Fluid connection flange

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid connection flange for rigidly and sealingly connecting a hydraulic member, comprising: a solid first wall (21) forming a bearing surface (21a) intended to be applied against an attachment surface; a solid second wall (22) provided facing the first wall (21); at least one solid, cylindrical spacer (23) extending perpendicularly between the first and the second wall (21, 22), forming a passage (24) intended to allow a rod (3a) of an attachment member (3) to pass therethrough; and a porous filling portion (31), extending between the first wall (21) and the second wall (22), outside the spacers (23), wherein the first wall (21), the second wall (22), the at least one spacer (23) and the filling portion (31) are produced jointly and integrally by an additive manufacturing technique.

Description

Fluid connection flange Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fluid connection flange for rigidly and tightly connecting a hydraulic component such as a pipeline, a reservoir, a rotating machine or any other hydraulic equipment.

[0002] Such a fluid connection flange can be used in particular in the space or aeronautical field, for example within a rocket engine or a supply line of a space launcher. It can concern any type of fluid, gas or liquid, and in particular a propellant such as liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen. Prior art

[0003] In the space sector, and particularly in the field of space launchers, it is common to use propulsion using at least one liquid propellant, in particular oxygen, hydrogen or methane, supplied at high pressure. In addition, these propellants generally present a high level of danger, in particular due to a significant risk of ignition or explosion.

[0004] Such propulsion systems therefore require propellant supply lines that ensure a very high level of sealing. Conventionally, this sealing is ensured by metal seals.

[0005] Furthermore, these lines are subject to very high mechanical stresses linked, on the one hand, to the pressure of the transported fluid and, on the other hand, to the environment and operation of the launcher. The fluid connection flanges of these lines are therefore subject to both axial and transverse forces, as well as torsional and bending forces.

[0006] Therefore, the known metal flanges are very thick and equipped with a large number of bolts to allow them to withstand all these constraints while ensuring a sufficient level of compression of the metal joints. Of course, this implies a significant mass which penalizes the payload that the launcher can carry.

[0007] There is therefore a real need for a fluid connection flange allowing a hydraulic component to be connected rigidly and tightly and which is free, at least in part, from the drawbacks inherent in the aforementioned known configurations. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a fluid connection flange, comprising a first solid wall, forming a bearing surface intended to be applied against a fixing surface, a second solid wall, provided opposite the first wall, at least one solid, cylindrical spacer extending perpendicularly between the first and second walls, forming a passage intended to allow the passage of a rod of a fixing member, and a gapped filling portion extending between the first wall and the second wall, outside the spacers, in which the first wall, the second wall, said at least one spacer and the filling portion are produced jointly and integrally by an additive manufacturing technique.

[0009] It is understood here that the filling portion is connected directly to the first and second walls and that it comprises gaps, i.e. voids, preferably macroscopic, distributed throughout the filling portion. Such a structure, including at least one gap filling portion, makes it possible to significantly reduce the mass of the fluid connection flange while maintaining a sufficient level of sealing and mechanical strength.

[0010] In fact, in particular, the bearing surface intended to be applied against the fixing surface remains solid, as does the rear surface against which the heads of the fixing members will be tightened. The spacers, rigidly connecting the two walls, are provided at the level of the fixing members to ensure the mechanical strength of the flange against the axial compression forces of the members fixing and thus prevent crushing of the flange and therefore a release of the compressive forces keeping it firmly applied against the fixing surface. Similarly, when a gasket is provided at the flange, the latter remains suitably compressed, which maintains a satisfactory level of sealing.

[0011] In addition, this structure allows, like a sandwich panel, to obtain a high bending moment of inertia, reducing the risk of deformation of the flange between the fixing members.

[0012] The filling portion is sufficient to maintain the spacing between the first and second walls in the least loaded areas of the flange.

[0013] The use of an additive manufacturing technique advantageously allows such a hybrid structure to be produced very easily, in a single operation. Such an additive manufacturing technique also allows the flange to be produced directly with a geometry, possibly complex, as close as possible to its final geometry, drastically reducing the need for subsequent machining steps.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first wall is planar. This configuration is particularly suitable when the fixing surface against which the flange is applied is planar.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first wall is annular. This configuration is particularly suitable when the fluid connection interface is circular.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second wall is planar.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second wall is annular.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second wall is parallel to the first wall.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second wall is between 50% and 200% of the thickness of the first wall, preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the first wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gap between the first wall and the second wall is constant. This gap is measured perpendicular to the first wall.

