Connector comprising a sealing sleeve and at least one volume compensation system

Abstract

Connector comprising a sealing sleeve and at least one volume compensation system The invention relates to a connector which comprises: first and second parts (42, 44) configured to occupy a connected state and a disconnected state, a ring (46) positioned around the first and second parts (42, 44) and configured to maintain them in the connected state, a sealing sleeve (58) surrounding the ring (46) and having first and second ends (58.1, 58.2) connected respectively to the first and second parts (42, 44), at least one volume compensation system (64) comprising at least one variable volume chamber (66) which deforms between expanded and contracted states, depending on the atmospheric conditions around the connector, and communicates with at least one gap (60) provided between at least two elements among the ring (46), the first and second parts (42, 44).Thanks to the variable volume chamber (66), the sealing sleeve (58) maintains its sealing capabilities despite pressure variations around the connector. Figure 9.

Description

Title of the invention: Connector comprising a sealing sleeve and at least one volume compensation system

[0001] The present application relates to a connector comprising a sealing sleeve and at least one volume compensation system.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 1 to 4, a connector 10 comprises a first part 12 which has a first connection face 12.1 and pins 12.2, as well as a second part 14 which has a second connection face 14.1 and housings 14.2 each configured to receive one of the pins 12.2. The first and second parts 12, 14 are configured to occupy a connected state in which the first and second connection faces 12.1, 14.1 are pressed against each other or close to each other, each pin 12.2 being inserted into one of the housings 14.2, as well as a disconnected state in which the first and second connection faces 12.1, 14.1 are spaced apart from each other, the pins 12.2 not being inserted into the housings 14.2.

[0003] According to one configuration, the first part 12, visible in part (B) of [Fig.2], is cylindrical and has an axis A12. This first part 12 comprises a first tubular body 16 which has a tubular wall 16.1 and a bottom 16.2 corresponding to the first connection face 12.2.

[0004] For the present application, a longitudinal direction is parallel to the axis A12 of the first part 12. A longitudinal plane contains the axis A12. A transverse plane is perpendicular to the axis A12.

[0005] The second part 14, visible in part (A) of [Fig.2], comprises a second cylindrical body 18 which has a lateral face 18.1 as well as a front face 18.2 corresponding to the second connection face 14.2. The lateral face 18.1 has an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular wall 16.1 of the first part 12 to allow the first body 16 to be housed in the second body 18.

[0006] The connector 10 comprises a ring 20 configured to hold the first and second parts 12, 14 in the connected state. For this purpose, the outer face of the tubular wall 16.1 of the first part 12 comprises a thread 22 and the second part 14 comprises a first stop 24. In addition, the ring 20 extends between first and second ends 20.1, 20.2 and comprises a second stop 26, configured to bear against the first stop 24 of the second part 14, as well as an inner face 28 threaded and configured to screw onto the thread 22 of the first part 12.

[0007] According to one configuration, the connector 10 comprises a first annular seal 30 interposed between the bottom 16.2 of the first part 12 and the front face 18.2 of the second part 14, positioned around the pins 12.2.

[0008] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, to reinforce the sealing, the connector 10 comprises a sealing sleeve 32 surrounding the ring 20 and having a first end 32.1 secured to the first part 12 as well as a second end 32.2 secured to the second part 14. According to one embodiment, this sealing sleeve 32 is obtained by winding around the connector 10 a self-amalgamating adhesive tape, starting from the first part 12 to the second part 14.

[0009] When the connector 10 is positioned in a non-pressurized area of ​​an aircraft, the pressure around the connector 10 varies greatly and has a first value when the aircraft is on the ground and a second value significantly lower than the first value when the aircraft is in flight and in the cruise phase. Due to these pressure variations, the sealing sleeve 32 deforms, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. These alternating and repeated deformations lead to premature detachment of the sealing sleeve 32 which is then no longer watertight, thus increasing the risks of corrosion of the pins 12.2.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] For this purpose, the invention relates to a connector comprising: a. first and second parts configured to occupy a connected state and a disconnected state, b. a ring positioned around the first and second parts and configured to maintain them in the connected state, the first and second parts respectively comprising first and second end sections not covered by the ring, c. a sealing sleeve surrounding the ring and having first and second ends connected respectively to the first and second end sections, d. at least one gap between at least two of the ring, the first and second parts.

