Clamping device for tightening a tube around a male pipe.

Abstract

A clamping device (1a) for a first fluid transfer tube (2a) comprising a clamping collar (10a) for clamping the first tube (2a), the collar (10a) defining a receiving area for the first tube (2a) extending between first and second clamping surfaces (S1a, S2a) within the receiving area, the collar (10a) selectively adopting a loosened and a clamping configuration, the clamping device (1a) comprising a locking mechanism (11a) arranged to prevent the passage of said clamping collar (10a) from the clamping configuration to the loosened configuration. The device (1a) comprises at least one fastening device (12a) for supporting the clamping collar, the fastening device being connected to the collar by means of at least one connecting arm (13a). FIGURE IN ABBREVIATION: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Clamping device for clamping a tube around a male pipe.

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of tube clamping, enabling the sealing of a terminal portion of a given tube fitted onto a terminal portion of a male pipe. The male pipe may belong to a device equipping a fluid circuit, such as a pump, filter, reservoir, valve, or fitting to another tube, particularly in the medical field.

[0003] Usually, after making a fitting of a terminal end of a given tube onto a portion of the end of a given male pipe, a clamping device having a clamping collar is positioned so that the clamping collar extends around the area of ​​the fitting.

[0004] Then, the collar is tightened so that it passes from a loose configuration to a tight configuration in which it exerts a concentric clamping force on the terminal end of the tube in order to compress it against the end portion of the given male pipe to perfect a leak-proof assembly.

[0005] Such clamping devices include, for example, a collar equipped with locking notches such as a polymer "Colson" collar tightened using pliers (manual or electric assisted) by pulling on a free notched strand of the collar, or a collar with metal ears tightened by applying a plastic deformation of the collar using a tool such as pliers, or a collar equipped with a screw pivotally mounted on a support attached to the collar to tighten a notched strand of the collar by rotating the screw with a tool (for example, a key or a screwdriver).

[0006] The handling of such clamping devices and their tools can prove complex (it is common to have to add a second clamp when the first clamp is incorrectly positioned).

[0007] It may also happen that the quality of the tightening achieved by the collar compromises the consistency of the fitting of the tube onto the male pipe (for example, excessive tightening may damage the tube which may then be subject to rupture when the circuit is pressurized).

[0008] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention aims in particular to provide a clamping device that resolves or at least minimizes all or part of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a clamping device for a first fluid transfer tube is proposed, the device comprising a clamping collar for clamping the first tube, the collar defining a receiving area of ​​the first tube extending between the first and second clamping surfaces of the first tube in the receiving area, the collar selectively adopting a loose configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces are separated from each other by a first distance and a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces are separated from each other by a second distance which is less than said first distance, the clamping device also comprising a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the passage of said clamping collar from the clamping configuration to the loose configuration.

[0011] This clamping device is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing device for supporting the clamping collar, the fixing device being connected to the collar via at least one connecting arm.

[0012] With this clamping device according to the invention, the collar in the loosened configuration is supported by the fixing device which is at a distance from the collar because the collar and the fixing device are connected to each other via an arm.

[0013] By positioning and fixing the fixing device, the clamping collar is pre-positioned vis-à-vis the tube to be clamped while maintaining easy access to the collar because the arm which supports it allows the fixing device to be moved away from the collar.

[0014] Thanks to the clamping device according to the invention, the fixing device can be fixed at a distance from the collar and the clamping collar which is connected to the fixing device by means of an arm can thus be held in position while it is still in a loose configuration.

[0015] The handling of the collar is made easier since the operator no longer has to hold the collar in position to prevent the collar, still in its loose configuration, from sliding along the tube.

[0016] After fixing the fixing device, the operator keeps his hands free to be able to act on the fitting of the first tube and on the collar.

[0017] Thanks to the clamping device according to the invention, the operator no longer needs to insert the first tube and then position the clamp, taking care to hold it manually until it is in the tightened position. Indeed, thanks to the invention, the operator can attach the clamping device to pre-position the clamp, and then has their hands free to insert the first tube without having to manually hold the clamp in its loosened position.

