Adaptable connector for two fixed pipes

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector with a first adaptable part fixed to a first pipe (C1) and a second part integral with a second pipe (C2). The first part comprises a base (1) for the first pipe (C1), terminated by a radial guide (2), a ball-joint cage (3) attached to the radial guide (2) while being free transversely (ΔR) and in rotation about the axis (X1X1), and an orientable and transversely movable connector body (4), comprising: a ball joint (41) engaged in the cage (3) and a snap-fit cup (42). The second part comprises a sleeve (7), the end of which is provided with a snap-fit ring (71).

Description

[0001] Title: Adaptable connection for two fixed conduits

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an adaptable connection intended for two fixed conduits which are not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] There are many shapes and types of fittings for pipes, conduits or other.

[0006] However, these fittings are generally designed to connect two perfectly aligned pipes within the tolerance limits of the fitting.

[0007] However, there are exceptions in which, in principle, the two conduits are in precise, predefined positions, with coaxial axes; but, in practice, for multiple reasons of construction and installation, this principle arrangement cannot be respected.

[0008] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention aims to develop an adaptable connection of simple structure to join two fixed conduits which are not necessarily coaxial or coplanar and whose axis is imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, making it possible to create a sealed connection between the two conduits, one of which is fixed and the other of which can undergo small movements relative to its reference position.

[0010] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to an adaptable connection intended to join two fixed conduits, not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, and one of which can undergo slight displacements, connection characterized in that it comprises a first adaptable part intended to be fixed to the first conduit defining the first assembly axis and a second part intended to be fixed to the second conduit and corresponding to a second reference axis not necessarily coplanar or coaxial with the first axis, but capable of undergoing slight displacements.

[0012] - the first part comprising: A. a base intended to be fixed to the first conduit, terminated by a radial guide,

[0013] B. a ball joint cage attached to the radial guide, being adaptable transversely and in rotation around the axis,

[0014] C. a transversely adaptable connecting body which can be oriented relative to the first axis, comprising:

[0015] * a ball joint engaged in the cage and

[0016] * a lockable clip-on cup, attached to the cage,

[0017] - the second part including:

[0018] D. a sleeve intended to be fixed to the second conduit along its axis and the end of which is fitted with a clipping ring to be clipped into the cup.

[0019] E. a sealing bellows covering the ball joint as well as the sliding assembly of the groove under the cage and the peripheral rib of the coupling body, the bellows being welded to the base and to the cup, the second conduit secured to the coupling body remaining free of adaptable movement transversely and in rotation relative to the radial guide secured to the base and the first conduit.

[0020] The connection overcomes the imprecision of the reference alignment of the conduits (their axes) by its adaptability for the installation and partial blocking of the connection thus adapted to each particular case and constituting a watertight connection between the two conduits while allowing slight movements of a part of the connection secured to the conduit likely to undergo slight displacements, translation orientation relative to its position or its reference axis in which the other part of the connection being secured to the other strictly fixed conduit, while remaining watertight.

[0021] According to an advantageous characteristic, the radial guide is terminated by a peripheral rib and the cage has a groove to receive, with radial play, a peripheral rib of the radial guide.

[0022] According to another advantageous characteristic, the radial guide is a sleeve with a thread separate from the base which has a thread for screwing the radial guide, the radial guide has a passage in the form of a tool imprint, in particular a hexagonal imprint.

[0023] This achievement simplifies the manufacture of the fitting.

[0024] According to another advantageous characteristic, the cup comprises, starting from the ball joint, in its axial extension: a seal housing, continuing with a shoulder in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connection body to receive by clipping the attachment collar of the sleeve, surmounted by a cylindrical cavity receiving the end of the sleeve.

[0025] This structure of the connection body advantageously simplifies the connection while ensuring all the possibilities of adaptation to the two conduits to be connected.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the cup has an edge formed of merlons delimiting radial notches, each receiving a cramping finger, radially movable to retract and allow the attachment collar to be clipped into place against the top of the shoulder and locked.

[0027] According to another characteristic, the clamping fingers are each provided with a return spring mounted in the respective slot of the rim of the cup and pushing the clamping fingers towards the axis of the connection body.

[0028] In particular, the end of the sleeve, opposite that connected to the second conduit, has a hooking collar with a top in the form of a truncated surface to cooperate with the cramping fingers of the cup and a bottom in the form of a bearing surface to come against the shoulder of the cup. To facilitate the guidance of the cramping fingers, the crenellations are covered by a clamping ring fixed to the merlons.

[0029] The clamping is advantageously simplified in that the edge of the cup covered by the clamping ring is provided with a locking crown to block the cramping fingers and having, in its internal contour, peripheral cavities corresponding to the position of the cramping fingers to allow their radial retraction, pushed back by the passage of the edge of the collar and the bottom of which with a ramp allows, by the pivoting of the crown on itself, to push back the fingers and to cover the top in the form of a truncated surface of the collar to press it against the surface of the collar.

