Improved tubular assembly for connection to a second tube

Abstract

Improved tubular assembly for connection to a second tube One aspect of the invention relates to a tubular assembly E comprising a tube 3 of revolution comprising at least a first axial stop 3440, a second axial stop 3444 intended to abut against a second tube to be connected, a sealing wall 36 comprising an internal surface 3460 formed by a recess 3060 making it possible to elastically deform the sealing wall 36 by compression having at least one axial component on an external sealing deformation surface 3464 radially opposite the internal surface. The assembly further comprising a fixing member 32 mounted and axially movable around the tube 3 between a free position and an abutment position, comprising an axial fixing means 324 for fixing to the second tube and an axial stop 321 abutting against the first axial stop 3440 of the tube 3 in the abutment position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Improved tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of tube fittings.

[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a tube and an axial fixing member for fixing the tube to another tube in a sealed manner. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Metal tubes are known for transporting fluid from one zone to a second zone. It is often necessary to connect different tubes to each other. One problem is ensuring the seal between each tube connection.

[0004] One solution is the welded connection, however for several reasons, for example the risk of fire during welding or access behind the tubes, this connection is not possible in different uses. There are then known removable connections between two tubes. The two tubes can be manufactured by different suppliers, thus requiring connections that adapt to the manufacturing constraints of the different manufacturers.

[0005] [Fig.l] represents a first set of tubes 1 connected to a second tube 2 according to an implementation proposal by the applicant.

[0006] The tube assembly 1 comprises a tube 10 and a nut 12 comprising a thread for screwing onto the thread of the second tube 2. The first tube 10 comprises an internal surface surrounding a volume in which the fluid circulates to an open end. The internal surface is a regular cylindrical surface (same diameter) to reduce pressure losses.

[0007] The first tube 10 comprises a connecting portion 100 comprising a portion of the cylindrical inner surface up to the open end and a conical outer surface. The second tube comprises at its open end a conical inner surface corresponding to the outer conical surface of the first tube, each forming a sealing and abutment contact surface.

[0008] The first tube 10 further comprises a stop 112 against a snap ring 121 inserted into a bore of the nut to come into abutment against the stop 112.

[0009] When the nut 12 is screwed onto the second tube 2, the snap ring 121 comes into abutment against the stop 112 of the first tube 10 and axially brings the sealing and stop contact surfaces of the two tubes together. The tightening of the nut with the second tube 2 causes a stress on the conical external surface of the connecting part 100 with the internal conical surface of the second tube. However, as the two surfaces of sealing and stop contact can have different sizing constraints, caused by the dimensional tolerances of the tubes, snap ring and nut which are linked to manufacturing and as this connection is made blind, it is necessary to "run in" i.e. a step of measuring and checking the connection to then ensure the blind connection of the two tubes. Indeed, in practice, the operator can before assembly on a machine, tighten the nut on the second tube for the first time, measure the tightening torque, carry out a leak test between the two tubes, loosen the nut and disconnect the two tubes then when connecting the two tubes on the machine make the connection by applying a tightening torque corresponding to the tightening torque achieved. In addition this double step allows a running in of the connection and makes it possible to check that the two tubes have not undergone plastic deformation by this tightening.

[0010] This double step carried out by the operator is time-consuming and therefore costly. In addition, during multiple connection operations, the tightening torque can change due to wear between the thread and tapping or between the two conical surfaces.

[0011] There is therefore a need for a removable connection which ensures a good seal between the two tubes without the need for two operations for the user without modifying the second tube. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing a removable connection for two tubes, which ensures a level of sealing by metal / lubricant / metal contact and by an axial stop between the two tubes.

[0013] One aspect of the invention relates to a tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube characterized in that the assembly comprises: • a tube of revolution around an axis comprising a connection zone comprising: • a revolution connection wall comprising at least one collar comprising: • a first surface forming a first axial stop, and • a second surface forming a second stop intended to come into abutment against the second tube, • a sealing wall of revolution extending from the connection wall, the sealing wall comprising: • an inclined part comprising: • a first end forming a free edge surrounding an axial opening of the tube, • a second end axially opposite the first end, • an external sealed deformation surface having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from the first free end to the second end, • an internal surface radially opposite the external surface of sealed deformation, formed by a recess allowing the sealing wall to be elastically deformed by compression having at least one axial component on the external surface of sealed deformation, • a fixing member mounted and axially movable around the connection zone between a free position and a stop position, comprising: • an axial fixing means intended to be fixed to a complementary fixing means of the second tube to be connected, and • an axial stop abutting against the first axial stop of the tube collar in the stop position.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, the sealing revolution wall has the role of sealing and the radial surface in abutment against the first stop makes it possible to determine the end of travel. Indeed, the operator can, using a torque wrench, screw the nut and during contact between the two stops (second stop against a stop of the corresponding second tube).

