Set for connecting tubes comprising a first tube and a clamp with a retaining tab

Abstract

The clamping assembly for connecting the tube comprises a first tube (1) and a clamp (10) disposed around one end (A) of the first tube. The first tube carries a retaining member (14) projecting from this outer periphery and the clamp comprises a belt (12) adapted to be clamped around the first tube to connect the first tube to a second tube. The clamp carries a retaining tab (16) adapted to cooperate with the retaining member (14) to retain the clamp around the end of the first tube in the unclamped state of the belt. The retaining member (14) has a slot (15) through which the retaining tab is engaged. Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for connecting tubes comprising a first tube and a clamp with a retaining tab Technical field

[0001] The disclosure relates to an assembly for connecting tubes comprising a first tube and a clamping collar disposed around one end of the first tube. A second tube is intended to be connected to the first tube and the collar can then be tightened around the connected ends of the two tubes to maintain this connection. It may be useful, before this connection, to pre-position the clamping collar at the end of the first tube. It is then appropriate both to properly maintain the collar in the desired position at the end of the first tube, and to ensure that this maintenance is compatible with easy connection of the second tube with the first tube, then with the tightening of the collar. It is also appropriate to ensure that the implementation of the maintenance of the collar at the end of the first tube is as simple as possible.

[0002] For example, assemblies are known in which the collar carries a washer provided with hooking tabs or claws which, before tightening, can hook onto the periphery of the end of the first tube to hold the collar in the pre-assembled position. This system is entirely satisfactory, but it is relatively restrictive in terms of the geometry of the washer which constitutes an additional part which must be mounted inside the collar.

[0003] Also known, for example from US patent 7,458,619, is an assembly in which the first tube carries a stud projecting on its external periphery, and the collar carries a tab having a wide opening into which, for pre-assembly, the stud is inserted. The stud has a circular section and the opening is a wide ogival opening. This system can allow the angular wedging achieved between the collar and the first tube, but it is relatively difficult to implement and the stud is not maintained in the wide opening. Statement of the invention

[0004] The disclosure aims to remedy at least substantially the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] Thus, the invention relates to an assembly for connecting tubes comprising a first tube and a clamping collar arranged around one end of the first tube, the first tube carrying a retaining member projecting on its external periphery, the clamping collar comprising a belt capable of being tightened around the end of the first tube to connect the first tube to a second tube, and the clamping collar carrying a retaining tab adapted to cooperate with the retaining member to retain the clamp around the end of the first tube in the untightened state of the belt, the retaining member having a slot through which the retaining tab is engaged, the slot optionally being elongated in a direction parallel to a diameter of the first tube.

[0006] Thus, according to the disclosure, the retaining tab carried by the collar is engaged in a slot provided by the retaining member carried by the first tube. This engagement of the retaining tab in the slot can be achieved in a simple manner and the cooperation between the retaining tab and the retaining member remains naturally ensured by the retention of the retaining tab in the slot of the retaining member.

[0007] The slot is in particular an opening of elongated shape, the length of which is several times greater than the width, for example at least three times, or even at least five times, or even at least ten times equal to its width. The slot may in particular have a rectangular shape which limits the axial size, but it may have other shapes, in which case it is its greatest length and its current width which are taken into account in the comparison of its length and its width.

[0008] Preferably, the assembly comprises a single retaining tab and a single retaining member. Thus, if the retaining tab and the retaining member are positioned upwards, the collar can be pre-assembled by being suspended from the first tube by the retaining tab. Assembling the collar with the end of the first tube for pre-assembly is particularly simple since it is sufficient to position the collar angularly so that the retaining tab is opposite the retaining member, then insert the tab into the slot, before leaving the collar naturally in place, suspended from the retaining member around the end of the first tube. The suspension height may be such that the belt is closer to the outer periphery of the first tube, in a region diametrically opposite the retaining tab.

[0009] Furthermore, once the second tube is connected to the first tube, the clamping of the collar around the connected ends of the two tubes can be carried out in a conventional manner, without the retaining tab hindering this clamping in any way. On the contrary, it can even promote this clamping by forming a holding point from which the clamping stresses are exerted.

[0010] Optionally, at least one of the elements comprising the retaining member and the retaining tab has a spring effect tending to return towards the axis of the first tube a part of the belt diametrically opposite the retaining tab.