[0030] The locking crown itself is locked at the end of the fitting installation, so that the adapted fitting is a partially rigid and watertight fitting, guaranteeing its reliability.

[0031] According to a feature facilitating the tightening pivoting of the crown, the fingers have a back with a curved section with a truncated corner to come into contact with the ramp when the finger is in the retracted position to resume a cylindrical shape of circular section with the ramp for support against the support surface of the back of the finger and of the crown in the locking position.

[0032] According to an advantageous 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 peripheral spring and a locking ring 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 attachment collar then the pushing of the balls against the collar by the pivoting of the ring and the pushing of the ramps on the balls.

[0033] The ball-shaped clamping members facilitate and simplify the production and assembly of the connection and consequently its installation on the construction site and the inspections and maintenance interventions.

[0034] According to an advantageous characteristic, the peripheral spring is a cylindrical ring with cutouts to replace the holes and an elastic tab associated with each cutout to push the ball towards the cavity.

[0035] This peripheral ring carrying the springs, each consisting of a tab associated with the cramping member, considerably simplifies the creation of the connection and its maintenance.

[0036] 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.

[0037] This nested structure of the crown and the cup reduces the bulk and facilitates assembly by a simple operation of fitting the crown onto the cup, especially since, according to another advantageous characteristic, the crown is retained by a ring clipped into a groove in the cup projecting under the crown, in particular in the lower peripheral clearance, inside the crown.

[0038] While the edge of the cup is simply provided with holes each receiving a cramping ball, according to another advantageous characteristic, the interior surface of the crown has a relief forming the upper, interior peripheral clearance allowing the crown to be engaged on the edge by passing, from below to come, by its upper interior relief against the underside of the rim.

[0039] According to an advantageous characteristic, the relief of the inner surface is a cylindrical surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge of the cup receiving the peripheral spring, the relief of the inner peripheral surface is crenellated, formed of merlons separated by crenellations opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations and merlons forming the lower peripheral clearance, the crenellations corresponding to the position of the holes to receive the relief of the balls pushed towards the outside of the edge when the sleeve is put in place.

[0040] Thanks to this simple basic structure, by the relief of merlons and crenellations, at the axial height of the ball distribution circle, the crown has tongues oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the merlons, each tongue remaining connected to the crown at the level of the associated crenellation and forming a ramp on the side of the crenellation to rest on the associated ball when the crown pivots towards its locking position.

[0041] Typically, the tab has a locking cup giving the locking position defined by the locking mark of the crown pivoted on the index of the rim of the cup, this locking cup receiving the tab of the peripheral spring to deform it by the ball and keep it locked against the vibrations of the connection.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] 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:

[0044] [Fig. 1] perspective view of the connection,

[0045] [Fig. 2] axial half-section of the connection in the unadapted state,

[0046] [Fig. 3] simplified exploded half-section of the connection,

[0047] [Fig. 3A] assembled section of the fitting according to Figure 3,

[0048] [Fig. 4] assembled axial half-section of the connection of Figure 2,

[0049] [Fig. 4A] axial half-section of the fitting assembled to the conduit,

[0050] [Fig. 5] exploded perspective view of the connection,

[0051] [Fig. 6] Schematic top view of the locking crown and a cramping finger.

[0052] [Fig. 7] perspective view of another embodiment of the connector, [Fig. 8] axial half-section view of the body of figure 7,

[0053] [Fig. 8A] exploded half-sectional view of the fitting of Figure 8 without its bellows and crown, [Fig. 8B] half-sectional view of the assembled fitting of Figure 8A, [Fig. 9] partial perspective view of the edge of the fitting cup with its peripheral spring,

[0054] [Fig. 10] perspective view of the locking crown of the fitting of figure 7,

[0055] [Fig. 11] in its part A, axial half-section of the assembly zone of the sleeve during clipping and in its part B, view of the clipped and blocked sleeve,

[0056] [Fig. 12] table composed of sectional views and partial top views of the relative position of a ball and the locking crown.

[0057] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0058] According to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to an adaptable connector 100, intended to join two conduits C1, C2, fixed according to predefined positions or axes, not exactly coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations; one of the conduits C1 is by definition perfectly fixed and the other is fixed in its position and its reference axis but it can nevertheless undergo very small movements relative to this reference position.

[0059] The connection consists of two parts, one intended to be fixed to the first duct C 1 such as the outlet of an engine (turbojet) and imposing the axis (X1X1) (first axis) and the other to the second duct C2 forming part of the hot air distribution installation and imposing its axis (X2X2) (second reference axis) but which can undergo small movements

[0060] The displacements are of the order of +1 to +3 mm for radial displacement and of the order of +1° to +3° for angular displacement.