[0015] The sealing revolution wall is in fact adapted to deform elastically during the connection with the second tube by having the external surface of sealed deformation coming to bear against an inclined surface of the second tube to be connected forming a seal between them. The nut in the stop position on the first tube, when it is screwed onto the second tube moves the two tubes towards each other, such that the inclined surface of the second tube presses and slides (by friction which can be reduced using a lubricant, for example dry) on the external surface of sealed deformation of the inclined part which elastically deforms the sealing revolution wall until the second surface forming the second axial stop of the first tube is in abutment against a stop of the second tube to be connected.In other words, the external sealing deformation surface is intended to come to bear and slide against an inclined surface (between radial and axial, for example at X° relative to the axis of the tubes such that the angle is measured on the side of the second tube) of a sealing wall of the second tube to be connected to elastically deform the sealing revolution wall and thus form a seal against this sealing wall of the second tube.

[0016] During the first fixing of the fixing member to the second tube, the sealing wall will deform mainly elastically and may deform locally plastically, but during the various disassembly and assembly operations, the sealing wall deforms only elastically.

[0017] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the tubular assembly according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics among those of the following paragraphs, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first tube comprises a main tubular zone comprising a regular thickness between an internal and external surface, the connection zone comprising a junction end extending from the main tubular zone having an internal or external diameter different from that of the main tubular zone and in which the connection zone comprises an internal volume of the tube from the junction end to the first end forming a free edge surrounding the axial opening, the connection wall comprising an internal surface surrounding a first part of the internal volume and in which the sealing wall surrounds a second part of the internal volume extending from the first part of the internal volume to the axial opening.

[0019] According to an example of this embodiment, the internal surface of the connecting wall comprises different diameters, of which a part of the internal surface between two axial ends, has a diameter forming the smallest volume of the first part of the internal volume, the first axial stop being located axially between the ends of the part of the internal surface.

[0020] According to another example, the internal surface of the connecting wall comprises a constant diameter, forming the first part of the internal volume of cylindrical shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the connection wall comprises an internal part having a first diameter and a restriction zone between the internal part and the sealing wall, the restriction zone having the smallest diameter of the connection zone.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the connecting wall comprises a groove extending from the first surface of the collar to another stop surface, the axial stop of the fixing member being movable in the groove between the first axial stop and the other stop surface delimiting the groove.

[0023] According to one example, the other stop surface delimiting the groove and the first surface of the collar has a shape corresponding to the shape of the axial stop of the fixing member. This makes it possible to avoid deforming the stop of the fixing member. According to one example embodiment, the end of the collar at the first surface forming a first axial stop is a fillet.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the collar comprises a groove dividing the collar into a first and a second part, the first part comprising the first axial stop comprising a thickness measured axially: • less than that of the second portion comprising the second axial stop, • greater than the thickness of the sealing wall measured between the internal surface and the external surface of sealed deformation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the axial stop of the fixing member is a ring.

[0026] According to an example of this embodiment, the fixing member comprises a insertion hole for the ring passing through the fixing member from an external surface to an internal surface opposite the tube, the insertion hole comprising a section corresponding to the ring to an internal surface surrounding the tube.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the fixing member is a nut and the fixing means is a tapping for screwing onto a thread of the second tube.

[0028] According to a variant, the fixing member comprises a thread for screwing into a nut of the second tube.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sealing wall further comprises a cylindrical revolution portion extending from the inclined portion to the second axial stop of the collar. This allows for greater flexibility of the inclined portion to deform elastically.

[0030] According to a variant of this embodiment, the sealing wall comprises only the inclined part extending directly beyond the second axial stop of the collar.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is curved. This makes it possible to facilitate the elastic deformation of this inclined part during contact with the second tube.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface is curved. This allows for less friction due to contact with the second tube during elastic deformation of the inclined portion.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the inclined portion of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical elastic washer.

[0034] According to an example of this embodiment, the inclined portion of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical elastic washer. For example, the portion of the internal surface forming part of the inclined portion of the sealing wall is also frustoconical.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the sealing wall between the inner surface and the outer surface of sealed deformation varies less than 10%. For example, wherein the portion of the inner surface forming part of the inclined portion of the sealing wall is concentric with the outer surface of sealed deformation (in the case of curved surface, they are therefore parallel.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each element is metallic, for example steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy. For example, the tube is a stainless steel type steel, the fixing means comprises the axial fixing means made of stainless steel and the stop which is made of stainless steel.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface is inclined relative to an axis of the tube by having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive. An average angle in the case of a curved external sealed deformation surface is an average of the angles between the tangents of a section of the surface and the X axis. The average angle in the case of a frustoconical external sealed deformation surface is the angle between the straight line of a section of the surface and the X axis.

