Fluid connection device through a partition, vehicle body, particularly railway, comprising such a device and associated vehicle

Abstract

Fluid connection device through a partition, vehicle body, in particular railway, comprising such a device and associated vehicle This fluid connection device (100) of two tubes (114, 116) of a pair of tubes through a partition (18), for example a partition of vehicle body (14), in particular railway, comprises: a plate (102), configured to be fixed to the partition (18);an orifice (120), which is provided through the plate, the two tubes being connected to each other by passing through the orifice. For ease of assembly and maintenance, the connection device further includes a sleeve (122), which is received in the orifice, which is integral with the plate and which comprises: an inner portion (124), configured to be assembled to one end (115) of a first tube (114) of the pair of tubes, and an outer portion (126), configured to be fluidly connected, reversibly, to one end (117) of a second tube (116) of the pair of tubes. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Fluidic connection device through a partition, vehicle body, particularly railway, comprising such a device and associated vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluidic connection device through a partition of a vehicle body, in particular a railway vehicle body, a vehicle body comprising such a connection device and a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising such a body.

[0002] In the field of transport vehicles, particularly railway vehicles, each vehicle generally comprises a body formed by partitions, which separate the interior from the exterior and may delineate several volumes, for example, a passenger compartment, technical compartments or boxes for equipment, etc. The vehicle's equipment is generally located either inside the body in one of the boxes or outside the body. For the proper functioning of the vehicle, certain equipment is supplied with pressurized fluids, whether compressed air or hydraulic fluid. For example, grease fittings, located outside under the body, are supplied with compressed air produced by an air compressor, located inside the body for protection, via tubes. Each tube thus passes through at least one partition of the body.

[0003] Traditionally, a tube passes through a partition via an opening in that partition. The opening is fitted with a sleeve, generally cylindrical, through which the tube passes. The sleeve is filled with sealant around the tube to seal the passage and prevent the tube from moving radially around the sleeve's axis. Axial movement of the tube is also prevented, for example, by means of clamps and / or clips attached to the rest of the casing. Installing each tube is therefore relatively tedious.

[0004] When the portion of the tube located on one side of the bulkhead is at risk of being damaged, for example, when the bulkhead of the car body is a car floor located above the track, it is necessary to replace this so-called "external" portion of the tube. For easier maintenance, it is known to separate the tube into two external and internal portions, which are fluidly connected to each other by a fitting, located just next to the sleeve. However, to remain accessible, the fitting is located on the side of the external tube relative to the bulkhead. Such a connection device is relatively bulky, and its installation requires even more time.

[0005] CN-103133783-A describes, for example, a fluidic connection device between two ends of tubes through a partition. One of the ends is welded to a One end has a threaded fitting, while the other end includes a captive nut that engages with the threaded fitting. The threaded fitting also has notches that engage with a mounting plate on the bulkhead. The fitting, which comprises complex and therefore expensive components, is protected by a bulky protective skirt that is even more susceptible to impact damage.

[0006] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a fluidic connection device through a partition, which allows the tubes to be immobilized relative to the partition, while allowing simple assembly and easy maintenance.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a fluidic connection device for two tubes of a pair of tubes through a partition, for example a partition of a vehicle body, particularly a railway vehicle, the connection device comprising:

[0008] - a plate, configured to be fixed to the partition and comprising an inner face and an outer face; - an orifice, which is made through the plate and which connects the inner face to the outer face, the tubes of the pair of tubes being connected to each other by passing through the orifice.

[0009] According to the invention, the connection device further comprises:

[0010] - a sleeve, which is received in the orifice of the plate, which is integral with the plate and which comprises:

[0011] • an internal portion, which opens onto the inner face of the plate and which is configured to be assembled to one end of a first tube of the pair of tubes, and • an external portion, which opens on the side of the external face of the plate and which is configured to be fluidly connected, reversibly, to one end of a second tube of the pair of tubes.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, the two tube ends are fluidly connected to each other via the sleeve, which is fixed relative to the mounting plate. The number of parts constituting the connection device is reduced, thus simplifying assembly. During the fluid connection of the first and second tubes, no additional operation is required to immobilize the ends of each tube relative to the mounting plate. Assembling the connection device is quick and easy. Furthermore, the second tube is connected to the sleeve in a reversible manner. In the event of damage to the second tube, it can be disconnected and replaced without having to work on the first tube, which facilitates maintenance.

