DEVICE FOR VIBRATION-DAMPING GUIDE OF PIPELINES

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of spring boxes used in industrial piping.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to pipe guiding devices for absorbing vibrations that can wear out pipes, and in particular aircraft, ship or submarine pipes.

[0003] In general, the invention applies to all damping guiding devices for piping. Previous techniques

[0004] The guidance and support of a piping is generally achieved by a pivot joint in which a pipe of the piping passes longitudinally with one degree of longitudinal freedom in a friction ring connected to a support.

[0005] Document KR 101 932 030 B1 discloses an example of a pipe guidance and support device.

[0006] The pipe and the ring are generally subject to friction due to the longitudinal movement of the pipe within the ring. The friction conditions are generally limited to metal-to-metal, metal-to-polytetrafluoroethylene fabric, or metal-to-silicone material pairs.

[0007] In operation, in other words under conditions of use taking into account assembly tolerances, the effects of thermal expansion and vibration effects, wear of the contact surfaces of the pipe and the ring is generally observed, leading to performance losses in stress and damping.

[0008] A spiral spring can usually be mounted near the pivot joint to allow the piping to be damped against vibrations whose axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring.

[0009] However, ring wear remains significant, especially during resonant vibrations. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a pipe guidance device that is both efficient in damping vibrations and simple to manufacture.

[0011] The present invention relates to a pipe guidance device, the device comprising a bearing made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and configured to encircle a pipe of the piping, an insert radially encapsulating the bearing, at least one elastic means radially surrounding the insert and a shell positioned around the bearing, the elastic means and the insert.

[0012] The coefficient of friction is defined as the ratio of the tangential force to the normal force applied to the bearing surfaces. In particular, a low coefficient of friction is defined as one lower than the coefficients of friction of materials commonly used in piping construction. For example, the coefficient of friction of the material from which the bearing is made is less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.15.

[0013] Thus, the bearing allows less wear and in particular reduces oligo-cyclic fatigue stresses ("low-cycle fatigue" in Anglo-Saxon terms) as well as vibrational stresses ("high-cycle fatigue" in Anglo-Saxon terms), also mitigated by the presence of the elastic means which in particular guarantees a second radial degree of freedom in addition to the longitudinal degree of freedom.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elastic means includes a corrugated leaf spring.

[0015] Advantageously, the bearing, the insert and the shell each comprise at least two elements so that dismantling the guide device is feasible without dismantling the piping.

[0016] In one embodiment, the insert is made of a metallic material and includes grooves configured to house metallic clips configured to connect the two elements of the insert.

[0017] The metal clips allow the two elements of the insert to be held fixed relative to each other, the hold being obtained for example by welding the metal clips onto the two elements of the insert.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the shell is made of a metallic material and comprises a central tubular surface configured to be at least partially in contact with the elastic means, and two annular shoulders extending the longitudinal ends of the central tubular surface towards the longitudinal axis of the guide device and the piping, the two annular shoulders being configured to longitudinally retain the bearing, the elastic means and the insert.

[0019] Advantageously, the device comprises a first support and a second support, each comprising an annular part and a radial flat part configured to be positioned radially on the hull, the annular parts of the first and second supports comprising reversible means for fixing to the hull.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the annular shoulders of the hull include regularly spaced protrusions, each having an angle so as to form gutters configured to cooperate with the means for fixing the annular parts of the first and second supports, said means for fixing comprising an alternation of recesses and tabs in the annular parts so that the supports are configured to be fixed to the hull by inserting the protrusions into the recesses and then rotating the tabs in the gutters.

[0021] Advantageously, the device includes an attachment comprising a radial part configured to be fixed against the radial flat part of the first support and / or the second support and a stop configured to be positioned between two protrusions so as to block the rotation of the first and / or the second support relative to the hull.

[0022] Advantageously, the bearing includes sintered graphite.

