Adaptable coupling for connecting two pipes

Abstract

An adaptable coupling for two fixed, non-coaxial pipes (C1, C2), comprising: - a first assembly (EA) with a base (1) attached to the first pipe (C1), of axis (X1X1), and comprising a first adaptable subassembly (SEA), - a second assembly (EB) comprising a sleeve (2) attached to the second pipe (C2), of axis (X2X2), and having an adaptable subassembly (SEB). The first and the second subassembly (SEA, SEB) are engaged one inside the other in order to adapt to the two pipes (C1, C2) in order, in the 3D adapted state, to block: longitudinal adaptation, transverse (radial) adaptation, angular adaptation.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Adaptable connector intended to connect two pipes FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an adaptable connector for connecting two pipes which are theoretically aligned but which, in practice, have slight alignment defects.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] It is known to equip engines with hot air exhaust or recovery ducts. For example, aircraft turbojets are equipped with pressurized, high-temperature hot air recovery ducts, particularly for wing de-icing and cabin heating. These ducts are connected to the engine by rigid, single-piece connectors that are often difficult to achieve due to the positioning, which is not always perfect.

[0006] However, conduits that are not exactly aligned may exist at multiple points in an installation and these different cases cannot be resolved by a single connection. PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to provide a connection for connecting a hot air recovery pipe to a turbojet engine by adapting to pipes that are not exactly aligned and meeting strict sealing and safety requirements.

[0008] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to an adaptable connector for joining two fixed, non-coaxial conduits, comprising a first assembly with a base intended to be fixed by one end, integrally and coaxially (to the first conduit, comprising at its other end a first adaptable sub-assembly and a second assembly comprising a sleeve intended to be fixed by one end integrally and coaxially to the second conduit and having at its other end an adaptable sub-assembly, the first and second sub-assemblies being engaged in each other to adapt to the two conduits to, in the adapted state in 3D, block: the longitudinal adaptation, the transverse (radial) adaptation, the angular adaptation of the connector. The invention solves the problem of this diversity of possible cases by a connector deformable in 3D to take the appropriate shape and which is then blocked to play its role as a rigid connector ensuring the sealing of the junction.

[0010] The connector according to the invention makes it possible to easily join two conduits which are not exactly coaxially aligned without requiring the creation of a specific connector intended for each case, and creating a watertight connection under particularly severe conditions of use.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the second subassembly comprises at the second end of the sleeve, a ball joint provided with an annular cage, housed freely in radial sliding in a cylindrical housing with an axis coaxial with the axis of the first assembly, provided with a clamping ring, blocking by its compression the longitudinal and angular radial mobility of the cage and the ball joint on the base.

[0012] This transverse or, as the case may be, radial sliding makes it easy to adapt to two conduits whose axes are not intersecting, that is to say two axes which are not in the same plane.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the clamping ring intended to press the cage against the bearing surface of the cup has a right-angled section, one branch of which is cylindrical in shape and has a circular section delimiting the cavity receiving the cage, the other branch forming a bearing crown on the top of the cage, ending in a cylindrical fixing surface for a sealing bellows, the branch being connected to a bearing edge to come onto the shoulder of the cup around the cavity, the bearing edge having a top in the form of a peripheral ramp to cooperate with cramping fingers of the cup of the base.

[0014] This form of clamping ring simplifies the installation of the ball joint in the cavity intended for it in the cup since the cage can be partially covered by the clamping ring for its installation.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the end of the sleeve, opposite that connected to the pipe has a peripheral rib and the ball joint in the form of a spherical crown has a cylindrical inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the sleeve and provided with a peripheral groove receiving the rib, its axial length being greater than that of the rib to create axial mobility of the ball joint relative to the sleeve, the ball joint being formed of at least two segments to assemble on the rib. This mounting of the ball joint on the sleeve allows axial adjustment by the possibility of axial displacement of the ball joint relative to the sleeve.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the cage is formed by an upper crown and a lower crown intended to be assembled on the ball joint placed on the sleeve, the assembly of the two crowns forming a spherical interior surface of diameter equal to that of the ball joint with a cylindrical exterior surface, a top and a bottom, planes forming support surfaces.

[0017] This embodiment of the cage, the two crowns of which are connected to each other and each of which has a part of the spherical inner surface of the cage, necessarily joins along a diametrical plane perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve to form the spherical contour surface with the ball joint.

[0018] This design with separate parts simplifies the ball joint / cage assembly to be installed on a sleeve whose ends have a relief.

[0019] According to another advantageous characteristic, the cup comprises, in its axial extension, starting from the sleeve:

[0020] - a clearance allowing the end of the sleeve to pivot,

[0021] - continuing with a support crown in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the base, surmounted by a cylindrical cavity forming part of the cavity receiving the cage,

[0022] - surmounted by a peripheral housing of larger diameter to receive a seal, and a shoulder above the housing to receive the support edge of the clamping ring.

[0023] This shape of the cup makes it possible to simply and effectively combine the different functions of longitudinal, transverse and angular adaptation of the conduits to be connected.

[0024] It should also be noted that the cavity of the cup which receives the ball joint and the cage can be formed solely by the cup, the clamping ring then being flat.

[0025] However, as already indicated, the bell shape of the clamping ring facilitates assembly because the cage is already, in part, in the cavity delimited by the cylinder shape of the clamping ring.

[0026] According to another advantageous characteristic, the cramping fingers are provided with return springs installed in the upper edge of the cup and pushing the fingers towards the axis. The fingers thus allow the clamping ring to be clipped into place in the cavity. According to another advantageous characteristic simplifying the manufacture of the base, the crenellations are covered by a cover ring fixed to the merlons without projecting radially from them to allow the ring to pass and descend under the fingers towards the shoulder.

[0027] According to another advantageous characteristic, the top of the cup covered by the covering ring is provided with a locking crown for locking the sub-assemblies having ramp cavities in its inner surface, in a position corresponding to that of the fingers to allow the radial retraction of the fingers pushed back by the passage of the edge of the ring and whose ramped bottom allows, by the pivoting of the crown on itself, to push back the fingers and to cover the top of the edge of the ring to press it onto the cage and lock it.