[0061] The connector 100 shown in its state aligned on the axis (X1X1) not yet adapted to the future configuration of the conduits C1, C2, consists of a base 1 connected to the first conduit C1 and a sleeve 7 intended to be connected to the second conduit C2. Figure 1 shows of the connector 100 only the base 1, the sealing bellows 5 and the locking crown 6 and in this, the end 7b of the sleeve 7 constituting the second part of the connector 100.

[0062] The sleeve 7 is shown aligned on the first axis (X1X1) while it will then be adapted to the geometry of the conduits and aligned on the reference axis (X2X2). It is joined to the first part of the connection by its end 7a and by its end 7b, it is welded to the second conduit C2. 1

[0063] The crown 6 is used to lock the connection body 4 once adapted to the geometry of the conduit C2. This crown 6 will be immobilized in its locking position on the connection body 4.

[0064] The sectional view of Figure 2 of the complete connector 100 still aligned on the axis (X1X1), the section of Figure 3 and the exploded view of Figure 3A show the different components and their interactions.

[0065] The base 1 is crossed by the axial passage 10; it is formed of a plate 11 for its fixing to the surface S 1 surrounding the conduit C 1 and thus defining the first axis (X1X1) of the connection which is fixed.

[0066] The base 1 continues with a sleeve 12 and an end crown 13.

[0067] The end crown 13 has a thread 131 and externally a fixing surface 132 for one end of the bellows 5 ensuring the sealing of the assembled connection and adapted to the geometry of the installed conduits C1, C2. The crown 13 has a diameter, adapted to the bellows 5 surrounding the components and allowing their deformations.

[0068] The base 1 is provided with a radial guide 2 receiving the connecting body 4 with its ball joint 41 and its cage 3 for the angular adaptation (Aa) and the radial offset (AR) of the axis (X2X2) relative to the axis (X1X1).

[0069] The radial guide 2 in the form of a sleeve preferably separate from the base 1 is screwed by its threaded end 21 into the tapping 131 of the crown 13. For this, the central passage 20 has a tool grip shape 23, for example, a hexagonal section for its screwing.

[0070] At its other end, the radial guide 2 is provided with a peripheral rib 22 of rectangular section forming bearing surfaces perpendicular to the axis (X1X1); the rib is preceded by a groove 221 thus forming a rectangular profile to receive a profile of complementary shape, of the extension of the connecting body 4 under the cage 3; this complementary profile is a groove 31 whose diameter is increased to have radial clearance AR equal to the difference between the radii of the peripheral rib 22 and the groove 31 of the cage 3.

[0071] This means that the center of rotation O of the ball joint or its cage 3 can move transversely by the distance AR relative to its position centered on the axis (X1X1) defined by the base 1.

[0072] Given the diversity of possible cases this implies that: - if the axes (X1X1) (X2X2) are in the same plane, they will be intersecting at the center O located on the axis (X1X1) since, by definition, the axis of the connecting body 4 will be aligned for its adaptation on the axis (X2X2) of the second conduit C2. - if the axes (X1X1), (X2X2) are not coplanar, the center of the ball joint through which the axis (X2X2) of the connecting body 4 passes located next to the point O inside a disc in the diametral plane passing through the center O and perpendicular to the axis (X1X1) since only a transverse and not a longitudinal offset is possible for the connecting body 4. This disc has a radius equal to AR which is the gap or the play of the engagement of the rib 22 in the groove 31.

[0073] The base 1 or its radial guide 2 receives the cage 3 which is a ring initially open to receive the ball joint 41 and which is then welded to form the cage 3. At the same time as the open ring is closed on the ball joint, its groove 31 is engaged on the peripheral rib 22 to be hooked there, free to rotate around the axis (X1X1) and with the transverse clearance AR. The connection body 4, crossed for the passage 40, consists of the ball joint 41 housed and retained in the spherical surface 32 of the cage 3 and a cup 42 above the ball joint 41. The cup 42 receives the sleeve 7 welded to the end of the conduit C2 for a solid assembly without play.

[0074] For this assembly of the sleeve 7, the cup 42 comprises a housing 421 for a seal 423 and above this, a peripheral shoulder 422. The seal 423 hooked in the housing 421 has a thickness allowing the sleeve 7 to rest on the surface forming the peripheral shoulder 422.

[0075] The edge 424 of the cup 42 has a crenellated shape with merlons 42a delimiting crenellations 42b (figure 5) receiving cramping fingers 43; these fingers 43 are pushed by springs 433 so as to form clipping members with their beak 431 of triangular section having a top 431a and a bottom 431b, inclined in the form of truncated cone-shaped surfaces, as appears in the exploded view of figure 5; the finger 43 is a torus segment of section as it appears, with a body in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped terminated by the beak 431.

[0076] The top 42 of the connecting body 4 is covered by a clamping ring 44 completing the guidance of the fingers 43 in the notches 42b. The assembly is covered by a locking ring 6 surrounding the edge 424 and the clamping ring 44. The locking ring 6 is retained on the cup 42 by a clipped ring 51, engaged in a groove 641 in the lower part of its inner contour 64, under the edge 424 of the cup 42.