[0013] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a fluidic connection device may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination:

[0014] - the inner portion of the sleeve is assembled to the end of the first tube of irreversibly. - The inner portion of the sleeve is assembled to the end of the first tube by welding. - The connection device further includes a fitting, which connects the end of the second tube to the sleeve and which includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, while the first end portion cooperates with the external portion of the sleeve, and the second end portion of the fitting cooperates with the end of the second tube. - The first end portion cooperates with the external portion of the sleeve reversibly, for example by screwing, and the second end portion of the fitting cooperates with the end of the second tube reversibly, for example by screwing. - An internal overhang of the sleeve relative to the internal face is greater than an external overhang of the sleeve relative to the external face, preferably greater than 120%, preferably even greater than 140%. - The plate includes several ports, each receiving a sleeve, for the connection of a respective pair of tubes.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, particularly a railway vehicle body, comprising a partition with an opening formed through the partition, and a connection device as described above, in which:

[0016] - the plate is fixed to the partition and at least partially closes the opening in the partition, the inner portion of the sleeve opening onto the inner face of the plate while the outer portion of the sleeve opens onto the outer face of the plate, - the casing further comprises a first tube, with one end located on the inner face, and a second tube, with one end located on the outer face. - the end of the first tube is fluidly connected to the end of the second tube via the sleeve.

[0017] Advantageously, the partition is an external partition of the vehicle body, in particular a bottom of the body, the external face of the plate being oriented towards the outside of the vehicle body.

[0018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a vehicle body as defined above.

[0019] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent, in the light of the following description of a connection device fluidic, of a vehicle body and of a vehicle, conforming to its principle, given solely as an example and made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0020] - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a longitudinal section of a railway vehicle comprising a body and a connection device according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the connection device of the [Fig. 1], and - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a section of the connection device of figures 1 and 2, along an axis of a sleeve belonging to this connection device and in a direction perpendicular to the largest dimension of a plate of this device.

[0021] Fig. 1 represents a transport vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is here a railway vehicle, which travels on a railway track, represented by rails 12. The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 14, formed by the assembly of several partitions which separate an interior volume V14 of the body 14 from a volume V16 located outside the body 14.

[0022] The body 14, shown in cross-section in [Fig. 1], comprises a bottom 18 and a ceiling 20, which together delimit the interior volume V14 and open onto the exterior VI6. In the example, the body 14 also comprises a floor 22, which is located between the bottom 18 and the ceiling 20. The floor 22 divides the interior volume V14 into several portions, here a passenger compartment V24, located between the floor 22 and the ceiling 20 and intended to accommodate passengers, and a technical compartment V26, located between the floor 22 and the bottom 18 and intended to house equipment of the vehicle 10.

[0023] For its proper operation, the vehicle 10 includes various pieces of equipment, some of which are located under the body 14, that is, between the bottom 18 and the railway track. Some of this equipment, for example, sandblasting equipment, lubrication equipment, etc., require a supply of pressurized fluid, for example compressed air or hydraulic fluid, to operate. In [Fig. 1], this equipment is schematically represented by a rectangle and referenced as 28.

[0024] The equipment 28 is therefore fixed to the base 18 on the outside of the body 14 and is subject to external damage. When the vehicle 10 is moving, the equipment 28 is at risk of being struck, for example by stones from the railway ballast, or by debris, vegetation or otherwise, which is thrown up by the passing of the vehicle 10. In case of damage, the equipment 28 must be replaced.

[0025] The equipment 28 is fluidly connected to a source of pressurized fluid, for example a compressor or a reservoir. Due to limited space under the body 14 and to prevent them from being subjected to external elements, the source(s) of pressurized fluid are preferably housed in the internal volume V14 of the casing 14. In the example, the sources of pressurized fluid are schematically represented by a tank 30, located in the technical compartment V26.

