Improved assembly, in particular for fluid ducts
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- APLIX INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems for positioning and holding fluid conduits, such as those used in underfloor heating, lack a simple, reversible, and effective method to ensure correct positioning before the screed is formed, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
A self-gripping connection system comprising a deformable support and conduit assembly, where the first and second assemblies engage to cover at least 15% of the conduit's external periphery, allowing for secure positioning without the need for elastic or elastomeric layers, thereby simplifying manufacturing and enhancing durability.
The system provides a reliable and cost-effective means to maintain conduit positioning during screed formation, reducing the risk of misalignment and extending the lifespan of components by utilizing a deformable design that ensures secure engagement without relying on elastic materials.
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050959_16012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
IMPROVED ASSEMBLY, ESPECIALLY FOR FLUID DUCTS Description Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to improved assemblies, in particular fixing devices which can be used for fluid conduits, in particular for heat transfer fluid conduits which can be used in the context of creating surface heating, for example on the floor or on the wall or ceiling. Prior art
[0002] The creation of thermoregulation devices integrated into the ground, for example for underfloor heating, requires the positioning of fluid circulation conduits prior to the creation of a screed in which these conduits will be integrated.
[0003] For such applications, we are looking for a positioning and holding system that can be easily implemented, reversible, and which ensures sufficient holding in position to guarantee the correct positioning of the conduits.
[0004] The present invention thus aims to respond at least partially to these problems. Statement of the invention
[0005] The present invention thus relates to an assembly, in particular for a thermoregulation system, comprising: - a support, - a conduit, for example, for the circulation of a fluid, in particular a heat transfer fluid, the conduit extending in a longitudinal direction and having, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an external diameter D, the conduit having a length at least 5 times greater than the value of the external diameter D, a fixing system, comprising: - a first set, fixed to the support - a second assembly, fixed on an external face of the conduit, the first assembly and the second assembly comprising elements adapted to produce a self-gripping connection, so as to allow removable assembly of the conduit on the support by engagement of the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (220), characterized in that the conduit and / or the support and / or the first assembly and / or the second assembly is deformable, so that in projection along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit (200), the cumulative engagement between the first assembly and the second assembly extends to at least 15% of the external periphery of the conduit.
[0006] According to one example, the conduit and / or the support and / or the first assembly and / or the second assembly is deformable, so that in projection along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, the cumulative engagement between the first assembly and the second assembly extends to at least 20% of the external periphery of the conduit, in particular 25% of the external periphery of the conduit, more advantageously at least 30% of the external periphery of the conduit.
[0007] For example, the outer diameter is the diameter of the smallest circle in which the conduit fits completely.
[0008] According to one example, the engagement values between the conduit and the support are measured in the rest state of the assembly and after engagement of the conduit and the support.
[0009] According to one example, the conduit and / or the support and / or the first assembly and / or the second assembly is devoid of an elastic and / or elastomeric layer, in particular of an elastic and / or elastomeric material.
[0010] An elastic and / or elastomeric layer and / or an elastic and / or elastomeric material means a layer or material which retains a residual deformation or set after elongation and relaxation (a residual deformation may also be referred to as "permanent set" and / or "SET") of less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, of an initial dimension (i.e. before elongation) for an elongation of 10% of 100% of its initial dimension at room temperature (i.e. 23°C). The SET may be measured as indicated in the publication of European patent application No. EP1783257, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, and in particular in paragraphs
[0056] has
[0062] of the publication of European patent application No. EP1783257, which details an example of SET measurement.
[0011] According to one example, the support is devoid of an elastic layer and / or an elastomeric layer. Thus, the support can be manufactured at a reduced cost and is simpler to manufacture because it comprises fewer components and / or a different number of layers making it simpler to manufacture. In addition, such a support has a longer service life before pouring a screed because the materials constituting the support are less sensitive to storage conditions compared to supports comprising one or more elastic layers having a shorter service life.
[0012] According to one example, the conduit is devoid of an elastic layer and / or an elastomeric layer. Thus, the conduit can be manufactured at a reduced cost and is simpler to manufacture because it comprises fewer components and / or a different number of layers making it simpler to manufacture. In addition, such a conduit has a longer service life before pouring a screed because the materials constituting the conduit are less sensitive to storage conditions compared to conduits comprising one or more elastic layers having a shorter service life.
