Corresponding connecting device, packaging assembly, tubular junction and assembly method

Abstract

Connecting device, packaging assembly, tubular joint and corresponding assembly method This connecting device (20) is adapted to connect a spigot (6) to a connecting flange (10). The connecting device comprises a counter flange (22), a seal (24), a locking ring (26) and a compression element (28). The compression element (28) is adapted to axially compress the seal. In an axial mounting position, the locking ring is in a mounting configuration and the seal is in a relaxed configuration. In an axial clamping position, the locking ring is in a locking configuration and the seal is in a compressed configuration.The connecting device comprises holding means (70) adapted to hold the compression element (28) in its axial mounting position and to oppose a movement of the compression element (28) from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position. Application to tubular connections. Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Connecting device, packaging assembly, tubular junction and corresponding assembly method

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device adapted to tightly connect a first tubular element provided with a plain end to a second tubular element provided with a connecting flange,

[0002] the connecting device comprising

[0003] - a counter-flange,

[0004] - a sealing gasket,

[0005] - a locking ring, and

[0006] - a compression element,

[0007] the counter-flange extending along a central axis (XX) and comprising a counter-flange sleeve and a counter-flange collar,

[0008] the locking ring being disposed in the counter-flange sleeve and adapted to assume a mounting configuration and a locking configuration,

[0009] the sealing gasket being disposed at least partially in the counter-flange sleeve and defining a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration,

[0010] the compression element being adapted to axially compress the seal, the compression element defining an axial mounting position and an axial clamping position,

[0011] in the axial mounting position, the locking ring being in its mounting configuration and the sealing gasket being in its relaxed configuration,

[0012] in the axial clamping position, the locking ring being in its locking configuration and the sealing gasket being in its compressed configuration.

[0013] Connecting devices of this type are known. These connecting devices are used to establish a watertight connection between a first tubular element provided with a plain end and a second tubular element provided with a connecting flange. The counter-flange, the sealing gasket, the locking ring and the compression element which compose the connecting device are generally pre-assembled in the mounting configuration, with a view to the subsequent establishment of a tubular junction.

[0014] When packaging, storing or transporting these pre-assembled connecting devices, the sealing gasket and the locking ring may be pushed inadvertently axially towards the inside of the counter-flange sleeve, for example under the effect of another connecting device of the same type, causing radial shrinkage of the locking ring.

[0015] Thus, before assembling the tubular junction, it is necessary to disassemble the connecting device in order to bring the locking ring into its assembly configuration and in order to bring the sealing gasket into its relaxed configuration. This makes the assembly of the tubular junctions tedious and expensive.

[0016] In order to at least partially overcome this drawback, it has been proposed to provide axial support for the sealing gasket on a bottom surface of a sleeve of the counter-flange. Such devices are, for example, marketed under the reference “Major Stop PVC / PE” by the company Bayard or under the reference “UR-53” by the company UR CAST. This does not, however, prevent the untimely closing of the locking ring and the untimely compression of the sealing gasket. It therefore happens that the connecting devices are not suitable for use without requiring the locking ring to be reopened.

[0017] Another possibility would be to transport the connecting devices separately in separate packages, which considerably increases the cost of packaging.

[0018] The invention aims to provide a connecting device which makes the assembly of the tubular junction easy and which is economical to package and transport. Another aim of the invention is to provide a connecting device which is economical or which has a low environmental impact.

[0019] For this purpose, the invention relates to a connecting device as indicated above, characterized in that the connecting device comprises holding means which are adapted to hold or which hold the compression element in its axial mounting position and which are adapted to oppose or which oppose a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

[0020] According to particular embodiments of the connecting device, the latter may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

[0021] - the holding means comprise a removable holding element, which is separate from the seal and the compression element and which is axially interposed between the counter flange and the compression element;

[0022] - the removable holding element is made of cardboard or plastic or a biodegradable material;

[0023] - the removable holding element is ring-shaped and / or comprises grip tabs;

[0024] - the removable holding element comprises frangible portions adapted to be broken in order to be able to remove the holding element from its position interposed between the counter-flange and the compression element;