[0011] Optionally, the retaining member comprises a slotted tab, which is attached to the first tube and which has the slot.

[0012] Optionally, the slot is formed in a slotted portion of the slotted tab which is located spaced from the outer periphery of the first tube, said slotted portion being op- functionally capable of being elastically brought closer to said external periphery.

[0013] Optionally, the split portion extends substantially parallel to the axis of the first tube, the split tab optionally having a U-shape comprising a first branch fixed to the first tube, a second branch forming the split portion and a spacer extending between the first and second branches.

[0014] Optionally, the retaining member has a wedging stop capable of cooperating with the retaining tab to limit the movements of the retaining tab relative to the retaining member, the stop optionally comprising two wedging edges between which the slot extends.

[0015] Optionally, the retaining tab is attached to the collar while optionally being attached to the belt.

[0016] Optionally, the retaining tab extends generally axially.

[0017] Optionally, the assembly comprises an insertion stop capable of limiting the insertion length of the retaining tab in the slot, the insertion stop optionally comprising a projection formed in the retaining tab.

[0018] Optionally, the retaining tab and the retaining member have bearing surfaces located on either side of the slot, said bearing surfaces being naturally in contact with each other when the clamping collar is retained around the end of the first tube in the untightened state of the belt.

[0019] Optionally, the belt has an annular recess and the end of the first tube has an annular projection engaged in the annular recess.

[0020] Optionally, the belt extends around the end of the first tube when, with the retaining tab engaged in the slot, the assembly is oriented so that the collar is suspended from the retaining member by the retaining tab.

[0021] Optionally, the annular recess surrounds the annular projection when, with the retaining tab engaged in the slot, the assembly is oriented so that the collar is suspended from the retaining member by the retaining tab.

[0022] Optionally, the belt having ends capable of being moved relative to each other to tighten the belt, the retaining tab is arranged close to one of said ends, being in particular located in an angular sector of less than 90°, optionally less than 50°, relative to this end.

[0023] The disclosure also relates to a method of assembling an assembly according to the disclosure, in which the clamping collar is presented at the end of the first tube, the clamping collar is inclined by forming a non-zero angle of inclination between the axis of the belt and the axis of the first tube, the retaining tab is then inserted into the slot, the clamping collar is folded down to pass the belt around the end of the first tube and the clamping collar is then released.

[0024] The retaining tab and the retaining member may have geometric shapes simple and constitute inexpensive elements, and easy to attach to, respectively, the collar and the first tube. The retaining tab can be engaged in the slot by an extremely simple movement, so that the pre-assembly of the collar on the first tube is particularly simple to carry out.

[0025] The retaining tab can not only hold the collar at the end of the first tube, but also center the collar on the axis of this first tube while providing the annular space necessary for bringing the end of the second tube for fitting the two tubes.

[0026] When the belt has an annular recess in which annular projections of the tubes must engage, these annular projections have bearing surfaces against which the sides of the belt which axially delimit the annular recess, come to bear when the collar is tightened. The retaining tab engaged in the slot can make it possible to keep the collar well centered relative to the first tube while maintaining the edge of the sides of the belt on a diameter allowing the insertion of the annular projection of the second tube into the belt, until bringing the second tube into the connection position relative to the first tube. During tightening, the retaining tab continues to hold the collar until the sides of the belt come into contact with the bearing surfaces of the tubes. Tightening can thus begin with good centering of the collar and the tubes, then continue without being hindered by the retaining tab. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The description will be clearly understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments represented as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view showing an assembly according to the present disclosure comprising a first tube and a collar before pre-assembly, and also showing a second tube intended to be connected to the first tube.

[0029] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a phase of assembly of the collar with the first tube aimed at pre-assembling the collar at the end of the first tube and includes an enlarged view showing the insertion of the retaining tab into the slot of the retaining member.

[0030] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view, showing the collar pre-assembled at the end of the first tube and the second tube connected to the end of the first tube.

[0031] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view, taken from a slightly different viewing angle than [Fig.3] and showing an enlarged portion showing the cooperation of the retaining tab with the retaining member.

[0032] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an end view showing the collar pre-assembled on the first tube.