[0013] According to one example, the conduit and / or the support and / or the first assembly and / or the second assembly is deformable, so as to allow a taken between the first set and the second set up to 30% of the external peripheral surface of the conduit.
[0014] According to one example, the application of the conduit to the support causes an engagement between the first assembly and the second assembly over an amplitude greater than 1.1*D in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0015] According to one example, the second assembly has a strip shape wound around the conduit in a circular spiral or helix pattern, so that for a conduit length Le in the longitudinal direction, the second assembly has a length greater than l.05*Lc, in particular greater than l.1*Lc, in particular greater than l.15*Lc, and / or less than 5*Lc, in particular less than 4*Lc, in particular less than 3*Lc, more particularly less than 2*Lc.
[0016] According to one example, - either the first assembly has a plurality of loops, and the second assembly has a base and a plurality of retaining elements each comprising a rod and a gripping portion adapted to engage and hold the loops of the first assembly, the plurality of retaining elements extending from the base, - either the second assembly has a plurality of loops, and the first assembly has a base and a plurality of retaining elements each comprising a rod and a gripping portion adapted to engage and hold the loops of the second assembly, which plurality of retaining elements extend from the base.
[0017] In another example, the first assembly has a base and a plurality of retaining elements each comprising a stem and a gripping portion, the plurality of retaining elements extending from the base, and the second example has a base and a plurality of retaining elements each comprising a stem and a gripping portion, the plurality of retaining elements extending from the base.
[0018] According to one example, a projection of the retaining elements onto an external surface of the base covers between 5 and 45% of the external surface of the base, in particular covers between 7% and 40% of an external surface of the base, more particularly between 10% and 40% of an external surface of the base, or between 15% and 40% of an external surface of the base, in certain cases between 17% and 35% of an external surface of the base. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that by selecting such a projection of retaining elements onto an upper face of the base, the retaining elements have a high probability of attachment and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the liquid screed to form.
[0019] In one example, the second set has a density of retaining elements of between 50 and 450 retaining elements per cm 2, in particular between 50 and 170 retaining elements per cm 2 , or in other cases between 200 and 350 retaining elements per cm 2 . Thus, surprisingly, the inventors identified that by selecting such a density of retaining elements, the retaining elements have a high probability of adhesion and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed.
[0020] In one example, the retaining elements have a shape that is preferably selected from the group consisting of hooks, for example T-shaped and / or inverted J-shaped, and / or double or more inverted J-shaped, mushroom-shaped, single-shank, cup-shaped fasteners, and / or a combination of these shapes. In one example, the base and the plurality of retaining elements have a weight greater than 45 g / m 2, especially greater than 70 g / m 2 , in particular greater than 80 g / m 2 , and / or less than 250 g / m 2 , especially less than 170 g / m 2 . Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that by selecting such a weight of the base and the plurality of retaining elements, the base is sufficiently thin to allow suitable orientation of the retaining elements in directions perpendicular to the axis of the tube. With such a weight, the expansion of the orientation of the elements is improved, allowing an increase in the probability of attachment and obtaining excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed.
[0021] According to one example, a ratio between the outer diameter D of the conduit and the height of the retaining elements of the second set or of the first set is greater than 10, in particular greater than 15 and / or less than 70, in particular less than 60, in particular less than 50. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that by selecting such a ratio between the outer diameter D of the conduit and the height of the retaining elements of the second set or of the first set, the retaining elements have a high probability of attachment and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the liquid screed to form.
[0022] According to one example, the plurality of loops is formed from at least one sheet of non-woven material and / or at least one knit, for example a looped portion formed from a non-woven whose threads are knitted / sewn through the sheet of non-woven material, (for example obtained by "STITCH BONDING" according to the usual designation in the English language).
[0023] In one example, the plurality of loops is formed from at least one web of nonwoven material and / or at least one knit, each loop comprising a first leg and a second leg that may be disjointed or joined. In one example, the plurality of loops comprises at least a first subset of loops, each loop of the first subset of loops having first legs joined thereto and each loop of the first subset of loops having second legs joined thereto (thus forming multiple loops with disjointed legs). In one example, the first joined legs of each first subset of loops are joined to the second joined legs of each first subset of loops (thus forming multiple loops with joined legs). Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore allow excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of a liquid screed.
