Adaptable connector designed for two fixed conduits

Abstract

TITLE: Adaptable fitting for two fixed ducts. Fitting with a first adaptable part fixed to the first duct (C1) and a second part fixed to the second duct (C2). The first part comprises a base (1) for the first duct (C1), terminating in a radial guide (2), a ball joint cage (3) attached to the radial guide (2) and free to move transversely (ΔR) and rotate about the axis (X1X1), and a fitting body (4) movable transversely and orientable, comprising: a ball joint (41) engaged in the cage (3) and a clip-on cup (42). The second part comprises a sleeve (7) the end of which is fitted with a clip-on ring (71). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Adaptable connector for two fixed conduits. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable fitting intended for two fixed conduits not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There are multiple shapes and types of fittings for pipes, conduits or other.

[0003] However, these fittings are generally designed to connect two perfectly aligned pipes within the tolerance limits of the fitting.

[0004] However, there are exceptions in which, in principle, the two conduits are in precise, predefined positions of coaxial axes; but, in practice, for multiple reasons of realization and installation, this principle provision cannot be respected.

[0005] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention aims to develop an adaptable fitting of simple structure to join two fixed conduits which are not necessarily coaxial, nor coplanar and whose axis is imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, making it possible to achieve a watertight connection between the two conduits, one of which is fixed and the other can undergo small displacements relative to its reference position.

[0007] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an adaptable fitting for joining two fixed conduits, not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, one of which may undergo slight displacements,

[0009] fitting characterized in that it comprises

[0010] a first adaptable part intended to be fixed to the first conduit defining the first assembly axis and a second part intended to be fixed to the second conduit and corresponding to a second reference axis not necessarily coplanar, nor coaxial with the first axis, but capable of undergoing slight displacements

[0011] - the first part comprising:

[0012] A. a base intended to be fixed to the first conduit, terminating in a radial guide,

[0013] B. a ball joint cage attached to the radial guide and being transversely adaptable and rotating around the axis,

[0014] C. a transversely adaptable and orientable connecting body relative to the first axis, comprising:

[0015] * a ball joint engaged in the cage and

[0016] * a lockable clip-on cup, integral with the cage,

[0017] - the second part comprising:

[0018] D. a sleeve intended to be fixed to the second conduit along its axis and whose end is provided with a clip ring to be clipped into the cup.

[0019] E. a sealing bellows covering the ball joint as well as the sliding assembly of the groove under the cage and the peripheral rib of the connecting body, the bellows being welded to the base and the cup,

[0020] the second conduit attached to the connecting body remaining free to move adaptable transversely and in rotation relative to the radial guide attached to the base and the first conduit.

[0021] The fitting remedies the inaccuracy of the reference alignment of the conduits (their axes) by its adaptability for the installation and partial locking of the fitting thus adapted to each particular case and constitute a watertight connection between the two conduits while allowing slight movements of a part of the fitting attached to the conduit which may undergo slight displacements, of translational orientation relative to its position or its reference axis in which the other part of the fitting is attached to the other conduit strictly fixed, while remaining watertight.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature, the radial guide is terminated by a peripheral rib and the cage has a groove to receive, with radial clearance, a peripheral rib of the radial guide.

[0023] According to another advantageous feature, the radial guide is a sleeve with a thread separate from the base which has a tapping for screwing the radial guide, the radial guide has a passage in the form of a tool impression, in particular a hexagonal impression.

[0024] This design simplifies the manufacture of the fitting.

[0025] According to another advantageous feature, the cup includes, starting from the ball joint, in its axial extension: a seal housing, continuing with a shoulder in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connecting body to receive by clipping the sleeve's attachment collar, surmounted by a cylindrical cavity receiving the end of the sleeve.

[0026] This structure of the connecting body advantageously simplifies the connection while ensuring all possibilities of adaptation to the two conduits to be connected.

[0027] According to another feature, the cup has an edge formed of merlons delimiting radial crenellations, each receiving a clamping finger, movable radially to retract and allow the attachment collar to be clipped into place against the top of the shoulder and locked in place.

[0028] According to another feature, the clamping fingers are each provided with a return spring mounted in the respective notch of the rim of the cup and pushing the clamping fingers towards the axis of the connecting body.

[0029] In particular, the end of the sleeve, opposite the one connected to the second conduit, has a hook collar with a top in the shape of a truncated conical surface to cooperate with the clamping fingers of the cup and a bottom in the shape of a bearing surface to come against the shoulder of the cup.

[0030] To facilitate the guidance of the cramping fingers, the crenellations are covered by a clamping ring fixed to the merlons.

[0031] The clamping is advantageously simplified in that the edge of the cup covered by the clamping ring is provided with a locking crown to lock the clamping fingers and having, in its inner contour, peripheral cavities corresponding to the position of the clamping fingers to allow their radial retraction, pushed back by the passage of the edge of the collar and whose bottom with a ramp allows, by pivoting the crown on itself, to push back the fingers and to cover the top in the form of a truncated conical surface of the collar to press it against the surface of the collar.

[0032] The locking ring is itself locked at the end of the fitting installation, so that the fitting is a partially rigid and leak-proof fitting, guaranteeing its reliability.