[0023] The present invention also relates to piping comprising a pipe and a guiding device as defined above.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a method for installing and / or assembling a guiding device as defined above and / or piping as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Clamping a pipe of said piping by the bearing; Placing the insert radially around the bearing; Placing the elastic means radially around the insert; and Positioning the shell around the bearing, the elastic means and the insert. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig 1 ] is an assembled schematic view of a pipe guiding device according to the invention; [ Fig 2 ] is a schematic view of the different stages of the installation and / or assembly process of a pipe guidance device according to the invention; [ Fig 3 ] And [ Fig 4 ] are schematic views of the guidance device of the figure 1 during an insert assembly step; [ Fig 5 ] is a schematic view of the guidance device of the figure 1 during an assembly step of an elastic device; [ Fig 6 ] is a schematic view of the guidance device of the figure 1 during a hull assembly stage; [ Fig 7] is a schematic view of the guidance device of the figure 1 during a support assembly step; and [ Fig 8 ] is a schematic view of the guidance device of the figure 1 during a step in the assembly of a fastener. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0026] We have schematically represented on the figure 1 an embodiment of a piping guidance device 1 according to the invention. The figure 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the guiding device 1 is assembled.

[0027] We have also schematically represented on the figure 2 the steps of a method for implementing the installation and / or assembly process of the guidance device 1 of the figure 1 .

[0028] Schematic visuals of the different stages of said process are shown in figures 3 to 8 following.

[0029] The guide device 1 includes a bearing 3 made of a low-friction material. The bearing 3 is configured to encircle a pipe (not shown) of the piping. When the pipe is tubular, the bearing 3 is therefore annular and in constant contact with the pipe. It serves as a wear part. In particular, the bearing 3 forms a substance, for example a powder, between the bearing 3 and the pipe during a break-in period after installation of the bearing 3 around the pipe; this substance thus forms a solid lubricant and ensures lubrication between the bearing 3 and the pipe.

[0030] In particular, bearing 3 incorporates a low-friction material such as sintered graphite. Graphite is especially suitable because it has a low coefficient of friction, good damping properties, and wears more easily than the material used to manufacture the piping; it thus serves as a wear component.

[0031] Bearing 3 therefore allows the pipe to have a degree of longitudinal freedom along the longitudinal axis A of bearing 3 and the piping, and a degree of radial freedom conferred by the material of bearing 3.

[0032] In one particular embodiment, bearing 3 is made of two elements, 3A and 3B, for example, two half-ring elements. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of bearing 3, and more generally of the guide device 1, without dismantling the rest of the piping. This feature is particularly useful for efficient maintenance and allows, in the event of wear of the guide device 1, for only the worn bearing 3 to be replaced with a new one. It is therefore unnecessary to replace the entire piping. Bearing 3 is easily replaceable and increases and optimizes the repairability of the guide device, consequently significantly reducing the number of parts that are discarded and potentially difficult to recycle.

[0033] The guide device 1 further includes an insert 5 positioned radially around the bearing 3. The insert 5 is ring-shaped and is visible on the figure 3 .

[0034] The insert 5 comprises, for example, two elements 5A and 5B, for example, two half-ring type elements. Thus, as stated previously, the assembly and disassembly of the insert 5, and more generally of the guiding device 1, is facilitated and achievable without dismantling the rest of the piping.

[0035] Optionally, the insert 5 is made of a metallic material and includes at least grooves 7 configured to accommodate metal clips 9. The grooves 7 are, for example, formed at the ends of the two elements 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, the insert 5 includes metal clips 9 shown in the figure 4and housed in grooves 7 so as to connect the two elements 5A and 5B together. For example, a clip 9 connects the grooves 7 of two elements 5A and 5B. The clips 9 are, for example, welded to the elements of the insert 5 by plug welding.

[0036] The insert 5 also includes a central annular rail 11 on its outer surface 13 allowing for the stiffening and positioning of said insert 5.

[0037] The guiding device 1 also includes an elastic means 15 radially surrounding the insert 5. The elastic means 15 includes, for example, elastic foam and / or a rubber annular element. Preferably, the elastic means includes a corrugated leaf spring 15 shown in the figures 5 and 6 .