[0018] Furthermore, having a fixing device connected to the collar via an arm allows, by fixing the fixing device, the clamping collar to be pre-positioned without having to directly manipulate the collar.

[0019] As the arm creates a gap between the fixing device and the collar, there is better access to the collar so that it can be observed before tightening and its movement into the tightening configuration can be controlled.

[0020] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, the positioning of the clamp in the clamping configuration is more precise since it does not depend on the operator's ability to manually hold the clamp in the desired position until it is tightened, but rather depends on predefined dimensional / shape characteristics of the fastening device and the arm. Once the fastening device is fixed, the position that the clamp will adopt in the clamping configuration is already determined. The risk of defective tightening or damage to the first tube due to an unsuitable clamp position in the clamping configuration is thus largely minimized.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is a U-shaped bracket.

[0022] The use of a U-shaped bracket as a fastening device is advantageous because the part on which the fastening device is to be fixed can be inserted into the U-shape of the bracket to be wedged in.

[0023] This U-shaped rider is simple to make and use since the operator can move the rider along a radial axis of the part on which it is to be fixed, in this case a radial axis of the male pipe or possibly a radial axis of the first tube in order to fix it and thus pre-position the clamp.

[0024] Preferably, the U-shaped rider is arranged so that a cylinder of revolution can extend into the receiving area of ​​the clamp in clamping configuration with the first and second clamping surfaces in contact against the cylinder of revolution, on either side of the cylinder of revolution and that a central axis of symmetry of the cylinder of revolution passes between the first and second internal edges of the U-shaped rider, the first and second internal edges being oriented towards each other.

[0025] In other words, the bracket is connected by the arm to the clamp such that the axis of symmetry of the first tube clamped by the clamp in the clamping configuration passes both through the receiving area defined by the clamp and between the first and second internal edges of the U-shaped bracket. The external surface of the first tube is generally a right cylinder of revolution.

[0026] This configuration allows the introduction of the rider following a radial movement around the axis of symmetry of the part on which the fastening device is to be fixed; in this case, the introduction is carried out following a translational movement about a radial axis. relation to an axis of symmetry of a portion of the terminal end of the male conduit which has a right cylindrical shape of revolution.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to an assembly comprising: - a male fluid transfer conduit; - said first tube, a portion of whose terminal end is fitted around a first portion of the end of said male conduit (so as to form a fluid circulation channel passing through the first tube and through said male conduit); and - a clamping device according to any one of the embodiments of the clamping device according to the invention placed in a clamping configuration to concentrically clamp at least a part of the terminal end portion of the first tube against at least a part of the first end portion of the male pipe, said at least one fixing device for supporting the clamping collar being fixed, preferably rigidly and / or removably, against a first external part of said male pipe.

[0028] The assembly according to the invention has the advantage of having a male conduit which includes a first external part specifically adapted for the attachment of the clamping device.

[0029] In this way the precise positions of the collar in loose configuration and in tightening configuration relative to the first portion of the end of said male pipe are precisely defined which facilitates the tightening of the collar and the quality of the tightening of the first tube, the location of the tightening being defined even before the tightening of the collar.

[0030] This pre-positioning of the collar relative to the fitting is particularly advantageous because: - this makes it easier to fit the tube onto the fitting (the operator does not have to concentrate on holding the collar in position as it is already connected to the fitting and already pre-positioned vis-à-vis the fitting); - this allows precise positioning of the clamp relative to the male pipe and the tube to be clamped concentrically (this results in improved sealing since the clamping area achieved by a given clamp is chosen precisely in a place where there is no risk of damaging the tube); - This limits the risk of the tube being pulled out from the fitting because, on the one hand, the clamping area created by the clamp in the clamping configuration is precisely defined / positioned and, on the other hand, the clamp is mechanically connected to the fitting via an arm and a fixing device.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0033] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents an exploded view of an assembly 0 according to the second aspect of the invention, this assembly 0 comprising a fitting R having first and second male pipes 20a, 20b, first and second tubes 2a, 2b respectively intended to be fitted onto the first and second male pipes 20a, 20b and first and second clamping devices la, 1b according to the first aspect of the invention, each clamping device la, 1b having a clamping collar 10a, 10b for concentrically clamping the tube which corresponds to it and a fixing device 12a, 12b rigidly connected to the collar via a connecting arm 13a, 13b, the fixing device 12a, 12b being intended to be rigidly and preferably removablely connected to the fitting R;

