FLUID CONNECTION DEVICE AND INSERABLE NON-RETURN VALVE FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

Fluid connection device (10) for a fluid circuit, particularly in a vehicle, this device comprising: - a first pipe (12), - a tubular fitting engaged in the first pipe (12), - a first flange (16) mounted around the first pipe (12), - a second flange (18) mounted around the fitting, - at least one element (20) for fastening the first and second flanges (16, 18) to each other, and - an insertable non-return valve (100) mounted inside the first pipe (12). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: FLUID CONNECTION DEVICE AND INSERABLE NON-RETURN VALVE FOR VEHICLES Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid connection device and an insertable non-return valve for a fluid circuit, in particular of a vehicle. Technical background

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes several fluid circuits which are equipped with fluid connection devices and non-return valves.

[0003] It is known to associate a non-return valve with a fluid connection device, this device comprising, for example, a body in which the non-return valve is mounted. The body is intended to be fixed to one end of a first pipe and includes an annular flange for fixing to an annular flange mounted on one end of a second pipe.

[0004] This device ensures the fluid connection of the pipes, and may include seals to ensure a tight seal of this connection.

[0005] The check valve is configured to allow the flow of a fluid in the pipes, in one direction, and to prevent the flow of this fluid in the opposite direction.

[0006] The present invention proposes an improvement to existing technology, which is simple, efficient and economical. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a connection device fluidic for a fluid circuit, particularly in a vehicle, this device comprising:

[0008] - a first pipe comprising a main section of internal diameter DI and a secondary section having at least an internal diameter D2 greater than Dl, the secondary section being located at one end of the first pipe and connected to the main section by a first constriction, this first pipe being made of a plastically deformable material and comprising a first external annular collar,

[0009] - a tubular end piece comprising an end section of external diameter D3 which is configured to be engaged along an axis A in the secondary section of the first pipe, this end fitting having an external cylindrical shoulder,

[0010] - a first flange mounted around the secondary section of the first pipe and comprising a first opening through which this secondary section passes, this first flange being configured to bear axially on the first flange,

[0011] - a second flange mounted around the nozzle and having a second orifice traversed by this nozzle, this second flange being configured to bear axially on the cylindrical shoulder, the first and second flanges being configured to be clamped against each other in a connection plane substantially perpendicular to said axis A in order to bring the first collar closer to said cylindrical shoulder and to keep the nozzle engaged in the first pipe,

[0012] - at least one element for fastening the first and second flanges against each other, And

[0013] - an insertable non-return valve mounted inside said secondary section, and located axially between said first narrowing and said end section.

[0014] The present invention proposes connecting a first pipe to a tubular fitting, which can itself be a second pipe, by means of flanges. This device is equipped with a non-return valve that is insertable, meaning that it forms an insert inside the first pipe. In other words, the valve is not integrated or inserted into a body of the device that is independent of the pipes, but is instead directly inserted into one of the pipes. To achieve this, the first pipe preferably has its internal diameter enlarged to accommodate the valve. The valve is axially interposed between the constriction of the first pipe and the tubular fitting (or the second pipe) and is thus prevented from exiting the first pipe.

[0015] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0016] - the first collar is located at a free end of said secondary section; - an annular sealing gasket is inserted axially and tightened between the first collar and the tip;

[0017] — the first collar is obtained by plastic deformation of the free end of said secondary section;

[0018] - said nozzle is attached and fixed to one end of a second pipe; - said second flange is crimped onto said end piece; - said nozzle is an integral part of a second pipe which is made of a plastically deformable material; - said cylindrical shoulder is formed by a second external annular collar located at an axial distance from a free end of said end section; - said second collar is obtained by plastic deformation of the second pipe, this collar being formed by an external annular bulge whose opposing annular walls are axially pressed against each other so that the second collar has an axial thickness greater than a radial thickness of the second pipe; - said end section includes at least one external annular groove for housing an annular sealing gasket configured to cooperate with an internal annular surface of said secondary section; - said at least one groove is obtained by plastic deformation of the end section; - said at least one fastening element includes a screw or bolt which passes through holes opposite said first and second flanges; - said secondary section comprises a first portion with an internal diameter D2' greater than D2, and a second portion with an internal diameter D2 located between the main section and said first portion, D2 being greater than DI and less than D2'; - the said first and second portions are connected together by a second narrowing of the first pipe; - the valve is mounted inside the second portion and the end section is mounted inside the first portion;

[0019] — each of the flanges is one piece;