[0024] According to one example, the plurality of loops comprises multifilament yarns, and has between 2 and 20 filaments per loop. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that with multifilament yarns, the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed.
[0025] According to one example, the support has an insulating layer covered at least partially with the first assembly, the insulating layer having a lower rigidity than the conduit, in particular a rigidity 10% lower than that of the conduit.
[0026] According to one example, the conduit and / or the support and / or the first assembly and / or the second assembly is deformable, typically without reaching rupture, by a pressure greater than 0.37 kg / cm 2 , in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the support and / or a surface of the first set, with a dimension between 0.5mm and 5mm. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that with such pressure, the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed.
[0027] The lower the height of the retaining elements, the lower the assembly height and therefore the smaller the footprint for the intended application. According to one example, retaining elements are used with a height, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which is less than 1200 micrometers. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that with such a maximum height, the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the liquid screed to form and are less likely to be damaged, in particular during installation of the pipe and / or transport to the site.
[0028] According to one example, the retaining elements have a height, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which is greater than 200 micrometers, in particular greater than 250 micrometers, and / or less than 700 micrometers, in particular less than 600 micrometers. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors have identified that with such a height, the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed and are less likely to be damaged, in particular during the installation of the tube and / or transport to the site.
[0029] In one example, the plurality of loops is formed by a film and a knit secured together by an adhesive layer, preferably with a weight of between 40 and 150 g / m 2 , especially between 50 and 100 g / m 2. Thus, surprisingly, the inventors identified that with such a structure, the retaining elements have a high probability of catching and therefore make it possible to obtain excellent maintenance of the positioning of the conduit on the base while waiting for the formation of the liquid screed and the support has flexibility to follow the shape of the tube during engagement.
[0030] In one example, the plurality of loops has a weight greater than 15 g / m 2 , especially greater than 20 g / m 2 , in some cases greater than 50 g / m 2 and / or less than 100 g / m 2 , in particular less than 80 g / m 2 , in particular less than 60 g / m 2 , in some cases less than 50 g / m 2 .
[0031] In one example, the plurality of loops includes a marking visible to the eye on the side of the face bearing the loops, for example the marking includes a layer of ink.
[0032] In one example, the retaining elements are arranged on the conduit, and the base extends in a main direction forming a helix, for example a circular helix, around the longitudinal axis.
[0033] In one example, the retaining members are arranged on the conduit, and the retaining members, when cooperating with the loops, extend in different directions, all perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0034] According to one example, the base has a width greater than 7mm, in particular greater than 10mm, and / or less than 25mm, in particular less than 20mm.
[0035] According to one example, the conduit has an apparent external diameter greater than 6mm, in particular greater than 8mm, in particular greater than 9mm, or even greater than 14mm, and / or less than 25mm, in particular less than 22mm, in particular less than 20mm, or even less than 18mm.
[0036] According to one example, the conduit is flexible, namely that it is capable of bending without breaking, through an angle of 90° for 50 cm of conduit and / or through an angle of 180° for 90 cm of conduit.
[0037] According to one example, the conduit is made of a plastic and / or metallic material and / or formed from a multi-layer assembly.
[0038] According to one example, the conduit successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on elastic material or based on elastic polymer material, a second layer made of metallic material such as aluminum and a third layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which third layer defines a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a larger number of layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the third layer.
[0039] According to one example, the conduit successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on non-elastic material or based on non-elastic polymer material, a second layer based on non-elastic polymer material, different from the first layer, and a third layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which third layer defining a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a number more layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the third layer.
[0040] According to one example, the conduit successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on non-elastic material or based on non-elastic polymer material, a second layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which second layer defines a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a larger number of layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the second layer.
[0041] According to one example, the retaining elements and / or the loops of the first set and / or the second set are fixed respectively to the support and / or to the external face of the conduit via an adhesive layer or by ultrasonic, thermal or direct hot lamination welding.
[0042] According to one example, the base has a thickness, in a direction perpendicular to the face carrying the retaining elements, greater than 30 micrometers, in particular greater than 50 micrometers, and / or less than 200 micrometers, in particular less than 150 micrometers.