[0028] This crown guarantees the operation of the cramping fingers by authorizing or blocking their movement; it also makes it possible to obtain a significant guiding force of the clamping ring by the shape of the fingers and the support of the ramps of the locking crown.

[0029] According to another advantageous characteristic, the ball joint is formed of at least two segments to be assembled on the rib of the end of the sleeve.

[0030] According to an advantageous characteristic of an alternative embodiment, the clamping members are provided with return springs mounted in the upper edge of the cup and pushing the clamping members towards the clamping ring.

[0031] According to another variant, the clamping members are balls and the cup delimiting the cavity has an upper edge with through holes, opening into the cavity and each receiving a ball pushed projecting into the cavity by a spring and a locking crown engaged on the periphery of the outer side and provided with crenellated cavities with ramps in a position homologous to those of the holes to allow the retraction of the balls for clipping the clamping ring then the pushing of the balls against the clamping ring by the pivoting of the crown and the pushing of the ramps on the balls.

[0032] In particular, the spring is a cylindrical ring with cutouts at the location of the holes and an elastic tab associated with each cutout to push the balls towards the cavity. According to another characteristic, the cage is axially secured to the clamping ring while remaining free transversely.

[0033] According to another characteristic, the edge of the cup has a rim and the inner surface of the crown has an upper peripheral clearance to come under the rim and leave a visible top, provided with at least one index corresponding to an unlocking mark and a locking mark on the rim of the cup.

[0034] According to another characteristic, the crown is retained by a ring in a groove of the cup projecting under the crown, in particular in a lower and internal peripheral clearance of the crown.

[0035] According to another characteristic, the inner surface of the crown has a relief forming the upper and inner peripheral clearance and allowing the crown to be engaged on the edge by passing from below, engaging the crown to come by its inner relief against the underside of the rim.

[0036] According to another characteristic, the relief of the inner surface is a cylindrical inner surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge fitted with the annular spring,

[0037] - the relief of the interior surface is crenellated, formed of merlons separated by crenellations opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations and merlons forming a lower peripheral clearance,

[0038] * the slots corresponding to the position of the holes to receive the relief of the balls pushed towards the outside of the edge when the clamping ring is put in place.

[0039] According to another characteristic, at the axial height of the ball distribution circle, the crown has tongues oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the merlons associated with each crenel,

[0040] - each tab remaining connected to the crown at the level of the associated notch and forming a ramp on the side of the notch to rest on the associated ball.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will be described hereinafter in more detail with the aid of embodiments of an adaptable connector, shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0043] [Fig. 1] perspective view of the fitting in the unsuitable aligned position, [Fig. 1 A] partial exploded view of the fitting in Figure 1,

[0044] [Fig. 1B] schematic view of the axes of the conduits to be connected and the elements connected to these conduits,

[0045] [Fig. 2] axial section of the junction area of ​​the fitting,

[0046] [Fig. 3] exploded axial half-section of the main elements of the connection,

[0047] [Fig. 3A] partial axial section of the connection,

[0048] [Fig. 3B] axial section of the fitting cup,

[0049] [Fig. 3C] partial axial section highlighting possible adaptations,

[0050] [Fig. 4] exploded perspective view of the fitting adaptation junction area,

[0051] [Fig. 5] schematic section showing the locking of the adapted connection by pivoting the locking crown,

[0052] [Fig. 6] shows schematic half-section views of the fitting cup with the ball joint and clamping ring in place, [Fig. 7] different positions of a clamping finger, [Fig. 8] summary of the fitting components,

[0053] [Fig. 9] perspective view of another embodiment of the connector, [Fig. 9A] perspective view of the two parts of the connector in the unassembled state,

[0054] [Fig. 10] exploded axial sectional view of the connection according to figure 9,

[0055] [Fig. 11] axial sectional view of the assembled fitting,

[0056] [Fig. 12] in its parts A and B assembly steps of the assemblies EB' and EA' of the connection according to figure 9,

[0057] [Fig. 13] perspective view of the cup fitted with the spring,

[0058] [Fig. 14] perspective view of the locking crown,

[0059] [Fig. 15] Table of a detailed view of three stages of assembly and locking of the fitting according to Figure 9.

[0060] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0061] By convention, to facilitate the presentation of drawings, the sectional views are, as appropriate, simplified by removing certain lines behind the section plane.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a connector 100 according to the invention in a position aligned on its base axis (X1X1). The connector is composed, according to the decoupling of Figure 1A, of a base assembly EA and an adaptable assembly EB for connecting (Figure 1B) a first conduit C1 defined by its connection surface S1 and a second conduit C2 defined by its connection surface S2; these connection surfaces are reference surfaces generally at least locally planar, each oriented with respect to the respective axis (X1X1), (X2X2). In theory, the conduits C1, C2 must be coaxial and spaced apart by a given distance between their reference surfaces SI, S2 associated respectively with one and the other conduits. But, in practice, for multiple reasons, the conduits C1, C2 do not respect these ideal conditions but inevitably differ from them:

[0063] - the axes (X1X1), (X2X2) of the conduits C1, C2 are generally neither:

[0064] * coaxial, or

[0065] * coplanar, or

[0066] * secants, or - the reference surfaces SI, S2 are not exactly at their intended distance.

[0067] It is therefore necessary that for its installation, the connection 100 can be deformed in 3D to be able to be fixed to the surface S 1 of the first conduit C1 and to the surface S2 of the second conduit C2 and that after this installation and adapted shaping, the connection 100 can be blocked in this adapted geometric shape and be watertight.