[0020] — the first pipe, and / or the second pipe, and / or the nozzle, is / are made of metal, for example aluminum.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a fluid circuit for a vehicle, comprising at least one fluid connection device as described above.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, comprising at least one fluid device or circuit as described above.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an insertable non-return valve for a fluid circuit, in particular for a vehicle, this valve being configured to be inserted into a pipe and comprising:

[0024] - a tubular body having a principal axis A and comprising a cylindrical surface externally configured to be surrounded by an internal cylindrical surface of the pipe, this body comprising an internal annular rim and an internal annular seat,

[0025] - a ring mounted at least partially in or on said body and comprising guides extending radially with respect to said axis A,

[0026] - a piston mounted in said body and comprising a head carrying a first seal annular seal configured to bear against said seat, the piston having a first side and lugs extending axially from this first side and configured to cooperate by sliding with said guides, the piston further having a second opposite side and fingers extending axially from this second side and configured to cooperate by sliding with an internal periphery of said rim, and

[0027] - an elastically deformable member mounted between the head and the ring and configured to stress the joint by axially bearing against said seat,

[0028] said piston being axially mobile from a closed position of the valve in which the first seal is axially supported on said seat, to an open position of the valve in which the first seal is at an axial distance from said seat, this movement being intended to be caused by a fluid which is intended to apply a force on said second side, which is greater than an elastic restoring force imposed by said member,

[0029] said head comprising at its external periphery lugs which extend in a radial direction with respect to said axis and which are configured to bear axially against an internal cylindrical shoulder of said body, when the piston is in said first position, in order to precisely define this first position, the fluid being intended to flow between these lugs when the piston is in said second position.

[0030] The valve according to the invention is designed to optimize fluid flow by limiting turbulence and pressure losses. To this end, the valve piston includes radial lugs between which the fluid can flow. The inventors have found that the use of such lugs is advantageous compared to the use of an external annular rib extending over 360°, for optimizing the fluid passage cross-section while limiting turbulence in the fluid flow. This improves the valve's pressure losses and therefore the energy efficiency of the circuit. These lugs are configured to bear axially against the valve body in order to precisely and positively define the piston's rest position within the valve. In this position, the seal bears against the seat and ensures the valve's tightness in the closed position.

[0031] Furthermore, the elastic element helps to keep the seal on its seat and limits piston vibrations during operation, which can generate noise during certain transient phases. These vibrations can propagate and create noise disturbances in the vehicle's passenger compartment, for example. The presence of this element also ensures the valve's seal in the event of a small pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the piston, or if the valve is mounted vertically. Leaks in the valve would increase the circuit's energy consumption.

[0032] The valve according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0033] - the tubular body is made of plastic material and / or the ring is made of material plastic or metal; - the ring is engaged in or on the body by elastic snap-fit; - the body includes radial notches at one axial end defining between them elastically deformable lips in the radial direction, the ring being intended to be at least partially surrounded by these lips; - the external cylindrical surface of the body includes at least one annular anchoring rib in said pipe; - the external cylindrical surface of the body includes at least one external annular groove, the valve further comprising at least one second annular seal mounted in this groove; - said seat is formed by a frustoconical surface located on one side of said rim and / or between this rim and said shoulder; - said fingers are located at an external periphery of said second side and are each connected to a protruding edge on this second side, these edges extending radially from the axis A from the fingers and meeting at the level of this axis A; this second side is therefore profiled to limit turbulence and pressure losses in the fluid flow; - said edges are connected to a radial face of said second side by concave curved surfaces with an aerodynamic profile; - said legs are connected to a protruding base on said first side, this base being configured to bear axially against said guides, when the piston is in said second position, in order to precisely define this second position; this first side is preferably profiled to limit turbulence and pressure losses in the fluid flow; - the first seal is located in an external annular groove of the head which is formed in an external cylindrical surface of the head;

[0034] — said fingers extending in the axial continuation of said cylindrical surface external ;

[0035] - said lugs are projecting on an external annular rim of the head, and in particular on an annular surface of this rim which has in axial section a convex rounded shape; - said rim has a maximum external diameter less than an internal diameter of said shoulder and said lugs have external radial ends which are located on a circumference centered on axis A which has a diameter between the internal diameter of said shoulder and its external diameter;

[0036] — the number of spurs is between 2 and 10, and preferably between 2 and 4;

[0037] — each of the lugs 166 has a circumferential extent around said axis A which is between 5 and 60°,

[0038] — the total sum of the circumferential extents of the lugs represents preferably at most 180°;

[0039] — said guides meet at said axis;

[0040] — said elastic element is mounted tightly around said legs, and is preferably a helical compression spring;

[0041] — said elastic element is axially supported on said guides which may include each one has a radial stop on this element;

