Fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10a) for fastening one element (11) to an end (23) of a tube (20) intended to be pressurised, the tube (20) comprising at least two flats (21) and a threaded portion (22); the fastening device (10a) comprising: - a base (12) supporting the element (11) and intended to be attached to the end (23) of the tube (20); the base (12) comprising at least two anchoring points (14); - at least two elongate elements (15); each elongate element (15) comprising a first end (16) configured to engage with an anchoring point (14) of the base (12); - a disc (18) onto which a second end (17) of each elongate element (15) is attached; and - a nut (19) having a thread matching the thread of the threaded portion (22) of the tube (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fixing devices according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] More specifically, the invention makes it possible to fix an element to the end of a tube, for example a sprinkler on a candle.

[0003] Indeed, in the field of fire safety, sprinklers can be mounted at the end of a tube called a "candle" to facilitate the positioning of the sprinkler in relation to a water supply pipe on which the candle is fixed.

[0004] The invention can also be used for other types of elements and tubes intended to be pressurized, for example to fix a pressure or temperature sensor to one end of these tubes. PREVIOUS ART

[0005] To fix an element to the end of a tube, a sleeve is conventionally used, a first portion of which is fixed at the end of the tube and a second portion carries the element or means of supporting this element.

[0006] For example, for fixing a sprinkler to a candle attached to a water pipe, the candle typically has a diameter of 25 mm and a length of between 10 cm and 1 m.

[0007] The sprinkler head has a base with a cylindrical portion of smaller diameter, for example between 12 and 15 mm. To attach the sprinkler base to the end of the candle, the cylindrical portion of the base has an external thread and the candle also has an external thread. A diameter adapter sleeve is then used.

[0008] This adapter sleeve has a first portion intended to be screwed onto the external thread of the candle with an internal diameter of 25 mm and a second portion intended to receive the threaded cylindrical portion of the sprinkler base.

[0009] So, to mount a sprinkler on the end of a candle, and ensure that the pressure inside the candle is maintained, an operator typically uses a thread that he wraps around the thread of the upper end of the candle and grease to hold this thread. The operator screws the first portion of the sleeve around the upper end of the candle so that the thread and grease ensure the tightness of the connection of the sleeve to the candle. The operator then repeats these same steps to screw the sprinkler base onto the second portion of the sleeve, i.e. by also positioning a thread and grease.

[0010] This technique of fixing an element to the end of a tube is very classic but requires a significant amount of handling time for the operator in order to correctly arrange the tow and grease, and to tighten the first portion of the sleeve on the candle, then the sprinkler base on the second portion of the sleeve.

[0011] In addition, this type of fixing requires an element with a bulky base because it must have a cylindrical portion on which a thread is added. However, for certain applications, the height of the base can be problematic.

[0012] For illustrative purposes, document US10471288 B2 shows a sprinkler head attachment device requiring improvement.

[0013] Thus, fixing an element to the tube end currently presents a technical problem of installation time of the element and production costs of the element since it must have a base with a cylindrical portion. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes to use an element mounted on a base without a cylindrical portion. In fact, the base only has anchor points on which elongated elements can be fixed in order to press the base against the upper end of the tube.

[0015] The fixing device is complex because it incorporates, in addition to these elongated elements, a disc and a nut allowing the elongated elements to be tensioned by using the nut to move the disc on which the elongated elements are fixed.

[0016] This fastening device also requires the use of a special tube in which flats are formed so that the elongated elements extend into these flats and do not rotate around the tube when the nut moves.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a device for fixing an element on one end of a tube intended to be pressurized, the tube comprising at least two flats and a threaded portion; the fixing device comprising: a base supporting the element and intended to be attached to the end of the tube; the base comprising at least two anchoring points; at least two elongate elements; each elongate element comprising a first end configured to cooperate with an anchoring point of the base; a disc on which a second end of each elongate element is fixed; and a nut having a thread adapted to the thread of the threaded portion of the tube; the disc having an internal opening whose diameter is greater than the external diameter of the tube and less than the external radial dimensions of the nut so that the element can be attached to the end of the tube with the disc arranged around the threaded portion of the tube so that the elongate elements extend into the flats of the tube, that screwing the nut onto the threaded portion of the tube moves the disc away from the end of the tube by tensioning the elongate elements, and that the tension of the base on the end of the tube resists pressurization of the tube.