[0033] According to a feature facilitating the pivoting of the clamping of the crown, the fingers have a back with a curved cross-section with a truncated wedge to come into contact with the ramp when the finger is in the retracted position to resume a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section with the ramp for support against the bearing surface of the back of the finger and the crown in the locking position.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the clamping elements are balls and the cup delimiting the cavity has an upper edge with through holes, opening into the cavity and each receiving a ball pushed protruding into the cavity by a peripheral spring and a locking ring engaged on the periphery on the outside side and provided with crenellated cavities with ramps in a position homologous to those of the holes to allow the balls to be retracted for the clipping of the hook collar and then the balls to be pushed against the collar by the pivoting of the ring and the push of the ramps on the balls.

[0035] Ball-shaped clamping elements facilitate and simplify the making and assembly of the fitting and consequently its installation on the site and the controls and maintenance interventions.

[0036] According to an advantageous feature, the peripheral spring is a cylindrical ring with cutouts at the location of the drillings and an elastic tab associated with each cutout to push the ball towards the cavity.

[0037] This peripheral ring carrying the springs, each consisting of a tab associated with the clamping element, considerably simplifies the making of the connection and its maintenance.

[0038] According to another feature, the edge of the cup has a rim and the inner surface of the crown has a superior peripheral clearance to come under the rim and leave a visible top, provided with at least one index corresponding to a release mark and a locking mark on the rim of the cup.

[0039] This nested structure of the crown and the cup reduces bulk and facilitates assembly by a simple operation of fitting the crown onto the cup, especially since, according to another advantageous feature, the crown is held by a ring clipped into a groove of the cup protruding under the crown, in particular in the lower peripheral clearance, inside the crown.

[0040] While the edge of the cup is simply provided with holes each receiving a clamping ball, according to another advantageous feature, the inner surface of the crown has a relief forming the upper peripheral clearance, inside allowing the crown to be engaged on the edge by passing underneath to come, by its upper inner relief, against the underside of the rim.

[0041] According to an advantageous feature, the relief of the inner surface is a cylindrical surface which corresponds, to the extent of the clearance, to the surface of the edge of the cup receiving the peripheral spring, the relief of the inner peripheral surface is crenellated, formed of merlons separated by crenellations opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the crenellations and merlons forming the lower peripheral clearance, the crenellations corresponding to the position of the holes to receive the relief of the balls pushed outwards from the edge when the sleeve is put in place.

[0042] Thanks to this simple basic structure, by the relief of merlons and crenellations, at the axial height of the circle of distribution of the balls, the crown has tongues oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the merlons, each tongue remaining connected to the crown at the level of the associated crenellation and forming a ramp on the side of the crenellation to bear on the associated ball when pivoting the crown towards its locking position.

[0043] Characteristically, the tongue has a locking cup giving the locking position defined by the locking mark of the crown pivoted on the index of the rim of the cup, this locking cup receiving the tab of the peripheral spring to deform it by the ball and to hold it locked against the vibrations of the fitting. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments of an adaptable fitting shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0045] [Fig. 1] Perspective view of the fitting,

[0046] [Fig.2] Axial half-section of the fitting in the unadapted state,

[0047] [Fig.3] Simplified exploded half-section of the fitting,

[0048] [Fig.3A] assembled section of the fitting according to [Fig.3],

[0049] [Fig.4] Assembled axial half-section of the fitting of [Fig.2],

[0050] [Fig.4A] Axial half-section of the fitting assembled to the conduit,

[0051] [Fig.5] Exploded perspective view of the fitting,

[0052] [Fig.6] Schematic top view of the locking ring and a finger of cramping.

[0053] [Fig.7] Perspective view of another embodiment of the connection,

[0054] [Fig.8] Axial half-section view of the body of the [Fig.7],

[0055] [Fig.8A] exploded half-section view of the fitting of [Fig.8] without its bellows and crown,

[0056] [Fig.8B] half-section view of the assembled fitting of [Fig.8A],

[0057] [Fig.9] Partial perspective view of the edge of the fitting cup with its spring peripheral,

[0058] [Fig. 10] perspective view of the locking ring of the fitting of [Fig. 7],

[0059] [Fig. 11] in its part A, axial half-section of the assembly area of ​​the sleeve being clipped in and in its part B, view of the clipped and locked sleeve,

[0060] [Fig. 12] table composed of partial cross-sectional and top views of the relative position of a ball and the locking ring.

[0061] DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0062] According to figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to an adaptable fitting 100, intended to join two conduits Cl, C2, fixed according to predefined positions or axes, not exactly coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations; one of the conduits Cl is by definition perfectly fixed and the other is fixed in its position and its reference axis but it can nevertheless undergo very small displacements relative to this reference position.

[0063] The fitting consists of two parts, one intended to be fixed to the first duct Cl such as the outlet of an engine (turbojet) and imposing the axis (X1X1) (first axis) and the other to the second duct C2 forming part of the hot air distribution installation and imposing its axis (X2X2) (second reference axis) but which can undergo small displacements

[0064] The displacements are on the order of +1 to +3 mm for the radial displacement and on the order of +1° to +3° for the angular displacement.