[0033] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing the pre-assembled collar at the end of the first tube, for an alternative embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0034] [Fig.l] shows an end portion of a first tube 1, an end portion of a second tube 2, and a clamp 10 intended to keep the tubes connected to each other. In this case, the end 1A of the first tube has an annular projection 1' and the belt 12 of the clamp has an annular recess 13 intended to receive this annular projection 1'. Similarly, the end 2A of the second tube has an annular projection 2' defining substantially the same external diameter as the annular projection 1' of the first tube, these projections being arranged against each other when the tubes are connected. The rear faces of these projections, that is to say the faces which, for each tube, are opposite the free end of the tube in question, form bearing surfaces 1'A, respectively 2'A, against which, when the collar is tightened, come to bear the sides 13A and 13B of the belt between which the recess 12A is delimited.Furthermore, the tubes 1 and 2 have in this case centering surfaces, respectively IA' and 2A', the centering surface 2A' being in this case intended to be fitted around the centering surface IA' when the tubes are connected.

[0035] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the forward direction, defined relative to a tube, in particular defined for an element carried by a tube, is the direction going towards the free end of this tube. Thus, for example, the centering surface IA' of the first tube is at the front of the annular projection 1'. The rearward direction is the opposite direction. Thus, the bearing surface 1A of the first tube is located at the rear of the annular projection 1'. With regard to the collar or an element carried by the collar, the forward direction is the direction of insertion of the retaining tab into the slot of the retaining member which will be described below. When the axes A of the first tube and C of the collar are aligned, as in [Fig.l], the forward direction for the collar is the direction towards the first tube, i.e. to the left in [Fig.l].The inward direction is, for a given element, the direction radially approaching the axis of this element, the outward direction being the opposite direction. In the figure, the axis A of the first tube 1 and the axis C of the belt 12 are merged.

[0036] The first tube has, at its end 1A, a retaining member 14 which is in annular projection at the end 1A of the first tube. It can be seen that this retaining member 14 has a slot 15.

[0037] The clamp collar carries a retaining tab 16 configured to be inserted into the slot 15.

[0038] In this case, the retaining member 14 comprises a split tab which is fixed to the first tube and which comprises the slot. More precisely, the slot 15 is formed in a slotted portion 14A of the tab 14, which is located at a distance from the outer periphery of the first tube 1. In this case, this slotted portion 14A is formed by a part of the tab which is oriented axially, that is to say parallel to the axis A of the first tube 1. The slotted portion 14A may in particular be rectilinear and flat, or even planar as is the case in the example shown. The slotted tab has a spacer portion 14B which forms a spacer between the slotted portion 14A and the outer periphery of the tube 1 which carries the slotted tab. Finally, the slotted tab has a fixing portion 14C by which it is fixed to the tube 1 by any suitable fixing means. These fixing means may for example include welding, clinching, gluing or any combination of these means.The fastening means may further utilize a ligature, for example, by holding the IC fastening portion tight against the outer periphery of the first tube using an accessory clamp.

[0039] In this case, the split tab 14 has a U shape, the fixing part 14C forming a first branch of the U which is fixed to the first tube 1, the second branch of the U forming the split part 14A, and the bottom of the U forming the spacer part 14B which extends between the first and second branches.

[0040] It may be advantageous for the split portion 14A to extend axially. However, other orientations may be provided for this split portion, for example an orientation inclined relative to the axis A of the first tube 1, or even substantially radial, in which case the split tab would form a sort of loop extending in projection above the external periphery of the tube 1.

[0041] The particular shape of the split tab may contribute to giving it a spring effect promoting the correct positioning of the collar around the end of the first tube. A loop shape could contribute to elastically bringing the collar back onto the first tube. A flat shape such as that shown may contribute to the positioning of the collar in a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the first tube, for example by deliberately bringing closer to the outer periphery of the first tube, a part of the belt distant from the split tab.

[0042] The branches 14A and 14B of the U may be slightly flexible, or at least the branch 14A may have a tendency to be elastically displaced to move away from or towards the outer periphery of the first tube, as indicated by the double arrow F in [Fig. 1]. This spring effect may promote the retention of the collar in the pre-assembled state around the end of the first tube. However, it may be preferred that the split tab 14 be rigid and that, when a spring effect is desired, it be achieved by an elasticity of the retaining tab carried by the collar, as will be seen below.

[0043] In any event, the configuration of the split tab of the retaining member 14 makes it very easy to insert the retaining tab into the slot of this split tab, in particular by making good use of the space created under the split portion 14A by the spacer portion 14B.