[0018] The invention thus allows an operator to quickly mount the element at one end of a tube by placing the disc around the end of the tube so that the elongate elements are arranged in the flats of the tube, by placing the nut on the disc and these elongate elements, by positioning the base and the elongate elements on the base, and by aiming the nut so as to tension the elongate elements and to press the base against the end of the tube.

[0019] Unlike the prior art, only one tightening is required and it is no longer necessary to use tow and grease. Preferably, the fixing device also includes a seal intended to be placed between the base and the end of the tube. Thus, the tension applied by the elongated elements on the base can compress the seal to ensure the desired seal.

[0020] In addition, the element attached to the end of the tube can be smaller and less expensive to produce because it is no longer necessary for this element to have a base with a threaded cylindrical part because the fixing of the base is now carried out by the tension of the elongated elements.

[0021] Each anchor point comprises, for example, at least one lug forming a housing intended to receive an axis fixed to the first end of each elongated element.

[0022] The desired tension can be obtained by a color indicator on the tube so that the operator knows how far he must move the nut to achieve the desired pressure resistance.

[0023] Depending on the desired pressure resistance, the fixing device may include elongated elements whose shape and material allow them to respond to tensile stresses. In addition, the base may be fixed with two, three or four elongated elements.

[0024] Preferably, the fixing device comprises only two elongated elements intended to cooperate with two diametrically opposed flats on the tube. This embodiment makes it possible to ensure acceptable stability of the base by limiting the number of elongated elements required.

[0025] Furthermore, the nut preferably corresponds to a hexagonal nut, the external radial dimensions of the nut being the dimension between the opposite flats of the nut.

[0026] The internal opening of the disc preferably has flats intended to be positioned opposite the flats of the tube. This embodiment makes it possible to define the position of attachment of the elongated elements on the disc.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the elongated elements are fixed by a weld bead at the level of the flats of the disc.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the disc has tabs extending perpendicular to the surface of the disc at the level of the flats, the elongated elements being fixed by thermo-fusion on the tabs of the disc.

[0029] The elongated element can take different forms. In a first form, the elongated element is a strip, that is, similar in shape to a ribbon. Alternatively, the elongated element is a cable, thinner but nonetheless just as strong. Indeed, the invention makes it possible to use elongated elements with reduced width without compromising the safety of the installations.

[0030] In practice, the elongated element is formed from a metallic material, because surprisingly, the invention makes it possible to use different metallic materials for the production of the elongated element without compromising the safety of the installations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The manner of carrying out the invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, supported by the appended figures in which: [ Fig 1 ] There figure 1is a perspective view of a device for fixing an element to a tube according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 2 ] There figure 2 is an exploded view of the fixing device of the figure 1 ; [ Fig 3 ] There figure 3 is a partial sectional and perspective view of the fixing device of the figure 1 ; [ Fig 4 ] There figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the fixing device of the figure 1 ; [ Fig 5 ] There Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a device for fixing an element to a tube according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 6 ] There figure 6 is a partial sectional and perspective view of the fixing device of the Figure 5 ; And [ Fig 7 ] There figure 7 is a partial sectional view of the fixing device of the Figure 5 . DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 7, the invention relates to a fixing device 10a-10b allowing an element to be mounted 11 on one end 23 of a tube 20. The tube 20 comes in the form of a generally cylindrical, elongated element. This tube 20 can be fixed, at one end not shown, to a pipeline by means of a connecting sleeve. The opposite end 23 of the tube 20 is intended to receive the element 11. The tube 20 is configured to contain a fluid such as water or gas. To do this, the tube 20 is preferably made of steel, stainless steel, copper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

[0033] The element 11 may correspond to a sprinkler, a pressure gauge, or any other element intended to be fixed to a pressurized pipe. This element 11 is mounted on a base 12, or equipped with a base 12,intended to be fixed on the end 23 tube 20. To do this, the tube 20 may have an end 23 with a shape adapted to the shape of the base 12.