[0025] - the holding means comprise at least one holding portion arranged on the compression element, at least one complementary holding portion arranged on the counter-flange, the holding portion and the complementary holding portion define a holding configuration in which the holding portion and the complementary holding portion are circumferentially aligned, abut against each other and oppose a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position, and the holding portion and the complementary holding portion define a release configuration, in which the holding portion and the complementary holding portion are circumferentially offset and allow a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position;

[0026] - the holding portion is made of a single piece or made of the same material as the element of compression and / or the additional holding portion is in one piece or made of the same material as the counter-flange;

[0027] - the connecting device comprises one, several or all of the characteristics following:

[0028] the counter flange is made of metal, preferably ductile cast iron; and

[0029] the locking ring is made of metal, in particular steel, brass or aluminum alloy; and

[0030] the sealing gasket and the compression element are in one piece.

[0031] The invention also relates to a packaging assembly comprising a packaging element, characterized in that the packaging assembly further comprises a connecting device as defined above, in that the packaging element is adapted to oppose axial release of the compression element, the sealing gasket and the locking ring from the counter-flange, and in that the holding means maintain the compression element in its axial mounting position and oppose movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the packaging assembly, the packaging element is a package surrounding the connecting device.

[0033] The invention also relates to a tubular junction comprising a first tubular element provided with a plain end, a second tubular element provided with a connecting flange, characterized in that the tubular junction comprises a connecting device as defined above.

[0034] According to particular embodiments of the tubular junction, the latter comprises one, several or all of the following characteristics: the first tubular element is made of plastic or ductile cast iron, and the second tubular element is made of metal, preferably ductile cast iron.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a tubular junction, comprising the following successive steps:

[0036] - provision of a first tubular element provided with a plain end,

[0037] - provision of a second tubular element provided with a connecting flange,

[0038] - provision of a connecting device as defined above or of a set of packaging as defined above,

[0039] - placing the connecting device on the plain end while the means of retaining elements hold the compression element in its axial mounting position and prevent the compression element from moving from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position,

[0040] - neutralization of the holding means, such that the holding means do not no longer hold the compression element in its axial mounting position and no longer oppose a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position,

[0041] - installation of clamping means;

[0042] - tightening of the tightening means.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment of the assembly method, the step of neutralizing the holding means comprises the removal of the removable holding element and / or the positioning of the holding portion and the complementary holding portion in their release configuration.

[0044] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0045] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows in perspective a connecting device according to a first embodiment of the invention and a first tubular element of a tubular junction according to the invention, the connecting device being in a mounting configuration;

[0046] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows the connecting device and the first tubular element of [Fig.l] in axial section;

[0047] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to the view of [Fig.l], with the holding element removed;

[0048] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an axial sectional view of a tubular junction according to the first embodiment of the invention, during assembly;

[0049] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows in perspective the connecting device according to the first embodiment and the first tubular element of the tubular junction, the connecting device being in an assembled configuration;

[0050] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an axial sectional view of the tubular junction of [Fig.4] in the assembled state;

[0051] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically shows a packaging assembly comprising a packaging element and the connecting device according to the first embodiment in axial section and in its mounting configuration;

[0052] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] is a plan view of the holding element of the device of connection according to the first embodiment;

[0053] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows in perspective a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the invention and a first tubular element of a tubular junction according to the invention, the connecting device being in a mounting configuration;

[0054] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows the connecting device and the first tubular element of [Fig.9] in axial section;

[0055] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a view similar to the view of [Fig.9], the means of holding being in a release configuration, but in an unclamped state;

[0056] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is an axial sectional view of a tubular junction with the connecting device according to the second embodiment of the invention, during assembly;

[0057] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows in perspective the connecting device according to the second embodiment and the first tubular element of the tubular junction, the connecting device being in an assembled configuration;

[0058] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is an axial sectional view of the tubular junction of the [Fig. 12] in the assembled state;

[0059] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] schematically shows a packaging assembly comprising a packaging element and the connecting device according to the second embodiment in axial section and in its mounting configuration;

[0060] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the counter flange of the device of connection according to the second embodiment of the invention; and

[0061] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view of a compression element of the connecting device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] In [Fig. 6] is shown a tubular junction according to a first embodiment of the invention, designated by the general reference 2. In [Fig. 6], the tubular junction is in the assembled state.