[0044] We are now interested in the retaining tab 16 which is carried by the collar. It may be an element separate from the collar belt, fixed to the collar. As in the example shown, the retaining tab 16 may be fixed to the belt 12. However, it could be provided that it is fixed to a region part of the collar, in particular to a tightening tab of this collar.

[0045] Indeed, in the example shown, the collar 10 has, in addition to the belt 12, clamping tabs 10A and 10B, respectively formed at the ends 12A and 12B of the belt and straightened radially. These clamping tabs 10A and 10B have holes through which the barrel 20A of a screw 20 can be engaged, the head 20B of which can be retained at the rear of a clamping tab, while a nut 20C can be placed behind the other clamping tab, possibly with the interposition of a spacer 20D. It is understood that the screwing of the nut makes it possible to bring the clamping tabs 10A and 10B closer to each other. This constitutes an example in which, to allow the tightening of the belt, the ends of the latter are brought closer to each other. Other tightening methods could of course be provided, for example a connection between a hook and a hooking ear that the belt would carry.

[0046] In this case, as indicated, the retaining tab 16 is fixed to the belt 12 of the collar. For this, the retaining tab forms a free segment of a fixing clip 18, a fixing part 17 of which covers a portion of the belt 12 and is fixed thereto. In this case, this part 17 is shaped to match the external profile of the belt 12. Thus, the retaining tab 16 as such is closer to the axis A than the external periphery of the belt. The fixing part in this case has wings located against the external faces of the sides 13A and 13B of the belt and a central part located against the external face of the bottom of the recess 13. In the example shown, the profile of the belt is substantially U-shaped, the bottom of the recess forming, considered along the axis C of the belt, a flat. However, a different profile could be provided, for example a V-shaped profile.The attachment of the fixing part 17 to the belt can be carried out by any suitable means, in particular by welding, clinching, gluing, clipping or stapling.

[0047] The retaining tab 16 extends axially, i.e. parallel to the axis C of the belt and forms a substantially flat element. The clip 18 is in fact formed by a strip of material, in particular metal, which is shaped to form the fixing part 17 and the retaining tab 16 as such. In this regard, it is noted that the Belt 12 may also be metallic, for example stainless steel. Retaining tab 16 (and therefore clip 18 in the example shown) may be formed from the same material. Retaining member 14 may also be formed from a similar or identical material.

[0048] It can be seen that the retaining tab 16 has a projection 16A from which extends an end portion 16B which is offset relative to the current part 16C of the retaining tab so as, in this case, to be closer to the axis C of the belt.

[0049] With reference to [Fig.2], it can be seen how the retaining tab 16 is inserted into the slot 15. It can be seen in the enlarged part of [Fig.2] that the thickness e of the retaining tab 16, in particular that of its free end 16B which is inserted into the slot 15, is less than the width 1 of the slot. It is sufficient that the thickness e is slightly less than the width 1, for example, the thickness e is between 50% and 80% of the width 1.

[0050] Incidentally, we note that the width 1 is very clearly less than the length L of the slot. For example, L is at least equal to five times 1, or even at least equal to seven times or at least equal to ten times 1. Depending on the level of mechanical constraints involved, the mechanical resistance of the retaining tab can be adapted either by increasing its thickness or by increasing its width (the width of the tab being measured in the direction of the length of the slot). It is easy to play with this width when working from the same thickness of metal strip or band.

[0051] The projection 16A formed in the retaining tab 16 limits the insertion length of the tab in the slot. Indeed, the distance d measured between the opposite axial faces of the retaining tab 16 on either side of the projection 16A is greater than the width 1 of the slot, in particular being of the order of twice this width 1. The opposite axial faces of the retaining tab 16 between which this distance is measured are the outer axial face of the tab 16 in its region furthest from the axis C of the belt and the inner axial face of the tab in its region closest to the axis C, the term "axial" used here defining an orientation along the axis C of the belt.

[0052] Thus, it is natural that when the retaining tab 16 is inserted into the slot 15, this insertion tends to stop when the projection reaches the slot. For this insertion, the collar can be inclined relative to the tube 1, for example by being placed substantially at a right angle to this tube. Thus, [Fig.2] shows the angle a between the axis A of the tube and the axis C of the belt, this angle a being in this case approximately equal to 90°. It is understood that, from [Fig.2], it is sufficient to bring the collar towards the tube by reducing the angle a to thus place the belt around the end of the first tube. The collar can then be released and remain naturally in the desired position around the end of the first tube.