[0043] According to one example, the retaining elements and / or the base are made of a material based on a thermoplastic material, for example - a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene (PP) and / or a polyethylene (PE), for example a crosslinked polyethylene, and / or their copolymers, and / or - a polyester, in particular a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and / or a Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or a poly(butylene succinate co-butylene adipate) (PBS A) and / or a Poly(Polybutylene succinate) (PES) and / or a poly(tri methylene succinate) (PTS) and / or a poly(tetramethylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PTAT) and / or a Polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a Thermoplastic Starch (TPS), and / or - a polyamide (PA) and / or - a mixture of two or more of these thermoplastic materials.
[0044] According to one example, the retaining elements and / or the base are made from a material based on one of the layers of the conduit. Brief description of the drawings
[0045] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description given below of different embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples.
[0046] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system according to one aspect of the invention.
[0047] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a conduit of the system shown in Figure 1.
[0048] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing the implementation of the system.
[0049] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the implementation of the system.
[0050] Throughout the figures, common elements are identified by identical numerical references. Description of the embodiments
[0051] An exemplary embodiment of a system according to one aspect of the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
[0052] These figures show a support 100 and a conduit 200.
[0053] The conduit 200 is a conduit for the circulation of a fluid such as a heat transfer fluid, which can in particular be used for the production of a thermoregulation system integrated into a surface, for example underfloor heating. The conduit 200 extends in a longitudinal direction, it being understood that the conduit 200 is typically made of a flexible material, and the main direction thus generally designates a generator or central line defining the trajectory of the conduit 200 and is therefore not necessarily rectilinear.
[0054] The conduit 200 is typically a flexible plastic pipe, comprising a first layer composed of a polymeric material defining an internal channel (for example in a PE, a PE-R, PE-Xa, PE-Xb, PE-Xc, PE-RT or even a PP-R), and a flexible elastic envelope forming the external surface of the conduit.
[0055] According to one example, the conduit 200 successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on non-elastic material or based on non-elastic polymer material, a second layer made of metallic material such as aluminum and a third layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which third layer defines a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a larger number of layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the third layer.
[0056] According to one example, the conduit successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on elastic material or based on elastic polymer material, a second layer based on non-elastic polymer material and a third layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which third layer defining a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a larger number of layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the third layer.
[0057] According to one example, the conduit successively has, from the outside to the inside, a first layer based on non-elastic material or based on non-elastic polymer material, a second layer based on non-elastic polymer material, which second layer defines a space for the passage of a fluid, a gas or even an additional element such as a cable, a fiber or other, or even a larger number of layers arranged between two of the successive layers and / or outside the first layer and / or inside the second layer.
[0058] The conduit may typically be a flexible plastic-based pipe (e.g. PE, PE-R, PE-Xa, PE-Xb, PE-Xc, PE-RT) or PP-R or other, defining an inner channel. The outer surface of the pipe may typically be successively covered with one to six layers, for example an aluminum layer then an outer layer of PE (PE-R, PE-Xa, PE-Xb, PE-Xc, PE-RT) or PP-R or other, preferably of the same type as that of the pipe and which layers may be hot-rolled by extrusion or each be fixed by a dedicated adhesive layer.
[0059] The conduit 200 typically has a circular section with an external diameter D. The external diameter D is typically greater than 6 mm, in particular greater than 8 mm, in particular greater than 9 mm, or even greater than 14 mm, and / or less than 25 mm, in particular less than 22 mm, in particular less than 20 mm, or even less than 18 mm. The conduit 200 has a length Le at least 5 times greater than the external diameter D, or typically at least 100 times greater than the external diameter D, or even at least 500 times greater than the external diameter D.
[0060] The support 100 forms a surface, typically flat or substantially flat, and is typically adapted to form a lower layer of a floor. The support 100 is typically formed of a deformable shape memory material, adapted to be covered with a layer of material forming a floor, typically cement or concrete or a liquid screed. The support 100 is typically placed or fixed on a screed or a slab.
[0061] The support layer may comprise in particular an insulating layer 110 made of polymer foam having a thickness of 0.5 cm to 20 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular of the order of 3 cm, and a covering film produced as a composite film, a lower face of which facing the insulating layer may comprise a layer of metal, typically aluminum. According to one example, the insulating layer of polymer foam may be a layer composed of polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), or mineral wool. (insulating material already encountered, or other supports (PE foam, honeycomb panels) or a combination of one or more of these layers.