[0077] The inner contour 64 facing the axis (X1X1) has peripheral cavities 62 associated with the fingers 43; each cavity has a bottom 621 with a ramp 621a. The bottom 621 has a radial depth allowing the finger 43 associated with the cavity to retract into it when it is pushed back by the frustoconical collar 71 at the first end 7a of the sleeve 7 for its clipping. The ramp 621a of the bottom 621 of each cavity 62 preferably joins in tangency the surface of the inner contour 64 which is also that of the rim 42 and the ring 44 to push back the fingers 43 sliding on the frustoconical surface 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7 and apply its underside 712 against the shoulder 422, compressing the seal 423 ensuring the sealing of this junction.

[0078] The other end 7b of the sleeve 7 has an edge 72 intended to be welded to the second conduit C2. The sleeve 7 has an axial passage 70 oriented on the axis (X2X2) of the conduit C2.

[0079] The sealing of the orientable junction formed by the ball joint 41 and the transverse adaptation by the rib 22 and the groove 31 is achieved by the bellows 5 welded on the one hand to the surface 132 of the end crown 13 and on the other hand, to the peripheral surface 425 under the edge 424 of the cup 42. The sealing between the sleeve 7 and its assembly to the connection body 4 is achieved by the junction of the underside 712 of the sleeve 7 against the shoulder 422 and the seal 423.

[0080] The exploded half-section of Figure 3 shows the detail of the components of the connector 100 without the locking ring 6, the bellows 5 and the seal 423.

[0081] The edge 424 of the cup 42 reveals a merlon 42a. The spring 433 of the clamping finger 43 is engaged by one end 433a in a housing 426 in which the loop of the spring retracts; the other end 433b is engaged in a housing 434 in the finger 43. The spring 433 pushes the clamping finger 43 towards the axis (X2X2) of the connection body 4.

[0082] The spring 433 creates the clipping effect retaining the finger 43 when the frustoconical collar 71 of the sleeve 7 is pushed towards the shoulder 422. The exploded view shows the torus segment shape of the spout 431. Figure 3 A shows the components of Figure 3 in the assembled state; the clamping fingers 43 are tightened while resting on the frustoconical collar 71 of the sleeve 7.

[0083] Figure 4 shows the complete connector 100 with the sleeve 7 clipped into the connector body 4 in a position aligned with the axis (X1X1). The sleeve 7 is not yet adapted to the orientation and position of the second conduit C2.

[0084] The position of the connector 100 is the waiting position in which the locking crown 6 is not rotated around the axis (X2X2) of the connector body 4; the cavity 62 is always in alignment with the finger 43 and allows it to retract to unclip the sleeve 7 and weld it to the second conduit C2.

[0085] Figure 4A shows the axial half-section of the connector 100 in the assembled position to the conduits C1, C2.

[0086] Figure 5 is an uncut exploded view showing the detail of the components, the description of which will not be repeated. This view shows the toroidal segment shape of the cramping fingers 43 and their beak 431.

[0087] The clamping ring 44 is shown with its screws 441 which fit into threads 442 in the top of the merlons 42a.

[0088] The top of the return 61 of the locking crown 6 also has screw holes 63 for locking the crown 6 in the rotated position for locking the fingers 43.

[0089] In the example shown, the connecting body 4 has four cramping fingers 43 distributed regularly around the axis of the body 4.

[0090] The fingers 43 have a back 433 of a shape adapted to slide against the ramp 421a of the cavities 62. The bottom of the cavities 62 has its greatest radial depth in the unlocking or waiting position shown in Figure 4.

[0091] The ramp 421a joins the inner contour 64, cylindrical with a circular section coming to bear against the contour formed by the edge 424 of the cup 42 and the outer contour of the ring 44.

[0092] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a clamping finger 43 in its retracted position (part A) for the passage of the clamping ring 44. The finger 43 is engaged in the peripheral cavity 62 and the crown 6 is pivoted into its release position.

[0093] The back 432 of the cramping finger 43 has a truncated corner 432a and the ramp 621a of the bottom 621 of the cavity 62 provides a large contact surface to the truncated corner 432a when the ring 6 is rotated a fraction of a turn to push back the finger 43.

[0094] 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 against the back 432 of the finger, in its position of locking the clamping ring 44 by the locking crown 6.

[0095] 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. This simplification is also applied to the references of the claims.

[0096] Figures 7 and 8 show this other embodiment of the adaptable connection 100', intended to join two conduits C1, C2, fixed according to predefined positions or axes, not exactly coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations; one of the conduits C1 is by definition perfectly fixed and the other is fixed in its position and its reference axis but it can nevertheless undergo very small movements relative to this reference position.

[0097] The connector 100' like the first embodiment consists of two parts, one intended to be fixed to the first conduit C1 such as the outlet of an engine (turbojet) and imposing the axis (X1X1) (first axis) and the other to the second conduit C2.