[0065] The fitting 100, shown in its state aligned on the axis (X1X1) and not yet adapted to the future configuration of the conduits Cl, C2, consists of a base 1 connected to the first conduit Cl and a sleeve 7 intended to be connected to the second conduit C2. Fig. 1 shows only the base 1, the sealing bellows 5 and the locking ring 6 of the fitting 100, and within the latter, the end 7b of the sleeve 7 constituting the second part of the fitting 100.

[0066] The sleeve 7 is shown aligned with the first axis (X1X1), whereas it will subsequently be adapted to the geometry of the conduits and aligned with the reference axis (X2X2). It is joined to the first part of the fitting by its end 7a and by its end 7b, it is welded to the second conduit C2.

[0067] The ring 6 is used to lock the connecting body 4 once it has been adapted to the geometry of the conduit C2. This ring 6 will be immobilized in its locking position on the connecting body 4.

[0068] The cross-sectional view of [Fig.2] of the complete fitting 100 still aligned on the axis (X1X1), the cross-section of [Fig.3] and the exploded view of [Fig.3A] show the different components and their interactions.

[0069] The base 1 is traversed by the axial passage 10; it is formed of a plate 11 for its fixing to the surface SI surrounding the conduit Cl and thus defining the first axis (X1X1) of the fitting which is fixed.

[0070] The base 1 continues with a sleeve 12 and an end ring 13.

[0071] The end ring 13 has a threaded hole 131 and externally a surface of The 132 fixing for one end of the bellows 5 ensures the sealing of the assembled fitting and is adapted to the geometry of the installed Cl, C2 ducts. The crown 13 has a diameter adapted to the bellows 5 surrounding the components and allowing for their deformation.

[0072] The base 1 is provided with a radial guide 2 receiving the connecting body 4 with its ball joint 41 and its cage 3 for angular adaptation (Aa) and radial offset (AR) of the axis (X2X2) relative to the axis (X1X1).

[0073] The radial guide 2, preferably sleeve-shaped and distinct from the base 1, is screwed by its threaded end 21 into the tapped hole 131 of the ring 13. For this purpose, the central passage 20 has a tool grip shape 23, for example, a hexagonal section for its screwing.

[0074] At its other end, the radial guide 2 is provided with a peripheral rib 22 of rectangular cross-section forming bearing surfaces perpendicular to the axis (X1X1); the rib is preceded by a groove 221 thus forming a rectangular profile to receive a complementary profile, the extension of the connecting body 4 under the cage 3; this complementary profile is a groove 31 whose diameter is increased to have radial play AR equal to the difference of the radii of the peripheral rib 22 and the groove 31 of cage 3.

[0075] This means that the center of rotation O of the ball joint or its cage 3 can move transversely by the distance AR from its position centered on the axis (X1X1) defined by the base 1.

[0076] Given the diversity of possible cases, this implies that:

[0077] - if the axes (X1X1) (X2X2) are in the same plane, they will intersect at the center O located on the (X1X1) axis since, by definition, the axis of the connecting body 4 will be aligned for its adaptation on the (X2X2) axis of the second conduit C2.

[0078] - if the axes (X1X1), (X2X2) are not coplanar, the center of the ball joint through which passes the axis (X2X2) of the connecting body 4 located next to the point O inside a disk in the diametral plane passing through the center O and perpendicular to the axis (X1X1) since only a transverse and not longitudinal offset is possible for the connecting body 4. This disk has a radius equal to AR which is the gap or play of the engagement of the rib 22 in the groove 31.

[0079] The base 1 or its radial guide 2 receives the cage 3 which is a ring initially open to receive the ball joint 41 and which is then welded to form the cage 3. At the same time as the open ring is closed on the ball joint, its groove 31 is engaged on the peripheral rib 22 to be hooked there, free to rotate around the axis (X1X1) and with the transverse play AR.

[0080] The connecting body 4, through which the passage 40 passes, consists of the ball joint 41 housed and retained in the spherical surface 32 of the cage 3 and a cup 42 above the ball joint 4L. The cup 42 receives the sleeve 7 welded to the end of the conduit C2 for a solid assembly without play.

[0081] For this sleeve assembly 7, the cup 42 includes a housing 421 for a seal 423 and above it, a peripheral shoulder 422. The seal 423 hooked in the housing 421 has a thickness enabling the sleeve 7 to rest on the surface forming the peripheral shoulder 422.

[0082] The edge 424 of the cup 42 has a crenellated shape with merlons 42a delimiting crenellations 42b ([Fig.5]) receiving clamping fingers 43; these fingers 43 are pushed by springs 433 so as to form clipping members with their triangular beak 431 having a top 431a and a bottom 431b, inclined in the form of frustoconical surfaces, as shown in the exploded view of [Fig.5]; the finger 43 is a torus segment of the section shown, with a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped body ending with the beak 431.

[0083] The top 42 of the connecting body 4 is covered by a clamping ring 44 which completes the guidance of the fingers 43 in the slots 42b. The assembly is covered by a locking ring 6 surrounding the edge 424 and the clamping ring 44.