[0053] As indicated, upon insertion of the retaining tab into the slot 15 of the retaining member 14, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the projection 16A of the retaining tab abuts the edges of the slot 15 to define the insertion depth. From this abutment, the cooperation between the retaining tab 16 and the retaining member 14 behaves like a hinge, the projection 16A defining a pivot zone around which the collar can pivot to be folded down so as to reduce the aforementioned angle α.

[0054] The edges 15A and 15B of the slot 15 which are spaced from each other in the direction of the axis A of the tube 1, form abutment edges for the projection 16A. In particular, considering [Fig. 3], it is understood that these abutment edges are useful in the pre-mounted position of the collar on the tube 1. Indeed, it is seen that the external face of the projection 16A can come into abutment against the rear edge 15A of the slot 15. This external face of the projection is that which is opposite the axis A of the tube and the axis C of the belt which are then aligned or substantially aligned; considered in relation to the collar, it also forms the front face of the projection. Thus, the position of the collar 10 in relation to the tube is set in the direction Av indicated in [Fig. 3]. Likewise, the internal face of the projection 16A, which also forms its rear face, comes into abutment against the front edge 15B of the slot 15 opposite the edge 15A if one seeks to move the collar in the direction Ar indicated in [Fig.3].In other words, thanks to the stop cooperation between the projection 16A and the edges of the slot 15, the axial position of the collar relative to the tube 1 is locked. The angular orientation of the collar is also locked by the angular registration of the retaining tab 16 and the slot 15.

[0055] The retaining tab 16 and the retaining member 14 have bearing surfaces located on either side of the slot 15, these bearing surfaces being naturally in contact with each other when the clamp is retained around the end of the first tube 1 in the untightened state of the belt. These bearing surfaces are clearly visible in Figures 2 and 3. In the example shown, two pairs of bearing surfaces are present. On the one hand, the split portion 14A of the retaining member 14 has a first bearing surface 14A' formed on the inner face of this split portion, that is to say facing the axis A, in the portion of this split portion located at the rear of the slot 15. On the other hand, the split portion 14A has another bearing surface 14A" formed on the outer face of this split portion, at the front of the slot 15.The retaining tab 16 has a first bearing surface 16B' located on the external face of this tab on the end portion 16B of the tab, as well as a second bearing face 16C located on the internal face of the current portion 16C of the tab 16 at the rear of the projection 16A.

[0056] In this case, these different support surfaces are flat and, when the collar is folded around the end of the tube 1 as seen in [Fig. 3], they are oriented parallel to a plane defined by the axis A of the tube and a diameter of this tube. It can be seen that, when the collar 10 is thus folded around the end of the first tube 1, the bearing surface 16B' of the tab 16 is pressed against the bearing surface 14A' of the split portion 14A and the bearing surface 16C of the tab 16 is pressed against the bearing surface 14A" of the split portion 14A. Thus, the collar is naturally held in the pre-assembled position by the cooperation of the retaining tab and the retaining member, in particular the split portion 14A. When, as in the example shown, this support cooperation is combined with the previously mentioned stop cooperation, the pre-assembled position of the collar relative to the first tube is perfectly maintained.

[0057] In [Fig.4], the collar 10 is pre-mounted at the end of the first tube 1 and the assembly is oriented such that the retaining member 14 and the retaining tab 16 are located upwards. More precisely, the retaining tab 16 is located at the top of a diameter of the collar oriented vertically. It can be seen that, in this position, the collar is suspended by the retaining tab 16 from the retaining member 14. In this situation, the belt 12 of the collar extends around the end of the first tube 1. It even extends naturally around this end, due to its suspension position on the retaining tab.In particular, when, as indicated with reference to figures 1 and 2, the belt has an annular recess 13 and the first tube has an annular projection 1' intended to be received in this recess, then, when the collar is thus suspended from the retaining member, the annular projection 1' is naturally located in the recess 13. The collar is thus naturally positioned awaiting the connection of the two tubes. In particular, to connect the second tube 2 to the first tube 1, it will then suffice to insert the annular projection 2' of this second tube 2 inside the recess 13 of the belt.

[0058] When the collar is thus suspended from the retaining member, the axes A of the first tube and C of the belt are naturally aligned or substantially aligned.