[0042] The present invention also relates to a pipe for a fluid circuit, particularly an automotive one, comprising a valve as described above, which is inserted into:

[0043] - a section of this pipe, preferably after plastic deformation of the latter in order to to widen its internal diameter, or

[0044] - a bore of a block fixed, for example by brazing or welding, to one end of the pipe. An annular mounting flange can be integrated into this block to allow it to be attached, by at least one fastener, to a complementary annular flange. Alternatively, the bore of the block can form, on the side opposite the pipe, a female end fitting for receiving a complementary male end fitting from another pipe. A flexible snap-lock system can be mounted on the block to axially retain the ends fittings together.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, comprising at least one valve or pipe as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0046] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of a fluidic connection device according to a first embodiment of the invention:

[0048] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the device in [Fig.1];

[0049] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the pipes of the device [Fig.l];

[0050] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of an insertable non-return valve of the device of [Fig.1];

[0051] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective and axial section view of one of the pipes of the device in [Fig.1];

[0052] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective and axial section view of the other pipe of the device in [Fig.1];

[0053] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a valve body the [Fig.4];

[0054] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of a ring of the valve the [Fig.4];

[0055] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of a piston of the valve the [Fig.4];

[0056] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is another schematic perspective view of the piston of the valve of the [Fig.4];

[0057] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic perspective view of the piston, a seal and of an elastic element of the valve of the [Fig.4];

[0058] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic perspective view of the piston, the seal, of the elastic element and the ring of the valve of the [Fig.4];

[0059] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the valve of [Fig. 4] , and represents a closed position of the valve;

[0060] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic cross-sectional view along line XV- XV of the [Fig. 13];

[0061] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the valve of [Fig. 4] , and represents an open position of the valve;

[0062] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a variant of a implementation of a fluidic connection device according to the invention;

[0063] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a schematic perspective view of a tubular end piece of the device of the [Fig. 16];

[0064] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a schematic perspective view of the tubular end piece and of a flange of the device of the [Fig. 16];

[0065] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of another variant of implementation of a fluidic connection device according to the invention;

[0066] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a schematic perspective and axial section view of a pipe and a flange of the device of the [Fig. 19];

[0067] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a schematic perspective and axial section view similar to that of [Fig. 12], and represents a variant embodiment of the device; and

[0068] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of another variant of implementation of the device. Detailed description of the invention

[0069] Figures 1 to 17 illustrate a first embodiment of a fluid connection device 10 for a fluid circuit, as well as an insertable non-return valve 100 for such a device or circuit. This device 10 is advantageously of the autonomous or unpiloted type.

[0070] Figures 1 and 2 show the device 10 in its entirety. This device 10 comprises:

[0071] - a first pipe 12 and a second pipe 14,

[0072] - a first flange 16 mounted around the first pipe 12, and a second flange 18 mounted around the second pipe 14,

[0073] - at least one element 20 for fixing the flanges 16, 18, and

[0074] - the valve 100 which is inserted into the first pipe 12.

[0075] Figures 3, 5 and 6 illustrate pipes 12, 14 and show details of these pipes. Figures 4 and 7 to 15 illustrate valve 100 and show components and details of this valve.

[0076] The different parts of the device 10 will now be described one after the other.

[0077] The first pipe 12 is partially shown in the drawings. It can have any shape, for example straight, bent, or curved. The pipe 12 is tubular and has a circular cross-section in the example shown.

[0078] The pipe 12 is made of a plastically deformable material, for example, metal. The plastic deformation capacity of the pipe 12 allows, for example, the expansion of its internal diameter.

[0079] The pipe 12 comprises a main section 22 with an internal diameter DI and a secondary section 24 having at least one internal diameter D2 greater than DI. In the example shown, the secondary section 24 comprises a first portion 24a with an internal diameter D2' greater than Dl, and a second portion 24b with an internal diameter D2 located between the main section 22 and the first portion 24a, D2 being greater than Dl and less than D2'.

[0080] The secondary section 24 is located at one end of the first pipe 12 and connected to the main section 22 by a first constriction 25a. A second constriction 25b separates the first and second portions 24a, 24b.

[0081] The pipe 12 has a first external annular collar 26 which is preferably located at an axial end of the pipe 12 and the section 24.

[0082] The second pipe 14 is partially shown in the drawings. It can have any shape, for example straight, bent, or curved. The pipe 14 is tubular and has a circular cross-section in the example shown.

[0083] The pipe 14 is preferably made of a plastically deformable material, for example metal. The plastic deformation capacity of the pipe 14 allows, for example, modification of its external diameter.