[0038] According to an example of this embodiment, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is inclined relative to an axis of the tube having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface is inclined relative to an axis of the tube having an average angle between 45° and 90°, the recess forming a recess delimiting the sealing wall forming its internal surface.

[0040] According to an example of this other embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface extends in the extension of the second surface forming the second axial stop of the collar.

[0041] According to an example of this other embodiment, the portion of the internal surface forming part of the inclined portion of the sealing wall is inclined relative to an axis of the tube by having an average angle between 45° and 90°.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the collar is formed such that the second surface is at the axial end of the tube. In this example, the sealing wall comprises only the inclined portion which extends directly from the second surface.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the sealing wall further comprises a cylindrical revolution portion extending from the inclined portion to the second surface of the collar.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the connecting wall comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop, and one end of the connecting wall axially opposite the sealing wall, a visual indicator corresponding to an area covered at least partially by the fixing member in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube. Thus this indicator makes it possible to indicate to the operator whether the first tube is properly connected to the second tube.

[0045] According to an example of the mode comprising a visual indicator, the visual indicator is a marking indicating that tightening is not complete.

[0046] According to one example, the visual indicator is only fully visible in the stop position.

[0047] According to another example, the visual indicator is partially uncovered from the free position.

[0048] According to one example, the fixing member comprises an axial end opposite the axial fixing means, the fixing member comprising notches at this axial end. This allows the operator to see when he is approaching the stop position to be reached.

[0049] According to one example, the external surface extends from the other abutment surface to the end of the connecting wall.

[0050] The invention also relates to a connected assembly comprising: • a set according to the preceding aspect with or without one or more of the different characteristics of the preceding paragraphs, • the second tube comprising: • a sealing surface inclined relative to the axis in contact and bearing against the external sealing deformation surface elastically deforming the sealing wall and • an axial stop in axial abutment with the second axial stop of the connecting wall and in which the axial fixing means is fixed to the complementary fixing means, • a layer of lubricant between the external sealing deformation surface and the inclined sealing surface.

[0051] According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the lubricant layer is a dry lubricant deposited on the external sealed deformation surface.

[0052] According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the inclined sealing surface of the second tube comprises a first free end and a second end opposite the free end extending from the radial surface forming the axial stop of the connection wall, in which the inclined sealing surface is frustoconical having a diameter at the first free end greater than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface and a diameter at the second end less than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface.

[0053] According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the elastic deformation of the sealing wall by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube forces the external sealing deformation surface of the first tube to press against the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of marking a tubular assembly according to the aspect of the preceding invention, comprising: • a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop forming a connected marking assembly, the second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the fixing member, the second test tube being arranged so as not to deform the sealing wall elastically, • a step of positioning the fixing member in the stop position, by a step of tightening the fixing member to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque, • a step of producing a visual indicator on the tube.

[0055] According to one embodiment of this method, the step of producing a visual indicator on the tube is a marking carried out by laser, for example all around the tube on an axially delimited area.

[0056] Another unclaimed invention relates to a tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube characterized in that the assembly comprises: • a tube of revolution around an axis comprising a connection zone comprising: • a revolution connection wall comprising at least one collar comprising: • a first surface forming a first axial stop, and • a second surface opposite the first surface, forming a second axial stop intended to come into abutment against the second tube, • an external surface comprising, between the first surface forming a first axial stop and one end of the connecting wall axially opposite the second axial stop, a visual indicator, • a sealing wall of revolution extending from the connection wall, the sealing wall comprising an external sealing deformation surface having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from a first free end surrounding an opening of the tube to a second end opposite the first end. • a fixing member mounted and axially movable around the connection zone between a free position in which the visual indicator is at least partially covered by the fixing member and a stop position in which the visual indicator is visible, comprising: • an axial fixing means intended to be fixed to a fixing means complementary to the second tube to be connected, and • an axial stop abutting against the first axial stop of the tube collar in the stop position.

[0057] This invention makes it possible to indicate to a user that the first tube is in abutment with the second tube when he connects the two tubes by means of the attachment member covering the two axial stops. The visual indicator can be produced by the method described above.

[0058] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0059] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0060] [Fig.l] shows a schematic representation of an axial section of a tubular assembly according to the prior art.