[0062] The system as presented also comprises a fastening system comprising a first assembly 120 and a second assembly 220, adapted to cooperate so as to produce a self-gripping connection.
[0063] For illustration purposes, it is considered here that the first assembly 120 is fixed to the support 100 and that the second assembly 220 is fixed to the conduit 200, it being understood that a reverse assembly is also possible.
[0064] In the illustrated example, the first assembly 120 is a sheet having a plurality of loops. The first assembly 120 may in particular comprise a sheet of non-woven material and / or a knit, and may also comprise a film fixed by means of an adhesive or for example a looped part formed of a non-woven whose threads are knitted / sewn through the sheet of non-woven, (for example obtained by “STITCH BONDING” according to the usual English designation).
[0065] In the case where the first set comprises a knit, the knit is typically made with multifilament yarns, comprising for example between 1 and 20 filaments per loop, or between 2 and 17 filaments per loop, or between 5 and 15 filaments per loop. With multifilament yarns, it is thus possible to form at least two loops with one or more common feet.
[0066] The first assembly 120 is typically attached to the support 100 to completely cover a predefined area of the support 100, or the entire support 100. The first assembly 120 is typically attached to the support 100 by means of an adhesive, or via any suitable means.
[0067] The first assembly 120 may have markings, for example formed on one face of the film of the first assembly 120, these markings making it possible, for example, to form a marker for the positioning of the conduit 200. These markings may be produced by applying a layer of ink to one face of the film of the first assembly 120 and / or by thermoforming. The markings are arranged to allow easy identification, without means of measurement additional, for example to the naked eye, at a distance of at least 50cm from the first set 120, spaces of between 3 and 20 cm, for example approximately 5 cm by 5 cm and / or approximately 8 cm by 8 cm and / or approximately 10 cm by 10 cm and / or approximately 12 cm by 12 cm and / or 6 inches by 6 inches. The markings may have the form of continuous and / or discontinuous grids and / or “+” and / or crosses and / or circles and / or squares and / or rectangles and / or inscriptions, for example comprising typographic characters or not, and / or a combination of one or more of these markings.
[0068] The first set 120 typically has a weight greater than or equal to 50 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 70 g / m 2 , and / or less than or equal to 600 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 300 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 200 g / m 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 150 g / m 2. According to one example, the plurality of loops has a weight greater than or equal to 15 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 20 g / m 2 , in some cases greater than or equal to 50 g / m 2 and / or less than or equal to 100 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 80 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 60 g / m 2 , in some cases less than or equal to 50 g / m 2 .
[0069] In the illustrated example, the second assembly 220 has a base 222 having a general ribbon shape, having a lower face and an upper face, and a plurality of retaining elements 224 extending from the upper face of the base 222. The retaining elements 224 are typically hooks, harpoons, or more generally elements adapted to engage a counterpart such as loops or a sheet of woven or non-woven material, so as to form a self-gripping connection.
[0070] The retaining elements 224 typically each have a rod extending from the base 222, and a head formed at a free end of the rod, opposite the base 222, the head being adapted to perform a function of gripping and holding a counterpart. The head may be a portion formed in the extension of the rod and curved so as to define a gripping portion, or a portion having a section distinct from the rod so as to defining portions extending radially from one end of the rod, these portions defining gripping areas.
[0071] According to one example, the retaining elements 224 have a shape that is preferably selected from the group consisting of hooks, for example T-shaped and / or inverted J-shaped, and / or double or more inverted J-shaped, mushroom-shaped, single-rod, cup-shaped fasteners, and / or a combination of these shapes.
[0072] According to one example, considering the portions of the base 222 provided with retaining elements 224 and therefore not taking into consideration any areas of the base 222 devoid of retaining elements, a projection of the retaining elements 224 onto an external surface of the base 222 covers between 5 and 45% of the external surface of the base, in particular covers between 7% and 40% of an external surface of the base, more particularly between 10% and 40% of an external surface of the base, or even between 15% and 40% of an external surface of the base, in certain cases between 17% and 35% of an external surface of the base.