[0068] Figure 1B shows the orientation that the ends of the connector must take, emphasizing that in the general case (which is not the one shown), the axes (X1X1) and (X2X2) are not coplanar. For the purposes of presentation, the misalignment of the axes (X1X1) and (X2X2) is greatly exaggerated. Figures 1, 1A show the connector 100 in perspective in its unadapted form with the two axes (X1X1), (X2X2) aligned and Figure 1B in section. It consists of the basic assembly (EA) comprising a base 1 fixed to the surface S1 around the conduit C1 by a form-fitting defining the precise position of the base relative to the surface SI of the conduit Cl; the base 1 defines the axis (X1X1); it carries a subassembly (SEA) and adaptable assembly (EB) composed of a sleeve 2 aligned on the axis (X2X2) of the second conduit C2 and fixed to it, as well as a second subassembly (SEB), intended to be adapted and assembled to the first subassembly (SEA).The adapted position of the sub-assemblies (SEA, SEB) once the connection is connected by its two ends, will be blocked in the 3D shape and in a watertight manner: this blocking is done as will be described using the following figures which, in detail, are axial or quasi-axial sectional views in the disassembled state, then in the assembled state and adapted to the C1, C2 conduits.

[0069] Figure 2 is a simplified axial sectional view of the junction of the two sub-assemblies SEA, SEB, which will be adapted to the axes (X1X1), (X2X2) of the misaligned conduits C1, C2. This junction is shown before adaptation, in a position aligned with the axis (X1X1). Figure 3 is an exploded sectional drawing, showing the components of the two assemblies EA, EB of the connector 100.

[0070] The assembly EA consists of the base 1 provided with a fixing plate 11 which is fixed to the connection surface S 1 of the conduit C 1 , thus defining the position and orientation of the axis (X1X1) of the assembly EA.

[0071] The fixing plate 11 is connected by a sleeve 12 to a cup 13 receiving the end of the SEB subassembly with means for retaining and locking it in a position adapted to the axis (X2X2) of the conduit C2.

[0072] The sleeve 2 will be aligned on the axis (X2X2) and positioned along this axis to join the connection surface S2 (figure 1B) to which it is welded by its end 2b.

[0073] Near its other end 2a facing the base 1, the sleeve 2 has a peripheral rib 21 for receiving and holding a ball joint 22 composed of segments 22a. The inner face 220 of this ball joint 22 is provided with a groove 221 of section adapted to that of the rib 21, but of greater axial length. The assembly of the segments 22a by their groove 221 on the rib 21 forms the ball joint 22.

[0074] The segments 22a, of length less than or equal to the half-periphery of the sleeve 2, for example, three in number, are held together by the cage 23 formed of two crowns, one of which (23a) is fitted onto the sleeve 2 before the segments 22a are put in place and the other (23b) comes from below the segments 22a to fit into the crown 23a: the two crowns 23a, 23b are assembled by pins 23c. The ball joint 22 composed of three segments allows it to be tightened uniformly on the periphery.

[0075] The two crowns 23a, b form the cage 23 whose spherical inner surface 231 corresponds to the curvature of the ball joint 22; to be able to engage on the ball joint 22, the two spherical surfaces 231a, 231b of the crowns 23a, 23b which form the spherical surface 231 of the cage 23 are assembled in a diametral plane not shown, perpendicular to the axis (X2X2) of the sleeve 2; the outer surface 232 is a cylindrical surface of circular section.

[0076] Cage 23 has a top 233 and a bottom 234, flat and parallel.

[0077] The assembly of the cage 23 on the ball joint 22 at the end 2a of the sleeve 2 appears in Figure 3A. The cage 23 is surmounted by a clamping ring 24 previously installed on the sleeve 2 and intended to cover the cage 23 in the housing that the ring 24 forms with the cup 13 of the base 1. Figure 3B shows in section the assembly by clipping of the clamping ring 24 in the cup 13 forming the circular cavity CA receiving the cage 23. Its height is slightly less than the thickness of the cage 23. which will allow, when clamping the cage 23 between the two components of the cage CA, to bring the crowns 23a and 23b together, and consequently to push the segments 22a against the sleeve 2, and to clamp it. The diameter of the cavity CA is greater than that of the cage 23, thus giving the cage 23 the possibility of sliding transversely to adapt the geometry of the connection.This adaptation will be blocked at the end of installation of the connector 100 by tightening the ring 24 against the cage 23 in the cavity CA.

[0078] The sectional view of the simplified drawing in Figure 3C shows the completed assembly of the junction zone of the two SEA, SEB subassemblies (here in coaxial position along the (X1X1) axis) highlighting the different adaptation possibilities:

[0079] * the sleeve 2 can slide longitudinally relative to the ball joint 22 by its rib 23 in the groove 221 of the ball joint 22 according to the difference in axial length AL between the length L21 of the rib 21 and the axial length L221 of the groove 221 of the ball joint 22.

[0080] * the sleeve 2 can pivot by its ball joint 22 in the cage 23 considered as oriented along the axis (X1X1) of fixed orientation. This freedom of pivoting Aa relative to the center O of the ball joint 22 is shown between the axes (X1X1) / (X2X2) passing through the center O.

[0081] * The sleeve 2 can move transversely relative to the fixed axis (X1X1) (because defined by the base 1) by the transverse sliding of the cage 23 in the housing CA, of the difference in the diameters of the housing CA and of the cage 23. This possibility of transverse movement (AR) is indicated in the plane of figure 3C by the two extreme positions Ol, 02 of the center O of the ball joint 22 on either side of the position not adapted to the axis X1X1.

[0082] The axis (X1X1) is the axis of base 1; Figure 3C and some of the other figures were drawn assuming the axes intersect

[0083] (X1X1), (X2X2) coplanar; then the center O of the ball joint would be located on the axis (X1X1).

[0084] But, in the non-exceptional hypothesis of non-intersecting axes (X1X1) and (X2X2), the center of rotation of the ball joint is located at a point Ov on the axis (X1X1) between O1 and O2 and the inclination An will be the inclination between the axis (X2X2) of the conduit C2 on which the sleeve 2 is fitted and the axis (XVXV) parallel to the axis (X1X1). This appears in the detail (D) shown on an enlarged scale.

[0085] In other words, in the case of the axis X2X2 not intersecting the axis (X1X1), the center of the ball joint, through which the axis (X2X2) passes, will be moved to a point Ov of the disk with center O on the axis (X1X1) and diameter 0102, i.e. 2AR; this diameter is that of the disk resulting from the cumulative offset between the cage 23 and the wall of the cavity CA.