[0012] According to the invention, the connector comprises at least one volume compensation system comprising at least one variable volume chamber communicating with the gap and deforming between expanded and contracted states depending on the atmospheric conditions around the connector.

[0013] In operation, the pressure difference between the air contained in the gap and trapped by the sealing sleeve and the air located around the sleeve varies and causes a variation in the volume of the variable volume chamber. Since the volume variations are compensated by the variable volume chamber, the sealing sleeve is virtually unaffected by the change in pressure around the connector and retains its sealing capabilities.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the variable volume chamber is distinct from the sealing sleeve.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the variable volume chamber comprises a tubular body which extends between first and second ends as well as a bottom closing the tubular body at its first end. In addition, the sealing sleeve comprises an opening configured to allow the second end of the tubular body to communicate with the gap, the volume compensation system comprising a connection connecting the tubular body and the sealing sleeve.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the connection comprises a collar secured to the tubular body and positioned around the latter, at its second end, between the sealing sleeve and at least one element among the ring, the first and second parts.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the tubular body, the base and the collar form a single and same piece.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the tubular body comprises at least one bellows configured to stretch in a direction perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring.

[0019] According to another characteristic, the volume compensation system comprises at least one return element configured to maintain the variable volume chamber in the expanded state. According to one configuration, the tubular body and the return element form a single piece, the tubular body being elastic and configured to automatically return to the expanded state.

[0020] According to another characteristic, the sealing sleeve is obtained by winding, around the connector, a self-amalgamating type adhesive tape.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the sealing sleeve comprises at least one deformable intermediate section, positioned between its first and second ends, partly forming the variable volume chamber.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the deformable intermediate section comprises at least one bellows.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the sealing sleeve comprises at least one protrusion distant from the first and second ends of the sealing sleeve and partially delimiting the variable volume chamber.

[0024] According to another characteristic, the outgrowth comprises a side wall cy lindrique which has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the volume compensation system comprises at least one return element positioned in the variable volume chamber and configured to maintain the latter in the expanded state.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the return element comprises at least one foam body which has a shape complementary to that of the protrusion.

[0027] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one connector according to one of the preceding characteristics, positioned in a non-pressurized zone.

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0029] [Fig-1] is a half-view and a half-longitudinal section of a connector without sealing sleeve,

[0030] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the first and second parts of a connector in the disconnected state,

[0031] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal section of a part of a connector equipped with a sealing sleeve, positioned in an aircraft in flight, illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0032] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal section of the part of the connector visible in [Fig.3] when the aircraft is on the ground,

[0033] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal section of a part of a connector equipped with a sealing sleeve, positioned in an aircraft in flight, illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal section of the connector portion visible in [Fig.5] when the aircraft is on the ground,

[0035] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a portion of a sealing sleeve illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0036] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of volume compensation systems illustrating different embodiments of the invention,

[0037] [Fig.9] shows longitudinal sections of a part of an equipped connector of a sealing sleeve, positioned in an aircraft on the ground on part (A) and in flight on part (B), illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0038] [Fig. 10] is a side view of a portion of a connector equipped with a sleeve sealing illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0039] [Fig.11] is a schematic cross-section of the connector visible in [Fig.10],

[0040] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a volume compensation system illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and

[0041] [Fig. 13] is a side view of a portion of a connector equipped with a sealing sleeve illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0042] According to an embodiment visible in figures 5, 6 and 9, a connector 40 comprises a first part 42 which has a first connection face 42.1 and first electrical contacts 42.2, such as pins, as well as a second part 44 which has a second connection face 44.1 and second electrical contacts 44.2 such as housings each configured to receive one of the pins 42.2. The first and second portions 42, 44 are configured to occupy a connected state in which the first and second connection faces 42.1, 44.1 are brought together or in contact with each other, the first and second electrical contacts 42.2, 44.2 being in contact with each other and ensuring electrical continuity, as well as a disconnected state in which the first and second connection faces 42.1, 44.1 are spaced apart from each other, the first and second electrical contacts 42.2, 44.2 being separated and ceasing to provide electrical continuity.