[0021] In some embodiments, the gap between the first wall and the second wall is at least 300%, preferably at least 500%, of the thickness of the first wall. This increases the bending moment of inertia of the flange.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flange comprises several spacers. One spacer is thus preferably provided for each fastening member. They may be regularly spaced along the first wall, in particular in the circumferential direction when the flange is annular. They may be located on the same diameter of the flange when the latter is annular.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the thickness of said at least one spacer is at least equal to the thickness of the first wall. However, it may be strictly greater and, in particular, at least equal to 150% of the thickness of the first wall. Such a thickness makes it possible to satisfactorily withstand the axial stresses imposed by the fixing members.

[0024] In some embodiments, the void rate of the filling portion is at least equal to 20%, preferably at least equal to 50%, preferably at least equal to 80% or even at least equal to 90%. By void rate is meant here the ratio between the cumulative volume of voids included in the filling portion to the total volume occupied by the filling portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the filler portion has a cellular, columnar, or lattice structure. This structure may be regular or irregular in geometry and / or gap size.

[0026] In some embodiments, the filling portion occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% of the volume defined between the first and second walls, outside each spacer. This helps to maintain the spacing of the two walls throughout the flange.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flange comprises a notch formed in the bearing surface. Such a notch may be useful for placing an accessory in the flange, for example a gasket. Such a notch may in particular be formed by the local interruption of the first wall, for example at its internal end. The notch may also be partially formed by a recess in the filling portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the flange comprises a seal installed in said notch formed in the bearing surface. This may in particular be an O-ring, or a seal having a C- or V-shaped cross-section, the latter allowing for greater elasticity and, therefore, ensuring a greater force to promote sealing, during movements of the interfaces. This seal may in particular be made of stainless steel or Inconel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the flange comprises a solid reinforcing wall extending from the second wall towards the first wall, perpendicular to the second wall. This reinforcing wall makes it possible to locally reinforce the flange against axial forces, for example at right angles to a seal located in said flange or opposite in the fixing surface. This reinforcing wall can extend as far as the first wall or stop before reaching the latter.

[0030] In some embodiments, said reinforcing wall extends to said notch formed in the bearing surface. In such a case, the distal end of the reinforcing wall forms a portion of the bottom of the notch.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thickness of the reinforcing wall is at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, of the thickness of the first wall. This makes it possible to effectively resist axial compressive forces.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flange comprises, at least along one edge of the first wall, a solid closure wall extending from said edge of the first wall towards the second wall. Such a closure wall is particularly useful when a fluid flows along this edge in order to at least partially mask the gap filling portion with a smooth surface in order to reduce the risk of disturbing the flow. This closure wall closure may extend to the edge of the second wall in order to completely hide the filling portion at this location, or may stop before the second wall, particularly in the presence of a notch.

[0033] In some embodiments, a closure wall extends at least along the inner edge of the first wall.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one dust removal hole is provided in the closure wall. Such a dust removal hole allows the removal of unsolidified material corresponding to the gaps in the filling portion following additive manufacturing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the filling portion opens along the outer edge of the first wall. In other words, no closing wall is provided along the outer edge. Indeed, in the absence of fluid at this location, such a closing wall is superfluous: its absence, on the contrary, makes it possible to reduce the mass and to allow the dust removal of the filling portion at the end of additive manufacturing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flange comprises a solid, useful wall extending from the second wall, opposite the first wall. This wall may for example be the peripheral wall of a pipeline or the casing of a hydraulic member.

[0037] In some embodiments, the useful wall extends perpendicular to the second wall.

[0038] In some embodiments, the useful wall extends from an edge of the second wall, preferably from its inner edge.

[0039] In some embodiments, the useful wall is cylindrical.

[0040] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first wall is between 50% and 100%, preferably between 60 and 80%, of the thickness of the useful wall.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flange comprises a solid transition wall extending obliquely between the second wall and the useful wall. This facilitates the transmission of forces at the interface between the useful wall and the flange, which reduces the phenomenon of stress concentration at this interface.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thickness of the transition wall is between 50% and 100% of the thickness of the useful wall.

[0043] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the transition wall and the second wall is between 30 and 60°, preferably between 40 and 50°. Such angles facilitate the transmission of forces.