[0034] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is an exploded view of part of the assembly 0 according to the invention illustrated in [Fig.1], this [Fig.2] shows the first clamping device before its assembly by clipping against a first external part of the first male conduit 20a;

[0035] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a perspective view of part of the assembly 0 illustrated in Fig.1, where the first and second clamping devices la, 1b are respectively rigidly assembled on the first and second male pipes 20a, 20b which form male-type nipples of the fitting R, each first and second clamp given 10a, 10b is fixedly connected to the fitting R by means of a fixing device 12a, 12b which corresponds to it and a rigid arm 13a, 13b which corresponds to it, the clamp 10a of the first clamping device la is in the loose configuration to allow the first tube 2a to be fitted onto the first male pipe 20a and the clamp 10b of the second clamping device 1b is in the clamping configuration to clamp the second tube 2b which is fitted onto the second male pipe 20b;

[0036] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a perspective view of part of the assembly 0 illustrated in Fig.1 where the first and second clamping devices 1a, 1b are respectively assembled on the first and second male conduits 20a, 20b and the first and second tubes 2a, 2b are fitted onto these first and second male conduits 20a, 20b each in the shape of a nipple, the first clamping collar 10a is always in the loose configuration and the second clamping collar 10b is in the clamping configuration to concentrically clamp the second tube 2b around the second male conduit 20b;

[0037] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is a side view of the assembly 0 according to the invention presented in Fig.4, this Fig.5 showing the first and second annular grooves Ga, Gb in which are respectively fixed the first and second fixing devices 12a, 12b which are each in the shape of a rider, it can also be seen that each rigid connecting arm 13a, 13b extends into a rotation blocking groove G2a, G2b which corresponds to it and which opens into the annular groove Ga, Gb receiving the fixing device 12a, 12b in the shape of a rider;

[0038] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a perspective view of part of the assembly 0 illustrated in the [Fig.1] showing the second clamping device 1b whose collar 10b is in clamping configuration (the fitted tube 2b is clamped by the collar 10b in clamping configuration and is therefore mechanically connected to the fitting R via the arm and the fixing device of this clamping device);

[0039] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective view of part of the assembly 0 illustrated in Fig.1 showing the first clamping device la whose collar 10a is in the loose configuration, the first tube 2a fitted onto the first male pipe 20a still being able to be moved relative to the first male pipe, by translation and / or rotation;

[0040] [Fig.8a] Fig.8a shows a perspective view of a clamping device according to the invention observed from the side of its fixing apparatus 12a;

[0041] [Fig.8b] The [Fig.8b] is a perspective view of the clamping device of the [Fig.8a] observed from another angle of observation showing first and second notched fingers 111a, 112a and a compression finger 113a;

[0042] [Fig.8c] The [Fig.8c] is a perspective view of the clamping device of figures 8a and 8b observed from a face of the collar which is opposite to the face from which the connecting arm extends;

[0043] [Fig.8d] The [Fig.8d] is a perspective view of the clamping device of the [Fig.8c] with its collar in the clamped configuration to illustrate the variation of distance between the first and second clamping surfaces oriented towards the receiving area of ​​the tube to be clamped (the first tube 2a in the receiving area Za defined by the collar 10a of the first clamping device 1a, and the second tube 2b in the receiving area Zb defined by the collar 10b of the second clamping device 1b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] According to a first aspect, the invention relates essentially to a clamping device for a first fluid transfer tube 2a.

[0045] Such a clamping device is shown alone in figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d.

[0046] As will be seen later with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the invention also on an assembly 0 according to the invention using at least one clamping device according to the invention for concentrically clamping with a collar 10a of the device la, a tube 2a around a male pipe 20a while this collar is mechanically connected to this male pipe 20a via an arm and a connecting device fixed on an external surface Ga of the male pipe 20a.