[0059] However, a spring effect can be provided which tends to return towards the axis A of the first tube 1 a part of the belt 12 diametrically opposite the retaining tab 14. This is shown in [Fig. 5], in which it can be seen that the axis C of the belt is located slightly above the axis A of the first tube while the collar is suspended from the retaining member. In this situation, a part of the annular projection 1' of the first tube is already engaged in the recess 13 of the belt 12, in the region of the belt which is diametrically opposite the retaining tab 16. For this, when the collar is folded around the end of the first tube to pass from the situation of [Fig. 2] to that of [Fig.3], the retaining tab 16 or the split portion 14A of the retaining member can be slightly bent downwards, so as to elastically move the belt downwards so that the axis C of the belt is coaxial with the axis A of the first tube, or even located slightly below this axis. Then, when one . releases the collar, the latter rises slightly elastically under the effect of the elastic return produced by the cooperation between the retaining tab 16 and the retaining member 14, to arrive at the position shown in [Fig.5]. This spring effect can be obtained by an elastic flexibility of the retaining tab 16 and / or of the retaining member 14, in particular of the split portion 14A of this retaining member. In other words, it can be provided that the split portion 14A is capable of being elastically brought closer to the external periphery of the tube 1. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the retaining tab 16 can be elastically brought closer to the axis C of the belt.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 6], an alternative embodiment is described. In this figure, all the elements similar to those which have just been described are designated by the same references, with the exception of the retaining member which, being slightly different, is this time designated by the same references increased by 100. In the variant of [Fig. 6], the retaining member 114 has overall the same shape as the retaining member 14, that is to say a U-shape, with a split portion 114A forming a split tab and forming one branch of the U, a fixing portion 114C by which the retaining member is fixed to the external periphery of the tube 1 forming the other branch, and a spacer portion 114B extending between the two branches. The split portion 114A has a slot 115 similar to the slot 15 previously described.

[0061] The variant relates to the fact that the retaining member 114 also has wedging edges between which the slot 115 extends. In this case, these wedging edges are formed by wings 114A' and 114A" of the split part 114A. In this case, these wings are folded outwards, so as to wedge between them the current part of the retaining tab 16 located between the wedging projection 16A and the belt of the collar. It could obviously be imagined that these wings are on the contrary folded inwards, so as to wedge between them the end part 16B of the retaining tab located between the projection 16A and the free end of this tab.It could also be imagined that the wedging edges are each formed in two parts, that is to say a part folded outwards in the region located in front of the slot 15 to cooperate with the current part of the retaining tab 16 and a part folded inwards at the rear of the slot 15 to cooperate with the free end 16B of the retaining tab 16.

[0062] The wedging edges serve to laterally wedge the retaining tab 16 relative to the retaining member 14. They also contribute to maintaining the collar in the pre-assembled position to prevent misalignment between this collar and the tube. This possibly makes it possible to use a wider slot facilitating the insertion of the tab into the slot 15 while ensuring good lateral support. This lateral support can, on the contrary, be ensured by relatively narrow dimensions of the slot.

[0063] It can also be seen in [Fig.6] that the junction part 114B' between the part spacer 114B and the wing 114A of the retaining tab is thinned, that is to say that its width, measured according to a diameter of the tube is locally reduced. This can promote the spring effect making it possible to elastically bring the split part 114A closer to the axis A of the first tube during pre-assembly of the collar on this first tube.

[0064] In both variants, as can be seen in particular by considering figures 3, 5 and 6, the retaining tab 16 is located near one of the ends of the belt. In this case, the retaining tab 16 is located near the end 12A of the belt. This is the end from which the clamping tab 10A extends, which cooperates with the head 20B of the screw. It could of course be the other end 12B, from which the clamping tab 10B extends, which cooperates with the nut 20C (with or without the interposition of the spacer 20D).

[0065] As seen in [Fig. 5], the retaining tab 16 is located in an angular sector [3 relative to the end 12A of the belt, from which the support tab 10A of the collar extends. This angular sector [3 is in this case less than 90°, and even less than 50°. It is of the order of 30° or less. The angular sector [3 in which the retaining tab 16 is inscribed is delimited between the end 12A of the belt and the edge of the part of the tab 16 which is inserted into the slot 15 of the retaining member which is furthest from this end 12A of the belt. This proximity between the retaining tab and the end of the belt makes it easier to tighten the collar, because the end 12A of the belt is in some way held by the cooperation between the retaining tab 16 and the retaining member 14 or 114.

