PIPE ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED RETAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

ASSEMBLY OF PIPES COMPRISING AN IMPROVED RETAINING SYSTEM The invention relates to an assembly of pipes (100) comprising two pipes (102a-b), a sleeve (104) in which the pipes (102a-b) are fitted, for each pipe (102a-b), a clamp (106a-b) arranged around the sleeve (104) and an anchoring element (108a-b) secured to said pipe (102a-b) and comprising a first fixing means (110a-b), for each clamp (106a-b), a retaining element (112a-b) secured to said clamp (106a-b) and having a through passage, and a link (116) passing through the through passages and having at each end, a second fixing means (118a-b) cooperating with a first means fixing (110a-b) for ensuring the fixing of each end of the link (116) to an anchoring element (108a-b).With such an arrangement, even if a cable tie breaks, it remains attached by the link, which prevents it from damaging other elements. Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ASSEMBLY OF PIPES COMPRISING AN IMPROVED MAINTAINING SYSTEM Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe assembly comprising two pipes and an improved holding system. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] In various installations, in particular means of transport and more particularly, aircraft, pipes are installed. These pipes ensure, for example, the distribution of conditioned air between the different parts of the installation.

[0003] To cover long lengths, it is sometimes necessary to join pipes together one after the other.

[0004] [Fig.4] shows a set of pipes 400 of the state of the art seen in section. This set of pipes 400 comprises a first pipe 402a and a second pipe 402b extending one another by their ends and a sleeve 404 having a first end in which one end of the first pipe 402a is fitted and a second end in which one end of the second pipe 402b is fitted.

[0005] To ensure the tightening of the sleeve 404 on each pipe 402a-b, the set of pipes 400 comprises for each pipe 402a-b, a clamping collar 406a-b arranged around the sleeve 404 and tightening the sleeve 404 against the pipe 402a-b considered.

[0006] Although such an installation is satisfactory, it may happen in the case where the pipes 402a-b are of large diameter that the clamps 406a-b are positioned at an angle relative to the diameter of the pipe (here the first pipe 402a).

[0007] As a result of vibrations, the slanted clamp 406a may move and, in particular, straighten, which causes the sleeve 404 of the first pipe 402a to loosen. As a result of vibrations, the clamp 406a which has become loose may break with the risk of damaging external elements by detaching.

[0008] It is therefore necessary to find an arrangement which ensures that the clamps remain in place even in the event of breakage. Statement of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a set of pipes which comprises a system for holding the clamps.

[0010] For this purpose, a set of pipes is proposed comprising:

[0011] - a first pipe and a second pipe extending one from the other,

[0012] - a sleeve having a first end in which is fitted a end of the first pipe and a second end into which one end of the second pipe is fitted,

[0013] - for each pipe, a clamp placed around the sleeve and tightening the sleeve against said pipe,

[0014] - for each pipeline, an anchoring element secured to said pipeline and comprising a first fixing means,

[0015] - for each clamp, a retaining element integral with said clamp clamping and having a through passage, and

[0016] - for the pair of first fixing means and the pair of retaining elements, a link passing through the through passages of the two retaining elements and having at each end, a second fixing means cooperating with a first fixing means to ensure the fixing of each end of the link to an anchoring element.

[0017] With such an arrangement, even if a clamp breaks, it remains attached by the link which prevents it from damaging other elements.

[0018] Advantageously, each anchoring element comprises a plurality of first fixing means, where each first fixing means of an anchoring element is associated with a first fixing means of the other anchoring element, for each pair of first fixing means thus associated and for each clamp, the set of pipes comprises a retaining element secured to said clamp and having a through passage, and for each pair of first fixing means thus associated, the set of pipes comprises a link passing through the through passages of said two retaining elements and having at each end, a second fixing means cooperating with a first fixing means of a first fixing means of the pair.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, each anchoring element takes the form of a ring fitted and fixed around the corresponding pipe.

[0020] Advantageously, the ring is split.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, each anchoring element takes the form of a pallet.

[0022] Advantageously, each first fixing means takes the form of a hole into which the end of the link is introduced.

[0023] Advantageously, each second fixing means takes the form of an element secured to the end of the link and arranged on the other side of the drilling relative to the retaining elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The above-mentioned features of the invention, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the attached drawings, among which:

[0025] [Fig-1] shows a perspective view of a set of pipes according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a retaining element implemented in the set of pipes according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of a set of pipes according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0028] [Fig.4] shows a sectional view of a set of pipes in the state of the technical.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] [Fig.l] shows a set of pipes 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention and [Fig.3] shows a set of pipes 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] As for the state of the art, the set of pipes 100, 300 comprises a first pipe 102a and a second pipe 102b extending one another by their ends and a sleeve 104 having a first end in which one end of the first pipe 102a is fitted and a second end in which one end of the second pipe 102b is fitted.