[0047] With reference to figures 1 to 8d, we will now describe the clamping device according to the invention.

[0048] The clamping device comprising a clamping collar 10a to allow the clamping of a first tube 2a.

[0049] The collar 10a defines a receiving area for the first tube 2a extending between the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a of the first tube in the receiving area.

[0050] The collar 10a is arranged to selectively adopt a loose configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a are separated from each other by a first distance DI and a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a are separated from each other by a second distance D2 which is less than said first distance DI.

[0051] The clamping device also comprising a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the passage of said clamping collar 10a from the clamping configuration to the loosened configuration.

[0052] The clamping device includes at least one fixing device 12a to support the clamping collar 10a, the fixing device 12a being connected to the collar 10a via at least one connecting arm 13a.

[0053] Having a fixing device 12a connected to the collar 10a via an arm 13a allows, by fixing the fixing device 12a on a part external to the clamping device la, to support and preposition this clamping device la and its collar 10a by means of the fixing device 12a and the arm 13a, while the collar la is still in a loosened configuration.

[0054] The arm 13a allows a distance between the collar 10a and the fixing device 12a which frees up a space between the collar and the fixing device 12a useful both for fixing the fixing device 12a without being hindered by the collar 10a and for manually acting on the collar without being hindered by the fixing device 12a.

[0055] Preferably, the fastening device is a U-shaped bracket.

[0056] The U-shaped bracket is arranged so that a cylinder of revolution can extend into the receiving area of ​​the clamping collar 10a in the clamping configuration with the first and second clamping surfaces S1a, S2a in contact against the cylinder of revolution, on either side of the cylinder of revolution, and that a central axis of symmetry of the cylinder of revolution passes between the first and second internal edges of the U-shaped rider, with the first and second inner edges oriented towards each other.

[0057] As can be seen in figures 2, 3 and 7, the tube 2a has an external surface in the shape of a cylinder of revolution extending into the receiving area of ​​the clamping collar 10a in clamping configuration (the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a are in contact on both sides of the external surface of the tube 2a).

[0058] The central axis of symmetry XX of the tube 2a, whose external surface is in the shape of a cylinder of revolution, passes between the first and second internal edges of the U-shaped rider 12a.

[0059] The U-shaped rider 12a extends in a rider plane, that is to say that the 2 ends of the U-shape and its base are included in the rider plane.

[0060] It should be noted that brackets could be formed: - on the first and second inner edges of the U-shape so that these hooks engage in complementary recesses formed on the external surface of the male conduit; and / or

[0061] - on the first and second external edges of the U-shaped rider 12a in order to to hook onto these hooks, the ends of an elastic strapping piece arranged to extend between the branches of the U-shape to which it is connected via the hooks and to hold the male conduit in the rider, between the branches of the U-shape.

[0062] This rider plane is parallel to a plane in which the collar and the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a extend for clamping the first tube 2a (the collar is annular to the axis XX and the collar plane is perpendicular to this axis XX).

[0063] The connecting arm 13a extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis YY of the connecting arm 13a which is perpendicular to the rider plane.

[0064] More specifically, the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a belong to an annular clamping band formed in the collar 10a.

[0065] The annular clamping band preferentially surrounds at least 90%, preferably 100% of the circumference of the reception area observed along an observation direction perpendicular to said plane in which the collar extends and where the clamping surfaces Sla, S2a are located, this plane passing through terminal ends of the collar.

[0066] The clamping band is arranged to clamp by constriction, the cylindrical external surface of revolution of the tube to be clamped (in this case the first tube 2a) which extends into the receiving area delimited by the collar 10a.

[0067] The clamping band of the collar in clamping configuration is preferably annular and of circular shape complementary to the cylindrical external surface of revolution of the tube 2a.

[0068] As can be seen, particularly in figures 8a to 8d, the collar has first and second actuating arms 141a, 142a of the collar 10a which extend radially with respect to the receiving area and more particularly which extend radially with respect to a central axis of the receiving area.

[0069] The first and second actuating arms 141a,142a are arranged so that the approach of the first arm 141a towards the second arm 142a causes the collar 10a to move from the loosened configuration to the tightened configuration.