[0098] The connector 100' shown in its state aligned on the axis (X1X1) not yet adapted to the future configuration of the conduits C1, C2, consists of a base 1 connected to the first conduit C1 and a sleeve 7 intended to be connected to the second conduit C2. Figure 7 shows only the base 1, the sealing bellows 5 and the locking crown 6 and in this, the end 7b of the sleeve 7 constituting the second part of the connector 100'.

[0099] The sleeve 7 is shown aligned on the first axis (X1X1) while it will then be adapted to the geometry of the conduits and aligned on the reference axis (X2X2). It is joined to the first part of the connection by its end 7a and by its end 7b, it is welded to the second conduit C2.

[0100] The 6' crown used to lock the 4' fitting body once adapted to the geometry of the C2 conduit will be immobilized in its locking position on the 4' fitting body to resist vibrations while allowing the opening of the 100' adaptable fitting by a significant unlocking torque involved by hand or with a tool.

[0101] The axial sectional view of Figure 8 of the complete connector 100' still aligned on the axis (X1X1) is supplemented by the exploded view of Figure 8A showing the different components and their interactions.

[0102] The base 1 crossed by the axial passage 10 is formed of a plate 11 for its fixing. The base 1 continues with a sleeve 12 and an end crown 13.

[0103] The end crown 13 has a thread 131 and externally a fixing surface 132 for one end of the bellows 5 ensuring the sealing of the assembled connection and adapted to the geometry of the installed conduits C1, C2.

[0104] The base 1 is provided with a radial guide 2 receiving the connecting body 4' with its ball joint 41 and its cage 3 for the angular adaptation (An) and the radial offset (AR) of the axis (X2X2) relative to the axis (X1X1).

[0105] The radial guide 2 in the form of a sleeve preferably separate from the base 1 is screwed by its threaded end 21 into the tapping 131 of the crown 13. For this, the central passage 20 has a tool grip shape, for example, a hexagonal section for its screwing.

[0106] At its other end, the radial guide 2 is provided with a peripheral rib 22 of rectangular section forming bearing surfaces perpendicular to the axis (X1X1); the rib is preceded by a groove 221 thus forming a rectangular profile to receive a profile of complementary shape, of the extension of the connecting body 4 under the cage 3; this complementary profile is a groove 31 whose diameter is increased to have radial play equal to the difference between the radii of the peripheral rib 22 and the groove 31 of the cage 3 with the same characteristics as in the first embodiment.

[0107] The connection body 4', crossed for the passage 40, consists of the ball joint 41 housed and retained in the spherical surface 32 of the cage 3 and a cup 42' above the ball joint 41. The cup 42' receives the sleeve 7 welded to the end of the conduit C2 for a solid assembly without play.

[0108] For this assembly of the sleeve 7, the cup 42' has a housing 421 for a seal 423 and above this, a peripheral shoulder 422 on which the sleeve 7 rests.

[0109] The locking ring 6' is held to the cup 42' by a ring 51 clipped into a groove 424'c of the cup 42'.

[0110] The inner surface 6a of the crown 6' has notches 65 forming cavities associated with the balls 43'; each cavity has a bottom with a ramp 651. The bottom has a radial depth allowing the ball 43' to retract into it when it is pushed back by the frustoconical collar 71 at the first end 7a of the sleeve 7 for its clipping. The ramp 651 of each notch 65 preferably joins in tangency the inner surface 6'a which is also that of the edge 424' to push back the balls 43' sliding on the frustoconical surface 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7 and apply its underside 712 against the shoulder 422, compressing the seal 423.

[0111] The sealing of the overall orientable junction formed by the ball joint 41 and adaptable transversely by the rib 22 and the groove 31 is achieved by the bellows 5 welded on the one hand to the surface 132 of the end crown 13 and on the other hand, to the peripheral surface 425 under the edge 424' of the cup 42'. The sealing between the sleeve 7 and its assembly to the connection body 4' is achieved by the junction of the underside 712 of the sleeve 7 against the shoulder 422 and the seal 423.

[0112] Figure 8A shows in section the clip-on assembly of the attachment collar 71 in the cup 42' forming the circular cavity CA.

[0113] The edge 424' of the cup 42' is crossed by holes 45 distributed over a circle in the periphery of the edge and receiving the cramping members in the form of balls 43' held elastically by a peripheral spring 46. This spring 46 is constituted by a flat ring (figure 12) split, placed on the outer side of the edge 424'; and at least partially covering the balls 43' in the respective holes 25.

[0114] The peripheral spring 46 (fig. 9) is a cylindrical ring with triangular cutouts 461 and a tab 462 at the peripheral locations corresponding to those of the holes 45 so as not to block the rear of the holes 45 (external side) and to bear by the tab 462 against the rear of the ball 43' of the associated hole 25, while allowing the ball 43' to be pushed back for clipping the attachment collar 71.