[0044] In certain embodiments, a second filling portion is provided in the volume defined between the useful wall, the transition wall and the second wall. This configuration makes it possible to ensure good mechanical strength while limiting the mass of the assembly: in fact, the useful wall and the transition wall, being solid, are sufficient to ensure satisfactory transmission of forces.

[0045] In certain embodiments, this second filling portion occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the volume defined between the useful wall, the transition wall and the second wall.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one dust removal hole is provided in the transition wall.

[0047] In some embodiments, the flange is made of metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, titanium-based alloys and steels. The housing may in particular be made of Inconel, in particular Inconel 625 or Inconel 718 (registered trademarks).

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, an alloy is considered to be based on a given element when this element is the main element in the composition of this alloy, advantageously when this element is present in a content greater than the other components, even more advantageously in a content of at least 50% in molar percentage, even more advantageously of at least 60% in molar percentage.

[0049] The present disclosure also relates to a mechanical part, comprising a fluid connection flange according to any of the preceding embodiments. It may in particular be a pipe, a reservoir, a pump, a turbine, an exchanger, a combustion chamber or any other hydraulic equipment.

[0050] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent from the following detailed description of examples of embodiments of the proposed fluid connection flange. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the presentation.

[0052] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of two pipes connected to each other using fluid connection flanges.

[0053] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents a view of a fluid connection flange according to plane BB of Figure 1. Description of the embodiments

[0054] In order to make the disclosure more concrete, an example of a fluid connection flange is described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is recalled that the invention is not limited to this example.

[0055] Figure 1 represents, in section along a plane passing their main axis A, a first pipe 1 and a second pipe 1' assembled one in the extension of the other so as to ensure the continuity of their flow.

[0056] These lines 1 and 1' may in particular be lines of a propellant supply line of a rocket engine. In this respect, the fluid circulating in these lines 1 and 1' may in particular be a cryogenic propellant such as liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen. In one example, this fluid may have a temperature of the order of 20K and a pressure of the order of 200 to 300 bar.

[0057] Each pipe 1, 1' comprises a cylindrical peripheral wall 10, 10', defining a vein 11, 11' for the flow of the fluid, and a fluid connection flange 20, 20' making it possible to mechanically and fluidically connect the pipes 1, 1' so that the veins 11, 11' extend in continuity with one another while ensuring the sealing of the flow at the interface between the flanges 20, 20'.

[0058] Each fluid connection flange 20 comprises a first wall 21 and a second wall 22, flat, parallel and facing each other. They extend radially relative to the main axis A, therefore perpendicular to the peripheral wall 10 of the pipe 1 which can also be considered as a useful wall of the flange 10 within the meaning of the present description. The second wall 22 therefore extends radially outwards from the end of the peripheral wall 10.

[0059] Each fluid connection flange 20 also comprises a plurality of cylindrical spacers 23 extending axially between the first wall 21 and the second wall 22, rigidly connecting the latter to each other. Each spacer 23 forms a cylindrical passage 24 opening onto the surface of the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 so as to allow the rod 3a of a connection member 3 to pass through. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the spacers 23 are regularly distributed over a diameter D23 of the flange 20 centered around the main axis A.

[0060] The first wall 21 forms a bearing surface 21a intended to be applied against a fixing surface, here the bearing surface 21a' of the fluid connection flange 20' of the opposite pipe 1'. The bearing surfaces 21 a, 21 a' of the fluid connection flanges 20, 20' of each pipe 1, 1' are therefore placed against each other and connection members, here bolts 3, are inserted into the passages 24 of the spacers 23 so as to firmly hold the flanges 20, 20' against each other, the head 3b of the rod 3a and the nut 3c of each bolt 3 pressing against the seat surface 22a, 22a' formed by the second wall 22, 22' of each flange 20, 20', at right angles to the spacers 23, 23'.

[0061] Each fluid connection flange 20 also comprises a transition wall 25 extending obliquely between the second wall 22 and the peripheral wall. 10: this transition wall 25 is therefore truncated in its entirety.

[0062] The fluid connection flange 20 of the first pipe 1, that is to say of the upper pipe in FIG. 1, further comprises a closing wall 26, cylindrical and axial, extending between the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 in the extension of the peripheral wall 10, thus extending the vein 11 without discontinuity.

[0063] The fluid connection flange 20 of the first pipe 1, that is to say of the upper pipe in FIG. 1, further comprises a cylindrical and axial reinforcing wall 27, extending between the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 concentrically with the axis A. This reinforcing wall 27 extends along a diameter D27 between the diameter D11 of the vein 11 and the diameter D23 of the spacers 23. The function of this reinforcing wall 27 will be explained a little later.