[0061] [Fig.2] shows an axial section of a tubular assembly according to a first example of a first embodiment in a free position.

[0062] [Fig.3] shows an enlargement of [Fig.2].

[0063] [Fig.4] shows an axial section of a connected assembly comprising the assembly tubular shown in [Fig.2], in a free position.

[0064] [Fig.5] shows an axial section of a variant of the assembly connected in a stop position.

[0065] [Fig.6] shows an axial section of a connected marking assembly (M) in a stop position, according to a second example of the first embodiment.

[0066] [Fig.7] shows an axial section of a connected assembly in a stop position comprising a tubular assembly according to a third example of the first embodiment.

[0067] [Fig.8a] shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to the first embodiment in a first position showing contact of an inclined portion of the first tube with an inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

[0068] [Fig.8b] shows a representation of an axial section of the part of the assembly connected from [Fig.8a] showing a deformation of the inclined part of the first tube by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

[0069] [Fig.8c] shows an axial section of the part of the connected assembly of [Fig.8a] in a stop position showing deformation of the inclined portion of the first tube by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

[0070] [Fig.9a] shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to a second embodiment in a position before contact of an inclined portion with an inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

[0071] [Fig.9b] shows an axial section of the part of the assembly connected in a stop position.

[0072] [Fig. 10] shows the connected marking assembly (M) in a free position comprising the tubular assembly according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0073] [Fig. 11] shows a representation of the connected assembly of [Fig. 10] in an abutment position.

[0074] [Fig. 12] shows a representation of different chain of dimensions on an axial section of the first example of the tubular assembly according to the first embodiment in the stop position.

[0075] [Fig. 13a] shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to a third embodiment in an abutment position.

[0076] [Fig. 13b] shows an enlargement of the section of [Fig. 13a]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0078] [Fig.2] shows a schematic representation of an axial section of a tubular assembly E according to a first example of a first embodiment of the invention.

[0079] The tubular assembly E is intended to be connected to a second tube 4 shown in an axial section in a connected assembly R in [Fig.4]. In other words, the connected assembly R comprises the tubular assembly E and the tube 4 connected together. [Fig.5] represents a connected assembly R comprising a tubular assembly E according to a variant of the first example of the first embodiment. [Fig.6] represents a connected assembly R different from that of [Fig.4].

[0080] The assembly E comprises a fixing member 32 and a tube 3 of revolution around an axis X. The tube 3 comprises a connection zone 34 and a main tubular zone. The tube 3 and / or the fixing member 32 are each made of metal, for example steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy. For example, the tube 3 and the fixing member 32 are each made of a stainless steel type steel.

[0081] The main tubular zone comprises a regular thickness between an internal and external surface, in this case they are cylindrical. The delimitation of the connection zone 34 and the main tubular zone is formed by a junction end of the connection zone 34 extending from the main tubular zone having an internal or external diameter different from that of the main tubular zone. The connection zone 34 comprises an internal volume of the tube 3 from the junction end to an opening 30 formed by a first end 3461 forming a free edge surrounding the axial opening 30.

[0082] [Fig. 3] shows an enlargement of [Fig. 2] at this connection zone 34. The fixing member 32 is mounted and is axially movable around the connection zone 34 between a free position and a stop position. The fixing member 32 thus comprises an axial fixing means 324 fixed to a complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4 allowing them to be fixed together. In this example, in this case by the fixing member 32 is a nut whose fixing means 324 is a thread and the complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4 is a thread for screwing together.

[0083] The connection zone 34 comprises a connection wall 342 of revolution comprising at least one collar 344. The collar 344 comprises a first surface forming a first axial stop 3440 and a second surface forming a second axial stop 3444.

[0084] The tube 4 also comprises an axial stop 404 in abutment against the second axial stop 3444 when they are in the stop position (and therefore potentially connected to the tube 3).

[0085] The fixing member 32 comprises an axial stop 321 in abutment against the first axial stop 3440 of the collar 344 of the tube 3 in the abutment position.

[0086] Thus, to carry out the fixing, here by screwing, the fixing member 32 moves along an axis of revolution X towards the tube 4, until the axial stop 321 is in abutment against the first axial stop 3440 of the collar 344. During fixing, here during screwing, the second tube 4 moves closer to the first tube until it is in contact with the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344.

[0087] In this first embodiment, the second tube 4 comprises an axial stop 443, in this case at the axial end of the complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4.