[0073] The second assembly 220 is secured to the conduit 200 by means of an adhesive, or via any suitable means. The second assembly 200 is typically positioned around the conduit 200 according to a spiral or helix trajectory around the conduit 200, or around a central axis of the conduit 200, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. The base 222 can then be applied continuously to the external surface of the conduit 220, and typically secured via an adhesive applied to its lower face. Such a spiral or circular helix positioning implies that the orientation of the retaining elements 224 will be variable relative to the longitudinal direction of the conduit 200, which is particularly advantageous for ensuring good grip between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220, in particular when the retaining elements 224 of the second assembly do not have a revolution-symmetrical geometry.
[0074] The second assembly 220 is typically fixed in the form of strips on the conduit 200. According to one example, for a length Le of conduit, the base 222 has a length between l.05*Lc and 5*Lc, or between l.15*Lc and 3*Lc, or between l.2*Lc and 2*Lc or even in certain cases between 2*Lc and 3*Lc. The base 222 of the second assembly 220 typically has a width greater than 7mm, in particular greater than 10mm, and / or less than 25mm, in particular less than 20mm.
[0075] In the case where the second assembly 220 is fixed to the conduit by forming a spiral or helix pattern, the spiral or helix pattern has a pitch P greater than 1 cm. Considering a longitudinal direction of the conduit 100, for a spiral or helix pattern, a covered length L and an uncovered length corresponding to the pitch P are defined on the external surface of the conduit 100, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. The ratio P / L may for example be greater than 1, or typically greater than 1.1, or even greater than 1.3 to maintain significant flexibility of the conduit, in other cases, the ratio P / L is less than 1, or typically less than 0.9, or even less than 0.8 and / or greater than 0.4 or even greater than 0.6 for applications in which the conduit requires less flexibility and more cooperation between the first and second assemblies 120 and 220.In still other cases, the P / L ratio is between 0.8 and 1.2 for a good compromise between the flexibility of the conduit and cooperation of the first and second sets 120 and 220.
[0076] The second set 220 typically has a density of retaining elements of between 50 and 450 retaining elements per cm 2 , or between 50 and 350 retaining elements per cm 2 , or between 170 and 350 retaining elements per cm 2 , between 200 and 350 retaining elements per cm 2 , or alternatively between 50 and 170 retaining elements per cm 2 .
[0077] The second set 220 typically has a weight greater than 45 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 70 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 80 g / m 2 , and / or less than or equal to 250 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 170 g / m 2. For example, the second set 220 typically has a weight between 45 and 250 g / m 2 , or between 70 and 250 g / m 2 , or between 80 and 170 g / m 2 , the weight including the base 222 and the retaining elements 224.
[0078] The retaining elements and the base of the second set 220 typically have a weight greater than 45 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 70 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 80 g / m 2 , and / or less than or equal to 250 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 170 g / m 2 .
[0079] According to one example, the second assembly is fixed to an external face of the conduit by an adhesive layer, preferably with a weight greater than or equal to 20 g / m 2 , in particular greater than or equal to 35 g / m 2 , and / or less than or equal to 150 g / m 2 , in particular less than or equal to 100 g / m 2, in particular less than or equal to 75 g / m 2 .
[0080] The retaining elements 224 typically have a height greater than or equal to 200 micrometers, in particular greater than or equal to 250 micrometers, and / or less than or equal to 700 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 600 micrometers, typically a height of between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, or between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm or between 0.3 mm and 0.55 mm, the height of the retaining elements 224 being measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper face of the base 222. The base 222 typically has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the face carrying the retaining elements, greater than 30 micrometers, in particular greater than 50 micrometers, and / or less than 200 micrometers, in particular less than 150 micrometers.
[0081] According to one example, a ratio between the external diameter D of the conduit 200 and the height of the retaining elements 224 is greater than or equal to 10, in particular greater than or equal to 15, in particular greater than or equal to 20 and / or less than or equal to 70, in particular less than or equal to 60, in particular less than or equal to 50, more particularly less than or equal to 45.
[0082] According to one example, the retaining elements 224 and / or the base 222 are made of a material based on a thermoplastic material, for example - a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene (PP) and / or a polyethylene (PE), for example a crosslinked polyethylene, and / or their copolymers, and / or - a polyester, in particular a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and / or a Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or a poly(butylene succinate co-butylene adipate) (PBS A) and / or a Poly (Polybutylene succinate) (PES) and / or a poly(tri methylene succinate) (PTS) and / or a poly(tetramethylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PTAT) and / or a Polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a Thermoplastic Starch (TPS), and / or - a polyamide (PA) and / or - a mixture of two or more of these thermoplastic materials.