[0070] This aspect of the clamping device according to the invention is particularly useful since the arms form with the collar a clamping clamp allowing the first tube to be clamped concentrically in the receiving area defined by the collar.

[0071] The actuating arms 141a, 142a allow a lever effect to increase the clamping.

[0072] Preferably, the collar and the actuating arms 141a, 142a are such that the transition to the clamping configuration can be made by manual actuating the arms, without requiring any additional tool.

[0073] Manual tightening is advantageous because it is quick to perform, moderate and limits the risk of damaging the collar and / or tube by overtightening.

[0074] The receiving area is delimited at its periphery by the annular clamping band to which the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a belong, the annular clamping band of the collar 10a in clamping configuration extending all around a central direction passing through said receiving area, that is to say all around said central axis of the receiving area which coincides with the axis XX. The clamping band is here circular in shape.

[0075] It is also noted that the first and second arms each have a curved, concave longitudinal edge to receive the user's fingers when tightening the collar. The curved shape of the longitudinal edge of arms 141a, 142a is useful for defining a finger support position for the user on the arm.

[0076] The effort exerted on the arms 141a, 142a with the user's fingers is thus precisely directed without risk of finger slippage, which is ergonomic.

[0077] The locking mechanism lia comprises at least first and second notched fingers 111a, 112a arranged so that when the collar 10a moves from the loose configuration to the tightening configuration, notches of the first notched finger 111a interlock, preferably irreversibly, between notches of the second finger 112a and oppose the passage of the collar 10a from the tightening configuration to the loose configuration.

[0078] The tightening is thus progressive, and each click provides a memory effect to maintain the current tightening state and prevent a return to the loosened configuration. If desired, the user can therefore attempt to move the clamp from the loosened to the tightened configuration in several stages.

[0079] Having an irreversible interlocking of the notches of the first notched finger 111a between the notches of the second notched finger 112a can be advantageous in ensuring that a given hose clamp 10a is for single use only. This embodiment guarantees that the hose clamp 10a used for a new tightening is indeed new and capable of maintaining the expected tightening level.

[0080] The locking mechanism 1 also includes a compression finger 113a arranged to compress the first notched finger 111a against the second notched finger 112a so as to force the contact of notches of the first notched finger 111a against notches of the second notched finger 112a.

[0081] These notched fingers 111a, 112a and the compression finger are in an arc of a circle so that the second notched finger 112a can extend in length between the first notched finger and the compression finger while sliding between them when the collar passes from its loose configuration to its tightening configuration.

[0082] More specifically, the first notched finger 111a has first and second opposite faces, each bearing notches, the compression finger 113a also having notches arranged to fit between notches of the second face of the first notched finger 11a and to oppose the passage of the collar 10a from the tightening configuration to the loosened configuration.

[0083] The second clamping surface S2a can be carried on a face of the second notched finger 112a which is oriented towards the receiving area (the receiving area of ​​the first tube 2a is partly delimited by the first and second clamping surfaces Sla, S2a.

[0084] Alternatively, the contact surfaces between the first and second fingers 111a, 112a could be made to be notched while the contact surfaces between the first finger 11a and the compression finger 113a are smooth (not notched) or vice versa.

[0085] We will now describe the use of one or more clamping devices la, 1b, which are identical to each other, to form an assembly 0 according to the invention.

[0086] Figures 1 to 7 show an assembly 0 according to the invention which comprises at least one male fluid transfer conduit 20a, said first tube 2a of which a terminal end portion is fitted around a first end portion of said male conduit 20a and a clamping device la as shown above.

[0087] The clamping device is placed in a clamping configuration to concentrically clamp at least a portion of the terminal end portion of the first tube 2a against at least part of the first end portion of the male conduit 20a.

[0088] The fixing device 12a for supporting the clamping collar 10a is fixed, preferably in a removable manner, against a first external part Ga of said male conduit 20a.

[0089] A fluid circulation channel is thus defined, this channel extends, at a minimum, in the male pipe 20a and in the first tube 2a, an end portion of which is fitted in a sealed manner onto the first end portion of said male pipe 20a.