[0043] Each of the first and second parts generally comprises several assembled pieces.

[0044] The connector 40 includes a ring 46 positioned around the first and second portions 42, 44 and configured to occupy an assembled state in which the ring 46 maintains the first and second portions 42, 44 in the connected state as well as a disassembled state in which the ring 46 ceases to maintain the first and second portions 42, 44 in the connected state. This ring 46 is configured to be immobilized relative to a first element among the first and second parts 42, 44 and to be screwed onto a second element, different from the first, among the first and second parts 42, 44. According to one configuration, the first part 42 comprises a threaded external lateral face 48 and the second part 14 comprises a first stop 50. In addition, the ring 46 extends between first and second ends 46.1, 46.2 and comprises a second stop 52, located at the first end 46.1 and configured to cooperate with the first stop 50, as well as an inner face 54 threaded and configured to screw onto the threaded outer lateral face 48 of the first part 42.

[0045] The ring 46 has an axis of revolution substantially coincident with those of the first and second parts 42, 44 and parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0046] According to one configuration, the connector 40 comprises at least one annular seal 56 interposed between the first and second connection faces 42.1, 44.1 around the pins 42.2.

[0047] The first and second parts 42, 44 as well as the ring 46 are not described further because they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0048] Whatever the embodiment, the connector 40 comprises: a. first and second parts 42, 44 respectively comprising at least one first electrical contact 42.2 and at least one second electrical contact 44.2, the first and second parts 42, 44 being configured to occupy a connected state in which the first and second parts 42, 44 are pressed against each other or close to each other, the first and second electrical contacts 42.2, 44.2 being in contact with each other, as well as a disconnected state in which the first and second parts 42, 44 are spaced apart from each other, the first and second electrical contacts 42.2, 44.2 ceasing to be in contact with each other, b. a ring 46 positioned around the first and second portions 42, 44 and configured to occupy an assembled state in which the ring 46 maintains the first and second portions 42, 44 in the connected state as well as a disassembled state in which the ring 46 ceases to maintain the first and second portions 42, 44 in the connected state, c. the first and second parts 42, 44 respectively comprising first and second end sections 42T, 44T which are exposed, not covered by the ring 46 when the latter is in the assembled state and the first and second parts 42, 44 are in the connected state, d. at least one gap 60 between at least two elements among the ring 46, the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0049] For the present application, a gap is understood to mean one or more gaps.

[0050] When the ring 46 is in the assembled state and the first and second parts 42, 44 are in the connected state, the connector 40 also comprises a sealing sleeve 58 surrounding the ring 46, having first and second ends 58.1, 58.2 connected respectively to the first and second end sections 42T, 44T. This sealing sleeve 58 encloses a volume of air in the gap 60.

[0051] According to one application, an aircraft comprises at least one connector 40 positioned in a non-pressurized zone 62 containing an atmosphere which has a pressure varying as a function of the altitude of the aircraft, this pressure having a first value at a first atmospheric condition, when the aircraft is in flight, different and significantly lower than a second value at a second atmospheric condition when the aircraft is on the ground.

[0052] According to one characteristic, the connector 40 comprises at least one volume compensation system 64 comprising at least one variable volume chamber 66 communicating with the gap 60 and deforming between expanded and contracted states depending on the atmospheric conditions around the connector.

[0053] The variable volume chamber 66 is deformable and configured to occupy a first expanded state, visible in [Fig.5] and part (B) of [Fig.9], in which its capacity has a first value when zone 62 has a first atmospheric condition and a contracted state, visible in [Fig.6] and part (A) of [Fig.9], in which its capacity has a second value lower than the first value when zone 62 has a second atmospheric condition.

[0054] According to the invention, when the pressure in the zone 62 varies, this causes a variation in the capacity of the variable volume chamber 66 and almost no deformation of the sealing sleeve 58 which retains its adhesion at least at its first and second ends 58.1, 58.2.