[0088] The connecting wall 342 comprises a groove 3421 extending from the first surface 3440 of the collar 344 to another abutment surface 3422 (referenced in [Fig. 5] representing a variant of the first example shown in Figures 2 to 4). The axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32 is movable in the groove 3421 between the first axial stop 3440, and the other stop surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421. The assembly E shown in [Fig. 5] is a variant of that of [Fig. 4] in that the other stop surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421 is a radial surface whereas in the first example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the other stop surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32. In these two examples the first surface of the collar 344 (forming a stop) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the axial stop 321.

[0089] In this embodiment, the axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32 is a snap ring. The fixing member 32 comprises an insertion orifice 3210, visible in the section in [Fig.6] as well as in Figures 10 and 11 representing an external view of the first example of the first embodiment respectively in a free position and a stop position. The insertion orifice 3210 has a helical shape whose section corresponds to that of the snap ring 321, passing through the fixing member 32 from an external surface to an internal surface opposite the tube 3. The insertion orifice 3210 makes it possible to insert the snap ring (by plastic or elastic deformation) into the groove by surrounding the tube 3.Thus, to form the assembly E, the fixing member 32 without the ring forming the fixing member 32 is fitted onto the connection zone 34 until the internal outlet of the insertion orifice 3210 is opposite the groove 3421, the ring is then inserted into the insertion orifice 3210 (via its external inlet) which deforms and leaves the internal outlet by deforming in the groove 3421 until it forms the axial stop 321.

[0090] The tube 3 further comprises a sealing wall 36 of revolution extending from the connecting wall 342 opposite the first axial stop 3440.

[0091] The connecting wall 342 comprises an internal surface 3420 surrounding a first portion of the internal volume of the connection zone 34 and the sealing wall 36 surrounds a second portion of the internal volume extending from the first portion of the internal volume to the axial opening 30.

[0092] The sealing wall 36 comprises an inclined portion 346 relative to the axis of revolution X of the tube 3, that is to say that its internal and external surfaces are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the axis of revolution X. The inclined portion 346 comprises the first end 3461 of the tube 3.

[0093] The inclined portion 346 further comprises a second end 3462 axially opposite the first end 3461. In other words, the inclined portion 346 is delimited in the axial direction between its two ends 3462, 3461. Beyond the second end 3462, either the second end 3462 is also that of the sealing wall 36 (as in the second embodiment explained below), or the sealing wall 36 comprises a non-inclined portion, in this case in this first mode of revolution a cylindrical portion of revolution 360 (having its internal and external surfaces parallel to the axis of revolution X) extending from the second end 3462 to the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344.

[0094] The inclined portion 346 further comprises an external sealing deformation surface 3464 having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from the first free end 3461 to the second end 3462.

[0095] The sealing wall 36 comprises an internal surface 3460 radially opposite the external sealed deformation surface 3464 formed by a recess 3060 allowing the sealing wall 36 to be elastically deformed by compression having at least one axial component on the external sealed deformation surface 3464.

[0096] [Fig.7] represents a section of a connected set R' comprising a set E according to a third example of this first embodiment, in which the differences in internal diameters of the internal surface 3420 of the connecting wall 342 are referenced. A portion 34200 of the internal surface 3420 has a constant diameter D3420 forming the smallest volume of the first portion of the internal volume. The portion 34200 is delimited between an internal chamfer and the recess 3060. The first axial stop 3440 is located axially at the level of the portion 34200 of the internal surface 3420, i.e. between the internal chamfer and the recess 3060. Furthermore, the example shown in [Fig. 7] is different in that the fixing member 32 is shorter axially and does not include a marking explained below.

[0097] In this first embodiment, at least before the connection, the internal surface 3460 formed by the recess comprises a larger diameter D3060 at the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344 than the diameter D3461 of the internal surface 3460 at the opening 30. The constant diameter D3420 of the part 34200 is smaller D3060, D3461 than those of the recess.

[0098] The second tube 4 comprises an inclined sealing surface 406 (referenced in [Fig.7]) relative to the axis X which, when the tube 4 is connected to the tube 3, is in contact and in abutment against the external sealing deformation surface 3464 by elastically deforming the sealing wall 36. In other words, during the connection, initially, the external sealing deformation surface 3464 comes into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4, and during the fixing, by moving the tube 4 towards the tube 3 by means of the fixing member 32, the sealing wall 36 is deformed until the axial stop 404 is in axial abutment with the second axial stop 3444 of the connection wall 342.