[0090] The clamping device allows concentrically clamping the first tube 2a around the first end portion of the male pipe 20a (tightening by constriction) which secures the fluidic connection between the first tube 2a and the male pipe 20a.

[0091] The fixing, preferably removable, of the clamping device against a first external part of said male conduit 20a greatly simplifies the assembly operation of the assembly 0 according to the invention.

[0092] Indeed, the collar 10a in its loosened configuration is attached to the male pipe 20a, which prevents it from falling to the ground or sliding along the first tube 2a. The user is no longer required to manually hold the first tube 2a, the male pipe 20a, and the collar 10a simultaneously in order to perform the fitting and then tightening.

[0093] The user can therefore concentrate on the manipulations necessary for fitting the first tube 2a onto the male pipe 20a, without having to worry about the positioning of the collar 10a.

[0094] Furthermore, the fixing of the collar 10a against the first external part of said male pipe 20a is advantageous since once the fitting of the first tube 2a onto the first end portion of said male pipe 20a has been made, the collar 10a which is still in a loose configuration is pre-positioned vis-à-vis the first tube 2a and the male pipe 20a and its tightening is facilitated.

[0095] The user no longer has to search for an ideal position of the collar 10a along the tube 2a.

[0096] The assembly according to the invention makes it possible to improve the precision and quality of the tightening since the areas of application of the tightening forces of the collar 10a on the tube 2a and on the male pipe 20a are predetermined even before the tightening of the collar.

[0097] The dimensioning of the connecting arm 13a, the fixing device 12a and the first external part of said male conduit 20a allows the position of the collar to be predefined in the clamping configuration.

[0098] Errors in collar positioning are thus avoided.

[0099] Preferably, in order to increase the positioning accuracy of the first collar 10a with respect to the first male conduit 20a, the connection between this collar 10a and arm 13a is rigid and the connection between the first fixing device and the first external part Ga of said male conduit 20a is also rigid.

[0100] Preferably, said at least one fastening device 12a is clipped against said first external part of the male conduit 20a.

[0101] This allows the clamping device to be fixed onto the male pipe without tools.

[0102] As the clamping device la and the male conduit 20a are clipped onto each other, they can be made of different materials and / or colors.

[0103] Thus, the clamping device can be chosen from several clamping devices to be adapted to the clamping to be carried out and / or to give information on the type of fluid circulating via the tube.

[0104] Thus, a portion of the fluid transfer network intended to transport a hot fluid may be equipped with clamping devices according to the invention having a red color, while another portion of the fluid transfer network intended to transfer a cold fluid may be equipped with devices according to the invention having a blue color.

[0105] Preferably, the first external part Ga of said male conduit 20a against which is fixed said at least one fixing device 12a of the collar 10a is a first annular groove Ga into which enters at least a part of the U-shaped rider.

[0106] U-shaped interior surfaces of the rider are supported on either side of a bottom surface (here a cylindrical bottom surface) of the first groove Ga.

[0107] Thus, the rider is axially blocked by the edges of the first annular groove Ga and is transversely blocked by the inner surfaces of the U-shaped rider which are pressed against the bottom of the first groove Ga.

[0108] Preferably, the U-shaped part of the rider is elastically deformable between said inner surfaces of the rider which face each other.

[0109] In this way the U shape of the rider elastically clamps the bottom of the first annular groove Ga of the male conduit 20a.

[0110] Preferably, the inner surfaces of the U-shaped rider that face each other move closer together as they approach the terminal ends of the U-shaped rider.

[0111] In this way, once clipped into the groove Ga, the rider tends, under the effect of the elastic deformation of the U shape, to force its contact against the bottom of the first groove Ga.

[0112] To facilitate its fitting, the first tube 2a is flexible relative to the male conduit 20a and is elastically deformable (at least along radial directions of the tube 2a).

[0113] Furthermore, to improve the sealing of the fitting, the first end portion of the male pipe 20a has an annular bulge 21a in contact against the terminal end portion of the first tube 2a.

[0114] The annular bulge has the function of locally deforming the tube 2a to force its radial expansion and increase the contact pressure between the flexible tube 2a and the rigid pipe 20a at the location of the bulge.