[0055] According to a first embodiment visible in [Fig. 13], the sealing sleeve 58 comprises at least one deformable intermediate section 68, positioned between its first and second ends 58.1, 58.2, partly forming the variable volume chamber 66. According to this embodiment, the first and second ends 58.1, 58.2 of the sealing sleeve are connected in a sealed manner respectively to the first and second end sections 42 and 44T of the first and second parts 42, 44. The connector 40 may comprise clamping collars 70 for clamping the first and second ends 58.1, 58.2 of the sealing sleeve 58 against the first and second end sections 42 and 44T of the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0056] According to this first embodiment, the sealing sleeve 58 is continuous and made in one piece between its first and second ends 58.1, 58.2. According to one configuration, the deformable intermediate section 68 comprises at least one bellows configured to stretch in a direction parallel to the axis of revolution of the ring 46. Other configurations are conceivable to obtain an intermediate section 68 deformable between an expanded state in which the intermediate section 68 is spaced from the ring 46 as well as from the first and second parts 42, 44 and a contracted state in which the intermediate section 68 is brought together or stuck against the ring 46 and / or the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0057] According to a second embodiment visible in Figures 5 and 6, the sealing sleeve 58 comprises at least one protrusion 72 distant from the first and second ends 58.1, 58.2 of the sealing sleeve 58 and partially delimiting the variable volume chamber 66. According to this second embodiment, the sealing sleeve 58 is continuous and made in one piece between its first and second ends 58.1, 58.2. Apart from the protrusion 72, the sealing sleeve 58 adheres to the first and second parts 42, 44 as well as to the ring 46.

[0058] According to one arrangement, the protrusion 72 is positioned in line with the ring 46.

[0059] According to one configuration, the protrusion 72 comprises a cylindrical side wall 72.1, which has an axis A72.1 substantially perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring 46, as well as a bottom 72.2 distant from the sealing sleeve 58 outside the protrusion 72.

[0060] According to this second embodiment, depending on the pressure in the zone 62, the protrusion 72 deforms between an expanded state, visible in [Fig. 5], and a contracted state visible in [Fig. 6]. The remainder of the sealing sleeve 58 is hardly stressed due to the change in pressure in the zone 62 and always adheres perfectly to the ring 46 as well as to the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0061] According to one configuration, the volume compensation system 64 comprises at least one return element 74, positioned in the variable volume chamber 66, configured to maintain the latter in the expanded state. According to one embodiment, this return element 74 is positioned in the protrusion 72, more precisely between the ring 46 and the bottom 72.2 of the protrusion 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and part (C) of [Fig. 8], this return element 74 comprises at least one foam body which has a cylindrical shape complementary to that of the protrusion 72 so as to fill substantially the entire volume delimited by the protrusion 72.

[0062] According to other embodiments visible in Figures 7, 9 to 12, the variable volume chamber 66 is a separate part from the sealing sleeve 58.

[0063] According to a third embodiment visible in [Fig. 10], the sealing sleeve 58 is obtained by winding, around the connector 40, a self-amalgamating adhesive tape 76, from one end section 42T, 44T to the other. The tape 76 used may be identical to that of the prior art.

[0064] According to the embodiments visible in Figures 7, 9 to 12, the variable volume chamber 66 is distinct from the sealing sleeve 58 and comprises a tubular body 78 which extends between first and second ends 78.1, 78.2 as well as a bottom 80 closing the tubular body 78 at its first end 78.1. The sealing sleeve 58 comprises an opening 82 configured to communicate the second end 78.2 of the tubular body 78 with the gap 60 containing the volume of air trapped by the sealing sleeve 58. In addition, the volume compensation system 64 comprises a connection 84 sealingly connecting the tubular body 78 and the sealing sleeve 58.

[0065] According to one arrangement, the opening 82 has a section greater than that of the tubular body 78 so that the latter can pass through it. The opening 82 is obtained when the ribbon 76 is wound around the connector 40.

[0066] According to one configuration, the connection 84 comprises a collar 84.1 connected to the tubular body 78, at its second end 78.2, which extends outside the tubular body 78, this collar 84.1 being positioned between the sealing sleeve 58 and at least one element among the ring 46, the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the tubular body 78, the bottom 80 and the collar 84.1 form a single and same piece.