[0115] According to figures 8A, 8B, 9, the spring 46 is housed in a peripheral clearance 424'c of the edge 424' so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface on which the locking crown 6' rests and pivots.

[0116] The edge 424' ends with a rim 424'a above the series of holes 25 (figure 9).

[0117] The locking crown 6' (figures 7, 10) has an outer surface 6 Ta knurled, ribbed or grooved to facilitate its grip for tightening / loosening the crown 6' relative to the cup 42'.

[0118] 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 424' of the cup 42' by passing from below according to the orientation of the figures, to come by its inner relief against the underside of the rim 424'a, as appears in the sectional views of figure 11. The crown 6' is retained axially by a ring 51 engaged in the groove 424h of the edge 424'.

[0119] 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 424' fitted with the annular spring 46 retained in the peripheral direction by a pin or screw, passing through the bore 464 of the spring 46 astride its mounting slot 463 (figure 9).

[0120] The relief of the inner surface 6'a is crenellated, formed of merlons 66 separating crenellations 65 opening upwards, but closed at the bottom. The relief under the crenellations 65 and the merlons 66, the inner surface 6'a has a lower peripheral clearance 65b (figure 10) to receive in abutment, the relief of the retaining ring 51.

[0121] The notches 65 form cavities corresponding to the position of the holes 45 to receive the relief of the balls 43' pushed towards the outside of the edge 424' when the attachment collar 71 is put in place.

[0122] At the axial height (axis X1X1) of the ball distribution circle 43', the crown 6' has tabs 67 oriented in the peripheral direction and cut out in the merlons 66 associated with each notch 65 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 9 for a locking pivot in the clockwise direction.

[0123] Each tab 67 remaining connected to the crown 6' at the level of the notch 65 forms a ramp 651 on the side of the notch, continuing with a very slight ramp and a locking cup 652 for the position of locking of the balls by the crown 6'. When, by the pivoting of the crown 6', the cups 652 arrive at the back of the tabs 462, themselves pressed against each ball 43'; the thrust exerted by the inner surface 6'a of the merlons 66 and the resistance opposed by the balls 43' deform and slightly curve the tabs 462 which lock in the respective cups with the balls 43' 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 opposing torque exerted on the 6' crown by hand or, preferably, with a lever-forming tool.

[0124] The ramp 651 allows, by the rotation of the crown 6', to push the ball 43' against and on top of the peripheral ramp 711 of the collar 71 to block the sleeve 7 as well as the connection body 4'. The pivoting of the clamping crown 6' is done by hand.

[0125] The visible top 68 of the crown 6' has an index 681 cooperating with two marks 682a, 682b of the rim 424'a in the form of notches completed by an indication of unlocking or non-locking and an indication of blocking or locking allowing the installer who completes the assembly of the connection 100' to know exactly the relative pivoting position of the crown 6' with respect to the cup 42'; the latter is, in principle, fixed in rotation with respect to the axis X1X1. But since the location of the connection 100' may be difficult to access or to see in its entirety, it is preferable to duplicate these locating means, for example, in diametrically opposed positions as shown for the crown 6' in Figure 9 and for the assembly, in Figures 7; Figure 11 (part A) thus shows the unblocked position to allow the sleeve 7 / pipe C2 assembly to be put in place and shows the blocked position (part B).

[0126] The ramp 711 of the collar 71 is pressed to sink, push back the balls 43', and pass under them and lodge against the shoulder 422 of the cavity CA. The cylindrical-shaped locking ring 6' surrounding the edge 424' of the cup 42' in the unclamped position allows, by its notches 65, the retraction of the balls 43' for the passage of the edge of the collar 71.

[0127] After pivoting a fraction of a turn, the crown 6' pushes back the balls 43' through the ramp 651 of the notches and blocks the entire connection 100'.

[0128] Figure 11, in its parts A and B, shows the installation of the sleeve 7. Part A shows the sleeve 7 being engaged, pushing the ball 43' against the thrust of the tab 652 up to the bottom of the cavity formed by the notch of the crown 6' associated with this ball 43'.

[0129] Part B shows the locking position resulting from the pivoting of the locking crown 6' pushing the ball 43' onto the top 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7; in this state, the ball, strongly compressed by the crown 6' comes into the locking cup 652 of the inner surface of the crown 6' with interposition and deformation of the tongue 462 of the spring 46.

[0130] Figure 12 is a table showing the relative position of the locking ring 6' and a ball 43', in sectional view and in top view for the free position of the ball allowing the sleeve to be clipped then the position during tightening by the pivoting of the locking ring 6', the position of the edge 424' of the cup remaining fixed, and finally, the locking position or clamped position of the locking ring with its locking cup 652 against the rear part of the ball with the interposition of the tab 462 of the spring 46.