[0115] The mechanical resistance to pull-out of tube 2a is thus increased.

[0116] Preferably, to improve the sealing of the connection under the effect of tightening, the collar 10a is arranged to tighten the tube 2a between the bulge 21a and the first groove Ga.

[0117] To further improve the clamping effect, the first tube 2a is preferably made of elastomer, preferably thermoplastic or silicone.

[0118] The assembly 0 according to the invention is particularly suitable for medical use since it allows for tightening of the collar 10a guaranteeing a predefined tightening zone, perfectly located on the male pipe and on the tube, at a predefined distance away from the ends of the tube 2a and the male pipe 20a.

[0119] For the purposes of the description, the male pipe is represented as belonging to a fitting, however it could belong to a device equipping a fluidic circuit such as a pump, filter, tank, tap, valve, fitting of another tube, connector, distributor, such as a manifold.

[0120] The male conduit 20a has a shoulder arranged to form an axial stop limiting the insertion distance of the tube 2a around the given male conduit.

[0121] The male conduit 20a also includes a second external part G2a defining at least one locking stop in orientation of the clamping device vis-à-vis the male conduit 20a.

[0122] In this case, the second external part G2a of the male conduit 20a has a locking groove in orientation G2a into which the arm 13a of the clamping device enters, which connects the fixing device 12a to the collar 10a.

[0123] Thus, the arm 13a is in lateral stop on both sides against an internal surface of the locking groove in orientation G2a.

[0124] In this way, when the fixing device la is assembled against the first external part Ga of said male pipe 20a, the arm 13a passes into the locking groove in orientation G2a formed on the external surface of the male pipe 20a and the clamping device la is thus held in a fixed position vis-à-vis the male pipe 20a.

[0125] More particularly, in the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, to increase the compactness of the assembly according to the invention, the locking groove is oriented G2a opens into the first annular groove Ga into which at least part of the U-shaped rider enters.

[0126] This locking groove in orientation G2a extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to a plane in which the annular groove Ga extends.

[0127] Of course the shapes of these grooves Ga, G2a, their respective dimensions and the orientation of the locking groove in orientation G2a with respect to the annular groove Ga could vary without departing from the general principle of the invention.

[0128] For example, the second external part G2a of the male conduit 20a may have a plurality of orientation-locking grooves of the same shape as the locking groove G2a and distributed angularly on the flank of the annular groove Ga. The plurality of orientation-locking grooves allows the circuit preparer or the operator using it to choose from several orientations of the clamp. This can be advantageous for space-saving reasons or ease of tightening.

[0129] Alternatively, it can be envisaged that the connecting arm 13a and the fixing device 12a are shaped to allow free rotation of the clamping device la (with its collar 10a in the loosened configuration) vis-à-vis the male conduit 20a on which the clamping device la is clipped / assembled.

[0130] As illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the first male pipe 20a may belong to a fitting R having a second male pipe 20b.

[0131] The first and second male conduits 20a, 20b are fluidically connected to each other.

[0132] Furthermore, in addition to the first clamping device la, the assembly 0 according to the invention also comprises:

[0133] - a second fluid transfer tube 2b, a portion of whose terminal end is fitted around a first portion of the end of said second male conduit 20b; and - a second clamping device (1b) which is preferably identical to the first clamping device (1a), both structurally and in terms of its shapes and which includes a second clamping collar 10b for clamping the second tube 2b.

[0134] In this embodiment, the fluid circulation channel passes through the first tube 2a fitted onto the first end portion of the first male pipe 20a, through the first male pipe 20a, through the second male pipe 20b fluidically connected to the first male pipe 20a and through the second tube 2b fitted onto the first end portion of the second male pipe 20b.

[0135] The second collar 10b defines a receiving area for the second tube 2b extending between the first and second clamping surfaces of the second tube in the receiving area of ​​the second collar 10b.

[0136] The second collar 10b selectively adopting a loose configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces of the second tube are separated from each other by a third distance and a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces of the second tube 2b are separated from each other by a fourth distance which is less than said third distance.