[0068] According to one configuration, the tubular body 78 is cylindrical and has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring 46.

[0069] The tubular body 78 can deform between a contracted state visible in part (A) of [Fig. 9] and an expanded state visible in part (B) of [Fig. 9]. Thus, the sealing sleeve 58 is almost not stressed due to the change in pressure in the zone 62 and always adheres perfectly to the ring 46 and to the first and second parts 42, 44.

[0070] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.9], the tubular body 78 comprises at least one bellows configured to stretch in a direction perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring 46. According to one configuration, the bellows extends over the entire length of the tubular body 78 (the length corresponding to the dimension taken between the first and second ends 78.1, 78.2).

[0071] As illustrated in parts (A) and (B) of [Fig.8], the bellows can have different profiles, such as a profile composed of circular arcs visible in part (A) or a polygonal profile visible in part (B).

[0072] According to one configuration, the volume compensation system 64 comprises at least one return element configured to maintain the variable volume chamber 66 in the expanded state. According to one arrangement, the tubular body 76 and the return element form a single piece, the tubular body being elastic, due to its shape and / or its material, and configured to automatically return to the expanded state.

Claims

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a. first and second portions (42, 44) configured to occupy a connected state and a disconnected state, b. a ring (46) positioned around the first and second portions (42, 44) and configured to maintain them in the connected state, the first and second portions (42, 44) respectively comprising first and second end sections (42T, 44T) not covered by the ring (46), c. a sealing sleeve (58) surrounding the ring (46) and having first and second ends (58.1, 58.2) connected respectively to the first and second end sections (42T, 44T), d. at least one gap (60) between at least two of the ring (46), the first and second portions (42, 44); e.characterized in that the connector (40) comprises at least one volume compensation system (64) comprising at least one variable volume chamber (66) which communicates with the gap (60) and deforms between expanded and contracted states depending on the atmospheric conditions around the connector.

2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the variable volume chamber (66) is separate from the sealing sleeve (58).

3. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the variable volume chamber (66) comprises a tubular body (78) which extends between first and second ends (78.1, 78.2) as well as a bottom (80) closing the tubular body (78) at its first end (78.1), in that the sealing sleeve (58) comprises an opening (82) configured to allow the second end (78.2) of the tubular body (78) to communicate with the gap (60) and in that the volume compensation system (64) comprises a connection (84) connecting the tubular body (78) and the sealing sleeve (58).

4. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connection (84) comprises a collar (84.1) integral with the tubular body. (78) and positioned around the latter, at its second end (78.2), between the sealing sleeve (58) and at least one element among the ring (46), the first and second parts (42, 44).

5. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubular body (78), the base (80) and the collar (84.1) form a single piece.

6. Connector according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the ring (46) comprises an axis of revolution and in that the tubular body (78) comprises at least one bellows configured to stretch in a direction perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring (46).

7. Connector according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the volume compensation system (64) comprises at least one return element configured to maintain the variable volume chamber (66) in the expanded state.

8. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubular body (78) and the return element form a single piece, the tubular body (78) being elastic and configured to automatically return to the expanded state.

9. Connector according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the sealing sleeve (58) is obtained by winding, around the connector (40), a self-amalgamating adhesive tape (76).

10. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing sleeve (58) comprises at least one deformable intermediate section (68), positioned between its first and second ends (58.1, 58.2), partly forming the variable volume chamber (66).

11. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the deformable intermediate section (68) comprises at least one bellows.

12. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing sleeve (58) comprises at least one protrusion (72) distant from the first and second ends (58.1, 58.2) of the sealing sleeve (58) and partially delimiting the variable volume chamber (66).

13. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ring (46) comprises an axis of revolution and in that the protrusion (72) comprises a cylindrical side wall (72.1) which has an axis (A72.1) substantially perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the ring (46).

14. Connector according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the volume compensation system (64) comprises at least one return element (74) positioned in the variable volume chamber (66) and configured to maintain the latter in the expanded state.

15. Connector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the return element (74) comprises at least one foam body which has a shape complementary to that of the protrusion (72).

16. Aircraft comprising at least one connector according to one of the preceding claims, positioned in a non-pressurized zone.

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