[0026] The casing 14 includes a connection device 100, through which the equipment 28 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 30. In other words, the equipment 28 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 30 through the bottom 18.

[0027] The connection device 100 is shown schematically in [Fig. 1] and on a larger scale in the perspective view of [Fig. 2]. The connection device 100 comprises a plate 102, configured to be fixed to a partition of the case 14, here on the bottom 18. As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the bottom 18 includes an opening 19, formed through the bottom 18. The plate 102 at least partially closes the opening 19.

[0028] The plate 102 is made of a rigid material, preferably a metallic material such as steel. The plate 102 comprises an inner face 104 and an outer face 106, opposite the inner face 104. The outer face 106 of the plate is oriented here towards the outside V16 of the housing 14. The plate 102 is assembled to the housing 14 preferably reversibly, here by means of bolts 108.

[0029] By extension, when the plate 102 is fixed to the corresponding partition, the internal face 104 of the plate 102 is also an internal face of the partition, while the external face 106 of the plate 102 is also an external face of the partition.

[0030] The connection device 100 includes at least one fluidic connection mechanism 110. In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the connection device 100 is configured to make six fluidic connections and includes six connection mechanisms 110. What is valid for one fluidic connection mechanism 110 is transposable to the other fluidic connection mechanisms.

[0031] Each fluid connection mechanism 110 is configured to be assembled to a respective pair of tubes 112 through the bottom 18, with the first tube 114 of the pair of tubes 112 located on the inner face 104, while the second tube 116 of the pair of tubes 112 is located on the outer face 106 of the plate 102. The tubes 114 and 116 do not belong to the connection device 100 but serve to illustrate its use. For the purposes of this description, the tubes 114 and 116 are metal tubes designed for supplying pressurized fluid, for example, compressed air or hydraulic fluid. In the illustrated example, the tubes 114 and 116 are compressed air supply tubes, which are made of steel, preferably stainless steel.

[0032] For each pair of tubes 112, the first tube 114 and the second tube 116 preferably have the same internal diameter, so as not to impede the flow of the fluid under pressure. The first tube 114 has, at one end 115 assembled to the fluidic connection mechanism 110, a mouth 115A, while the second tube 116 has, at one end 117 assembled to the same fluidic connection mechanism 110, a mouth 117A.

[0033] For each fluidic connection mechanism 110, an orifice 120 is provided through the plate 102 and connects the inner face 104 to the outer face 106. Each orifice 120 is aligned with the opening 19 when the plate 102 is fixed to the casing 14.

[0034] The connection device 100 further comprises a sleeve 122, which is received in the corresponding orifice 120 and which is integral with the plate 102. The sleeve 122 here has a tube shape, centered on an axis A122. The axis A122 is preferably orthogonal to the plate 102.

[0035] The sleeve 122 is made of a rigid material suitable for making fluid connections under pressure, preferably a metallic material such as steel, preferably stainless steel. The sleeve 122 is assembled to the plate 102 by welding.

[0036] The sleeve 122 is here assembled astride the plate 102, that is to say, the sleeve protrudes on both sides of the plate 102, on its inner face 104 and outer face 106. The sleeve 122 includes an inner portion 124, which opens out on the inner face 104 of the plate 102. The inner portion 124 is configured to be assembled to the mouth 115A of the first tube 114 of the pair of tubes 112.

[0037] The sleeve 122 also includes an external portion 126, which opens onto the side of the external face 106 of the plate 102. The external portion 126 is configured to be fluidly connected to the end 117 of the second tube 116 of the same pair of tubes 112. In other words, the first tube 114 is fluidly connected to the second tube 116 via the sleeve 122.

[0038] The end 115 of the first tube 114 is located here on the inner face 104 of the plate 102, more precisely in the technical compartment V26 of the body. In other words, the end 115 of the first tube 114 is not at risk of being damaged during normal operation of the vehicle 10.