[0083] According to one example, the retaining elements 224 and / or the base 222 are made from a material based on one of the layers of the conduit 200.
[0084] We now describe an example of implementation of the presented system.
[0085] The support 100 is positioned on a surface, typically a screed or a slab, intended to receive a thermoregulation system.
[0086] The conduit 200 on which the second assembly 220 is fixed is then positioned by a user relative to the support 100, if necessary using visual markers as references.
[0087] The user will then apply a compressive force to the conduit 200 oriented towards the support 100. This compressive force is typically a vertical force (substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the support 100), applied by the user by pressing on the conduit 200 with his foot and thus tending to crush it on the support 100.
[0088] The application of this force thus tends to compress the conduit 200 and the support 100 as well as the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 fixed respectively to the support 100 and to the conduit 200. Due to the respective mechanical characteristics of the conduit 200 and the support 100, a deformation is observed in particular of the support 100 which tends to compress, thus forming a concavity into which the conduit 200 partially penetrates, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. The conduit 200 and / or the first assembly 120 and / or the second assembly 220 may also be deformed depending on the intensity of the force applied. Where appropriate, a deformation of the conduit 200 tends to temporarily give it an oval section.
[0089] The relative deformation of the conduit 200 and the support 100 depends on the mechanical characteristics of these elements, and is carried out without reaching the rupture or even compromise the very function of the conduit, for example here remaining sealed to conduct a fluid. The support 100 is typically configured so as to have a lower rigidity than the conduit 200, which leads to a greater deformation of the support 100 than of the conduit 200. In other words, the support 100 and the conduit 200 are made so that the support 100 is more compressible than the conduit 200.
[0090] The compressive force is typically applied so as to form a concavity in the support 100 having a depth greater than D / 5, typically greater than D / 4. The applied compressive force is typically equal to or substantially equal to 0.37 kg / cm 2 . For example, such a compression force corresponds to the application of a mass of 20 kg applied by a user who presses on the conduit 100 having an external diameter of 20 mm with his foot fitted with a shoe 1 cm long.
[0091] This partial penetration of the conduit 200 into the concavity formed by the support 100 makes it possible to engage the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 over a larger surface area than in the absence of the application of such a compressive force and deformation of the support 100.
[0092] Figure 4 schematically represents the system after release of the compression force, and elastic return of the support 100. As shown schematically in Figure 4, the proposed system allows engagement of the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 over a width A, strictly greater than the external diameter D of the conduit 200. According to one example, A>1.1D, or A>1.2D, or A>1.3D.
[0093] In the absence of such a compression force and a partial penetration of the conduit 200 into the support 100, the engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 would be carried out only over a reduced portion, shown diagrammatically by the width B in FIG. 4.
[0094] This figure 4 diagrams a conduit 200 in which retaining elements are arranged over its entire external periphery.
[0095] In the case where the first assembly 120 or the second assembly 220 extends only over a portion of the external periphery of the duct 200, for example in the case of a spiral or helix arrangement around the duct 200, it is understood that the engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 over the length of the duct 200 in the longitudinal direction is discontinuous. We then refer to the projection of all the sections perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct 200 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct 200. We thus find in projection a configuration according to FIG. 4.
[0096] In projection along such a plane perpendicular to the axis of the conduit 200, the entire engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 extends for example over at least 15% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or typically over at least 20% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or typically over at least 25% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or also typically over at least 30% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200. In projection along such a plane perpendicular to the axis of the conduit 200, the entire engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 extends typically over up to 50% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or typically over up to 45% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or also typically over up to 40% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or also typically on up to 35% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200, or also typically on up to 30% of the outer periphery of the conduit 200.
[0097] According to one example, in projection along such a plane perpendicular to the axis of the conduit 200, the entire engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220 typically extends beyond 50%, for example beyond 60%, typically beyond 70%, for example for a first assembly which would be fixed to the support by zone such that it has zones devoid of fixing with the support or zones of sacrificial fixing with the support.
