having a radius of curvature of between 1 mm and 2 mm. Preferably, each flexible tooth 51 is inclined towards the axis by an angle of between 2° and 5° so as to come into contact with the external surface of the first pipe 1 and correct its orientation by stressing the connecting portion 53.

[0063] The outer annular crown 52 comprises a through opening 521 for receiving the locking tooth 481 of the first locking member 48 of the central sleeve 4. The outer annular crown 52 further comprises a plurality of inner radial fingers 522, distributed angularly, configured to be guided in the guide slots 47 of the guide device 46 formed on the central sleeve 4 in order to allow axial tightening.

[0064] Similarly, the second connecting member 6 comprises a plurality of flexible teeth 61 configured to cooperate with the outer surface of the second pipe 2. The flexible teeth 61 extend parallel to the second axis X2.

[0065] The connecting connector 3 according to the invention comprises a very limited number of elements in this embodiment, which reduces its cost. Furthermore, advantageously, each element can be produced at low cost, in particular, by plastic injection, which notably reduces its mass.

[0066] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the connecting connector 3 is pre-assembled at the connection end 11 of the first pipe 1 using the first connecting member 5 as illustrated in figure 10 . The second connecting member 6 is not connected. In this pre-assembly position, the sealing members 71, 72 are in contact with the first connection end 11 and the first connecting member 5 is positioned far to the left of the first connection element 12.

[0067] Such pre-assembly is very advantageous since it avoids an operator having to use additional elements to connect the two pipes 1, 2. The first pipe 1 can thus be easily handled with its connecting fitting 3. Indeed, the connecting fitting 3 can be directly closed and secured. Pre-assembly advantageously allows the connecting fitting 3 to be positioned when fixing the pipes 1, 2 to an aircraft structure, which saves a significant amount of time. It goes without saying, however, that the connecting fitting 3 could be mounted subsequently.

[0068] A method of connecting a first pipe 1 and a second pipe 2 will now be presented by means of a connecting fitting 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this example, the pipes 1, 2 have been previously secured to a structure of an aircraft and are not movable relative to each other.

[0069] In reference to the figure 10 , the connection ends 11, 21 of the pipes 1, 2 are fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance Jx, the connecting fitting 3 is pre-assembled on the connection end 11 of the first pipe 1 as explained previously.

[0070] In order to make a connection, with reference to the figure 11 , the method comprises a step of axial displacement E1 of the connecting fitting 3 along the first axis X1 until it extends to the interface between the two connection ends 11, 21 of the pipes 1, 2. Advantageously, this displacement can be carried out by an operator using only one of his hands, which is practical. Such a movement is simple to carry out since it is sufficient for the operator to move the central sleeve 4 to the right so as to move the first sealing member 71 and the second sealing member 72 to ensure sealing with the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 21 thanks to the spacers 8, 9.

[0071] Following the translational movement along the first axis X1, the flexible teeth 41 of the central sleeve 4 cooperate with the second connection element 22 of the second pipe 2 which extends along the second axis X2. Advantageously, any misalignment is compensated by the flexible teeth 41.

[0072] Finally, with reference to the figure 11 , the second connecting member 6 is moved to the left (step E2) so as to cooperate with the central sleeve 4 by quarter-turn screwing (step E3) in order to pull the central sleeve 4 to the right in order to immobilize the connecting connector in a stable manner 3 between the connection elements 12, 22 ( Figure 5). The locking tooth 491 of the second locking member 4 of the central sleeve 4 cooperates with the through opening 621 of the second connecting member 6. Advantageously, the flexible teeth 61 of the second connecting member 6 also make it possible to compensate for alignment defects between the central sleeve 4 and the second pipe 2.

[0073] Advantageously, even if the pipes 1, 2 are not perfectly straight, it remains possible to connect them in a watertight and durable manner. Thanks to the invention, two pipes 1, 2 can be connected physically and fluidically by an operator without risk of error and in a practical manner.

Claims

1. A fluid circuit, in particular for aircraft, comprising - at least one first pipe (1) comprising a first connection end (11), extending along a first axis (X1) and defining an internal surface and an external surface, the first connection end (11) comprising a first peripheral connection element (12) as well as a first linking member (5) translationally and rotationally free about the first axis (X1), - at least one second pipe (2) comprising a second connection end (12), extending along a second axis (X2) and defining an internal surface and an external surface, the second connection end (12) comprising a second peripheral connection element (22) as well as a second linking member (6) translationally and rotationally free about the second axis (X2), the connection ends (11, 21) of the pipes (1, 2) being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance (Jx), - a linking connector (3), to sealingly link the two connection ends (11, 21), comprising a central sleeve (4) comprising a peripheral casing adapted to slide along the second axis (X2), the central sleeve (4) being configured to cooperate, at a first end, with the first linking member (5) and, at a second end, with the second linking member (6), characterized in that the central sleeve (4) comprises a plurality of flexible teeth (41) configured to cooperate with the second peripheral connection element (22) in order to correct a possible misalignment between the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2).

2. The fluid circuit according to claim 1, wherein the flexible teeth (41) of the central sleeve (4) are circumferentially distributed.

3. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first linking member (5) comprises a plurality of flexible teeth (51) configured to cooperate with the first connection end (11) in order to correct a possible misalignment between the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2) during the cooperation of the first linking member (5) with the central sleeve (4).

4. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first linking member (5) comprises a corrugated linking portion (53) linking the flexible teeth (51).

5. The fluid circuit according to claim 4, wherein the first linking member (5) comprises openings (54), preferably cylindrical, formed in the corrugated linking portion (53), to spread the flexible teeth (51) apart.

6. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the linking portion (53) has an external elbow (53e) having a first radius of curvature and an internal elbow (53i) having a second radius of curvature less than the first radius of curvature.

7. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each flexible tooth (51) is tilted towards the first axis (X1) by an angle of between 2° and 5°.

8. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first linking member (5) and the second linking member (6) are identical.

9. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one end of the central sleeve (4) comprises a clamping device (46) configured to cooperate with a linking member (5, 6).

10. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clamping device (46) comprises at least one guide slot, preferably, so as to allow quarter-turn clamping.

11. The fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the linking connector (3) comprises a first sealing member (71) and a second sealing member (72) configured to cooperate respectively with the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (21) in the connection position.

12. An aircraft comprising a fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first pipe (1) and the second pipe (2) are made integral with a structure of the aircraft, the connection ends (11, 21) of the pipes (1, 2) being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance (Jx).

13. A method for connecting at least a first pipe (1) and a second pipe (2) by means of a linking connector (3) of a fluid circuit according to one of claims 1 to 11, the connection ends (11, 21) of the pipes (1, 2) being fixed and spaced apart by an axial connection clearance (Jx), the linking connector (3) extending over a connection end (11, 21) of a pipe (1, 2), the method comprising: - a step of moving (E1) the central sleeve (4) of the linking connector (3) between the connection ends (11, 21), the flexible teeth (41) of the central sleeve (4) cooperating with the second peripheral connection element (22) in order to correct a possible misalignment between the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2).

14. The connecting method according to claim 13, comprising a step of cooperating (E3) of the second linking member (6) with the central sleeve (4) so as to lock the linking connector (3).