[0084] The pipe 14 has an end section 28 of external diameter D3 which is configured to be engaged along an axis A in the secondary section 24 of the first pipe 12. D3 is equal to or slightly less than D2' or even D2.

[0085] The pipe 14 has an external cylindrical shoulder 30 which is here formed by a second external annular collar 32.

[0086] In the example shown, the collar 32 is located at an axial distance from the free end 28a of the end section 28 located on the side of the pipe 12.

[0087] The collar 32 is obtained here by plastic deformation of the pipe 14. The collar 32 is formed by an external annular bulge 34 whose opposing annular walls 34a are axially pressed against each other so that the collar 32 has an axial thickness El greater than a radial thickness E2 of the pipe 14.

[0088] The collar 32 includes an annular face 32a located on the side of the free end 28a, and an annular face 32b located on the opposite side and forming the aforementioned shoulder 30.

[0089] As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the pipe 14 forms or includes an end piece engaged in the pipe 12. More precisely, the end section 28 is engaged in the secondary section 24 and more specifically in the first portion 24a of this secondary section 24.

[0090] The engagement of the sections 28, 24 is carried out along the axis A until the flanges 26, 32 are in axial contact with each other, either directly or via an annular sealing gasket 36. The gasket 36 is then interposed axially between the flange 26 and the face 32a of the flange 32.

[0091] The flange 16 is mounted around the pipe 12 and in particular around the secondary section 24 of the pipe 12.

[0092] In the example shown, the flange 16 is formed in one piece and includes a first orifice 16a through which the secondary section 24 passes. As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 2], the orifice 16a has an internal diameter adapted to the external diameter of the section 24. At one axial end, the orifice 16a can open into an annular groove 16b intended to receive the collar 26. The flange 16 bears axially on the collar 26 or the collar 26 bears axially on the flange 16.

[0093] The flange 16 further includes a bearing face 38 on the other flange 18. This face 38 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis A.

[0094] The flange 16 further includes at least one hole 40 for receiving the fastening element 20. The flange 16 may further include at least one hole 42 for receiving or mounting a centering finger (not shown) carried or intended to cooperate with the other flange 18.

[0095] The flange 16 is preferably mounted on the pipe 12 before its plastic deformation. The plastic deformation of the pipe 12 can preferably be used to secure and retain the flange 16 on the pipe, in a manner similar to crimping. Alternatively, or as an additional feature, the flange 16 could be welded or brazed onto the pipe 12.

[0096] The flange 18 is mounted around the pipe 14 and in particular around the end section 28 of the pipe 14.

[0097] In the example shown, the flange 18 is formed in one piece and includes a first orifice 18a through which the end section 28 passes. As can be seen in [Fig.2] in particular, the orifice 18a has an internal diameter adapted to the external diameter of the section 28. The flange 18 bears axially on the collar 32 or the collar 32 bears axially on the flange 18.

[0098] The flange 18 further includes a face 44 bearing on the face 38 of the other flange 16. This face 44 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis A.

[0099] The flange 18 further includes at least one orifice 46 for receiving the fastening element 20. The flange 18 may further include at least one hole 48 for receiving or mounting the aforementioned finger (not shown).

[0100] As an alternative or additional feature, the flange 18 could be welded or brazed onto the pipe 14.

[0101] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the faces 38, 44 of the flanges 16, 18 are applied axially to each other and the orifices 40, 46 are aligned so that the fastening element 20 can be engaged in it.

[0102] This fastening element 20 is for example a screw or a bolt, the holes 40, 46 being at least partially tapped.

[0103] The axial fixing and tightening of the flanges 16, 18, in a connection plane substantially perpendicular to axis A, allows the collars 26, 32 to be brought closer together and the pipes 12, 14 to be held engaged with each other. It also allows the seal 36 to be tightened axially and ensures the seal of the assembly.

[0104] The valve 100 is mounted inside the secondary section 24 of the pipe 12, and more precisely in the first portion 24a, and is located axially between the constriction 25a and the end section 28 of the pipe 14. It is therefore located here at an axial distance from the free end and the collar 26 of the pipe 12.

[0105] Valve 100 essentially comprises four parts, namely:

[0106] - a tubular body 102,

[0107] - a ring 104 fixed to an axial end of the body 102,

[0108] - a piston 106 mounted in the body 102, and

[0109] - an elastically deformable member 108 exerting stress on the piston 106 in a position valve closing 100.

[0110] The body 102, the ring 104 and the piston 106 are preferably made of plastic material, filled or unfilled. Alternatively, at least some of these parts could be made of metal.