[0131] The top views of the crown 6' and the top of the rim 424'a of the cup show the position of the index 681 carried by the crown 6' first facing the unlocking mark 682a then in an intermediate position between the marks 682a, 682b and finally the index 681 facing the locking mark 682b. NOMENCLATURE OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS

[0132] 100, 100' Connection

[0133] 1 Base 10 Axial passage

[0134] 11 Fixing plate

[0135] 12 Sleeve

[0136] 13 End crown

[0137] 131 Thread 132 Bellows mounting surface

[0138] 2 Radial guide

[0139] 20 Axial passage

[0140] 21 Thread

[0141] 22 Peripheral rib 221 Throat

[0142] 23 Tool grip

[0143] 3 Cage

[0144] 31 Groove for the rib

[0145] 32 Spherical inner surface 4, 4' Fitting body

[0146] 40 Axial passage

[0147] 41 Ball joint

[0148] 42, 42' Cup

[0149] 42a Merlon 42b Créneau

[0150] 421 Seal housing

[0151] 422 Shoulder

[0152] 423 Joint

[0153] 424 Edge of the cup 424' Edge of the cup

[0154] 424'a Ledge

[0155] 4244) peripheral clearance for spring 46

[0156] 424'c groove for ring 51

[0157] 425 Peripheral surface 425' Peripheral clearance

[0158] 426 Spring housing

[0159] 43 Cramp organ / Cramp finger

[0160] 43' Spike ball

[0161] 431 Finger beak 431a Top of beak

[0162] 431b Underside of the beak

[0163] 432 Back of the finger

[0164] 432a Truncated corner

[0165] 433 Spring 433a Spring branch 433b Spring branch

[0166] 434 Spring housing in the finger

[0167] 44 Clamping ring

[0168] 441 Fixing screw 442 Threading in the merlon

[0169] 45 Drilling

[0170] 46 Peripheral spring

[0171] 461 Cutting

[0172] 462 Tab 463 Mounting slot

[0173] 464 Drilling

[0174] 5 Bellows

[0175] 51 Clip ring

[0176] 6, 6' Locking crown 6a, 6'a Inner surface

[0177] 6 h Exterior surface

[0178] 61 Return

[0179] 62 Peripheral cavity

[0180] 621 Cavity bottom 621a Ramp

[0181] 63 Screw drilling

[0182] 64 Inner contour

[0183] 65 Slot

[0184] 65a Upper peripheral clearance 65b Lower peripheral clearance

[0185] 651 Ramp

[0186] 652 Locking bowl

[0187] 66 Merlon

[0188] 67 Tab 68 Top of the locking crown

[0189] 681 Index

[0190] 682a Unlocking Mark

[0191] 682b Blocking Marker

[0192] 7 Sleeve 7a First end

[0193] 7b Second end

[0194] 70 Axial passage

[0195] 71 Hanging collar

[0196] 711 Top / truncated surface 712 Bottom / support surface

[0197] 72 Welded edge

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Adaptable connection (100, 100*) intended to join two fixed conduits (Cl, C2), not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, and one of which can undergo small displacements, connection characterized in that it comprises a first adaptable part intended to be fixed to the first conduit (Cl) defining the first assembly axis (X1X1) and a second part intended to be fixed to the second conduit (C2) and corresponding to a second reference axis (X2X2) not necessarily coplanar or coaxial with the first axis (X1X1), but capable of undergoing slight displacements - the first part including: A. a base (1) intended to be fixed to the first conduit (Cl), terminated by a radial guide (2), B. a ball joint cage (3) attached to the radial guide (2) while being adaptable transversely (AR) and in rotation around the axis (X1X1), C. a connecting body (4) adaptable transversely and orientable relative to the first axis (X1X1), comprising: * a ball joint (41) engaged in the cage (3) and * a lockable clipping cup (42), secured to the cage (3), - the second part including: D. a sleeve (7) intended to be fixed to the second conduit (C2) along its reference axis (X2X2) and the end of which is provided with a clipping ring (71) to be clipped into the cup (42). E. a sealing bellows (5) covering the ball joint (41) as well as the sliding assembly of the groove (31) under the cage (3) and the peripheral rib (22) of the connection body (4), the bellows being welded to the base (1) and to the cup (42), the second conduit (C2) secured to the connection body (4) remaining free of adaptable movement transversely and in rotation relative to the radial guide (2) secured to the base (1) and the first conduit (Cl).

2. Adaptable connection (100, 100 5 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the radial guide (2) is terminated by a peripheral rib (22) and, - the cage (3) has a groove (31) for receiving, with radial play, a peripheral rib of the radial guide (2).

3. Adaptable connection (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial guide (2) is a sleeve with a thread (21) separate from the base (1) which has a thread (131) for screwing the radial guide (2), and the radial guide (2) has a passage (20) in the form of a tool imprint, in particular a hexagonal imprint.

4. Adaptable connection (100, 100') according to claim 1 characterized in that the cup (42) comprises, starting from the ball joint (41), in its axial extension: - a seal housing (421), continuing with a shoulder (422) in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connection body (4) to receive by clipping the attachment collar (71) of the sleeve (7).