[0034] Preferably, if the base 12 can be used for several applications, and in particular to be reported directly on pipes, it can have a radius of curvature intended to cooperate with the radius of curvature of the pipes. The end 23 can be shaped with a radius of curvature equivalent to that of the base 12, as illustrated on the figures 1 , 2 And 5 . At the end 23, the tube 20 may also have a change in section to adapt to the dimensions of the base 12.

[0035] The base 12has for example a substantially parallelepiped plane shape with a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. The base 12 also has a through opening with a diameter of between 10 and 100 mm.

[0036] In addition to the specific characteristics of the base 12 and the end 23, the tube 20 also has a threaded portion 22 external. This threaded portion 22 may extend over all or part of the length of the tube 20. Unlike conventional tubes, the threaded portion 22 has a discontinuous thread because of flats 21 are provided over at least part of the length of the tube 20.

[0037] The flats 21 allow to receive elongated elements 15 of the fixing device 10a-10b. These elongated elements 15correspond, for example, to a metal strip or a sheet of metal with a width between 0.5 and 2 cm or a cable with a diameter between 0.2 and 1 cm. The number of flats 21 and elongated elements 15 may vary without changing the invention. In both embodiments of the figures 1 to 7 , two elongated elements 15 cooperate with two flats 21 diametrically opposed on the tube 20.

[0038] These elongated elements 15 ensure base pressure 12 on the end 23 of the tube 20. To do this, the elongated elements 15 are fixed on the base 12 and they are far from the end 23 by a disc 18 and a nut 19.

[0039] To maintain the elongated elements 15 on the base 12, a first end 16elongated elements 15 cooperates with anchor points 14 from the base 12.

[0040] For the purposes of the invention, the “anchor points” correspond to the receiving elements of the base 12 allowing the long, thin elements to be fixed 15. These anchor points 14 may correspond to openings or growths, such as spurs.

[0041] As illustrated on the figures 1 , 2 And 5 , the anchor points 14 are formed by spurs 30 forming housing 31.

[0042] An axis 32 arranged at the end 16 of a long, thin element 15 is intended to be inserted into a housing 31 to maintain the elongated element 15.

[0043] The other end 17 of each elongated element 15 is fixed on the disc 18which is moved in translation away from the end 23 of the tube 20. To do this, the nut 19 has a thread suitable for the thread of the threaded portion 22 of the tube 20 and the nut 19 is free to rotate relative to the disk 18. Thus, the helical movements of the screen 19 do not drive the disc 18 in rotation but only in translation along the longitudinal axis of the tube 20.

[0044] For the disc 18 is moved only in translation, it has an internal opening 25 whose diameter is greater than the external diameter of the tube 20 and less than the external radial dimensions of the nut 19. When the nut 19 corresponds to a hexagonal nut, the external radial dimensions of the nut 19 is the dimension between the opposite flats of the nut 19.However, other nut shapes may be used without changing the invention.

[0045] On the figures 1 to 7 , the disc 18 has an external diameter much greater than the external radial dimensions of the nut 19. Alternatively, the external diameter can be much smaller, or even less than or equal to the external radial dimensions of the nut. 19. The disc 18 and the nut 19 can be made of steel or stainless steel.