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the figures 5 and 6The guide device 1 comprises two wavy leaf springs 15 radially surrounding the insert 5. The leaf springs 15 are positioned on either side of the central annular rail 11 of the insert 5, the central annular rail 11 allowing the leaf springs 15 to be housed without the latter moving along the longitudinal axis A.

[0039] The leaf spring(s) 15 used are, for example, substantially corrugated, or star-shaped, so that some portions of the leaf spring(s) 15 are in radial contact with the insert 5 and some portions are not, allowing for the damping of radial movements of the piping pipes.

[0040] Advantageously, the leaf spring(s) 15 include an opening 17 allowing them to be inserted directly onto the insert 5 without total dismantling of the piping.

[0041] The guiding device 1 also includes a shell 19 positioned around the bearing 3, the insert 5, and the elastic means 15. The shell 19 is shown, for example, in the figure 6 .

[0042] Hull 19, for example, is made of a metallic material.

[0043] The shell 19 includes a central tubular surface 21 whose internal part is configured to be at least partially in contact with the elastic means 15. Thus, the elastic means 15, for example the leaf spring, is positioned in a space between the insert 5 and the shell 19 and allows to dampen certain radial movements of a pipe within said space.

[0044] The shell 19 further includes two annular shoulders 23 extending the longitudinal ends of the central tubular surface 21 towards the longitudinal axis A of the guide device 1. However, the dimensions of the annular shoulders 23 are determined so that only the bearing 3 is in contact with a pipe of the piping. In particular, the two annular shoulders 23 are configured to longitudinally retain the bearing 3, the insert 5, and the elastic means 15 when the guide device 1 is assembled.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in the figure 6 , the shell 19 comprises two elements 19A and 19B so that the dismantling of the guide device 1 is feasible without the total dismantling of the piping.

[0046] In addition, the annular shoulders 23 of the hull 19 include regularly spaced protrusions 25, for example four protrusions 25 distributed over the perimeter formed by an annular shoulder 23, each protrusion 25 including an angle so as to form a gutter 27 open towards the radial end of the hull 19.

[0047] The guiding device 1 may also include a first support 29 and a second support 31 shown in the figure 7 The first support 29 and the second support 31 each comprise an annular part 33 and a radial flat part 35 configured to be positioned radially on the outside side of the central tubular surface 21. The annular parts 33 further comprise means for fixing 37 and 39 to the shell 19, the fixing means being reversible.

[0048] The fastening means include an alternation of recesses 37 and tabs 39 positioned radially inside the annular parts 33.

[0049] The first and second supports 29 and 31 are fixed to the shell 19 by inserting the protrusions 25 of the shell 19 into the recesses 37 of the supports 29 and 31, then by rotating the tabs 39 of the supports into the gutters 27 of the shell 19.

[0050] The supports 29 and 31 thus allow the guide device 1 to be fixed to an external element and also ensure that the two elements 19A and 19B of the shell 19 are kept assembled.

[0051] Optionally, the guiding device 1 includes a fastener 41 shown in the figure 8The fastener 41 includes a radial portion 43 configured to be fixed against the radial flat portion 35 of the first support 29 and / or the second support 31. The fastener 41 also includes a stop 45 configured to be positioned between two protrusions 25 so as to block the rotation of the support(s) on which the fastener 41 is fixed relative to the shell 19. The fastener 41 thus ensures that the first and / or second support 29 and 31 cannot detach.

[0052] To facilitate the assembly of the fastener 41, the fastener 41 and the first and / or second support 29 and 31 each include a light 47 for passing a brake wire through.

[0053] The radial flat parts 35 and the radial part 43 also include at least one orifice 49 intended to accommodate a fastening element (not shown) allowing the attachment 41 to be fixed to the supports and / or allowing the supports 29 and 31 to be fixed to an external element.

[0054] In various versions of the illustrated embodiment, the two supports 29 and 31 are fixed on either side of the same fastener 41, or the first support 29 is fixed to a fastener 41, while the second support 31 is fixed to a second fastener. figure 1 represents the assembled guide device 1 in which the second support 31 is still left free, and can be fixed to the fastener 41 with the first support 29 or can be fixed to a second fastener.

