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 connection for two fixed conduits FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable connection intended for two fixed conduits which are 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 others.

[0003] However, these fittings are, in general, 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 arrangement cannot be respected.

[0005] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to develop an adaptable connection of simple structure for joining two fixed conduits which are not necessarily coaxial or coplanar and whose axis is imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, making it possible to create a sealed connection between the two conduits, one of which is fixed and the other of which can undergo small movements relative to its reference position.

[0007] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an adaptable connection intended to join two fixed conduits, not necessarily coaxial or coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, and one of which can undergo small movements,

[0009] connection 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, terminated by a radial guide,

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

[0014] C. a transversely adaptable connecting body which can be oriented relative to the first axis, comprising:

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

[0016] * a lockable clipping cup, secured to the cage,

[0017] - the second part comprising:

[0018] D. a sleeve intended to be fixed to the second conduit along its axis and the end of which is provided with a clipping 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 coupling body, the bellows being welded to the base and to the cup,

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

[0021] The connection overcomes the imprecision of the reference alignment of the conduits (their axes) by its adaptability for the installation and partial blocking of the connection thus adapted to each particular case and constituting a sealed connection between the two conduits while allowing slight movements of a part of the connection secured to the conduit likely to undergo slight displacements, of translation orientation relative to its position or its reference axis in which the other part of the connection being secured to the other strictly fixed conduit, while remaining sealed.

[0022] According to an advantageous characteristic, the radial guide is terminated by a peripheral rib and the cage has a groove for receiving, with radial play, a peripheral rib of the radial guide.

[0023] According to another advantageous characteristic, 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 imprint, in particular a hexagonal imprint.

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

[0025] According to another advantageous characteristic, the cup comprises, 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 connection body to receive by clipping the attachment collar of the sleeve, surmounted by a cylindrical cavity receiving the end of the sleeve.

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

[0027] According to another characteristic, the cup has an edge formed of merlons delimiting radial notches, each receiving a cramping finger, radially movable to retract and allow the attachment collar to be clipped into place. against the top of the shoulder and its blocking.

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

[0029] In particular, the end of the sleeve, opposite that connected to the second conduit, has a hooking collar with a top in the form of a truncated cone-shaped surface to cooperate with the cramping fingers of the cup and a bottom in the form of a bearing surface to come against the shoulder of the cup.

[0030] To facilitate the guidance of the cramping fingers, the notches 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 block the cramping fingers and having, in its internal contour, peripheral cavities corresponding to the position of the cramping fingers to allow their radial retraction, pushed back by the passage of the edge of the collar and the bottom of which with a ramp allows, by the pivoting of the crown on itself, to push back the fingers and to cover the top in the form of a truncated surface of the collar to press it against the surface of the collar.

[0032] The locking crown is itself locked at the end of the installation of the connection, so that the adapted connection is a partially rigid and sealed connection, guaranteeing its reliability.

[0033] According to a characteristic facilitating the tightening pivoting of the crown, the fingers have a back with a curved section with a truncated corner to come into contact with the ramp when the finger is in the retracted position to resume a cylindrical shape of circular section with the ramp for support against the support surface of the back of the finger and of the crown in the locking position. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of an embodiment of an adaptable connector shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig. 1] perspective view of the connection,

[0036] [Fig.2] axial half-section of the connection in the not yet adapted state,

[0037] [Fig.3] simplified exploded half-section of the connection,

[0038] [Fig.3A] assembled section of the fitting according to [Fig.3],

[0039] [Fig.4] assembled axial half-section of the connection of [Fig.2],

[0040] [Fig.4A] axial half-section of the connection assembled to the conduit,

[0041] [Fig.5] exploded perspective view of the connection,

[0042] [Fig.6] schematic top view of the locking crown and a finger of cramping.

[0043] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0044] According to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to an adaptable connector 100, intended to join two conduits C1, C2, fixed according to predefined positions or axes, not exactly coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations; one of the conduits C1 is by definition perfectly fixed and the other is fixed in its position and its reference axis but it can nevertheless undergo very small movements relative to this reference position.