[0086] The components of the base 1 forming the SEA subassembly receiving the sleeve 2 equipped with its ball joint 22, its cage 23 and the clamping ring 24 will be described below using mainly figures 3, 3A, 3B, 4.

[0087] The cup 13 has a stepped cavity formed from a succession of cylindrical surfaces of circular section with axis (X1X1) (figure 3B):

[0088] * Above the sleeve 12, the cup 13 has a support crown 132 forming the bottom of a first cylindrical cavity 133 which is the lower part of the cavity CA receiving the cage 23.

[0089] * Under this cavity 133, there is a cylindrical clearance 131 and above, a low cylindrical cavity 134 for a sealing gasket 51 (fig. 3C). The clearance 131 receives the lower edge of the sleeve 2 and allows it to pivot (fig. 3A).

[0090] * Above the cavity 134, a peripheral shoulder 135 forms a support for the clamping ring 24.

[0091] According to Figure 4, the upper edge 136 of the cup 13 carries mer-ions 137 leaving between them radially oriented crenellations 138 and having faces 138a parallel to their median plane passing through the axis (X1X1). The crenellations 138 receive radially sliding cramping fingers 3, pushed inwards by springs 31 housed in cavities 136a from above the upper edge 136 in the crenellations 138. The spring 31 has two branches 311, 312.

[0092] The cramping fingers 3 (figure 3A) have a rectangular vertical section (median plane), ending in a triangular beak 32 formed of two ramps:

[0093] - an upper ramp 32a receiving the outer edge 241 of the clamping ring 24 pressed to sink, push back the fingers 3 and pass under them to lodge against the shoulder 135, - a lower ramp 32b with a slope corresponding to that of the peripheral ramp 241 of the edge of the clamping panel 24 to slide thereon and press to keep the clamping ring 24 applied against the top 23a of the cage 23 and block it when the fingers 3 themselves are blocked.

[0094] Figure 3B shows, in a simplified manner, the assembly of the clamping panel 24 clipped into the cup 13, highlighting the different parts in contact without the ring 23, the ball joint 22 and the sleeve.

[0095] 2,

[0096] The crenellated top of the upper edge 136 of the cup 13 receives a set of cramping fingers 3 each combined with a spring 31 and held in the crenellations 138, free to slide, by a cover ring 4 fixed to the merlons 137. The top of the base 1 receives a locking crown 6 held to the cup 13 by a clipping ring 52 allowing the rotation of the crown 6 relative to the cup 13 (fig. 3C).

[0097] The cylindrical locking ring 6 surrounding the edge 136 of the cup 13 and its merlons 137 has a return 61 covering the cover panel 4 without projecting beyond it. The cylindrical inner surface 6a of the ring 6 bears against the edge 136 of the cup 13 and that of the cover panel 4 as well as against the merlons 137 and the back of the fingers 3.

[0098] On a circular segment overlapping the location corresponding to that of each of the fingers 3 (part A, fig. 5), the inner surface 6a of the crown 6 comprises peripheral cavities 62 with a bottom 621 with a ramp 621a providing a radial clearance of variable depth to the fingers 3 to allow the clamping panel 24 to push them radially outwards and pass under the end of the fingers. The peripheral cavities 62 each associated with a finger 3 extend over a circular sector with their bottom 621 with a ramp, of maximum depth (depth in the radial direction) sufficient to allow the finger

[0099] 3, associated, to retract against the action of the spring 31 and be radially level with the inner cylindrical surface of the cover ring

[0100] 4, of the merlons 137 and of the part of the shoulder 135. At the end opposite its greatest depth from the bottom 621, the ramp 621a joins the interior surface 6a, preferably by tangency.

[0101] Figure 5 in part A shows the crown 6 in the untightened position allowing, through its cavity 62, the retraction of the finger 3 for the passage of the edge of the clamping ring 24. Part B shows the crown 6 after its pivoting by a fraction of a turn; the bottom 621 of the cavity 62 has now pushed back the fingers 3 and blocked the entire connection 100.

[0102] The finger 3 is retracted into the assembly position of the crown 6; the deployed position (part B) is that at the end of the pivoting of the crown 6 by a fraction of a turn to lock the different components of the connection 100.

[0103] In other words, the bottom 621 of each cavity 62 has a bottom 62.1 with a ramp 621a allowing, by the rotation of the crown 6, to push the fingers 3 against the top of the peripheral ramp 241 of the clamping ring 24 to block it as well as the cage 23. The pivoting of the clamping crown 6 is done by hand or with a key hooking onto the crown 6.

[0104] The sealing of the connection 100 is achieved by a bellows 5 fixed (welded) to the upper end 2a of the sleeve 2 and to the end 245 of the ring 24 and by the metal seal 51 hooked into the peripheral groove 134 (figure 2, figures 3C).

[0105] Figure 6, in its parts B and C, shows the installation of the clamping ring 24 with its bellows 5. The edge of the ring 24 presses on the top 32a of the fingers 3 until it can pass between the fingers and place itself under them, until the final position (part C) with the blocking of its fingers 3 pushed back by the blocking crown 6 and blocked by the latter.

[0106] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a clamping finger 3 in its retracted position (part A) for the passage of the clamping ring 24 not shown. The finger 3 is retracted into the cavity 62 of the crown 6 pivoted into its release position.

[0107] The back 33 having a cylindrical surface shape of the cramping finger 3 has a truncated corner 331 and the ramp 621a is a surface of low curvature to provide substantial contact with the truncated corner 331 when the ring 6 is rotated a fraction of a turn to push back the finger 3.

[0108] The position of part B is an intermediate position.

[0109] The position of part C is the end-of-travel position. The crown 6 is pivoted into the locking position and the bottom 621 of the cavity 62 is pressed by its cylindrical surface of circular section against the back of the finger, in its locking position of the clamping ring 24 by the locking crown 6. The pivoting movement of the crown 6 is underlined by the marks P1P2 of the sector of the crown 6 and its locking pivoting direction.

[0110] Figure 8 presents a summary of the SEA and SEB subsets whose components have been detailed above.