[0084] The locking ring 6 is retained to the cup 42 by a clipped ring 51, engaged in a groove 641 in the lower part of its inner contour 64, under the edge 424 of the cup 42.

[0085] The inner contour 64 facing the axis (X1X1) has peripheral cavities 62 associated with the fingers 43; each cavity has a bottom 621 with a ramp 621a. The bottom 621 has a radial depth allowing the finger 43 associated with the cavity to retract into it when pushed by the frustoconical collar 71 at the first end 7a of the sleeve 7 for its engagement. The ramp 621a of the bottom 621 of each cavity 62 preferably meets tangently the surface of the inner contour 64, which is also that of the rim 42 and the ring 44, to push back the fingers 43 sliding on the frustoconical surface 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7 and to apply its underside 712 against the shoulder 422, compressing the seal 423 ensuring the sealing of this junction.

[0086] The other end 7b of the sleeve 7 has an edge 72 intended to be welded to the second conduit C2. The sleeve 7 has an axial passage 70 oriented on the axis (X2X2) of the conduit C2.

[0087] The sealing of the orientable joint formed by the ball joint 41 and the transverse adaptation by the rib 22 and the groove 31 is achieved by the bellows 5 welded on one side to the surface 132 of the end ring 13 and on the other side, to the peripheral surface 425 under the edge 424 of the cup 42. The sealing between the sleeve 7 and its assembly to the connecting body 4 is achieved by the junction of the underside 712 of the sleeve 7 against the shoulder 422 and the seal 423.

[0088] The exploded half-section of [Fig.3] shows the detail of the components of the fitting 100 without the locking ring 6, the bellows 5 and the seal 423.

[0089] The edge 424 of the cup 42 reveals a merlon 42a. The spring 433 of the clamping finger 43 is engaged by one end 433a in a housing 426 into which the loop of the spring retracts; the other end 433b is engaged in a housing 434 in the finger 43. The spring 433 pushes the clamping finger 43 towards the axis (X2X2) of the connecting body 4.

[0090] The spring 433 creates the clipping effect retaining the finger 43 when the truncated conical collar 71 of the sleeve 7 is pushed towards the shoulder 422.

[0091] The exploded view shows the torus segment shape of the beak 431.

[0092] Fig. 3A shows the components of Fig. 3 in the assembled state; the clamping fingers 43 are tightened against the truncated conical collar 71 of the sleeve 7.

[0093] Figure 4 shows the complete fitting 100 with the sleeve 7 clipped into the fitting body 4 in the aligned position on the axis (X1X1). The sleeve 7 is not yet adapted to the orientation and position of the second conduit C2.

[0094] The position of the fitting 100 is the standby position in which the locking ring 6 is not rotated around the axis (X2X2) of the fitting body 4; the cavity 62 is always in alignment with the finger 43 and allows it to retract to unclip the sleeve 7 and weld it to the second conduit C2.

[0095] Fig. 4A shows the axial half-section of the fitting 100 in the position assembled with the conduits Cl, C2.

[0096] Figure 5 is an uncut exploded view showing the details of the components, the description of which will not be repeated. This view shows the toroidal segment shape of the gripping fingers 43 and their beak 431.

[0097] The clamping ring 44 is shown with its screws 441 which fit into threads 442 in the top of the merlons 42a.

[0098] The top of the return 61 of the locking crown 6 also has screw holes 63 to lock the crown 6 in the turned position of the locking fingers 43.

[0099] In the example shown, the connecting body 4 has four clamping fingers 43 distributed regularly around the axis of the body 4.

[0100] The fingers 43 have a back 433 of shape adapted to slide against the ramp 421a of the cavities 62. The bottom of the cavities 62 has its greatest radial depth in the unlocking or waiting position shown in [Fig.4].

[0101] The ramp 421a joins the inner contour 64, cylindrical with circular cross-section, which rests against the contour formed by the edge 424 of the cup 42 and the outer contour of the ring 44.

[0102] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a clamping finger 43 in its retracted position (part A) for the passage of the clamping ring 44. The finger 43 is engaged in the peripheral cavity 62 and the ring 6 is pivoted into its release position.

[0103] The back 432 of the cramping finger 43 has a truncated corner 432a and the ramp 621a of the bottom 621 of the cavity 62 provides a significant contact surface to the truncated corner 432a when the ring 6 is turned a fraction of a turn to push back the finger 43.

[0104] The position of part C is the end-of-stroke position. The crown 6 is pivoted into the locking position and the bottom 621 of the cavity 62 is pressed against the back 432 of the finger, in its locking position of the clamping ring 44 by the locking crown 6.

[0105] A second embodiment of the 100' fitting is described below; parts identical to those of the first embodiment already described will not be systematically redescribed. In some cases, they will bear the same reference numerals, possibly supplemented by a prime number if necessary for clarity. This simplification is also applied to the reference numerals of the claims.

[0106] Figures 7 and 8 show this other embodiment of the adaptable fitting 100', intended to join two conduits Cl, C2, fixed according to predefined positions or axes, not exactly coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations; one of the conduits Cl is by definition perfectly fixed and the other is fixed in its position and its reference axis but it can nevertheless undergo very small displacements relative to this reference position.