[0063] The tubular junction 2 is used to convey a liquid, such as drinking water.

[0064] The tubular junction 2 comprises a first tubular element 4 provided with a plain end 6 and a second tubular element 8 provided with a connecting flange 10. The first tubular element 4 extends along a central axis AA and the second tubular element 8 extends along a central axis BB, coaxial with the central axis AA.

[0065] The first tubular element 4 is in this case made of plastic, but may be made of another material, such as ductile cast iron.

[0066] The second tubular element 8 is in this case made of metal and may be made of ductile cast iron. The connecting flange 10 is advantageously made of the same material as the second tubular element 8.

[0067] The tubular junction 2 is provided with a connecting device 20. The connecting device 20 is adapted to connect the first tubular element 4 and the second tubular element 8 in a liquid-tight manner, in particular in a water-tight manner.

[0068] The first tubular element 4, the second tubular element 8 and the connecting element 20 have, for example, a nominal diameter of between 40 mm and 300 mm.

[0069] The connecting device 20 comprises a counter-flange 22, a sealing gasket 24, a locking ring 26, and a compression element 28 (see [Fig.7]).

[0070] The tubular junction 2 is also provided with clamping means 30, in this case clamping bolts (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0071] The counter-flange 22 extends along a central axis XX. In the following, the terms “axially”; “radially” and “circumferentially” will be used in relation to the central axis XX. In this case, the central axis XX of the counter-flange 22 corresponds to a general central axis of the tubular junction 2 and of the connecting device 20. In the mounted state of the tubular junction, the central axis XX is coaxial with the central axes AA and BB.

[0072] The counter flange 22 is made of metal and is for example made of ductile cast iron.

[0073] The counter flange 22 comprises a counter flange sleeve 32 and a collar of counter flange 34 (see [Fig.7]).

[0074] The counter-flange sleeve 32 comprises an inner sealing surface 36 and a locking cam 38, disposed on the counter-flange sleeve axially opposite the counter-flange collar 34.

[0075] The counter-flange collar 34 is disposed at an axial end of the counter-flange sleeve 32 and comprises clamping openings.

[0076] The sealing gasket 24 is made of elastic material, such as EPDM or other rubber.

[0077] The sealing gasket 24 comprises a sealing sleeve 42 and a sealing collar 44. The sealing sleeve 42 is adapted to be applied in a sealed manner between the plain end 6, more particularly an outer surface 46 of the plain end 6 ([Fig.6]), and the counter-flange sleeve 32, more precisely the inner sealing surface 36.

[0078] The sealing collar 44 is adapted to be applied in a sealed manner against the connecting flange 10, more precisely against a front surface 48 of the connecting flange.

[0079] The sealing gasket 24 advantageously comprises positioning tabs 50 projecting radially inwards and adapted to be applied on a front surface of the spigot 6 and thus forming an axial stop for the spigot.

[0080] The sealing gasket 24 is thus arranged at least partially in the counter-flange sleeve 32.

[0081] The locking ring 26 is made of metal, in particular steel, brass or aluminum alloy.

[0082] The locking ring 26 is an open ring having a through slot 52 (see [Fig.7]). The locking ring 26 has hooking teeth 54, adapted to hook onto the plain end 6, a locking cam follower 56 adapted to cooperate with the locking cam 38 and a thrust surface 58, adapted to apply against the seal 24.

[0083] The locking ring 26 is arranged in the counter-flange sleeve 32.

[0084] The compression element 28 is an axial compression element adapted to axially compress the seal.

[0085] The compression element 28 is made of metal, for example steel, or plastic.

[0086] The compression element 28 is in this case a compression ring 62 provided with a thrust flange 64.

[0087] The sealing gasket 24 and the compression element 28 are advantageously made of a single piece, in particular connected by a form-fitting connection. The sealing gasket 24 may also be overmolded onto the compression element 28.

[0088] The connecting device 20 defines a mounting configuration in which the connecting device 20 is adapted to be plugged onto the spigot 6 and an assembled configuration, in which the connecting device connects the spigot 6 in a sealed manner to the connecting flange 10.