5. Adaptable connection (100) according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the cup (42) has an edge (424) formed of merlons (42a) delimiting radial notches (42b), each receiving a radially movable cramping finger (43) to retract and allow the attachment collar (71) to be clipped into place against the top of the shoulder (422) and locked.

6. Adaptable connection (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping fingers (43) are each provided with a return spring (433) mounted in the respective slot of the rim (424) of the cup (42) and pushing the clamping fingers (43) towards the axis of the connection body (4).

7. Adaptable connection (100, 100') according to claim 4 characterized in that the end (7a) of the sleeve (7), opposite that (7b) connected to the second conduit (C2) has a hooking collar (71) with a top in the form of a truncated cone surface (711) to cooperate with fingers (43) or balls (43^ for cramping the cup (42, 42') and a bottom in the form of a bearing surface (712) to come against the shoulder (422) of the cup (42, 42').

8. Adaptable connection (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the notches (42b) are covered by a clamping ring (44) fixed to the merlons (42a).

9. Adaptable coupling (100) according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the edge (424) of the cup (42) covered by the clamping ring (44) is provided with a locking crown (6) for locking the cramping fingers (43) and having, in its inner contour (64), cavities peripherals (62) corresponding to the position of the cramping fingers (43) to allow their radial retraction, pushed back by the passage of the edge of the collar (71) and whose bottom (621) with a ramp (621a) allows, by the pivoting of the crown (6) on itself, to push back each finger (43) and to cover the top in the form of a truncated surface (711) of the collar (7) to press it against the surface (712) of the collar (7).

10. Connection (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fingers (43) have a back (432) of curved section with a truncated corner (432a) to come into contact with the ramp (621a) of the bottom (621) of the peripheral groove (62).

11. Fitting (100') according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, characterized in that it comprises ball-shaped cramping members (S') and a cup (423 delimiting the cavity (CA) has an upper edge (4243 with through holes (45), opening into the cavity (CA) and each receiving a ball (433 pushed projecting into the cavity (CA) by a peripheral spring (46) and a locking ring (63 engaged on the periphery of the outer side (6h) and provided with crenellated cavities (65) with ramps (651) in a position homologous to those of the holes (45) to allow the retraction of the balls (433 for clipping the attachment collar (71) then the pushing back of the balls (433 against the collar (71) by the pivoting of the locking ring (63 and the pushing of the ramps (651) on the balls (433- 12. Adaptable connection (1003 according to claim 11, characterized in that the peripheral spring (45) is a cylindrical ring with cutouts (461) at the location of the holes (45) and an elastic tab (462) associated with each cutout to push the ball (43') towards the cavity (CA).

13. Adaptable connection (1003 according to claim 11, characterized in that the edge (4243 of the cup (423 a un rim (424'a) and the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (63 has an upper peripheral clearance (65a) to come under the rim (424'a) and leave a visible top (68), provided with at least one index (681) corresponding to an unlocking mark (682a) and to a locking mark (682b) on the rim (424'a) of the cup (423- 14. Adaptable connection (1003 according to claim 11, characterized in that the crown (6') is retained by a ring (51) clipped into a groove (424'C) of the cup (42') projecting under the crown, in particular in the lower, internal peripheral clearance (65b) of the crown (6').

15. Adaptable connection (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (61) has a relief forming the upper and inner peripheral clearance (65a) allowing the crown (69) to be engaged on the edge (424') by passing from below, to come by its upper inner relief against the underside of the rim (424'a).

16. Adaptable connection (100*) according to claim 11, characterized in that the relief of the inner surface (6'a) is a cylindrical surface which corresponds, within the clearance, to the surface of the edge (2429) of the cup (42 s ) receiving the peripheral spring (46), - the relief of the inner peripheral surface (6'a) is crenellated, formed of merlons (66) separated by crenellations (65) opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations (65) and merlons (66) forming the lower peripheral clearance (65b), * the notches (65) corresponding to the position of the holes (45) to receive the relief of the balls (S') pushed towards the outside of the edge (2429 when the sleeve (7) is put in place.

17. Adaptable connection (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that at the axial height of the distribution circle of the balls (439, ^ a crown (69 has tabs (67) oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the merlons (66), - each tab (67) remaining connected to the crown (69 at the level of the associated notch (65) and forming a ramp (651) on the side of the notch (65) to rest on the associated ball (439) when the crown (6') pivots towards its locking position.

18. Adaptable connection (100') according to claim 17, characterized in that the tongue (67) has a locking cup (652) giving the locking position defined by the locking mark (682b) of the crown (69 pivoted on the index (681) of the transfer (224'a) of the cup (429, this locking cup (652) receiving the tongue (462) of the peripheral spring (46) to deform it by the ball (439 et ^ a retain blocked against vibrations of the fitting (1009-

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