[0098] Engagement values are typically measured when the assembly is at rest after installation.
[0099] It is therefore understood that the system as proposed makes it possible to improve the engagement between the first assembly 120 and the second assembly 220, and therefore to improve the positioning and maintenance between the support 100 and the conduit 200.
[0100] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is evident 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. By way of example, the invention may find application in the field of plumbing, the electrical field, for example cable management or in the field of electric underfloor heating. [0101JII 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. Assembly, in particular for a thermoregulation system, comprising: - a support (100), - a conduit (200) for example for the circulation of a fluid, in particular a heat transfer fluid, the conduit (200) extending in a longitudinal direction and having in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an external diameter D, the conduit having a length at least 5 times greater than the value of the external diameter D, a fixing system, comprising: - a first assembly (120), fixed to the support (100) - a second assembly (220), fixed on an external face of the conduit (200), the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (220) comprising elements adapted to produce a self-gripping connection, so as to allow removable assembly of the conduit (200) on the support (100) by engagement of the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (220), characterized in that the conduit (200) and / or the support (100) and / or the first assembly (120) and / or the second assembly (220) is deformable, so that in projection along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit (200), the cumulative engagement between the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (220) extends up to at least 15% of the external periphery of the conduit (200).
2. An assembly according to claim 1, configured such that the conduit (200) and / or the support (100) and / or the first assembly (120) and / or the second assembly (220) is deformable, such that in projection along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit (200), the cumulative engagement between the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (220) extends up to at least 50% of the outer periphery of the conduit (200).
3. Assembly according to one of claims 1 or 2, configured so that the application of the conduit (200) on the support (100) causes an engagement between the first assembly (120) and the second assembly (200) over an amplitude greater than 1.1*D in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
4. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the second assembly (220) has a strip shape wound around the conduit (200) in a spiral or circular helix pattern, so that for a length Le of conduit (200) in the longitudinal direction, the second assembly (220) has a length between 1.05*Lc and 5*Lc, in particular between 1.1*Lc and 4*Lc, more particularly between 1.15*Lc and 3*Lc, even more particularly between 1.15*Lc and 2*Lc.
5. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which - either the first assembly (120) has a plurality of loops, and the second assembly (220) has a base and a plurality of retaining elements (224) each comprising a rod and a gripping portion adapted to engage and hold the loops of the first assembly (120), the plurality of retaining elements (224) extending from the base, - either the second assembly (220) has a plurality of loops, and the first assembly (120) has a base and a plurality of retaining elements each comprising a rod and a gripping portion adapted to engage and hold the loops of the second assembly, which plurality of retaining elements (224) extend from the base.
6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein a projection of the retaining elements (224) on an external surface of the base (222) covers between 5 and 45% of the external surface of the base, in particular covers between 7% and 40% of an external surface of the base, more particularly between 10% and 40% of an external surface of the base, or between 15% and 40% of an external surface of the base, in certain cases between 17% and 35% of an external surface of the base.
7. An assembly according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the second assembly (220) has a density of retaining elements (224) of between 50 and 450 retaining elements per cm 2 , in particular between 50 and 170 retaining elements per cm 2 , or in other cases between 200 and 350 retaining elements per cm 2 .
8. An assembly according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the base and the plurality of retaining elements have a weight of between 45 and 250 g / m 2 , especially between 70 and 250g / m 2 .
9. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which a ratio between the external diameter D of the conduit (200) and the height of the retaining elements (224) of the second assembly (220) or of the first assembly (120) is between 15 and 50.
10. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 9, in which said plurality of loops is formed from at least one sheet of non-woven material and / or at least one knit.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said plurality of loops comprises multifilament yarns, and has between 2 and 20 filaments per loop.
12. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the support (100) has an insulating layer covered at least partially with the first assembly (120), the insulating layer having a lower rigidity than the conduit (200).
13. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the conduit (200) and / or the support (100) and / or the first assembly (120) and / or the second assembly (220) is devoid of an elastic and / or elastomeric layer, in particular of an elastic and / or elastomeric material.
14. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the conduit (200) and / or the support (100) and / or the first assembly (120) and / or the second assembly (220) is deformable, by a pressure greater than 0.37 kg / cm 2 , in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the support (100) and / or a surface of the first assembly (120), with a dimension between 0.5mm and 5mm.