[0089] The connecting device 20 of the first embodiment of the invention is shown in its mounting configuration in Figures 1, 2 and 7. In this mounting configuration, the locking ring 26 is in a mounting configuration, in which the locking cam follower 56 is axially spaced from the locking cam 38. In this mounting configuration of the locking ring 26, the through slot 52 has a circumferential slot width LFM. In this mounting configuration, the outer diameter DEB of the locking ring 26 is substantially identical to an inner diameter DIM of the counter-flange sleeve 32 ([Fig.4]).

[0090] In this mounting configuration, the inner diameter DIB of the locking ring 26 is greater than the outer diameter DEU of the spigot end 6.

[0091] In this mounting configuration of the connecting device 20, the sealing gasket 24 is in a relaxed configuration in which the gasket sealing 24 is adapted to be threaded onto the plain end 6.

[0092] In this mounting configuration, the compression element 28 is in an axial mounting position in which the compression element 28 does not exert an axial compressive force on the seal 24. Furthermore, in this axial mounting position, the thrust flange 64 is axially spaced from the counter flange 22 or the counter flange collar 34.

[0093] In the axial mounting position, the locking ring 26 is in its mounting configuration and the sealing gasket 24 is in its relaxed configuration.

[0094] The connecting device 20 according to the first embodiment is shown in its assembled configuration in Figures 5 and 6. In this assembled configuration, the locking ring 26 is in a locking configuration, in which the locking cam follower 56 is in contact with the locking cam 38 and the locking ring 26 is circumferentially compressed by this locking cam 38. In this assembled configuration, the through slot 52 has a circumferential slot width LFA which is less than the circumferential slot width LFM. In particular, the width LFA is 0 so that the locking ring 26 is closed. In this configuration, the inner diameter of the locking ring 26 is sufficiently small so that the hooking teeth 54 hook the spigot 6.

[0095] In this assembled configuration of the connecting device 20, the sealing gasket 24 is in a compressed configuration and the sealing sleeve 42 is applied in a sealed manner to the spigot 6. Furthermore, the sealing collar 44 is applied in a sealed manner against the connecting flange 10, more precisely against the front surface of the connecting flange 10.

[0096] In this assembled configuration, the compression element 28 is in an axial clamping position. In this axial clamping position, the compression element 28 exerts a compressive force on the sealing gasket 24 and in particular on the sealing sleeve 42. Furthermore, in this axial clamping position, the thrust flange 64 is in contact with the counter-flange 22 and in this case with the counter-flange collar 34.

[0097] In the axial clamping position, the locking ring 26 is in its locking configuration and the sealing gasket 24 is in its compressed configuration.

[0098] [Fig. 6] shows, in addition to the connecting device 20 in its assembled configuration, the tubular junction 2 in the assembled state. The clamping means 30 clamp the counter-flange 22 axially towards the second tubular element 8.

[0099] [Fig.4] is an axial sectional view of the tubular junction 2, similar to that of [Fig.6], but before tightening the clamping means 30, therefore during assembly of the tubular junction 2.

[0100] According to the invention, the connecting device 20 comprises holding means 70 which are adapted to hold or which hold the compression element 28 in its axial mounting position. The holding means 70 are adapted to oppose or oppose a movement of the compression element 28 from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

[0101] These holding means 70 serve to prevent compression of the seal 24 and axial displacement of the locking ring 26 in its locking configuration by preventing the application of an axial thrust force on the compression element 28. Thus, during handling before assembly, and in particular during storage or transport of the connecting device 20, the connecting device 20 remains in its assembly configuration.

[0102] Before assembly, the holding means 70 must be neutralized, in order to be able to bring the connecting device 20 into its assembled configuration.

[0103] In the case of the present first embodiment, the holding means 70 comprise a removable holding element 72, which is distinct from the sealing gasket 24 and the compression element 28, and which is interposed axially between the counter-flange 22 and the compression element 28.

[0104] The holding element 72 is in this case made of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard. The thickness of the corrugated cardboard is for example between 5 mm and 15 mm. Alternatively, the holding element 72 is made of plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Advantageously, the holding element 72 is made of a biodegradable or recycled material.

[0105] As seen in [Fig.l] and [Fig.8], the holding element 72 is ring-shaped. The holding element 72 also includes gripping tabs 74.