[0045] The connection consists of two parts, one intended to be fixed to the first duct C1 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 movements

[0046] The displacements are of the order of +1 to +3 mm for radial displacement and of the order of +1° to +3° for angular displacement.

[0047] The connector 100 shown in its state aligned on the axis (X1X1) not yet adapted to the future configuration of the conduits C1, C2, is composed of a base 1 connected to the first conduit C1 and a sleeve 7 intended to be connected to the second conduit C2. [Fig.l], shows of the connector 100 only the base 1, the sealing bellows 5 and the locking ring 6 and in the latter, the end 7b of the sleeve 7 constituting the second part of the connector 100.

[0048] The sleeve 7 is shown aligned on the first axis (X1X1) while it will then be adapted to the geometry of the conduits and aligned on the reference axis (X2X2). It is joined to the first part of the connection by its end 7a and by its end 7b, it is welded to the second conduit C2.

[0049] The crown 6 serves to block the connection body 4 once adapted to the geometry of the conduit C2. This crown 6 will be immobilized in its blocking position on the connection body 4.

[0050] The sectional view of [Fig.2] of the complete connector 100 still aligned on the axis (X1X1), the section of [Fig.3] and the exploded view of [Fig.3A] show the different components and their interactions.

[0051] The base 1 is crossed 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 connection which is fixed.

[0052] The base 1 continues with a sleeve 12 and an end crown 13.

[0053] The end crown 13 has a thread 131 and externally a surface of fixing 132 for one end of the bellows 5 ensuring the sealing of the assembled connection and adapted to the geometry of the installed ducts Cl, C2. The crown 13 has a diameter, adapted to the bellows 5 surrounding the components and allowing their deformations.

[0054] 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 the angular adaptation (Aa) and the radial offset (AR) of the axis (X2X2) relative to the axis (X1X1).

[0055] The radial guide 2 in the form of a sleeve preferably separate from the base 1 is screwed by its threaded end 21 into the tapping 131 of the crown 13. For this, the central passage 20 has a tool grip shape 23, for example, a hexagonal section for its screwing.

[0056] 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 profile of complementary shape, of 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 AR equal to the difference between the radii of the peripheral rib 22 and the groove 31 of the cage 3.

[0057] This means that the center of rotation O of the ball joint or its cage 3 can move transversely by the distance AR relative to its position centered on the axis (X1X1) defined by the base 1.

[0058] Given the diversity of possible cases, this implies that:

[0059] - if the axes (X1X1) (X2X2) are in the same plane, they will intersect at the center O located on the axis (X1X1) since, by definition, the axis of the connection body 4 will be aligned for its adaptation on the axis (X2X2) of the second conduit C2.

[0060] - if the axes (X1X1), (X2X2) are not coplanar, the center of the ball joint by which passes the axis (X2X2) of the connecting body 4 located next to the point O inside a disc in the diametrical plane passing through the center O and perpendicular to the axis (X1X1) since only a transverse and not a longitudinal offset is possible for the connecting body 4. This disc has a radius equal to AR which is the gap or the play of the engagement of the rib 22 in the groove 31.

[0061] 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 clearance AR.

[0062] The connection body 4, crossed for the passage 40, 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.

[0063] For this assembly of the sleeve 7, the cup 42 comprises a housing 421 for a seal 423 and above this, a peripheral shoulder 422. The seal 423 hooked in the housing 421 has a thickness allowing the sleeve 7 to rest on the surface forming the peripheral shoulder 422.

[0064] The edge 424 of the cup 42 has a crenellated shape with merlons 42a delimiting crenellations 42b ([Fig.5]) receiving cramping fingers 43; these fingers 43 are pushed by springs 433 so as to form clipping members with their beak 431 of triangular section having a top 431a and a bottom 431b, inclined in the form of truncated cone-shaped surfaces, as appears in the exploded view of [Fig.5]; the finger 43 is a segment of torus of section as it appears, with a body in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped terminated by the beak 431.