[0064] All of the walls mentioned above (peripheral wall 10, first wall 21, second wall 22, spacers 23, transition wall 25, closing wall 26 and reinforcing wall 27) are solid and made of metal, preferably stainless steel, Inconel, Titanium or Aluminum alloy.

[0065] Conversely, all of the volumes between the first wall 21 and the second wall 22 not occupied by the axial walls mentioned above, and with the exception of the volumes corresponding to the passages 24 of the spacers, are occupied by a gap filling material. These different volumes, forming as many filling portions 31, are thus occupied by a lattice structure having a gap rate at least equal to 50%, equal in this example to 90%.

[0066] Similarly, the volume located between the peripheral wall 10, the second wall 22 and the transition wall 25 forms another filling portion 32 occupied by the same gap filling material.

[0067] The filling portions 31, 32 are made of the same material as the solid walls of the fluid connection flange 20. More precisely, all of the solid walls mentioned 1, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, as well as the filling potions 31, 32 are produced simultaneously during the same additive manufacturing step.

[0068] The fluid connection flange 20' of the second pipe 1', that is to say of the lower pipe in FIG. 1, is completely identical to that of the first pipe 1 except that it comprises a notch 40 in which an O-ring 41 is installed, the latter being metallic here.

[0069] The structure of the flange 20' of the second pipe 1' is therefore identical to that of the flange 20 of the first pipe 1 except that the first wall 21' does not extend to the vein 11' and that the closing wall 26' and the reinforcing wall 27' do not extend to the first wall 21' so as to form the notch 40. Similarly, the volume of the notch 40 is excluded from the filling portion 31'.

[0070] As can be seen in Figure 1, the seal 41 is positioned at the diameter D27, that is to say at the level of the reinforcing wall 27', the distal end of the latter being in contact with the seal 41. Thus, when the flanges 20, 20' are assembled against each other, the seal 41 is put into compression between the reinforcing wall 27' of the flange 20' of the lower pipe 1' and the bearing surface 21a of the flange 20 of the upper pipe 1, at right angles to the reinforcing wall 27 of the latter.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0072] It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

Claims

1. Fluid connection flange, comprising a first solid wall (21) forming a bearing surface (21a) intended to be applied against a fixing surface, a second solid wall (22) provided opposite the first wall (21), at least one solid, cylindrical spacer (23) extending perpendicularly between the first and second walls (21, 22), forming a passage (24) intended to allow the passage of a rod (3a) of a fixing member (3), and a gapped filling portion (31) extending between the first wall (21) and the second wall (22), outside the spacers (23), in which the first wall (21), the second wall (22), said at least one spacer (23) and the filling portion (31) are produced jointly and integrally by an additive manufacturing technique.

2. A fluid connection flange according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the first wall (21) and the second wall (22) is constant, and wherein the gap between the first wall (21) and the second wall (22) is at least 300%, preferably at least 500%, of the thickness of the first wall (21).

3. A fluid connection flange according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling portion (31) has a cellular, columnar or lattice structure.

4. Fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the filling portion (31) occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% of the volume defined between the first and second walls (21, 22), outside each spacer (23).

5. A fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a notch (40) formed in the bearing surface (21a') z and comprising a seal (41) installed in said notch (40) formed in the bearing surface (21a').

6. Fluid connection flange according to claim 5, comprising a solid reinforcing wall (27') extending from the second wall (22Q) towards the first wall (21 7 ), perpendicular to the second wall (22Q, and in which said reinforcing wall (27') extends to said notch (40) formed in the bearing surface (21a)'.

7. Fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising, at least along one edge of the first wall (21), a solid closing wall (26), extending from said edge of the first wall (21) towards the second wall (22).

8. A fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filling portion (31) opens along the outer edge of the first wall (21).

9. Fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a solid useful wall (10) extending perpendicularly from an internal edge of the second wall (22), opposite the first wall (21).

10. Fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a solid transition wall (25) extending obliquely between the second wall (22) and the useful wall (10), in which a second filling portion (32) is provided in the volume defined between the useful wall (10), the transition wall (25) and the second wall (22).

11. A fluid connection flange according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flange (20) is made of metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, titanium-based alloys and steels.

12. Mechanical part, comprising a fluid connection flange (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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