[0039] The inner portion 124 of the sleeve 122 is preferably irreversibly joined to the end 115 of the first tube 114, i.e., in such a way that the fluid connection between the sleeve 122 and the first tube 114 remains leak-proof and durable throughout the service life of the vehicle 10, given that a railway vehicle generally has a service life of several decades. In the illustrated example, the first tube 114 is metallic and the inner portion 124 of the sleeve 122 is irreversibly joined to the first tube 114 by welding.

[0040] Conversely, the second tube 116, here located in the external volume V16 relative to the casing 14, is subject to external aggressions and risks being damaged in case shock. As explained later, the external portion 126 is reversibly assembled to the end 117 of the second tube 116, this assembly being carried out indirectly, that is to say, via other elements of the connection mechanism 110. The second tube 116 can thus be disconnected from the connection device 100 in order, if necessary, to replace the second tube 116.

[0041] For each fluidic connection mechanism 110, the connection device 100 further includes a fitting 130.

[0042] The fitting 130 is, on the one hand, connected to the external portion 126 of the sleeve 122 and, on the other hand, connected to the end 117 of the second tube 116. In other words, the fitting 130 connects the end 117 of the second tube 116 to the sleeve 122.

[0043] The fitting 130 has a tubular shape with an internal passage 131, aligned with the axis A122 when the connecting device 100 is assembled. The fitting 130 comprises a first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite the first end 132.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the external portion 126 of the sleeve 122 is tapped, while the first end 132 of the fitting 130 is threaded. The first end 132 cooperates here with the external portion 126 of the sleeve 122 by screwing, that is to say, reversibly.

[0045] The assembly of the external portion 126 and the first end 132 is configured to be leak-proof, that is, to prevent leakage of pressurized fluid, whether gaseous or liquid. According to an unshown embodiment of the invention, a seal (also unshown) may be disposed at the interface between the parts 126 and 132.

[0046] The second end 134 is fluidly connected to the end 117 of the second tube 116 in a reversible manner, preferably by screwing.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the second end 134 of the fitting 130 includes a bore 136, provided on the side of the internal passage 131 and configured to receive as a butt the end 117 of the second tube 116.

[0048] The second end 134 of the fitting 130 includes an external face 138, oriented opposite to the internal passage 131. The external face 138 of the second end 134 is threaded so as to cooperate with a nut 140 for retaining the second tube 116 in position. A compression ring 142 is arranged around the second tube 116, between the nut 140 and the fitting 130. When the nut 140 is tightened, the ring 142 presses against the second tube 116 and holds it in place, also contributing to the sealing of the fluid connection between the fitting 130 and the second tube 116.

[0049] It is therefore understood that the elements of the connection device 100 located on the outer face 106 are all assembled reversibly, in other words, they are all removable for easy replacement in case of damage. These elements each have a simple shape and are easy to manufacture, therefore inexpensive to replace.

[0050] The sleeve 122, here welded to the plate 102, cannot be easily replaced.

[0051] An internal overhang L124 of the sleeve 122 is defined as a length of the internal portion 124, measured parallel to the axis A122 of the sleeve, protruding from the internal face 104. Similarly, an external protrusion L126 of the sleeve 122 is defined as a length of the external portion 126, measured parallel to the axis A122 of the sleeve, protruding from the external face 106.

[0052] Preferably, the internal protrusion L124 of the sleeve 122 relative to the internal face 104 is greater than the external protrusion L126 of the sleeve 122 relative to the external face 106, preferably greater than 120%, and preferably even greater than 140%. Thus, the sleeve 122, which is difficult to replace, is less likely to be subjected to impact than the end piece 130 or the nut 140.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the sleeve 122 has an overall tubular shape, with a cylindrical external surface of circular cross-section. Such a sleeve is easy to manufacture.

[0054] In an alternative not shown, the external portion of the sleeve has an optimized shape to improve the sleeve's resistance to impacts. For example, the external portion has a flared, for example conical, external surface with a widened base bearing on the plate 102, the radius of the external surface decreasing as one moves away from the plate.