[0099] In the first example shown in [Fig.4] and its variant in [Fig.5] as well as in the third example in [Fig.7], the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4 is formed by a countersink and extends from an internal intermediate cylindrical surface formed by a counterbore. The internal intermediate cylindrical surface comprises a larger diameter than the main internal surface extending from this internal intermediate cylindrical surface of the tube 4. In the second example of [Fig.6], the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4 extends from a free end to an internal end attached to the main internal surface by means of an internal shoulder (the internal end has a diameter having a value between that of the diameter of the main internal surface and that of the diameter of the free end).

[0100] Furthermore, according to one example, the external sealing deformation surface 3464 is curved by being convex or frustoconical, allowing it to deform while limiting friction when it comes into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406. According to one option, the part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is curved by being concave or is, like the example shown, frustoconical. The inclined part of the sealing wall may thus have the shape of a conical elastic washer.

[0101] The thickness of the sealing wall 36 between the inner surface 3460 and the outer sealing deformation surface 3464 varies less than 10% and is preferably constant. In particular, the portion of the inner surface 3460 forming part of the inclined portion 346 of the sealing wall 36 is concentric with the outer sealing deformation surface 3464.

[0102] The inclined sealing surface 406 of the second tube 4 comprises a first free end 4061 and a second internal end 4062 axially opposite the first free end 4061. The first free end 4061 extends from the radial surface forming the axial stop 404. The inclined sealing surface 406 is frustoconical having a diameter at the first free end 4061 greater than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface 3464 and a diameter at the second end 4062 less than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface 3464.

[0103] In this first embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface 3464 is inclined relative to the axis X of revolution of the tube 3 at an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive, for example here 15° before deformation. The part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is inclined relative to the axis of revolution of the tube 3 at an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive. Here, as this part of the internal surface 3460 is concentric with the external sealed deformation surface 3464, the angle is also 15°.

[0104] The external sealing deformation surface 3464 makes it possible to be in contact by forming a seal with the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube by the forces exerted on each other by the elastic deformation when the axial stop 404 is in axial abutment with the second axial stop 3444 of the connection wall 342. The connected assembly comprises a layer of lubricant between the external sealing deformation surface 3464 and the inclined sealing surface 406 in order to reduce the friction between these two surfaces during fixing and therefore deformation.

[0105] In Figures 8a to 8c, the stress differences in the sealing wall 34 can be seen as a function of the deformation of the sealing wall 34 when the axial stop 443 of the second tube 4 is brought closer to the second axial stop 3444 of the tube 3. In [Fig.8a], the external sealing deformation surface 3464 is brought into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406, in [Fig.8b] the tube 3 has approached the tube 4 in an intermediate position (by means of the fixing member 32 not shown screwing onto the thread of the tube 4) by deforming the sealing wall 34. In [Fig.8c] we can see the tube 3 connected to the second tube 4 with the axial stop 443 of the second tube 4 in abutment with the second axial stop 3444 of the tube 3. In this position, the visible stresses exerted by the elastic deformation in the sealing wall 34 allow the seal between the external surface of tight deformation 3464 and the inclined sealing surface 406.

[0106] According to a second embodiment, the assembly E and the assembly R are different from the first embodiment in that the sealing wall 36' of the tube 3 is different as well as the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4'.

[0107] Figures 9a and 9b show a section of a portion of the tube 3 and the second tube 4 of the assembly R at the sealing wall 36' and the inclined sealing surface 406' respectively in an unconnected position and in a connected position.

[0108] In this second embodiment, the sealing wall 36' comprises only the inclined portion 346' which extends directly in the extension of the second axial stop 3444' of the collar 344' and the external sealed deformation surface 3464' is inclined relative to the axis of revolution X of the tube 3' by having an average angle between 45° and 90°. Here the inclined portion 346' comprises only the external sealed deformation surface 3464' which extends in the extension of the second surface forming the second axial stop 3444'. The recess in this second embodiment forms a recess 3060' delimiting the sealing wall 346' forming its internal surface 3460', a part of which forming part of the sealing wall 36' is inclined relative to the axis of revolution X of the tube 3' while also having an average angle between 45° and 90°.Preferably, as in the first embodiment, this part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the sealing wall 36 is parallel to the external sealing deformation surface 3464' and are each in this case curved (concave for the external sealing deformation surface 3464' and convex for this part of the internal surface 3460). The collar 344' of the connection wall 342' of revolution is therefore formed by the groove 3421 (forming the first axial stop) and the curved part of the external sealing deformation surface 3464'. The advantage of this second embodiment is to have a more axially compact connection zone.

[0109] The inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4' extends in the extension of the axial stop 404', up to a first free internal end 4060'. The inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial stop 404' are a frustoconical surface having an external diameter at the external end of the axial stop 404' greater than the largest diameter of the external sealed deformation surface 3464' and an internal diameter at the first free internal end 4060' less than at least the largest diameter of the external sealed deformation surface 3464'. In this case the internal diameter is less than the smallest diameter of the external sealed deformation surface 3464'.