[0032] To ensure the fixing of the sleeve 104 on the pipes 102a-b, the set of pipes 100, 300 comprises for each pipe 102a-b, a clamping collar 106a-b which is arranged around the sleeve 104 and which tightens the sleeve 104 against the pipe 102a-b concerned in particular by deformation of the sleeve 104.

[0033] As with the prior art, a clamp 106a is disposed around the end of the first pipe 102a which is in the sleeve 104 and a clamp 106b is disposed around the end of the second pipe 102b which is in the sleeve 104.

[0034] For each pipe 102a-b, the set of pipes 100, 300 comprises an anchoring element 108a-b, 308a-b which are of different shape in the two embodiments. Each anchoring element 108a-b, 308a-b is integral with the pipe 102a-b concerned and comprises a first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b.

[0035] For each clamp 106a-b, the pipe assembly 100, 300 comprises a retaining element 112a-b, one embodiment of which is better seen in [Fig. 2]. Each retaining element 112a-b is integral with the clamp 106a-b considered for example by gluing, crimping or others. Each retaining element 112a-b has a through passage 202 which passes through the retaining element 112a-b and which, in particular, is preferably generally parallel to an axis X common to the pipes 102a-b.

[0036] For the pair of first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b and the pair of retaining elements 112a-b, the pipe assembly 100, 300 comprises a link 116, typically a flexible link such as a cable. The link 116 passes through the through passages 202 of the two retaining elements 112a-b and having at each end, a second fixing means 118a-b cooperating with a first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b to ensure the fixing of each end of the link 116 to an anchoring element 108a-b, 308a-b.

[0037] A first end of the link 116 thus carries a second fixing means 118a which cooperates with the first fixing means 110a, 310a of an anchoring element 108a, 308a, a second end of the link 116 thus carries another second fixing means 118b which cooperates with the first fixing means 110b, 310b of the other anchoring element 108b, 308b, and between the first fixing means HOa-b, 310a-b, the link passes through the two retaining elements 112a-b.

[0038] With such an arrangement, even if after one or both of the clamps 106a-b breaks, the clamp 106a-b that is broken remains held between the two first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b and does not risk damaging neighboring components. The retaining elements 112a-b also make it possible to keep the link 116 at a distance from the clamps 106a-b and thus prevent it from wearing out by rubbing against the clamps 106a-b during use.

[0039] In the embodiment described above, there is a single link 116, but there may be several distributed angularly around the axis X. There is then a pair of first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b and a pair of retaining elements 112a-b by a link 116.

[0040] In the first embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.l], each anchoring element 108a-b takes the form of a ring 120 fitted and fixed around the corresponding pipe 102a-b.

[0041] In this embodiment, there are several first fixing means 110a-b which are distributed angularly around the ring 120 and it is possible to put several retaining elements 112a-b on each clamping collar 106a-b and finally several links 116.

[0042] The installation of the ring 120 is easier to carry out during the first installation of the pipes 102a-b because the ring 120 can be fixed directly during the manufacture of the pipes 102a-b.

[0043] To assist in tightening the ring 120 onto the pipe 102a-b, the ring 120 may be split at a 122 slot.

[0044] In the second embodiment of the invention presented in [Fig. 3], each anchoring element 308a-b takes the form of a pallet carrying a single first fixing means 310a-b.

[0045] This embodiment is more particularly suitable in the case of an upgrade of a state-of-the-art installation when the installation of a ring 120 is not possible without completely dismantling the installation.

[0046] In the second embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 3], there is a single pair of pallets and retaining elements 112a-b and therefore a single link 116, but it is possible to multiply these elements around the pipes 102a-b.

[0047] The fixing of each anchoring element 108a-b, 308a-b can be carried out by any suitable means such as welding, gluing, riveting, etc.

[0048] Prior to the installation of a link 116, the anchoring elements 108a-b, 308a-b are fixed to the pipes 102a-b and the retaining elements 112a-b are fixed to the clamps 106a-b.

[0049] During a new installation, the ends of the pipes 102a-b are inserted into the sleeve 104 and the pipes 102a-b are arranged so that the anchoring elements 108a-b, 308a-b, and more particularly the first fixing means HOa-b, 310a-b, are aligned parallel to the axis X, even if a slight angular offset does not hinder the operation of the invention.

[0050] The clamping collars 106a-b are then placed around the sleeve 104 and tightened. When they are placed in place, the clamping collars 106a-b are preferably arranged so as to align the through passages 202 between the first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b, even if a slight angular offset does not hinder the operation of the invention.