[0065] The top 42 of the connection body 4 is covered by a clamping ring 44 completing the guidance of the fingers 43 in the notches 42b. The assembly is covered by a locking ring 6 surrounding the edge 424 and the clamping ring 44.

[0066] The locking ring 6 is held to the cup 42 by a clipped ring 51, engaged in a groove 641 in the lower part of its internal contour 64, under the edge 424 of the cup 42.

[0067] 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 it is pushed back by the frustoconical collar 71 at the first end 7a of the sleeve 7 for its clipping. The ramp 621a of the bottom 621 of each cavity 62 preferably joins in tangency the surface of the inner contour 64 which is also that of the rim 42 and of the ring 44 to push back the fingers 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 ensuring the sealing of this junction.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The sealing of the orientable junction 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 the one hand to the surface 132 of the end crown 13 and on the other hand, to the peripheral surface 425 under the edge 424 of the cup 42. The sealing between the sleeve 7 and its assembly to the connection body 4 is achieved by the junction of the underside 712 of the sleeve 7 against the shoulder 422 and the seal 423.

[0070] The exploded half-section of [Fig.3] shows the detail of the components of the connector 100 without the locking crown 6, the bellows 5 and the seal 423.

[0071] 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 in 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 connection body 4.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The exploded view shows the torus segment shape of the nozzle 431.

[0074] [Fig.3A] shows the components of [Fig.3] in the assembled state; the cramping fingers 43 are tightened while resting on the truncated conical collar 71 of the sleeve 7.

[0075] [Fig.4] shows the complete connector 100 with the sleeve 7 clipped into the connector body 4 in a position aligned with the axis (X1X1). The sleeve 7 is not yet adapted to the orientation and position of the second conduit C2.

[0076] The position of the connector 100 is the waiting position in which the locking crown 6 is not rotated around the axis (X2X2) of the connector 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.

[0077] [Fig.4A] shows the axial half-section of the connector 100 in the assembled position to the conduits C1, C2.

[0078] [Fig. 5] is an uncut exploded view showing the detail of the components, the description of which will not be repeated. This view shows the toroidal segment shape of the cramping fingers 43 and their beak 431.

[0079] The clamping ring 44 is shown with its screws 441 which are housed in threads 442 in the top of the merlons 42a.

[0080] The top of the return 61 of the locking crown 6 also has screw holes 63 for locking the crown 6 in the turned position for locking the fingers 43.

[0081] In the example shown, the connecting body 4 has four cramping fingers 43 distributed regularly around the axis of the body 4.

[0082] The fingers 43 have a back 433 of a 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].

[0083] The ramp 421a joins the inner contour 64, cylindrical with a circular section coming to bear against the contour formed by the edge 424 of the cup 42 and the outer contour of the ring 44.

[0084] [Fig.6] shows an embodiment of a cramping 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 crown 6 is pivoted into its release position.

[0085] 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 offers a large contact surface to the truncated corner 432a when the ring 6 is turned a fraction of a turn to push back the finger 43.

[0086] The position of part C is the end-of-travel 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 position of locking the clamping ring 44 by the locking crown 6.