[0110] The sealing wall 36' with the second axial stop 3444' are arranged relative to the inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial stop 404' so that the inner end of the sealing wall 36' is first in contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 to elastically deform the sealing wall 36'. Then, as can be seen in [Fig.9b], in the stop position, the sealing wall 36' is elastically deformed by the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4' producing stresses in the outer sealing deformation surface 3464' of the first tube 3 and in the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube producing the seal.It can be seen that the deformation of the sealing wall 36' causes a deformation of the external sealing deformation surface 3464' which is closer to the frustoconical surface of the inclined sealing surface 406 than to its curvature in the initial state (without elastic deformation before being in contact with the tube 4').

[0111] Optionally, the tubular assembly E is marked by a visual indicator according to another aspect of another invention. Figures 10 and 11 show the marking of the connected assembly R according to the first example of the first embodiment but can also be applied to its variant and to the second example as well as to the second embodiment. The marking can also be applied to the example described in [Fig.l] by modifying it.

[0112] The connecting wall 342 comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop 3440, and one end of the connecting wall 342 axially opposite the sealing wall 36, a visual indicator 307 corresponding to an area covered at least partially by the fixing member 32 in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube 4.

[0113] In this example, as can be seen in [Fig. 1 1], the visual indicator 307 is only completely uncovered in the stop position. In this example, as can be seen in [Fig. 10], the visual indicator 307 is partially uncovered from the free position 307. In this example, the fixing member 32 comprises notches 327 located at an axial end opposite the axial fixing means 324. These notches make it possible to partially cover the visual indicator 307 and thus make it possible to warn the user if the fixing member 32 is sufficiently screwed onto the second tube 4 so that the axial stop 404 of the second tube 4 is in axial stop. with the second axial stop 3444 of the connecting wall 342 of the first tube 3.

[0114] The marking method will now be described in relation to [Fig. 12] representing different axial rib chains on an axial section of the first example of the tubular assembly E according to the first embodiment in the stop position for the marking to work.

[0115] The stop 321 comprises an axial length 1321, the collar 344 comprises an axial length 1344, the fixing member 32 comprises a total axial length 132. The assembly E comprises an axial length L324 between the end of and the second axial stop 3444 of the connecting wall 342

[0116] The marking method comprises a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop 3444 of the first tube 3 forming a connected marking assembly. The second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the fixing member 32, the second test tube is arranged so as not to deform the elastically sealing wall 36. In other words, the second test tube does not comprise an inclined sealing surface 406 but comprises an internal cylindrical wall comprising an internal diameter greater than the maximum external diameter of the sealing wall 36 with an axial length greater than the axial length of the sealing wall 36, thus allowing the axial end of the second test tube to be in abutment with the second axial stop 3444. This axial end is preferably a radial surface.

[0117] The method then comprises a step of positioning the fixing member 32 in the stop position by a step of tightening the fixing member 32 to the second test tube to a predetermined torque.

[0118] The method then comprises a step of producing a visual indicator 307 on the tube 3, in this case following the notches 327. This step can be carried out by laser, for example a marking all around the tube on an axially delimited area. In this case, the visual indicator is produced all around the tube on an axially delimited area indicating that the tightening is not finished. Thus, regardless of the chain of dimensions of the lengths L324, L344, L321 and L32, the marking indicates to the user a screwing distance of the fixing member to be produced to ensure that a minimum pressure between the second axial stop 3444 of the first tube 3 and the axial stop 443. Thus, during the manufacture of the assembly E, these chains of dimensions each have a manufacturing tolerance generating differences between each object.The visual indicator makes it possible to indicate to the user when connecting the second tube to the assembly E that the axial stop 443 of the tube 4 is in abutment against the second axial stop 3444 of the tube 3.

[0119] [Fig. 13a] shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly R comprising a tubular assembly E according to a third embodiment in a stop position. This tubular assembly E is different from the first example of the first embodiment in that the collar 344' comprises a groove 3442. The second tube 4 is similar to that of the first example of the first embodiment.