[0111] Figure 7 shows the body 102 alone. Figure 8 shows the ring 104 alone, and Figures 9 and 10 show the piston 106 alone.

[0112] The body 102 has a tubular shape whose main axis is intended to be aligned with axis A when the valve 100 is inserted into the pipe 12.

[0113] The body 102 includes an external cylindrical surface 102a configured to be surrounded by the internal cylindrical surface 24b 1 of the portion 24b of the pipe 12.

[0114] In the example shown, the body 102 includes at least one annular anchoring rib or flange 110 projecting on this surface 102a. This rib 110 extends around the axis A and is intended to cooperate with the surface 24b 1 to prevent, during operation, any translational movement of the valve 100 in the pipe 12.

[0115] The body 102 may include an annular groove 112 for receiving an annular sealing gasket 114, visible in particular in [Fig. 2]. This groove 112 is formed on the surface 102a and is, for example, located at an upstream axial end of the body 102, with respect to the fluid flow in the valve (according to arrow F in [Fig. 2]). The gasket 114 is, however, optional and depends on the fluid pressure. It may be necessary when the fluid is considered to be at high pressure (HP) and unnecessary when the fluid is considered to be at low pressure (LP).

[0116] At its downstream end, the body 102 comprises an annular row of notches 116 extending axially from the free downstream end of the body, and radially through the entire radial thickness of the body 102. These notches 116 define elastically deformable lips 118 in the radial direction. The number of lips 118 is, for example, between 5 and 15. They are regularly distributed around the axis A.

[0117] At its downstream end, the body 102 further includes an internal annular groove 120 which is here formed in the lips 118.

[0118] The body 102 further includes an internal annular rim 122, an internal annular seat 124 and an internal cylindrical shoulder 126.

[0119] In the example shown, the rim 122, the seat 124 and the shoulder 126 are all gathered on the upstream end side of the body 102. The shoulder 126 may also be located on one side (here downstream) of the rim 122, and the seat 124 may extend or be located between the rim 122 and the shoulder 126.

[0120] The rim 122 is for example located substantially at the right of the groove 112. The rim 122 includes at its internal periphery a substantially cylindrical surface 128 which has an internal diameter Ql.

[0121] The shoulder 126 is oriented downstream and has an internal diameter Q2 and an external diameter Q3.

[0122] The seat 124 is here formed by a frustoconical surface 130 extending downstream from the surface 128 to the upstream end of a cylindrical surface 132, the downstream end of which is connected to the inner periphery of the shoulder 126. The surface 130 is flared downstream. In other words, the seat 124 has an internal diameter Ql and a external diameter Q2.

[0123] In the example shown, the surface 128 can be connected upstream to another frustoconical surface 134 which is this time flared upstream.

[0124] The ring 104 is mounted at least partially in the body 102. Alternatively, it could be mounted at least partially on the body 102.

[0125] In the example shown, the ring 104 is mounted in the body 102 by elastic snap-fit. For this purpose, the ring 104 comprises an external cylindrical surface 104a intended to be engaged in the downstream end of the body 102 and to be surrounded by the lips 118, as well as an annular rib 136 intended to be engaged in the groove 120 of these lips 118.

[0126] At its downstream end, the ring 104 includes an external annular rim 138 adapted to bear axially on the free downstream end of the body 102.

[0127] The ring 104 includes guides 140 extending radially with respect to the axis A. These guides 140 are three in number and form a cross or a three-pointed star. The guides 140 extend from an internal cylindrical surface 104b of the ring 104 to the axis A and meet at this axis.

[0128] Each of the guides 140 has two lateral walls 140a parallel to each other and to the axis A. On the upstream side, the guides 140 each have a radial stop 142 oriented towards the axis A.

[0129] The piston 106 has a head 144 carrying an annular sealing gasket 146 configured to bear against the seat 124. For this purpose, the head 144 includes an external annular groove 148 which is here formed on an external cylindrical surface 150 of the head.

[0130] The piston 106 further includes on a first axial side, here downstream, lugs 152 extending axially downstream and configured to cooperate by sliding with the guides 140.

[0131] The legs 152 extend downstream from the head 144 and are three in number in the example shown. Each has a generally elongated shape along the axis A and is regularly distributed around this axis. The upstream ends of the legs 152 are connected to the head 14 by a central base 154 which projects onto a downstream radial face 144a of the head 144.

[0132] The legs 152 each comprise a longitudinal surface 152a oriented radially outwards, which is rounded convex. The surfaces 152a of the legs extend over a circumference centered on the axis A, which has a diameter Gl.