[0106] More particularly, as shown in [Fig.8], the holding element 72 is in the form of a ring consisting of two ring segments 76. Alternatively, the holding element 72 is made of more than two ring segments or of a single ring segment.

[0107] The holding element 72 comprises frangible portions 78 adapted to be broken in order to be able to remove the holding element 72 from its position interposed between the counter-flange 22 and the compression element 28. In this case, the frangible portions 78 separate the ring segments 76 and are portions of reduced thickness or portions containing slots.

[0108] The gripping tabs 74 are advantageously arranged on the ends of each ring segment 76.

[0109] The invention also relates to a packaging assembly 200, comprising a packaging element 202 and the connecting device 20. The packaging assembly operation 200 is used during transport, storage and handling of the connecting device 20 prior to assembly of the tubular joint. The packaging assembly 200 can be handled as a single unit independently of any other object of a tubular joint.

[0110] The conditioning element 202 is adapted to oppose an axial release of the compression element 28, the sealing gasket 24 and the locking ring 26 from the counter-flange 22. Simultaneously, the holding means 70 maintain the compression element 28 in its axial mounting position and oppose a movement of the compression element 28 from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

[0111] The packaging assembly 200 and the packaging element 202 are shown schematically in [Fig.7]. The packaging element 202 is in this case a packaging 204 surrounding, in particular exclusively, the connecting device 20. The packaging 204 is for example a sheet or a film made of plastic material. Alternatively, the packaging element 202 may comprise one or more clamping clips (not shown).

[0112] A tubular junction 2 according to the invention is established according to the following method.

[0113] We start from the situation where the packaging assembly 200 is provided.

[0114] First, the packaging element 202 is removed from the packaging assembly 200.

[0115] The connecting device 20 is therefore in its mounting configuration and the holding element 72 is in place on the compression element 28, interposed between the thrust flange 64 of the compression element and the counter-flange collar 34.

[0116] Then the plain end 6 is inserted into the counter-flange 22 and therefore simultaneously into the locking ring 26 and into the sealing gasket 24, in this case until the plain end 6 is applied against the positioning tabs 50.

[0117] Then, the holding element 72 is removed from the compression element 28, in this case by breaking the frangible portions 78. Thus the holding means 70 are neutralized.

[0118] Then, the clamping means 30 are put in place on the counter-flange 22 and on the second tubular element 8. In this case, bolts are inserted into the openings of the counter-flange collar 34 and of the connecting flange 10. Then, the clamping means 30 are tightened, thus tightening the counter-flange 22 towards the second tubular element 8.

[0119] During this tightening, the second tubular element 8 pushes the sealing gasket 24 and the compression element 28 axially towards the counter-flange sleeve 32. The locking ring 26 is then pushed towards the locking cam 38, thus tightening the locking ring 26 on the spigot 6.

[0120] The tightening compresses the sealing gasket 26 axially and therefore radially.

[0121] At the end of the tightening, the connecting device 20 takes the assembled configuration and the tubular connection 2 is liquid-tight.

[0122] The connecting device 20 is easy to install and does not require disassembly before installation on the spigot since the elements of the connecting device are in a determined configuration, namely the mounting configuration. The connecting device according to this first embodiment is advantageous, since it does not require modification of the compression element 28 and the counter-flange 22. In addition, the compression element 28 and the counter-flange 22 have a simple and economical shape.

[0123] Figures 9 to 17 show a second embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention and a corresponding tubular junction.

[0124] In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Similar elements bear the same references.

[0125] The connecting device 20 or the holding means 70 do not comprise a removable holding element. Instead of the removable holding element 72, the connecting device 20 comprises at least one holding portion 90 and at least one complementary holding portion 92.

[0126] Each holding portion 90 is arranged on the compression element 28 and each complementary holding portion 92 is arranged on the counter-flange 22.

[0127] Each holding portion 90 and each complementary holding portion 92 are radially aligned.

[0128] The or each holding portion 90 and the or each complementary holding portion 92 define a holding configuration in which the holding portion 90 and the complementary holding portion 92 are circumferentially aligned, abut against each other and oppose a movement of the compression element 28 from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position. This holding configuration is shown in Figures 9, 10 and 15.