[0120] The collar 344' thus comprises a first portion 3441 comprising the first axial stop 3440, in this case in abutment with the axial stop 321, here a ring, of the fixing member 32. The collar 344' comprises on the opposite side, separated by the groove 3442, a second portion 3443 comprising the second axial stop 3444, in this case in abutment against the axial stop 404 of the second tube 4. The axially measured thickness of the second portion 3443 is preferably greater than that of the first portion 3441. The axially measured thickness of the first portion is furthermore greater than the thickness of the sealing wall 36 measured between the internal surface 3460 and the external sealing deformation surface 3464 perpendicular thereto. This thus allows the sealing wall 36 to deform elastically before deformation of the rod or the first portion 3441.

[0121] The groove 3442 allows the first portion 3441 to deform elastically in order to avoid crushing and plastically deforming the ring during tightening.

[0122] Thus this third embodiment comprises a visual indicator produced like the marking method explained above such that in the step of positioning the fixing member 32 in the stop position by a step of tightening the fixing member 32 to the second test tube until a predetermined torque further elastically deforms this first portion 3441 in order to ensure a good seal between the first tube 3 and the second tube 4.

[0123] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

Claims

1. Claims Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') characterized in that the assembly (E) comprises: - a tube (3, 3') of revolution around an axis (X) comprising a connection zone (34) comprising: • a connecting wall (342) of revolution comprising at least one collar (344) comprising:

1. a first surface forming a first axial stop (3440), and 2. a second surface forming a second axial stop (3444) intended to come into abutment against the second tube (4), • a sealing wall (36) of revolution extending from the connecting wall (342), the sealing wall (36) comprising:

1. an inclined portion (346) comprising: a. a first end (3461) forming a free edge surrounding an axial opening (30) of the tube (3), b. a second end (3462) axially opposite the first end (3461), c. an external sealed deformation surface (3464) inclined relative to an axis (x) of the tube (3) having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive supporting a diameter increasing progressively and continuously from the first free end (3461) to the second end (3462), 2. an internal surface (3460) radially opposite the external sealing deformation surface (3464), formed by a recess (3060) allowing the sealing wall (36) to be elastically deformed by compression having at least one axial component on the external surface of tight deformation (3464), a fixing member (32) mounted and axially movable around the connection zone (34) between a free position and a stop position, comprising: an axial fixing means (324) intended to be fixed to a complementary fixing means (424) of the second tube (4) to be connected, and an axial stop (321) abutting against the first axial stop (3440) of the collar (344) of the tube (3) in the stop position.

2.

3.

4. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting wall (342, 342') comprises a groove (3421, 3421') extending from the first surface (3440, 3440') of the collar (344, 344') to another stop surface (3422), the axial stop (321) of the fixing member (32) being movable in the groove (3421, 3421') between the first axial stop (3440, 3440'), and the other stop surface (3422) delimiting the groove (3421). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar (344) comprises a groove (3442) dividing the collar into a first and a second part, the first part comprising the first axial stop (3440) comprising a thickness measured axially: less than that of the second portion (3443) comprising the second axial stop (3444), greater than the thickness of the sealing wall (36) measured between the internal surface (3460) and the external sealing deformation surface (3464). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing wall (36) further comprises a cylindrical revolution portion (360) extending from the inclined portion (346) to the second axial stop (3444) of the collar (344).

5. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting wall (342, 342') comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop (3440, 3440'), and one end of the connecting wall (342, 342') axially opposite the sealing wall (36, 36'), a visual indicator (307) corresponding to an area covered at least partially by the fixing member (32) in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube (4, 4').

6. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to claim 5, in which the visual indicator (307) is only fully visible in the stop position.

7. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which the fixing member (32) comprises an axial end opposite the axial fixing means (324), the fixing member (32) comprising notches (327) at this axial end.

8. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing member (32) is a nut and the fixing means (324) is a thread for screwing onto a thread of the second tube (4).

9. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the external sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464') is curved.

10. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the internal surface (3460) forming part of the inclined part (346') of the sealing wall (36) is curved.

11. Connected assembly (R) comprising: - an assembly (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, - the second tube (4, 4') comprising: • an inclined sealing surface (406, 406') relative to the axis (X) in contact and bearing against the external sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464') elastically deforming the sealing wall (36, 36') and • an axial stop (404, 404') in axial abutment with the second axial stop (3444, 3444') of the connecting wall (342, 342') and in which the axial fixing means (324) is fixed to the complementary fixing means (424), - a layer of lubricant between the external sealing deformation surface and the inclined sealing surface.

12. Method for marking a tubular assembly (E) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop (3444, 3444') forming a connected marking assembly, the second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the fixing member (32), the second test tube being arranged so as not to deform the elastically sealing wall (36, 36'), - a step of positioning the fixing member (32) in the stop position, by a step of tightening the fixing member (32) to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque, - a step of producing a visual indicator (307) on the tube (3, 3').

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