[0087] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0088] 100 Connection

[0089] 1 Base

[0090] 10 Axial passage

[0091] 11 Fixing plate

[0092] 12 Sleeve

[0093] 13 End crown

[0094] 131 Tapping

[0095] 132 Bellows fixing surface

[0096] 2 Radial guide

[0097] 20 Axial passage

[0098] 21 Thread

[0099] 22 Peripheral rib

[0100] 221 Gorge

[0101] 23 Tool grip

[0102] 3 Cage

[0103] 31 Groove for the rib

[0104] 32 Spherical inner surface

[0105] 4 Connection body

[0106] 40 Axial passage

[0107] 41 Ball joint

[0108] 42 Cup

[0109] 42a Merlon

[0110] 42b Slot [YES] 421 Seal housing

[0112] 422 Shoulder

[0113] 423 Joint

[0114] 424 Edge of the cup

[0115] 425 Peripheral surface

[0116] 426 Spring housing

[0117] 43 Cramp Finger

[0118] 431 Finger beak

[0119] 431a Top of the beak

[0120] 431b Underside of the beak

[0121] 432 Back of the finger

[0122] 432a Truncated corner

[0123] 433 Spring

[0124] 433a Branch of the spring

[0125] 433b Spring branch

[0126] 434 Spring housing in the finger

[0127] 44 Clamping ring

[0128] 441 Fixing screw

[0129] 442 Tapping in the merlon

[0130] 5 Bellows

[0131] 51 Clipping ring

[0132] 6 Locking crown

[0133] 61 Return

[0134] 62 Peripheral cavity

[0135] 621 Cavity bottom

[0136] 621a Ramp

[0137] 63 Screw drilling

[0138] 64 Inner contour

[0139] 7 Sleeve

[0140] 7 a First end

[0141] 7b Second end

[0142] 70 Axial passage

[0143] 71 Hanging collar

[0144] 711 Top / truncated surface

[0145] 712 Underside / support surface

[0146] 72 Welded edge

Claims

Claims

1. Adaptable connection intended to join two fixed conduits (Cl, C2), not necessarily coaxial, nor coplanar, imposed by the upstream and downstream installations, and one of which can undergo small displacements, connection 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, nor 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) while being adaptable transversely (AR) and in rotation around the axis (X1X1), C.a connecting body (4) adaptable transversely and orientable relative to the first axis (X1X1), comprising: * a ball joint (41) engaged in the cage (3) and * a lockable clipping cup (42), integral with the cage (3), - the second part comprising: D. a sleeve (7) intended to be fixed to the second conduit (C2) along its reference axis (X2X2) and the end of which is provided with a clipping crown (71) to be clipped into the cup (42). E. a sealing bellows (5) covering the ball joint (6, 41) as well as the sliding assembly of the groove (31) under the cage (3) and the peripheral rib (22) of the connection body (4), the bellows being welded to the base (1) and to the cup (42), the second conduit (C2) secured to the connection body (4) remaining free of adaptable movement transversely and in rotation relative to the radial guide (2) secured to the base (1) and the first conduit (Cl).

2. Adaptable connection 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) for receiving, with radial play, a peripheral rib of the radial guide (2).

3. An adaptable connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial guide is a sleeve with a thread (21) separate from the base (1) which has a thread (131) for screwing the radial guide (2), and the radial guide (2) has a passage (20) in the form of a tool imprint, in particular a hexagonal imprint.

4. Connection according to claim 1 characterized in that the cup (42) comprises, starting from the ball joint (41), in its axial extension: - a seal housing (421), continuing with a shoulder (422) in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connection body (4) to receive by clipping the attachment collar (71) of the sleeve (7), and it is - surmounted by a cylindrical cavity receiving the end (7a) of the sleeve (7).

5. Connection according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the cup (42) has an edge (424) formed of merlons (42a) delimiting radial notches (42b), each receiving a radially movable cramping finger (43) to retract and allow the attachment collar (71) to be clipped into place against the top of the shoulder (422) and locked.

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

7. Adaptable connection 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 hooking collar (71) with a top in the form of a truncated cone-shaped surface (711) to cooperate with the cramping fingers (3) of the cup (42) and a bottom in the form of a bearing surface (712) to come against the shoulder (422) of the cup (42).

8. A connection according to claim 6, characterized in that the notches (42b) are covered by a clamping ring (44) fixed to the would deny (42a).

9. Connection 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 cramping fingers (43) and having, in its inner contour (64), peripheral cavities (62) corresponding to the position of the cramping 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 truncated 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 section with a truncated corner (432a) to come into contact with the ramp (621a) of the bottom (621) of the peripheral groove (62).

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