[0107] The 100' fitting as in the first embodiment consists of two parts, one intended to be fixed to the first conduit Cl such as the outlet of an engine (turbojet) and imposing the axis (X1X1) (first axis) and the other to the second conduit C2.

[0108] The fitting 100' shown in its state aligned on the axis (X1X1) not yet adapted to the future configuration of the conduits Cl, C2, consists of a base 1 connected to the first conduit Cl and a sleeve 7 intended to be connected to the second conduit C2. Fig. 7 shows only the base 1, the sealing bellows 5 and the locking ring 6 and, within it, the end 7b of the sleeve 7 constituting the second part of the fitting 100'.

[0109] The sleeve 7 is shown aligned with the first axis (X1X1), whereas it will subsequently be adapted to the geometry of the conduits and aligned with the reference axis (X2X2). It is joined to the first part of the fitting by its end 7a and by its end 7b, it is welded to the second conduit C2.

[0110] The 6' crown used to lock the 4' connecting body, once adapted to the geometry of the C2 conduit, will be immobilized in its locking position on the 4' connecting body to resist vibrations while allowing the 100' adaptable fitting to be opened by a significant unlocking torque involved by hand or with a tool.

[0111] The axial cross-sectional view of [Fig.8] of the complete 100' fitting still aligned on the axis (X1X1) is complemented by the exploded view of [Fig.8A] showing the different components and their interactions.

[0112] The base 1 through which the axial passage 10 passes is formed of a plate 11 for its fixing. The base 1 continues with a sleeve 12 and an end ring 13.

[0113] The end ring 13 has a thread 131 and externally a fixing surface 132 for one end of the bellows 5 ensuring the sealing of the assembled fitting and adapted to the geometry of the installed conduits Cl, C2.

[0114] The base 1 is provided with a radial guide 2 receiving the connecting body 4' with its ball joint 41 and its cage 3 for angular adaptation (Aa) and radial offset (AR) of the axis (X2X2) relative to the axis (X1X1).

[0115] The radial guide 2, preferably sleeve-shaped and separate from the base 1, is screwed by its threaded end 21 into the threaded hole 131 of the ring 13. For this purpose, the central passage 20, has a tool grip shape, for example, a hexagonal section for screwing it in.

[0116] At its other end, the radial guide 2 is provided with a peripheral rib 22 of rectangular section forming bearing surfaces perpendicular to the axis (X1X1); the rib is preceded by a groove 221 thus forming a rectangular profile to receive a complementary shape profile, the extension of the connecting body 4 under the cage 3; this complementary profile is a groove 31 whose diameter is increased to have radial clearance equal to the difference of the radii of the peripheral rib 22 and the groove 31 of the cage 3 with the same characteristics as in the first embodiment.

[0117] The connecting body 4', through which the passage 40 passes, consists of the ball joint 41 housed and retained in the spherical surface 32 of the cage 3 and a cup 42' above the ball joint 41. The cup 42' receives the sleeve 7 welded to the end of the conduit C2 for a solid assembly without play.

[0118] For this assembly of the sleeve 7, the cup 42' has a housing 421 for a seal 423 and above it, a peripheral shoulder 422 on which the sleeve 7 rests.

[0119] The locking ring 6' is retained to the cup 42' by a clipped ring 51, in a groove 424'c of the cup 42'.

[0120] The inner surface 6a of the crown 6' has slots 65 forming cavities associated with the balls 43'; each cavity has a bottom with a ramp 651. The bottom has a radial depth allowing the ball 43' to retract into it when it is pushed back by the frustoconical collar 71 at the first end 7a of the sleeve 7 for clipping. The ramp 651 of each slot 65 preferably meets tangently the inner surface 6'a, which is also that of the edge 424', to push back the balls 43' sliding on the frustoconical surface 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7 and apply its underside 712 against the shoulder 422, compressing the seal 423.

[0121] The sealing of the overall orientable joint formed by the ball joint 41 and adaptable transversely by the rib 22 and the groove 31 is achieved by the bellows 5 welded on one side to the surface 132 of the end ring 13 and on the other side to the peripheral surface 425 under the edge 424' of the cup 42'. The seal between the sleeve 7 and its assembly to the connecting body 4' is achieved by the junction of the underside 712 of the sleeve 7 against the shoulder 422 and the seal 423.

[0122] Figure 8A shows in cross-section the snap-fit ​​assembly of the retaining collar 71 into the cup 42' forming the circular cavity CA

[0123] The edge 424' of the cup 42' is traversed by holes 45 distributed around a circle in the periphery of the edge and receiving the ball-shaped clamping elements 43' held elastically by a peripheral spring 46. This spring 46 is constituted by a flat split ring ([Fig. 12]), placed on the outside side of the edge 424'; and covering at least partially the balls 43' in the respective bores 25.

[0124] The peripheral spring 46 ([Fig.9]) is a cylindrical ring with triangular cutouts 461 and a tongue 462 at peripheral locations corresponding to those of the holes 45 so as not to obstruct the rear of the holes 45 (outer side) and to bear by the tongue 462 against the rear of the ball 43' of the associated hole 25, while allowing the ball 43' to recoil when pushed back for the clipping of the retaining collar 71.