[0129] The holding portion 90 and the complementary holding portion 92 further define a release configuration, in which the holding portion 90 and the complementary holding portion 90 are circumferentially entirely offset from each other and allow movement of the compression element 28 from its axial mounting position into its axial clamping position. This release configuration is shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0130] The holding means 70 also comprise at least one axial recess 94 formed in the counter-flange 22 and adapted to receive the holding portions 90 when the compression element is moved from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position. In this case, the axial recess 94 comprises a part stepped portion of the counter-flange 22, this stepped portion being axially and radially open. This is particularly visible in [Fig. 16], which shows the counter-flange 22 alone in perspective. [Fig. 17] shows the compression element 28 alone in perspective.

[0131] In this case, the connecting device 20 comprises four holding portions 90 and four complementary holding portions 92. The number is however not limiting and may in particular be between 1 and 8. The number of axial recesses 94, if applicable, is equal to the number of holding portions 90 and complementary holding portions 92. Each holding portion 90 may extend over a circumferential angular range of between 5° and 20° and in particular over a circumferential angular range of 10°. Each complementary holding portion 92 may extend over a circumferential angular range of between 5° and 30° and in particular over a circumferential angular range of 15°.

[0132] The or each holding portion 90 is in one piece or integral with the compression element 28. The or each complementary holding portion 92 is in one piece or integral with the counter-flange 22.

[0133] Advantageously, when the compression element 28 is in its axial mounting position and when the sealing gasket 24 is in its relaxed configuration, the sealing gasket 24 is applied to the counter-flange 22 with a tight fit, in order to oppose the passage from the holding configuration to the release configuration of the or each holding portion 90 and the or each complementary holding portion 92. This tight fit therefore opposes a rotation of the sealing gasket 24 and the compression element 28 relative to the counter-flange 22, without completely preventing it.

[0134] A tubular junction 2 according to the second embodiment of the invention is established according to the following method.

[0135] We start from the situation where the packaging assembly 200 is provided.

[0136] First, the packaging element 202 is removed from the packaging assembly 200.

[0137] The connecting device 20 is therefore in its mounting configuration and the holding portion 90 and the complementary holding portion 92 are in their holding configuration.

[0138] Then the plain end 6 is inserted into the counter-flange 22 and therefore simultaneously into the locking ring 26 and into the sealing gasket 24, in this case until the plain end 6 is applied against the positioning tabs 50.

[0139] Then, the holding portions 90 and the complementary holding portions 92 are brought into their release configuration, by rotating the compression element 28 and the sealing gasket around the central axis XX relative to the counter-flange 22. Thus, the holding means 70 are neutralized. The connecting device is then in the configuration shown in [Fig. 11].

[0140] Then the second tubular element 8 is put in place so that its connecting flange 10 is in contact with the sealing collar 44.

[0141] Then, the clamping means 30 are put in place on the counter-flange 22 and on the second tubular element 8. In this case, bolts are inserted into the openings of the counter-flange collar 34 and of the connecting flange 10. The connecting device 20 is then in the configuration shown in [Fig. 12].

[0142] Then, the clamping means 30 are tightened, thus tightening the counter-flange 22 towards the second tubular element 8.

[0143] During this tightening, the second tubular element 8 pushes the seal 24 and the compression element 28 axially towards the counter-flange sleeve 32. The locking ring 26 is pushed towards the locking cam 38, thus tightening the locking ring 26 on the spigot 6. The tightening compresses the seal 26 axially and therefore radially.

[0144] At the end of the tightening, the connecting device 20 takes the assembled configuration and the tubular connection 2 is liquid-tight. This configuration is shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0145] The second embodiment is advantageous since it generates little waste and does not require the manufacture or handling of a separate part to hold the compression element 28 in its axial mounting position.

[0146] In principle, according to an embodiment not shown, the connecting device 20 may comprise both the removable holding element 72, the holding portion(s) 90 and the complementary holding portion(s) 92.

[0147] The foregoing description contains technical features of the invention. These technical features, although presented in a technical context and possibly in combination with other technical features, can be used individually each time, without the other technical features, as far as this is technically possible.