[0111] A second embodiment of connector 100' is described below; the parts identical to those of the first embodiment already described will not be systematically re-described. In certain cases, they will bear the same references possibly supplemented by a prime if this is necessary for understanding. Figure 9 shows this other embodiment of the connector 100' according to the invention, in a position aligned on its base axis (X1X1) consisting, according to the decoupling of Figure 9A, of a base assembly EA' and an adaptable assembly EB' for connecting a first conduit C1 defined by its connection surface S1 and a second conduit C2 defined by its connection surface. S2.

[0112] Figure 10 is an exploded section of the components of the base 1 provided with a fixing plate 11 connected by a sleeve 12 to a cup 13' receiving the end of the SEB subassembly with means of retaining and locking in a position adapted to the axis (X2X2) of the conduit C2.

[0113] Near its other end 2a facing the base 1, the sleeve 2 has a peripheral rib 21 for receiving and holding a ball joint 22 whose inner face 220 is provided with a groove 221 of section adapted to that of the rib 21, but of greater axial length.

[0114] The segments 22a are held together by the cage 23' formed of two crowns, one of which (23a) is fitted onto the sleeve 2 and the other (23b) comes from below to fit into the crown 23a: the two crowns 23a, 23b are assembled by a clipping ring 23d.

[0115] The outer surface 232 of the cage 23' is a cylindrical surface of circular section with a top 233 and a bottom 234, flat and parallel.

[0116] The cage 23' is surmounted by the clamping ring 24' previously installed on the sleeve 2. The clamping ring 24' is axially secured (direction X1X1) to the cage 23' of the ball joint and also to the sleeve 2 to facilitate the clipping engagement of the cage 23 in the cup 13'. This connection is made by a pin 2461 engaged in the bore 246 of the ring 24' and sliding in the housing 23e of the cage 23' and in particular of its upper crown 23a.

[0117] Figure 11 shows in section the assembly by clipping of the clamping ring 24' in the cup 13' forming the circular cavity CA receiving the cage 23'. Its height is slightly less than the thickness of the cage 23', which allows the rings 23a and 23b to be brought together and the segments 22a to be pushed against the sleeve 2, and to clamp it. The diameter of the cavity CA is greater than that of the cage 23', thus giving the cage 23' the possibility of sliding transversely to adapt the geometry of the connection. This adaptation will be blocked at the end of installation of the connection 100' by tightening the ring 24' against the cage 23'.

[0118] The components of the base 1' receiving the sleeve 2 equipped with its ball joint 22, its cage 23 and the clamping ring 24' will be described in more detail below.

[0119] According to Figure 10, the cup 13' has a stepped cavity as in the first embodiment, formed from a succession of cylindrical surfaces of circular section with axis (X1X1):

[0120] * above the sleeve 12, a support crown 132 forming the bottom of a first cylindrical cavity 133.

[0121] * under this cavity 133, a cylindrical clearance 131 and above, a low cylindrical cavity 134 for a seal 51; the clearance 131 receives the lower edge of the sleeve 2 and allows it to pivot.

[0122] * above the cavity 134, the peripheral shoulder 135 forming a support for the clamping ring 24'.

[0123] The upper edge 136' of the cup 13 is crossed by holes 138' distributed over a circle in the periphery of the edge 136' and receiving cramping members 3' in the form of balls held elastically by a peripheral spring 31 This spring is constituted by a flat ring, (figures 10, 13) split, placed on the outer side of the edge 136'; and at least partially covering the balls 3' in the respective holes 138'. The spring 31' (fig. 13) is a cylindrical ring with triangular cutouts 31a and a tab 31b at the peripheral locations corresponding to those of the holes 138' so as not to block the rear of the holes 138' (external side) and to bear by the tab 31b against the rear of the ball 3' of the associated hole 138', while allowing the ball 3' pushed back to clip the clamping ring 24' as will be described later.

[0124] According to figures 11, 12, the spring 31' is housed in a peripheral clearance of the edge 136' so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface on which the locking crown 6' rests and pivots.

[0125] The upper edge 136' ends in a flange 1361 above the series of holes 138' (figure 10).

[0126] The locking crown 6' (figure 14) has an outer surface 6'b knurled, ribbed or grooved to facilitate its grip for tightening / loosening the crown 6' relative to the cup 13'.

[0127] The inner surface 6'a of the crown 6' has a relief forming an upper peripheral clearance 65a and allowing the crown 6' to be engaged on the edge 136' by passing from below according to the orientation of the figures, that is to say by engaging the crown 6' from its position in figure 10 to come by its inner relief against the underside of the rim 1361. as appears in the sectional views of figure 12. The crown 6' is retained axially by a ring 65 engaged in the groove 1362 of the edge 136'.

[0128] The relief of the inner surface 6'a is delimited by its cylindrical inner surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge 136' fitted with the annular spring 31' retained in the peripheral direction by a pin or screw, passing through the bore 312 of the spring 31' astride its mounting slot 311 (figure 13).

[0129] The relief of the inner surface 6'a is crenellated, formed of merlons 64 separating crenellations 63 opening upwards, but closed at the bottom. The relief under the crenellations 63 and the merlons 64, of the inner surface 6'a has a lower peripheral clearance 65b (figures 12, 14) to receive in abutment, the relief of the retaining ring 66.

[0130] The notches 63 correspond to the position of the holes 138' to receive the relief of the balls 3' pushed outwards from the edge 136' when the clamping ring 24' is put in place. The axial height (X1X1) of the notches 63 makes it possible to receive the relief of the ball 3' and under it, the tab 31b of the spring 31' and associated with each ball 3' (figure 12, part A),

[0131] At the axial height (X1X1) of the ball distribution circle 3', the crown 6' has tabs 67 cut out in the merlons 64 associated with each notch 63 and oriented in the peripheral direction according to the locking / unlocking direction of the crown 6' relative to the balls; this position of the tab 67 is upstream of the associated notch according to the orientation of figure 14 for a locking pivot in the clockwise direction.

[0132] Each cut tab 67 remains connected to the crown 6' at the level of the notch 63 and it forms a ramp 631 on the side of the notch continuing with a very weak ramp for the position of blocking of the balls by the crown 6' materialized in the tab 67 by a blocking cup 671 for the ball 3'.