[0125] According to figures 8A, 8B, 9, the spring 46 is housed in a peripheral clearance 424'c of the edge 424' so as not to protrude from the outer peripheral surface on which the locking ring 6' rests and pivots.

[0126] The edge 424' terminates with a rim 424'a above the series of holes 25 ( [Fig.9]).

[0127] The locking ring 6' (figures 7, 10) has an outer surface 6'b that is knurled, ribbed or grooved to facilitate gripping for tightening / loosening the ring 6' relative to the cup 42'.

[0128] The inner surface 6'a of the crown 6' has a relief forming an upper peripheral recess 65a, allowing the crown 6' to be engaged on the edge 424' of the cup 42' by passing underneath, according to the orientation of the figures, so that its inner relief comes against the underside of the rim 424'a, as shown in the cross-sectional views of [Fig. 11]. The crown 6' is held axially by a ring 51 engaged in the groove 424'b of the edge 424'.

[0129] The relief of the inner surface 6'a is delimited by its cylindrical inner surface which corresponds to the play to the surface of the edge 424' fitted with the annular spring 46 retained in the peripheral direction by a pin or screw, passing through the bore 464 of the spring 46 straddling its mounting slot 463 ([Fig.9]).

[0130] The relief of the inner surface 6'a is crenellated, formed of merlons 66 separating crenellations 65 opening upwards but closed at the bottom. The relief below the crenellations 65 and the merlons 66, the inner surface 6'aa, has a lower peripheral clearance 65b ([Fig. 10]) to receive, as a buttress, the relief of the retaining ring 51.

[0131] The slots 65 forming cavities corresponding to the position of the holes 45 to receive the relief of the balls 43' pushed outwards from the edge 424' when the attachment collar 71 is put in place.

[0132] At the axial height (axis X1X1) of the ball distribution circle 43', the ring 6' has tabs 67 oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the bevels 66 associated with each slot 65 according to the locking / unlocking direction of the ring 6' relative to the balls; this position of the tab 67 is upstream of the associated slot according to the orientation of [Fig.9] for a locking pivot in the clockwise direction.

[0133] Each tab 67 remaining connected to the ring 6' at the level of the slot 65 forms a ramp 651 on the side of the slot, continuing with a very shallow ramp and a locking cup 652 for the locking position of the balls by the ring 6'. When, by pivoting the ring 6', the cups 652 reach the back of the tabs 462, themselves pressed against each ball 43'; the thrust exerted by the inner surface 6' of the ridges 66 and the resistance opposed by the balls 43' slightly deform and bend the tabs 462 which lock in the respective cups with the balls 43' thus generating a significant anti-loosening torque on the ring 6' which, therefore, does not risk loosening by the effect of vibrations; It can only be loosened (unlocked) by an opposing, significant torque exerted on the 6' crown by hand or, preferably, with a levering tool.

[0134] The ramp 651 allows, by rotating the ring 6', the ball 43' to be pushed against and onto the top of the peripheral ramp 711 of the collar 71 to lock the sleeve 7 and the connecting body 4'. The pivoting of the clamping ring 6' is done by hand.

[0135] The visible top 68 of the ring 6' has an index 681 cooperating with two notched markings 682a, 682b of the rim 424'a, supplemented by an indication of unlocking or not locking and an indication of locking or locking, allowing the installer who completes the assembly of the fitting 100' to know exactly the relative pivoting position of the ring 6' with respect to the cup 42'; the latter is, in principle, fixed in rotation with respect to the axis X1X1. But as the location of the fitting 100' may be difficult to access or fully visible, it is preferable to duplicate these marking means, for example, in diametrically opposite positions as shown for the ring 6' in [Fig. 9] and for the assembly, in Figure 7; [Fig.1 1], (part A) thus shows the unblocked position to allow the installation of the sleeve 7 / pipe C2 assembly and shows the blocked position (part B).

[0136] The ramp 711 of the collar 71 is pressed to push in, push back the balls 43', and pass under them and lodge against the shoulder 422 of the cavity CA.

[0137] The cylindrical locking ring 6' surrounding the edge 424' of the cup 42' in the untightened position allows, by its notches 65, the retraction of the balls 43' for the passage of the edge of the collar 71.

[0138] After pivoting a fraction of a turn, the 6' ring pushes back the 43' balls through the ramp 651 of the crenellations and blocks the entire 100' fitting.

[0139] Fig. 11, in parts A and B, shows the installation of the sleeve 7. Part A shows the sleeve 7 being engaged, pushing the ball 43' against the push of the tongue 652 until against the bottom of the cavity formed by the notch of the crown 6' associated with this ball 43'.

[0140] Part B shows the locking position resulting from the pivoting of the locking ring 6' pushing the ball 43' onto the top 711 of the collar 71 of the sleeve 7; in this state, the ball, strongly compressed by the ring 6', comes into the locking cup 652 of the inner surface of the ring 6' with interposition and deformation of the tab 462 of the spring 46.