Claims

Claims

1. A connecting device (20) adapted to tightly connect a first tubular element (4) provided with a plain end (6) to a second tubular element (8) provided with a connecting flange (10), the connecting device comprising - a counter-flange (22), - a sealing gasket (24), - a locking ring (26), and - a compression element (28), the counter-flange extending along a central axis (XX) and comprising a counter-flange sleeve (32) and a counter-flange collar (34), the locking ring (26) being arranged in the counter-flange sleeve and adapted to take a mounting configuration and a locking configuration, the seal (24) being disposed at least partially in the counter-flange sleeve and defining a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration, the compression element (28) being adapted to axially compress the seal, the compression element defining an axial mounting position and an axial clamping position, in the axial mounting position, the locking ring being in its mounting configuration and the seal being in its relaxed configuration, in the axial clamping position, the locking ring being in its locking configuration and the sealing gasket being in its compressed configuration, characterized in that the connecting device comprises holding means (70) which are adapted to hold or which hold the compression element (28) in its axial mounting position and which are adapted to oppose or which oppose a movement of the compression element (28) from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

2. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means comprise a holding element (72) removable, which is separate from the seal and the compression element and which is axially interposed between the counter-flange (22) and the compression element.

3. A connecting device according to claim 2, wherein the removable holding element (72) is made of cardboard or plastic or a biodegradable material.

4. A connecting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the removable holding element (72) is ring-shaped and / or comprises gripping tabs (74).

5. A connecting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the removable holding element (72) comprises frangible portions (78) adapted to be broken in order to be able to remove the holding element from its position interposed between the counter-flange (22) and the compression element (28).

6. A connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holding means (70) comprise at least one holding portion (90) arranged on the compression element, at least one complementary holding portion (92) arranged on the counter-flange (22), wherein the holding portion and the complementary holding portion define a holding configuration in which the holding portion and the complementary holding portion are circumferentially aligned, abut against each other and oppose a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position, wherein the holding portion (90) and the complementary holding portion (92) define a release configuration,in which the holding portion and the complementary holding portion are circumferentially offset and allow movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position into its axial clamping position.,

7. Connecting device according to claim 6, in which the holding portion (90) is in one piece or integral with the compression element (28) and / or in which the complementary holding portion (92) is in one piece or integral with the counter-flange (22).

8. A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting device (20) comprises one, more or all of the following features: the counter flange (22) is made of metal, preferably ductile iron; and the locking ring (26) is made of metal, in particular steel, brass or aluminium alloy.

9. A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing gasket (24) and the compression element (28) are integral.

10. Packaging assembly (200), comprising - a packaging element (202), characterized in that the packaging assembly further comprises - a connecting device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in that the packaging element (202) is adapted to oppose an axial release of the compression element (28), the sealing gasket (24) and the locking ring (26) from the counter-flange, and in that the holding means (70) hold the compression element in its axial mounting position and oppose a movement of the compression element from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position.

11. Packaging assembly, according to claim 10, in which the packaging element (202) is a wrapper (204) surrounding the connecting device (20).

12. Tubular junction, comprising - a first tubular element (4) provided with a plain end, - a second tubular element (8) provided with a connecting flange, characterized in that the tubular junction comprises a connecting device (20) according to claim 6 or one of claims 7 to 9 taken as dependent on claim 6.

13. A tubular joint according to claim 12, wherein the tubular joint comprises one, more or all of the following features: the first tubular element (4) is made of plastic or ductile iron, and the second tubular element (8) is made of metal, preferably ductile iron.

14. A method of assembling a tubular joint (2), comprising the following successive steps: - providing a first tubular element (4) provided with a plain end, - providing a second tubular element (8) provided with a connecting flange, - providing a connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a packaging assembly according to claim 10 or 11, - placing the connecting device (20) on the plain end while the holding means (70) hold the compression element (28) in its axial mounting position and oppose a movement of the compression element (28) from its axial mounting position to its axial clamping position, - neutralizing the holding means (70),such that the holding means no longer hold the compression element (28) in its axial mounting position and no longer oppose a movement of the compression element (28) from its axial mounting position into its axial clamping position, - placing clamping means (30); - tightening of the clamping means (30).,

15. A method of assembling a tubular junction (2) according to claim 14, wherein the step of neutralizing the holding means (70) comprises removing the removable holding element (72) and / or positioning the holding portion (90) and the complementary holding portion (92) in their release configuration.

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