[0051] When upgrading an existing installation, the anchoring elements 108a-b, 308a-b are fixed so as to be aligned parallel to the X axis, even if a slight angular offset does not hinder the operation of the invention. Subsequently, the retaining elements 112a-b are fixed on the clamping collars 106a-b preferably so as to align the through passages 202 between the first fixing means 310a-b, even if a slight angular offset does not hinder the operation of the invention.

[0052] In the various embodiments, a link 116 is then put in place through the two through passages 202 and each of its ends is fixed to a first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b by means of the second fixing means 118a-b considered.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b and the retaining elements 112a-b are aligned, and when the link 116 is stretched between the first means HOa-b, 310a-b fixing, this guarantees minimum maintenance of the pipes 102a-b between themselves in the event of breakage of one or more clamps 106a-b.

[0054] Generally speaking, for the case where there are several links 116 in the first embodiment of the invention, each anchoring element 108a-b comprises a plurality of first fixing means HOa-b.

[0055] Each first fixing means 110a-b of an anchoring element 108a-b is associated with a first fixing means 110b-a of the other anchoring element 108b-a and they are preferably aligned parallel to the axis X.

[0056] For each pair of first fixing means 110a-b thus associated, each clamping collar 106a-b is equipped with a retaining element 112a-b secured to said clamping collar 106a-b and having the through passage 202.

[0057] Finally, for each pair of first fixing means 110a-b thus associated, the set of pipes 100 comprises the link 116 which passes through the through passages 202 of the two retaining elements 112a-b and which have at each end, a second fixing means 118a-b cooperating with a first fixing means 110a-b of a first fixing means 110a-b of the pair.

[0058] In the various embodiments presented, each first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b takes the form of a hole into which the end of the link 116 is introduced, but other forms are possible.

[0059] Each second fixing means 118a-b takes the form of an element integral with the end of the link 116 and it is arranged on the other side of the drilling relative to the retaining elements 112a-b, that is to say on the outside of the first fixing means 110a-b, 310a-b. Each second fixing means 118a-b can be a knot made at the end of the link 116, an additional element, nut type, fixed to the end of the link 116.

Claims

Claims

1. Set of pipes (100, 300) comprising: - a first pipe (102a) and a second pipe (102b) extending one from the other, - a sleeve (104) having a first end in which one end of the first pipe (102a) is fitted and a second end in which one end of the second pipe (102b) is fitted, - for each pipe (102a-b), a clamping collar (106a-b) arranged around the sleeve (104) and tightening the sleeve (104) against said pipe (102a-b), - for each pipe (102a-b), an anchoring element (108a-b, 308a-b) secured to said pipe (102a-b) and comprising a first fixing means (HOa-b, 310a-b), - for each clamping collar (106a-b), a retaining element (112a-b) integral with said clamping collar (106a-b) and having a through passage (202), and - for the pair of first fixing means (110a-b, 310a-b) and the pair of retaining elements (112a-b), a link (116) passing through the through passages (202) of the two retaining elements (112a-b) and having at each end, a second fixing means (118a-b) cooperating with a first fixing means (110a-b, 310a-b) to ensure the fixing of each end of the link (116) to an anchoring element (108a-b, 308a-b).

2. Pipe assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each anchoring element (108a-b) comprises a plurality of first fixing means (110a-b), where each first fixing means (110a-b) of an anchoring element (108a-b) is associated with a first fixing means (110b-a) of the other anchoring element (108b-a), in that for each pair of first fixing means (110a-b) thus associated and for each clamp (106a-b), the pipe assembly (100) comprises a retaining element (112a-b) integral with said clamp (106a-b) and having a through passage (202), and in that for each pair of first fixing means (110a-b) thus associated, the pipe assembly (100) comprises a link (116) passing through the through passages (202) of said two retaining elements (112a-b) and presenting to each end, a second fixing means (118a-b) cooperating with a first fixing means (110a-b) of a first fixing means (110a-b) of the pair.

3. Set of pipes (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each anchoring element (108a-b) takes the form of a ring (120) fitted and fixed around the corresponding pipe (102a-b).

4. A pipe assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the ring (120) is split.

5. A pipe assembly (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that each anchoring element (308a-b) takes the form of a pallet.

6. Set of pipes (100, 300) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each first fixing means (110a-b, 310a-b) takes the form of a bore into which the end of the link (116) is introduced.

7. Pipe assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that each second fixing means (118a-b) takes the form of an element integral with the end of the link (116) and arranged on the other side of the drilling relative to the retaining elements (112a-b).

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