[0133] The legs 152 each comprise two beveled surfaces 152b oriented radially inwards. These surfaces 152b are designed to cooperate by sliding with the lateral walls 140a of the guides 140, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 12]. The guides 140 thus allow the piston 106 to be guided in translation by limiting friction and potentially noisy piston rotation.

[0134] Finally, the lugs 152 have their free downstream ends which are also beveled and include an inclined end face 152c to facilitate the insertion and guidance of the lugs 152 between the guides 140 of the ring 104 during the assembly of the valve 100.

[0135] In the open position of the valve 100 shown in [Fig.15], the piston 106 is located downstream and its end-of-stroke position is defined positively and precisely by axial support of the base 154 on the guides 140 ([Fig. 15]).

[0136] The member 108 can be fitted around the lugs 152 and then has an internal diameter equal to or close to G1 (Figures 11 and 12). The member 108 extends around the axis A and is axially interposed between the head 144 and the ring 104. In the example shown, it bears upstream on the face 144a and downstream on the guides 140.

[0137] As can be seen in particular in Figures 13 and 15, the upstream end of the organ 108 is engaged in an annular recess 156 of the head, the internal diameter of which G2 is greater than the external diameter of the organ 108.

[0138] Alternatively, and as illustrated in [Fig. 21], this end of the organ 108 could rest on radial ribs 155a, 155b projecting into the recess 156. Some of these ribs 155a could be aligned axially with the legs 152 and extend in their continuation. Other ribs 155b could be intercalated between the ribs 155a and connected to the base 154. In the example shown, the ribs 155a have a circumferential width or extent around the axis A that is greater than that of the ribs 155b.

[0139] The downstream end of the organ 108 is surrounded by the stops 142 which extend over a circumference whose diameter G3 is greater than the external diameter of the organ 108.

[0140] The component 108 is preferably a helical compression spring as in the example shown.

[0141] The piston 106 further includes on a second axial side, here upstream, fingers 158 extending axially upstream and configured to cooperate by sliding with the rim 122 and in particular its surface 128.

[0142] The fingers 158 extend upstream from the head 144 and there are three of them in the example shown. They each have a generally elongated shape along the axis A and are regularly distributed around this axis. The downstream ends of the fingers 158 are connected to an upstream face 144b of the head.

[0143] The fingers 158 each comprise a radially outward oriented longitudinal surface 158a, which is rounded convex, and which here extends in the continuation of the surface 150. This surface 150 has a diameter G4 slightly smaller than the diameter Q1, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 13], so that the surfaces 158a, 150 can slide on the surface 128 of the rim 122 in operation during the movement of the piston 106.

[0144] The fingers 158 are located at an external periphery of the head 144 and are each connected to an edge 160 projecting on the aforementioned face 144b.

[0145] These edges 160 extend radially with respect to the axis A from the fingers 158 and meet at the level of this axis A ([Fig.9]).

[0146] The edges 160 are connected to the face 144b by concave curved surfaces 162 with an aerodynamic or aerodynamic profile to limit turbulence and pressure losses in the fluid flow. This side of the head 144 constitutes the upstream side of the piston 106, which is designed to face the fluid as it flows through the valve 100 (arrows F).

[0147] The head 144 of the piston 106 further includes an external annular rim 164 on which lugs 166 are located in projection and extend radially outwards.

[0148] The number of lugs 166 is between 2 and 10, and preferably between 2 and 4. In the example shown, there are three lugs 166, and they are regularly distributed around axis A.

[0149] The rim 164 has an external diameter G5 and the lugs 166 extend from this diameter G5, and their radially external ends are located on a circumference having a diameter G6 (cf. [Fig. 14]).

[0150] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 14], each of the lugs 166 has a circumferential extent a around the axis A of between 5 and 30°, and preferably between 10 and 20°. The total sum of the circumferential extents a of the lugs 166 preferably represents at most 90°, so that the circumferential free spaces between the lugs 166 represent at least 270°.

[0151] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 21], each of the lugs 166 has a circumferential extent a' around the axis A of between 30 and 60°, and preferably between 30 and 50°. The total sum of the circumferential extents a' of the lugs 166 preferably represents at most 180°, so that the circumferential free spaces between the lugs 166 represent at least 180°.

[0152] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 13], G5 is less than Q2 and G6 is greater than Q2 and less than Q3. In this way, the lugs 166 are able to bear axially on the shoulder 126. This bearing makes it possible to define positively and precisely the rest position of the piston 106 and the closed position of the valve 100. In this position, the seal 146 bears axially on the seat 124. The lugs 166 thus protect the seal 146, limiting its axial crushing, while also limiting pressure losses and thus reducing the energy consumption of the circuit in a confined space.