[0133] The ramp 631 allows, by the rotation of the crown 6', to push the balls 3' against and on top of the peripheral ramp 241 of the clamping ring 24' to block it as well as the cage 23'. The pivoting of the clamping crown 6' is done by hand up to the locking position of the cup 671, when, by pivoting the crown 6', the cups 671 arrive at the back of the tongues 31b, themselves pressed against each ball 3', the thrust exerted by the inner surface 6'a of the merlons 66 and the resistance opposed by the balls 3' deform and slightly curve the tongues 31b which lock in the respective cups 671 with the balls 3', thus generating a significant anti-loosening torque on the crown 6' which, thus, does not risk loosening due to the effect of vibrations; it can only be loosened (unlocked) by a significant opposite torque exerted on the crown 6' by hand or, preferably, with a lever-forming tool.

[0134] The visible top 68 of the crown 6' has an index 681 cooperating with two marks 1363a, 1363b of the notch-shaped rim 1361 completed by a non-locking indication and a locking indication allowing the installer who completes the assembly of the connector 100' to know exactly the relative pivoting position of the crown 6' with respect to the cup 13'; the latter is, in principle, fixed in rotation with respect to the axis X1X1. But since the location of the connector 100' may be difficult to access or completely visible, it is preferable to duplicate these locating means, for example, in diametrically opposite positions as shown for the crown 6' in figure 14 and for the assembly in figures 9, 9A and 15; Figure 9 thus shows the locked position and Figure 9A shows the unlocked position to allow the EB' assembly to be put in place.

[0135] The cramping balls 3' receive the ramp 241 of the clamping ring 24' pressed to sink, pushes the balls 3',c pass under them and lodge against the shoulder 135 of the cavity CA. The clamping ring 24' is applied against the top 23a of the cage 23' and blocks the latter when the balls 3' are blocked by the blocking ring 6'.

[0136] The cylindrical-shaped locking ring 6' surrounding the edge 136' of the cup 13' in the unclamped position allows, through its notches 63, the retraction of the balls 3' for the passage of the edge 241 of the clamping ring 24'.

[0137] After pivoting a fraction of a turn, the crown 6' pushes back the balls 3' by the ramp 631 of the slots and blocks the entire connection 100'.

[0138] Figure 12, in its parts A and B shows the installation of the assembly EB' with the cage 23' engaged on the ball joint 22 retained axially to the peripheral rib 21 and thus to the sleeve 2 with the clamping ring 24' is secured axially (direction of the axis X1X1) to the cage 23' while remaining free transversely within the limits of the clearance between the ring 24' and the cage 23. This makes it possible to maneuver the clamping ring 24' with its bellows 5 while holding the sleeve 2. The edge of the ring 24' presses on the top of the balls 3' until it can pass between them and place itself under the balls, until the final position with the blocking of the balls 3' pushed back and blocked by the blocking ring 6.

[0139] In summary, the invention relates in particular to an adaptable connector intended to join two fixed, non-coaxial conduits C1, C2, comprising: a first assembly EA with a base 1 intended to be fixed by one end, integrally and coaxially to the first conduit C1 of axis X1X1 and comprising at its other end a first adaptable sub-assembly SEA, a second assembly EB comprising a sleeve 2 intended to be fixed by one end 2a integrally and coaxially to the second conduit C2 of axis X2X2 and having at its other end 2b an adaptable sub-assembly SEB,

[0140] - the first and second subassemblies SEA, SEB being engaged in each other to adapt to the two conduits C1, C2 in the adapted state to block the 3D adaptation of the meeting of the two conduits C1, C2 the longitudinal adaptation AL, the transverse adaptation AR (radial), the angular adaptation Ao. In particular, the cramping members 3, 3' are provided with return springs 31, 31' mounted in the upper edge 136, 136' of the cup 13, 13' and pushing the cramping members 3, 3' towards the clamping ring 24, 24'.

[0141] According to another characteristic, the cage 23, 23' is axially secured to the clamping ring 24, 24' while remaining free transversely. According to a first embodiment, the clamping members 3 are clamping fingers 3 and the cup 13 has an upper edge 136 formed of merlons 137 delimiting radial notches 138 whose parallel sides (138a) receive the radially movable clamping fingers 3. to retract and allow the ring 24 to be put in place and then locked against the top of the cage 23 housed in the cavity CA of the cup 13.

[0142] According to a second embodiment, the cramping members are balls 3' and the cup 13' delimiting the cavity CA has an upper edge 136' with through holes 138', opening into the cavity CA and each receiving a ball 3' pushed projecting into the cavity CA by a spring 31' and a locking ring 6' engaged on the periphery of the outer side 6'b and provided with crenellated cavities 63 with ramps 631 in a position homologous to those of the holes 138' to allow the retraction of the balls 3' for clipping the clamping ring 24' then the pushing back of the balls 33' against the clamping ring 24' by the pivoting of the ring 6' and the pushing of the ramps 631 on the balls 3'. In this case, the spring 31' is a cylindrical ring with cutouts 31a at the location of the holes 138' and an elastic tab 31b associated with each cutout to push the balls 3' towards the cavity CA.

[0143] The edge 136' of the cup 13' has a rim 1361 and the inner surface 6'a of the crown 6' has an upper peripheral clearance 65a to come under the rim 1361 and leave a visible top 68, provided with at least one index. 681 corresponding to an unlocking mark 1363a and a locking mark 1363b on the rim 1361 of the cup 13'. The crown 6' is retained by a ring 66 in a groove 1362 of the cup 13' projecting under the crown, in particular in a lower and inner peripheral clearance 65b of the crown 6'.

[0144] The inner surface 6'a of the crown 6 ! has a relief forming the upper and inner peripheral clearance 65a and allowing the crown 6' to be engaged on the edge 136' by passing from below, engaging the crown 6' to come by its inner relief against the underside of the edge 1361.