[0141] Fig. 12 is a table showing the relative position of the locking ring 6' and a ball 43', in cross-sectional view and top view for the free position of the ball allowing the sleeve to be clipped, then the position during tightening by pivoting the locking ring 6', the position of the edge 424' of the cup remaining fixed, and finally, the locking or clamped position of the locking ring with its locking cup 652 against the rear part of the ball with interposition of the tongue 462 of the spring 46.

[0142] The top views of the crown 6' and of the top of the rim 424'a of the cup show the position of the index 681 carried by the crown 6' first opposite the unlocking mark 682a then in an intermediate position between the marks 682a, 682b and finally the index 681 opposite the locking mark 682b.

[0143] NOMENCLATURE OF PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS

[0144] 100, 100' Fitting

[0145] 1 Base

[0146] 10 Axial passage

[0147] 11 Fixing plate

[0148] 12 Sleeve

[0149] 13 End crown

[0150] 131 Tapping

[0151] 132 Bellows fixing surface

[0152] 2 Radial guide

[0153] 20 Axial passage

[0154] 21 Thread

[0155] 22 Peripheral rib

[0156] 221 Gorge

[0157] 23 Tool grip

[0158] 3 Cage

[0159] 31 Groove for the rib

[0160] 32 Spherical inner surface

[0161] 4, 4' Connecting body

[0162] 40 Axial passage

[0163] 41 Ball joint

[0164] 42, 42' Cup

[0165] 42a Merlon

[0166] 42b Slot

[0167] 421 Joint housing

[0168] 422 Shoulder

[0169] 423 Joint

[0170] 424 Cup rim

[0171] 424' Cup edge

[0172] 424' a Edge

[0173] 424'b peripheral clearance for spring 46

[0174] 424'c groove for ring 51

[0175] 425 Peripheral surface

[0176] 425' Peripheral clearance

[0177] 426 Spring housing

[0178] 43 Cramping organ / Cramping finger

[0179] 43' Cramp ball

[0180] 431 Fingertip

[0181] 431a Top of the beak

[0182] 431b Underside of the beak

[0183] 432 Back of finger

[0184] 432a Truncated corner

[0185] 433 Spring

[0186] 433a Spring arm

[0187] 433b Spring arm

[0188] 434 Spring housing in the finger

[0189] 44 Clamping ring

[0190] 441 Fixing screw

[0191] 442 Tapping in the merlon

[0192] 45 Drilling

[0193] 46 Peripheral spring

[0194] 461 Cut

[0195] 462 Tongue

[0196] 463 Mounting slot

[0197] 464 Drilling

[0198] 5 Bellows

[0199] 51 Clip ring

[0200] 6, 6' Locking crown

[0201] 6a, 6'a Interior surface

[0202] 6'b Exterior surface

[0203] 61 Return

[0204] 62 Peripheral cavity

[0205] 621 Bottom of the cavity

[0206] 621a Ramp

[0207] 63 Screw drilling

[0208] 64 Inner contour

[0209] 65 Slot

[0210] 65a Upper peripheral clearance

[0211] 65b Lower peripheral clearance

[0212] 651 Ramp

[0213] 652 Blocking cup

[0214] 66 Merlon

[0215] 67 Tongue

[0216] 68 Top of the locking crown

[0217] 681 Index

[0218] 682a Unlocking mark

[0219] 682b Blocking mark

[0220] 7 Sleeve

[0221] 7 a First extremity

[0222] 7b Second end

[0223] 70 Axial passage

[0224] 71 Hanging collar

[0225] 711 Top / truncated conical surface

[0226] 712 Underside / bearing surface

[0227] 72 Welded edge

Claims

Demands

1. Adaptable fitting (100, 100') intended to join two fixed conduits (Cl, C2), not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, one of which may undergo small displacements, fitting characterized in that it comprises a first adaptable part intended to be fixed to the first conduit (Cl) defining the first assembly axis (X1X1) and a second part intended to be fixed to the second conduit (C2) and corresponding to a second reference axis (X2X2) not necessarily coplanar or coaxial with the first axis (X1X1), but capable of undergoing slight displacements - the first part comprising: A. a base (1) intended to be fixed to the first conduit (Cl), terminated by a radial guide (2), B. a ball joint cage (3) attached to the radial guide (2) being adaptable transversely (AR) and in rotation about the axis (X1X1), C.a connecting body (4) adaptable transversely and orientable with respect to the first axis (X1X1), comprising: * a ball joint (41) engaged in the cage (3) and * a lockable clip-on cup (42), integral with the cage (3), - the second part comprising: D. a sleeve (7) intended to be fixed to the second conduit (C2) according to its reference axis (X2X2) and whose end is provided with a clip-on ring (71) to be clipped into the cup (42). E. a sealing bellows (5) covering the ball joint (41) as well as the sliding assembly of the groove (31) under the cage (3) and of the peripheral rib (22) of the connecting body (4), the bellows being welded to the base (1) and to the cup (42), the second conduit (C2) integral with the connecting body (4) remaining free to move transversely and rotationally relative to the radial guide (2) integral with the base (1) and the first conduit (Cl).

2. Adaptable fitting (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that - the radial guide (2) is terminated by a peripheral rib (22) and, - the cage (3) has a groove (31) to receive, with radial clearance, a peripheral rib of the radial guide (2).