[0153] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 10], the rim 164 comprises a The external annular surface 164a has a convex, rounded axial shape to optimize fluid flow. This is also preferably the case for the lugs 166, each of which comprises a convex, rounded external surface 166a.

[0154] As mentioned above, the piston 106 of the valve 100 is therefore axially mobile from the closed position illustrated in [Fig. 13] in which the seal 146 is axially supported on the seat 124 and the lugs 166 are supported on the shoulder 126, to the open position of the valve 100 illustrated in [Fig. 14] in which the seal 146 is at an axial distance from the seat 124 and the base 154 is supported on the guides 140.

[0155] The movement of the piston 106 is intended to be caused by the fluid which is intended to apply a force on the upstream side of the head of the piston 106, which is greater than an elastic restoring force imposed by the member 108. This force required to open the valve 100 corresponds for example to a fluid pressure less than 100 mbar.

[0156] The device 10 according to the invention can be assembled as follows. The flange 16 is engaged on the pipe 12 and the flange 18 is engaged on the pipe 14. Each of the pipes 12, 14 is plastically deformed to modify its internal or external diameter, as mentioned above. The valve 100 is then press-fitted into the secondary section 24 of the pipe 12, up to its portion 24b. Once embedded in the pipe 12, the valve 100 is preferably non-removable. Indeed, dismantling the ring 104 by extracting the body 102 is no longer possible because the lips 118 of the body are bearing against the surface 24b 1 of the pipe 12 and can no longer deform elastically outwards to allow the downstream axial translation of the ring 104. This ring 104 ensures the retention of the other elements of the valve 100. The section 28 of the pipe 14 is then engaged in translation within the section 24 of the pipe 12 and in particular in its portion 24a.The flanges 16, 18 are positioned so that their holes 40, 46 are aligned. To achieve this, the holes 42, 48 of the flanges 16, 48 can accommodate a guide pin, as mentioned above. The fastening element 20 is engaged in the holes 42, 48 and allows the flanges 16, 18 to be axially clamped against each other, ensuring axial clamping of the seal 36. The valve 10 is axially trapped in the pipe 12, between its constriction 25a and the free end 28a of the other pipe 14.

[0157] Figures 16 to 18 illustrate a first variant embodiment of device 10 in which the pipe 12, the flange 16 and the valve 100 are substantially identical to the previous embodiment of Figures 1 to 15.

[0158] The end section 28 is here formed by a tubular end piece 50 which is intended to be attached and fixed to a free end of a pipe (not shown). This fixing can take place by welding, for example.

[0159] The flange 18 is similar to that described above, but its orifice 18a is here traversed by the nozzle 50 and not by the pipe 14.

[0160] The tip 50 comprises two portions 52, 54 of the same internal diameter but of different external diameters.

[0161] The end piece 50 includes a first portion 52 defining the end section 28 and intended to be engaged in the secondary section 24. This first portion 52 therefore has an external diameter D3. This first portion 52 includes here an external cylindrical surface on which annular grooves 56 are formed for mounting annular sealing gaskets 58.

[0162] The tip 50 includes a second portion 54 of smaller diameter intended to pass through the orifice 18a of the flange 18.

[0163] The downstream end of the first portion 52 defines the aforementioned cylindrical shoulder 30, and the flange 18 is intended to bear axially on this shoulder 30, as seen in [Fig. 16]. This bearing can be achieved by crimping the end piece into the orifice of the flange 18a.

[0164] During axial tightening of the flanges 16, 18, the cylindrical shoulder 30 is brought closer to the collar 26 and even comes into the radial plane in which the downstream face of this collar 26 extends.

[0165] The axial sealing provided by the seal 36 in the previous embodiment is here replaced by a radial sealing provided by the seals 58. These seals 58 cooperate with the internal cylindrical surface of the section 24 and its portion 24a.

[0166] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of device 100 in which the pipe 12, the flange 16 and the valve 100 are substantially identical to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 15.

[0167] The end section 28 is here formed by the pipe 14 which includes on its external cylindrical surface an annular groove 60 for receiving an annular sealing joint (not shown).

[0168] As in the previous variant, this seal provides radial sealing of the assembly.

[0169] The pipe 14 is plastically deformed to make the cylindrical shoulder 30 and preferably also to ensure the crimping of the flange 18, which is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0170] The flange 18 is intended to bear axially on this shoulder 30 as seen in [Fig. 19]. This bearing can be achieved by crimping the pipe 14.

[0171] During axial tightening of the flanges 16, 18, the cylindrical shoulder 30 is brought closer to the collar 26 and even comes into the radial plane in which the downstream face of this collar 26 extends.