[0066] To pre-assemble the clamping collar at the end of the first tube 1, the collar 10 is first inclined as seen in [Fig.2] by forming a non-zero angle of inclination a between the axis C of the belt and the axis A of the first tube. This angle of inclination a can in this case be of the order of 90°, for example between 70° and 120°. The retaining tab 16 is then inserted into the slot 15 and the collar 10 is folded down to pass the belt 12 around the end of the first tube to thus arrive in the position shown in [Fig.3]. The collar is then released, which is naturally positioned around the end of the first tube. On this occasion, the spring effect previously described can be implemented.

Claims

Claims

1. An assembly for connecting tubes comprising a first tube (1) and a clamp (10) disposed around one end (IA) of the first tube, the first tube carrying a retaining member (14, 114) projecting from its outer periphery, the clamp comprising a belt (12) adapted to be tightened around the end of the first tube to connect the first tube to a second tube (2), and the clamp carrying a retaining tab (16) adapted to cooperate with the retaining member (14, 114) to retain the clamp around the end (IA) of the first tube in the untightened state of the belt, the retaining member (14, 114) having a slot (15, 115) through which the retaining tab (16) is engaged, the slot being optionally elongated in a direction parallel to a diameter of the first tube, at least one of the elements comprising the retaining member (14,114) and the retaining tab (16) has a spring effect so that the elastic return effect produced by the cooperation between the retaining member (14, 114) and the retaining tab (16) tends to return towards the axis (A) of the first tube (1) a part of the belt (12) diametrically opposite the retaining tab (16).

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member (14, 114) comprises a slotted tab which is fixed to the first tube (1) and which has the slot (15, 115).

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the slot (15, 115) is formed in a slotted portion (14A, 114A) of the slotted tab which is located at a distance from the outer periphery of the first tube (1), said slotted portion (14A, 114A) being optionally capable of being elastically brought closer to said outer periphery.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the split portion (14A, 114A) extends substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the first tube (1), the split leg (14, 114) optionally having a U-shape comprising a first leg (14C, 114C) fixed to the first tube, a second leg (14A, 114A) forming the split portion and a spacer (14C, 114C) extending between the first and second legs.

5. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the retaining member (114) has a wedging stop (114A', 114A") capable of cooperating with the retaining tab (16) to limit the movements of the retaining tab relative to the retaining member, the stop optionally comprising two wedging edges (114A1, 114A") between which the slot (115) extends.

6. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retaining tab (16) is attached to the collar while optionally being attached to the belt (12).

7. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retaining tab (16) extends generally axially.

8. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an insertion stop (15A, 16A) capable of limiting the insertion length of the retaining tab (16) in the slot (15, 115), the insertion stop optionally comprising a projection (16A) formed in the retaining tab (16).

9. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the retaining tab (16) and the retaining member (14, 114) have bearing surfaces (16B1, 16BC; 14A', 14A") located on either side of the slot (15, 115), said bearing surfaces being naturally in contact with each other when the clamping collar (10) is retained around the end of the first tube (1) in the untightened state of the belt (12).

10. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the belt (12) has an annular recess (13) and the end (IA) of the first tube (1) has an annular projection (1') engaged in the annular recess (13).

11. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the belt (12) extends around the end of the first tube (1) when, with the retaining tab (16) engaged in the slot (15, 115), the assembly is oriented so that the collar (10) is suspended from the retaining member (14, 114) by the retaining tab (16).

12. An assembly according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the annular recess (13) surrounds the annular projection (1') when, with the retaining tab (16) engaged in the slot (15, 115), the assembly is oriented so that the collar (10) is suspended from the retaining member (14, 114) by the retaining tab (16).

13. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which, the belt (12) having ends (12A, 12B) capable of being moved relative to each other to tighten the belt, the retaining tab (16) is arranged close to one of said ends, being in particular located in an angular sector (|3) of less than 90°, optionally less than 50°, 30°, relative to this end.

14. Method of assembling an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the clamping collar (10) is presented at the end of the first tube (1), the clamping collar is inclined by forming a non-zero angle (a) of inclination between the axis (C) of the belt (12) and the axis (A) of the first tube (1), the retaining tab (16) is then inserted into the slot (15, 115), the clamping collar (10) is folded down to pass the belt (12) around the end of the first tube and the clamping collar is then released.

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