[0055] Thus, in the event of an impact, the sleeve 122, welded to the plate 102, is less likely to be damaged than the fitting 130 or the nut 140, which are intended to be replaced if necessary.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the connection device is fixed to the bottom 18 of the case 14, which separates the internal volume V14 from the external VI6.

[0057] In an alternative not shown, the connection device is fixed to the ceiling 20, or to any other partition, in particular vertical, of the box 14 opening onto the outside VI6, the external side of the plate being oriented towards the outside VI6.

[0058] According to another variant not illustrated, the connection device is fixed to a partition located in the interior volume V14, for example a partition separating two boxes.

[0059] More generally, the connection device according to the invention can thus be used for fluidic connection through any partition of the casing 14, the external side of the plate being chosen according to the ease of access and the probability that the tubes, connected by the connection device and located on one side or the other of the plate, will suffer damage.

[0060] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluidic connection device (100) for two tubes (114, 116) of a pair of tubes (112) through a partition (18), for example a body partition (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular a railway vehicle, the connection device (100) comprising: • a plate (102), configured to be fixed to the partition (18) and comprising an inner face (104) and an outer face (106); • an orifice (120), which is provided through the plate (102) and which connects the inner face (104) to the outer face (106), the tubes (114, 116) of the tube pair being connected to each other by passing through the orifice (120), • a sleeve (122), which is received in the orifice (120) of the plate (102), which is integral with the plate (102) and which comprises: • an internal portion (124), which opens onto the inner face (104) of the plate (102) and which is configured to be assembled to one end (115) of a first tube (114) of the pair of tubes (112), and • an external portion (126), which opens on the side of the external face (106) of the plate (102) and which is configured to be fluidly connected, reversibly, to one end (117) of a second tube (116) of the pair of tubes (112), characterized in that the connection device (100) further comprises: • a fitting (130), which connects the end (117) of the second tube (116) to the sleeve (122) and which comprises a first end portion (132) and a second end portion (134) opposite the first end portion, while the first end portion (132) cooperates with the external portion (126) of the sleeve (122), and the second end portion (134) of the fitting cooperates with the end (117) of the second tube (116).

2. Fluidic connection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the internal portion (124) of the sleeve (122) is irreversibly assembled to the end (115) of the first tube (114).

3. Fluidic connection device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the internal portion (124) of the sleeve (122) is assembled to the end (115) of the first tube (114) by welding.

4. Fluidic connection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion (132) cooperates with the external portion (126) of the sleeve (122) reversibly, for example by screwing, and the second end portion (134) of the fitting cooperates with the end (117) of the second tube (116) reversibly, for example by screwing.

5. Fluidic connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an internal overhang (L124) of the sleeve (122) relative to the internal face (104) is greater than an external overhang (L126) of the sleeve (122) relative to the external face (106), preferably greater than 120%, preferably even greater than 140%.

6. Fluidic connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the plate (102) comprises several orifices (120), each receiving a sleeve (122), for the connection of a pair (112) of respective tubes.

7. A vehicle (10) body (14), particularly a railway vehicle, comprising a partition (18) with an opening (19) formed through the partition, and a connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: • the plate (102) is fixed to the partition (18) and at least partially closes the opening (19) in the partition (18), the inner portion (124) of the sleeve (122) opening onto the inner face (104) of the plate, while the outer portion (126) of the sleeve (122) opening onto the outer face (106) of the plate, • the body (14) further comprises a first tube (114), with an end (115) located on the inner face, and a second tube (116), with an end (117) located on the outer face, • the end of the first tube is fluidly connected has the end of the second tube via the sleeve (122).

8. Vehicle body (14) of vehicle (10) according to claim 7, wherein the partition (18) is an external partition of the vehicle body, in particular a bottom (18) of the vehicle body, the external face (106) of the plate (102) being oriented towards the outside (V16) of the vehicle body.

9. Transport vehicle (10), in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a vehicle body (14) according to any one of claims 7 or 8.

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