[0172] Figure 22 represents an alternative embodiment in which valve 100 is inserted into a bore 168 of a block 170 fixed, for example by brazing or welding, to one end of the pipe 12. An annular fixing flange can be integrated into this block 170 to allow its fixing, by at least one fixing element, to a complementary annular flange.

[0173] Alternatively, the bore 168 of the block can form, on the side opposite the pipe 12, a female end 172 for receiving a complementary male end from another pipe. An elastic snap-fit ​​system could be mounted on the block and allow the ends to be axially retained within each other.

[0174] The valve 100 according to the invention has, in particular, the advantage of being reversible and of being able to be mounted in either direction in a pipe (either of its axial ends can be inserted into the pipe first). For example, it has an external diameter of between 10 and 20 mm, or even between 12 and 18 mm.

[0175] The device 10 according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be equipped with radial or axial sealing without this having a significant impact on its assembly. Furthermore, its insert or cartridge-type design and its preferably plastic materials, for example injection-molded, make it possible to reduce the weight, size, and cost of the device. The pipes 12, 14, and the nozzle 50 are preferably made of metal, for example, aluminum.

[0176] The device 10 and the valve 100 according to the invention are particularly suitable for equipping a fluid circuit for a vehicle, the circuit being for example an air conditioning circuit and the valve is for example mounted between an expansion valve and a compressor of this circuit.

[0177] The fluid is, for example, R134a or R1234yf. The fluid can be in liquid or gaseous form and can be at low or high pressure.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid connection device (10) for a fluid circuit, in particular of a vehicle, this device comprising: - a first pipe (12) having a main section (22) of internal diameter DI and a secondary section (24) having at least an internal diameter D2 greater than Dl, the secondary section (24) being located at one end of the first pipe (12) and connected to the main section (22) by a first constriction (25a), this first pipe (12) being made of a plastically deformable material and having a first external annular flange (26), - a tubular fitting having an end section (28) of external diameter D3 which is configured to be engaged along an axis A in the secondary section (24) of the first pipe (12), this fitting having an external cylindrical shoulder (30),- a first flange (16) mounted around the secondary section (24) of the first pipe (12) and having a first orifice (16a) through which this secondary section (24) passes, this first flange (16) being configured to bear axially on the first collar (26), - a second flange (18) mounted around the fitting and having a second orifice (18a) through which this fitting passes, this second flange (18) being configured to bear axially on the cylindrical shoulder (30), the first and second flanges (16, 18) being configured to be clamped against each other in a plane of connection substantially perpendicular to said axis A in order to bring the first collar (26) closer to said cylindrical shoulder (30) and to keep the fitting engaged in the first pipe (21), - at least one element (20) for fastening the first and second flanges (16, 18) against each other, and - an insertable non-return valve (100) ascent within said secondary section (24),and located axially between said first constriction (25a) and said end section (28).

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first collar (26) is located at a free end of said secondary section (24).

3. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which an annular sealing gasket (36) is axially interposed and clamped between the first collar (26) and the nozzle (30).

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle (50) is attached to and fixed to one end of a second pipe (14).

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second flange (18) is crimped onto said end piece.

6. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said nozzle is an integral part of a second pipe (14) which is made of a plastically deformable material.

7. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said cylindrical shoulder (30) is formed by a second external annular collar (32) located at an axial distance from a free end (28a) of said end section (28).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second collar (32) is obtained by plastic deformation of the second pipe (14), this collar (32) being formed by an external annular bulge (34) of which facing annular walls (34) are axially pressed against each other so that the second collar (32) has an axial thickness (El) greater than a radial thickness (E2) of the second pipe (14).

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said end section (28) comprises at least one external annular groove (56, 60) for housing an annular sealing gasket (58) configured to cooperate with an internal annular surface of said secondary section (28).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one fastening element (20) comprises a screw or bolt which passes through holes (40, 46) opposite said first and second flanges (16, 18).

11. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said secondary section (24) comprises a first portion (24a) of internal diameter D2' greater than Dl, and a second portion (24b) of internal diameter D2 situated between the main section (22) and said first portion (24a), D2 being greater than Dl and less than D2'.

12. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said first and second portions (24a, 24b) are connected together by a second narrowing (25b) of the first pipe (12).

13. Device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the valve (100) is mounted inside the second portion (24b) and the section

14. The end (28) is mounted inside the first portion (24a). Fluid circuit for a vehicle, comprising at least one fluid connection device (10) according to any one of the claims

15. preceding. Vehicle, comprising at least one device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a fluid circuit according to claim 14.

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