[0055] As mentioned previously, a schematic representation has been shown on the figure 2the steps of a method for implementing the installation and / or assembly process of the guidance device 1 of the figure 1 .

[0056] For assembling the guide device 1 and installing it around a pipe 50 (shown on the figure 8 ) of a pipe, we first carry out a step 51 of strapping said pipe by the bearing 3. More precisely, we position the two elements 3A and 3B of the bearing 3 around the pipe so as to form a ring.

[0057] Then, step 53 is performed, which involves radially positioning the insert 5 around the bearing 3. This step 53 is illustrated in particular by the figures 3 and 4 .

[0058] Next, step 55 is performed, which involves positioning the elastic means 15 radially around the insert 5. This step 55 is illustrated by the figure 5 .

[0059] To hold these different elements in place, the shell 19 is positioned in step 57 around the bearing 3, the insert 5, and the elastic means 15. This step 57 is illustrated by the figure 6 .

[0060] In the case of supports 29 and 31, their installation is carried out during step 59. This step 59 is illustrated by the figure 7 and includes the insertion of the protrusions 25 of the shell 19 into the recesses 37 of the supports 29, then the rotation of the tabs 39 of the supports in the gutters 27 of the shell 19.

[0061] Finally, step 61 is performed, which involves attaching at least one fastener 41 to at least one support 29 and / or 31. This step 61 is illustrated by the figure 8 .

[0062] The present invention is particularly applicable in the context of piping subjected to significant vibrations, such as in aircraft, for example in aircraft engines, or in ships or submarines.

Claims

1. A device (1) for guiding a piping, characterised in that it comprises a bearing (3) made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and configured to encircle a pipe of the piping, an insert (5) radially encapsulating the bearing (3), at least one elastic means (15) radially surrounding the insert (5), and a shell (19) positioned around the bearing (3), the elastic means (15) and the insert (5), the guide device being characterised in that the bearing (3), the insert (5) and the shell (19) each comprise at least two elements (5A; 5B) so that disassembling the guide device (1) could be carried out without disassembling the piping.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the insert (5) is made of a metal material and comprises grooves (7) configured to accommodate metal staples (9) configured to connect the two elements (5A; 5B) of the insert (5).

3. The device according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the shell (19) is made of a metal material and comprises a tubular central surface (21) configured to be at least partially in contact with the elastic means (15), and two annular shoulders (23) extending from the longitudinal ends of the tubular central surface (21) towards the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide device (1) and of the piping, the two annular shoulders (23) being configured to longitudinally hold the bearing (3), the elastic means (15) and the insert (5).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first support (29) and a second support (31) each comprising an annular portion (33) and a radial planar portion (35) configured to be positioned radially on the shell (19), the annular portions (33) of the first and second supports (29; 31) comprising means (37; 39) for reversible fastening to the shell (19).

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the annular shoulders (23) of the shell (19) comprise evenly spaced protuberances (25) each comprising an angle so as to form gutters (27) configured to cooperate with the fastening means (37; 39) of the annular portions (33) of the first and second supports (29; 31), said fastening means (37; 39) comprising alternating recesses (37) and tabs (39) in the annular portions (33) so that the supports (29; 31) are configured to be fastened to the shell (19) by inserting the protuberances (25) into the recesses (37) and then rotating the tabs (39) in the gutters (27).

6. The device according to claim 5, comprising an attachment (41) comprising a radial portion (43) configured to be fastened against the radial planar portion (35) of the first support (29) and / or of the second support (31) and a stop (45) configured to be positioned between two protuberances (25) so as to block rotation of the first and / or second support (29; 31) relative to the shell (19).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bearing (3) comprises sintered graphite.

8. A piping comprising a pipe (50) and a guide device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for installing and / or assembling a guide device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a piping according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - Encircling (step 51) a pipe of said piping with the bearing (3); - Placing the insert (5) radially around the bearing (3) (step 53); - Placing the elastic means (15) radially around the insert (5) (step 55); and - Positioning the shell (19) around the bearing (3), the elastic means (15) and the insert (5) (step 57).