[0046] In addition, the internal opening 25 of the disk 18 preferentially presents flats 26 intended to be positioned opposite the flats 21 of the tube 20. The number of flats 26 of the disk 18, as well as the number of flats 21 of the tube 20 depend on the number of elongated elements 15 intended to be fixed on the base 12.

[0047] To fix the second end 17 of each elongated element 15 on the disk 18, it is possible to use all known techniques. In the embodiment of the figures 1 to 4 , the disc 18 has tabs 27 extending perpendicular to the surface of the disc 18 at the level of the flats 26. In this embodiment, the elongated elements 15 are fixed by thermo-fusion on the tabs 27.

[0048] Alternatively, as illustrated in the figures 5 to 7 , a simple weld bead 29 can be used to fix the second end 17 of each elongated element 15 on the disk 18.

[0049] Advantageously, a seal 13 is positioned between the end 23 of the tube 20 and the base 12 so as to surround the opening of the base 12.For example, the joint 13 is a rubber O-ring with a thickness between 0.2 and 0.7 cm.

[0050] So, to fix the element 11 on the tube 20, just place the disc 18 and the nut 19 so that the elongated elements extend into the flats 21 of the tube 20, as illustrated on the figure 1 . Then the base 12 is reported on the end 23 of the tube 20, possibly using a gasket 13.

[0051] The operator then simply has to position the elongated elements on the anchor points 14 from the base 12 and tighten the nut 19 in the opposite direction of the end 23 of the tube 20 so as to obtain a solid fixing of the element 11 on the tube 20.

[0052] It follows that the invention makes it possible to obtain a new method of fixing an element 11 at the end 23 of a tube 20 allowing rapid and secure installation by an operator and a low production cost.

Claims

1. A fastening device (10a-10b) for mounting an element (11) on an end (23) of a tube (20) comprising at least two flats (21) and a threaded portion (22), said tube (20) being intended to be pressurized, said fastening device (10a-10b) comprising: - a base (12) supporting the element (11) and intended to be attached to the end (23) of the tube (20); the base (12) comprising at least two anchoring points (14); - at least two elongated elements (15); each elongated element (15) comprising a first end (16) configured to cooperate with an anchoring point (14) of the base (12); - a disc (18) on which a second end (17) of each elongated element (15) is fastened; and - a nut (19); characterized in that the nut (19) has a thread matching the thread of the threaded portion (22) of the tube (20); the disc (18) has an inner opening (25) with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the tube (20) and smaller than the outer radial dimensions of the nut (19) such that the element (11) could be attached at the end (23) of the tube (20) with the disc (18) arranged around the threaded portion (22) of the tube (20), so that the elongated elements (15) extend into the flats (21) of the tube (20), that screwing the nut (19) onto the threaded portion (22) of the tube (20) move the disc (18) away from the end (23) of the tube (20) while tensioning the elongated elements (15), and that the tension of the base (12) at the end of the tube (20) withstands a pressurization of the tube (20).

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device (10a-10b) also comprises a seal (13) intended to be arranged between the base (12) and the end (23) of the tube (20).

3. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two flats (21) of the tube (20) are diametrically opposed to one another.

4. The fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nut (19) corresponds to a hexagonal nut, the outer radial dimensions of the nut (19) being the dimension between the opposite flats of the nut (19).

5. The fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner opening (25) of the disc (18) has flats (26) intended to be positioned opposite the flats (21) of the tube (20).

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the elongated elements (15) are fastened by a weld bead (29) to the flats (26) of the disc (18).

7. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the disc (18) has tabs (27) extending perpendicular to the surface of the disc (18) at the flats (26) of the disc (18), the elongated elements (15) being fastened by thermo-fusion to the tabs (27) of the disc (18).

8. The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each anchoring point (14) comprises at least one lug (30) forming a housing (31) intended to receive an axis (32) fastened to the first end (16) of each elongated element (15).

9. The device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each elongated element (15) is a strip.

10. The device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each elongated element (15) is made of a metallic material.

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