3. Adaptable fitting (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial guide (2) is a sleeve with a thread (21) separate from the base (1) which has a tapping (131) for screwing the radial guide (2), and the radial guide (2) has a passage (20) in the form of a tool recess, in particular a hexagonal recess.

4. Adaptable coupling (100, 100') according to claim 1 characterized in that the cup (42) comprises, starting from the ball joint (41), in its axial extension: - a joint housing (421), continuing with a shoulder (422) in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the coupling body (4) to receive by clipping the hook collar (71) of the sleeve (7).

5. Adaptable fitting (100) according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the cup (42) has an edge (424) formed of merlons (42a) delimiting radial slots (42b), each receiving a crimping finger (43), radially movable to retract and allow the clipping of the hook collar (71) against the top of the shoulder (422) and its locking.

6. Adaptable fitting (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping fingers (43) are each provided with a return spring (433) mounted in the respective notch of the rim (424) of the cup (42) and pushing the clamping fingers (43) towards the axis of the fitting body (4).

7. Adaptable fitting (100, 100') according to claim 4 characterized in that the end (7a) of the sleeve (7), opposite that (7b) connected to the second conduit (C2) has a hook collar (71) with a top in the form of a frustoconical surface (711) to cooperate with fingers (43) or balls (43') of clamping the cup (42, 42') and an underside in the form of a support surface (712) to come against the shoulder (422) of the cup (42, 42').

8. Adaptable fitting (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the slots (42b) are covered by a clamping ring (44) fixed to the merlons (42a).

9. Adaptable fitting (100) according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the edge (424) of the cup (42) covered by the clamping ring (44) is provided with a locking crown (6) for locking the clamping fingers (43) and having, in its inner contour (64), peripheral cavities (62) corresponding to the position of the clamping fingers (43) to allow their radial retraction, pushed back by the passage of the edge of the collar (71) and whose bottom (621) with a ramp (621a) allows, by pivoting the crown (6) on itself, to push back each finger (43) and to cover the top in the form of a frustoconical surface (711) of the collar (7) to press it against the surface (712) of the collar (7).

10. Fitting (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fingers (43) have a back (432) of curved cross-section with truncated wedge (432a) to come into contact with the ramp (621a) of the bottom (621) of the peripheral groove (62).

11. A fitting (100') according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, characterized in that it comprises ball-shaped clamping elements (3') and a cup (42') delimiting the cavity (CA) has an upper edge (424') with through holes (45) opening into the cavity (CA) and each receiving a ball (43') pushed protruding into the cavity (CA) by a peripheral spring (46) and a locking ring (6') engaged on the periphery of the outer side (6'b) and provided with crenellated cavities (65) with ramps (651) in a position homologous to those of the holes (45) to allow the balls (43') to retract for the engagement of the locking collar (71) and then the balls (43') to be pushed against the collar (71) by pivoting the locking ring. blockage (6') and the push of the ramps (651) on the balls (43').

12. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the peripheral spring (45) is a cylindrical ring with cutouts (461) at the location of the holes (45) and an elastic tab (462) associated with each cutout to push the ball (43') towards the cavity (CA).

13. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the edge (424') of the cup (42') has a rim (424'a) and the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (6') has a superior peripheral clearance (65a) to come under the rim (424'a) and leave a top (68) visible, provided with at least one index (681) corresponding to a release mark (682a) and a locking mark (682b) on the rim (424'a) of the cup (42').

14. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the crown (6') is retained by a ring (51) clipped into a groove (424'C) of the cup (42') protruding under the crown, in particular in the lower, internal peripheral clearance (65b) of the crown (6').

15. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the inner surface (6'a) of the crown (6') has a relief forming the upper and inner peripheral clearance, (65a) allowing the crown (6') to be engaged on the edge (424') by passing underneath, to come by its upper inner relief against the underside of the rim (424'a).

16. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that the relief of the inner surface (6'a) is a cylindrical surface which corresponds, to the extent of the clearance, to the surface of the edge (242') of the cup (42') receiving the peripheral spring (46), - the relief of the inner peripheral surface (6'a) is crenellated, formed of merlons (66) separated by slots (65) opening upwards and closed at the bottom, the relief under the slots (65) and merlons (66) forming the lower peripheral clearance (65b), * the slots (65) corresponding to the position of the holes (45) to receive the relief of the balls (3') pushed outwards from the edge (242') when the sleeve (7) is put in place.

17. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 11, characterized in that at the axial height of the ball distribution circle (43'), the ring (6') has tabs (67) oriented in the peripheral direction and cut into the nierions (66), - each tab (67) remaining connected to the ring (6') at the level of the associated slot (65) and forming a ramp (651) on the side of the slot (65) to bear on the associated ball (43') when pivoting the ring (6') towards its locking position.

18. Adaptable fitting (100') according to claim 17, characterized in that the tongue (67) has a locking cup (652) giving the locking position defined by the locking mark (682b) of the crown (6') pivoted on the index (681) of the transfer (224'a) of the cup (42'), this locking cup (652) receiving the tongue (462) of the peripheral spring (46) to deform it by the ball (43') and to retain it locked against the vibrations of the fitting (100').

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