[0145] The relief of the inner surface 6' is a cylindrical inner surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge 136' fitted with the annular spring 31',

[0146] - the relief of the inner surface 6'a is crenellated, formed of merlons 63 separated by crenellations 63 opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations 63 and merlons 64 forming a lower peripheral clearance 65b,

[0147] * the slots 63 corresponding to the position of the holes 138' to receive the relief of the balls 3' pushed towards the outside of the edge 136' when the clamping ring 24' is put in place.

[0148] At the axial height of the ball distribution circle 3', the crown 6' has tongues 67 oriented in the peripheral direction and cut out in the merlons 64 associated with each notch 63,

[0149] - each tab 67 remaining connected to the crown 6' at the level of the associated notch 63 and forming a ramp 631 on the side of the notch 63 to rest on the associated ball 3'.

[0150] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0151] 100 Connection

[0152] EA Basic Set

[0153] EB Adaptable Set

[0154] SEA Subset of EA

[0155] SEB Subset of EB

[0156] Cl Basic Conduit

[0157] C2 Conduit to be connected

[0158] O Center of rotation of the patella

[0159] 51 Connection surface of conduit C 1

[0160] 52 Connection plan for conduit C2

[0161] X1X1 Base axis / conduit axis Cl

[0162] X2X2 Axis of the adaptable sleeve / axis of the C2 conduit

[0163] XV, XV Axis parallel to the X1X1 axis passing through the center of rotation O of the ball joint

[0164] 1 Base

[0165] 11 Fixing plate

[0166] 12 Sleeve

[0167] 13, 13' Cup

[0168] 131 Clearance

[0169] 132 Support crown

[0170] 133 Cylindrical cavity

[0171] 134 Peripheral seal housing

[0172] 135 Shoulder

[0173] 136, 136' Upper edge of the cup

[0174] 1361 Ledge

[0175] 1362 Gorge

[0176] 1363a Unlocking Mark

[0177] 1363b Blocking Marker

[0178] 136a Cavity for spring 3

[0179] 137 Merlon

[0180] 138 Slot

[0181] 138' Drilling

[0182] 138a Face of the crenel

[0183] 2 Adaptable sleeve

[0184] 21 Peripheral rib

[0185] 22 Ball joint

[0186] 22a Spherical crown segment of the ball joint

[0187] 220 Inner face of the patella

[0188] 221 Gorge

[0189] 23 Ball joint cage

[0190] 23a Upper Crown

[0191] 23b Lower crown

[0192] 23d Clip ring 23e Pin housing

[0193] 231 Spherical surface of the cage

[0194] 232 Outer surface of the cage

[0195] 233 Top of the cage

[0196] 234 Under the cage

[0197] 235a Upper Crown Throat

[0198] 235b Lower crown throat

[0199] 24 Clamping ring

[0200] 241 Peripheral Ramp

[0201] 242 Support edge on the base

[0202] 243 Cylindrical wall radially delimiting the cavity CA

[0203] 244 Support crown

[0204] 245 Bellows fixing surface

[0205] 246 Drilling

[0206] 2461 Pin

[0207] 3 Finger cramping

[0208] 3' Ball

[0209] 31 Spring

[0210] 31' Ring Spring

[0211] 31 a Triangular cutout

[0212] 31b Tab

[0213] 311 Slot

[0214] 312 Drilling

[0215] 32 Wedge beak

[0216] 32a Upper Ramp

[0217] 32b Lower Ramp

[0218] 33 Back

[0219] 331 Truncated Corner

[0220] 4 Cover ring

[0221] 5 Bellows

[0222] 51 Joint

[0223] 52 Clip ring

[0224] 6, 6' Locking crown

[0225] 6a, 6'a Inner surface of the crown

[0226] 6'b Exterior surface

[0227] 61 Return

[0228] 62 Peripheral cavity

[0229] 621 Cavity bottom

[0230] 621a Ramp

[0231] 63 Slot

[0232] 631 Ramp

[0233] 64 Merlon

[0234] 65a Upper and inner peripheral clearance

[0235] 65b Lower and inner peripheral clearance

[0236] 66 Retaining Ring Tab Locking Cup

[0237] Visible top of crown 6' Index

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Adaptable connector (100. 100') intended to join two fixed, non-coaxial conduits (C1, C2), comprising: - a first assembly (EA) with a base (1) intended to be fixed by one end, integrally and coaxially to the first conduit (Cl) of axis (X1X1) and comprising at its other end a first adaptable sub-assembly (SEA), - a second assembly (EB) comprising a sleeve (2) intended to be fixed by one end (2a) integrally and coaxially to the second conduit (C2) of axis (X2X2) and having at its other end (2b) an adaptable sub-assembly (SEB), - the first and second subassemblies (SEA, SEB) being engaged in each other to adapt to the two conduits (C1, C2) in the adapted state to block the 3D adaptation of the meeting of the two conduits C1, C2 - longitudinal adaptation (AL), - transverse adaptation (AR) (radial), - angular adaptation (Aa).

2. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that the second subassembly (SEB) comprises at the second end (2b) of the sleeve (2), a ball joint (22) provided with an annular cage (23), housed free to slide radially in a cylindrical housing (CA) with an axis coaxial with the axis (X1X1) of the first assembly (EA), provided with a clamping ring (24), blocking by its compression, the radial mobility (AR) and the angular mobility (Aa) of the cage (23) and the ball joint (22) on the base (1)- 3. Connection (100, 100'") according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping ring (24) intended to press the cage (23) against the bearing surface (132) of the cup (13) has a right-angled section of which, - a branch (243) of cylindrical shape with a circular section delimits the cavity (CA) receiving the cage (23), * the branch (243) being connected to a support edge (242) to come onto the shoulder (135) of a cup (13) around the cavity (CA), * the bearing edge (242) having a peripheral ramp-shaped top (241) for cooperating with cramping members (3, S') of the cup (13) of the base (1) and - the other branch (244) forms a support crown (244) on the top of the cage (23), and * ends with a cylindrical fixing surface (245) for a sealing bellows (5), 4. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 2 characterized in that - the end (2a) of the sleeve (2) opposite that connected to the pipe (C2) has a peripheral rib (21) and, - the ball joint (22) in the form of a spherical crown has a cylindrical inner surface (220) corresponding to the outer surface of the sleeve (2) and provided with a peripheral groove (221) receiving the rib (21) and of axial length (L221) greater than that (L21) of the rib (21) to create axial mobility (AL) of the ball joint (22) relative to the sleeve (2), the ball joint (22) being formed of at least two segments (22a) to assemble on the rib (221).

5. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 2, characterized in that the cage (23) is formed by an upper crown (23a) and a lower crown (23b) intended to be assembled on the ball joint (22) placed on the sleeve (2), - the assembly of the two crowns (23a, b) forming * a spherical inner surface (231) of diameter equal to that of the ball joint (22), * a cylindrical outer surface (232), * a top (233) and a bottom (234), planes forming support surfaces.

6. Connection (100, 1.00') according to claim 3, characterized in that the cup (13 comprises: - starting from the sleeve (2), in its axial extension (X.1.X1): - a clearance (131) allowing the end of the sleeve (2) to pivot, - continuing with a support ring (132) in a plane perpendicular to the axis (X1X1) of the base (1), - surmounted by a cylindrical cavity (133) forming part of the cavity (CA) receiving the cage (23), - surmounted by a peripheral housing (134) of larger diameter to receive a seal (52), - a shoulder (135) above the housing (134) to receive the bearing edge (242) of the clamping ring (24).

7. Fitting (100, 100') according to claim 3, characterized in that the clamping members (3, 3') are provided with return springs (31, 31') mounted in the upper edge (136, 136') of the cup (13, 13') and pushing the clamping members (3, 5') towards the clamping ring (24, 24').

8. Fitting (100) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the cramping members (3) are cramping fingers (3) and the cup (13) has an upper edge (136) formed of merlons (137) delimiting radial crenellations (138) whose parallel sides (138a) receive the cramping fingers (3), movable radially to retract and allow the positioning and then the blocking of the ring (24) against the top of the cage (23) housed in the cavity (CA) of the cup (13).

9. Fitting (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the notches (138) are covered by a cover ring (4) fixed to the merlons (137) without projecting radially from them to allow the passage and descent of the ring (24) under the fingers (3) towards the shoulder (135).

10. Connection (100) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the top (136) of the cup (13) covered by the cover ring (4) (135) is provided with a locking crown (6) for locking the subassemblies (SEA, SEB) having in its inner surface ramp cavities in position corresponding to that of the fingers (3) to allow the radial retraction of the fingers (3) pushed back by the passage of the edge of the ring (24) and whose ramped bottom allows, by pivoting the crown (6) on itself, to push back the fingers (3) and to cover the top (241) of the edge of the ring (24) to press it onto the cage (23) and lock it.

11. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 4, characterized in that the ball joint (22) is formed of at least two and preferably three segments (22a) to be assembled on the rib (221) of the end (2a) of the sleeve (2).

12. Fitting (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the fingers (3) have a back (33) with a curved section with a truncated corner (331) to come into contact with the ramp (621a) of the bottom (621) in contact with the finger (3) in the retracted position to push the finger (3) back by pivoting the crown (6) to the locking position of the finger (3) by the inner surface (6a) of the crown (6).

13. Connection (100') according to claims 3 and 7, characterized in that the clamping members are balls (3') and the cup (13') delimiting the cavity (CA) has an upper edge (136') with through holes (138'), opening into the cavity (CA) and each receiving a ball (3') pushed projecting into the cavity (CA) by a spring (31') and a locking crown (6') engaged on the periphery of the outer side (6 'b) and provided with crenellated cavities (63) with ramps (631) in a position homologous to those of the holes (138') to allow the retraction of the balls (3') for clipping the clamping ring (24') then the pushing back of the balls (33') against the clamping ring (24') by the pivoting of the crown (63 and the pushing of the ramps (631) on the balls (3').

14. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 13, characterized in that the spring (313 is a cylindrical ring with cutouts (31a) at the location of the holes (138') etan elastic tab (31b) associated with each cutout to push the balls (3') towards the cavity (CA).

15. Connection (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that the cage (23, 23') is secured axially (XI, XI) to the clamping ring (24, 24') while remaining free transversely.

16. Fitting (1003) according to claim 13, characterized in that the edge (136') of the cup (13') has a rim (1361) and the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (63) has an upper peripheral clearance (65a) to come under the rim (1361) and leave a visible top (68), provided with at least one index (681) corresponding to an unlocking mark (1363a) and a locking mark (1363b) on the rim (1361) of the cup (133).

17. Fitting (100') according to claim 13, characterized in that the crown (6') is retained by a ring (66) in a groove (1362) of the cup (13') projecting under the crown, in particular in a lower and internal peripheral clearance (65b) of the crown (61 18. Fitting (100') according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (6') has a relief forming the upper and inner peripheral clearance (65a) and allowing the crown (6') to be engaged on the edge (136') by passing from below, in engaging the crown (6') to come by its internal relief against the underside of the rim (1361).

19. Fitting (100') according to claim 13, characterized in that the relief of the inner surface (6') is a cylindrical inner surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge (136') fitted with the annular spring (31'). - the relief of the inner surface (6'a) is crenellated, formed of merlons (63) separated by crenellations (63) opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations (63) and merlons (64) forming a lower peripheral clearance (65b), * the notches (63) corresponding to the position of the holes (138') to receive the relief of the balls (3') pushed towards the outside of the edge (136') when the clamping ring (24) is put in place 20. Connection (100') according to claim 13, characterized in that at the axial height of the ball distribution circle (3') the crown (6') has tongues (67) oriented in the peripheral direction and cut out in the merlons (64) associated with each notch (63), - each tab (67) remaining connected to the crown (6') at the level of the associated notch (63) and forming a ramp (631) on the side of the notch (63) to rest on the associated ball (3').

21. Adaptable connection (100') according to claim 20, characterized in that the tongue (67) has a locking cup (671) corresponding to the locking position defined by the locking mark (682b) of the crown (6') pivoted on the index (681) of the rim (224'a) of the cup (42'), this locking cup (671) receiving the tongue (462) of the peripheral spring (46) to deform it by the ball (430 et retain blocked against vibrations of the fitting (100').

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