[0137] The second clamping device 1b also comprising a second locking mechanism 11b arranged to prevent the passage of said second clamping collar 10b from the clamping configuration to the loosened configuration.

[0138] The second clamping device 1b includes at least one second fixing device 12b to support the second clamping collar 10b, the second fixing device 12b being connected to the second collar 10b via at least one second connecting arm 13b and being fixed, preferably in a removable manner, against a first external part Gb of said second male conduit 20b.

[0139] The second clamping device 1b is placed in clamping configuration to concentrically clamp at least a part of the terminal end portion of the second tube 2b against at least a part of the first end portion of the second male pipe 20b.

[0140] Thus, the first and second male conduits 20a, 20b belong to a fluidic link fitting R connecting the first and second tubes 2a, 2b.

[0141] This fitting R is here a male / male fitting forming a right-angle elbow between the first and second male pipes 20a, 20b.

[0142] However, this fitting could have a different angulation and / or other male conduits having identical shapes and dimensions between the different male conduits (Y or T fitting).

[0143] The first tube 2a is fitted onto the first male pipe 20a around which it is tightened concentrically under the effect of the first clamping device 1a and similarly the second tube 2b is fitted onto the second male pipe 20b around which it is tightened concentrically under the effect of the second clamping device 1b.

[0144] Thanks to the first and second fixing devices 12a, 12b which are respectively fixed on the rigid fitting R, each first and second collar 10a, 10b is connected via an arm 13a, 13b which is its own to one of the first external parts Ga, Gb corresponding to it.

[0145] Thus, before tightening, each of the first and second collars 10a, 10b is precisely pre-positioned in relation to the fitting R.

[0146] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the first tube 2a has the same shape characteristics as the second tube 2b, and the first male conduit 20a has the same shape characteristics as the second male conduit 20b and the first clamping device is identical to the second clamping device 1b.

[0147] Thus, pre-positioning the collars vis-à-vis the male 20a, 20b pipes allows: - to facilitate the fitting of the tubes onto the fitting; - to define, even before tightening, the position adopted by each clamp tightened vis-à-vis fitting R (this improves the quality of the tightening by limiting the risk of damaging the tubes due to improperly positioned tightening).

[0148] Furthermore, thanks to the assembly 0 according to the invention, the risk of the tubes 2a, 2b being pulled away from the fitting R is largely minimized since each clamping area is precisely defined / positioned and since each clamp is mechanically connected to the fitting R via an arm and a fixing device that correspond to it.

[0149] Having such a fitting R having two male pipes on which the first and second clamping devices are respectively fixed via the two fixing devices and the connecting arms 13a, 13b is particularly advantageous for facilitating the achievement of the leak-proof fluid connection between the first and second tubes.

[0150] Thanks to the fixing devices respectively assembled on the fitting, the mechanical connection between tubes is particularly strong.

[0151] Since, in this particular example, the first and second male pipes have the same shape and the first and second clamping devices also have the same shape, we obtain an assembly compatibility of the first clamping device on the second male pipe and conversely an assembly compatibility of the second clamping device on the first male pipe.

[0152] Each fixing device is preferably arranged to be clipped reversibly onto the first external part of the corresponding male conduit.

[0153] In this way, the assembly according to the invention is configurable by the user by choosing the fitting and the type of clamping device suitable from several predefined types.

[0154] The manufacture of such an assembly 0 is facilitated since the fittings and clamping devices can be produced separately with qualities specifically adapted to their uses / destinations.

[0155] Although the clamping device according to the invention has been presented with its fastening apparatus specifically arranged to be fixed to the fitting, in this case against the first external part of the corresponding male pipe, in a degraded mode of the clamping device according to the invention, it can be envisaged that the fastening apparatus be arranged to be fixed to an external surface of the corresponding tube so as to pre-position the clamp supported by the fixing device, not on the male pipe of the fitting, but on the tube to be clamped with the clamp of this clamping device.

[0156] This embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention is advantageous in that it is compatible with male type conduits without a first external part adapted for the attachment of a fastening device.

Claims

Demands

1. Clamping device (la) for a first fluid transfer tube (2a), the clamping device (la) comprising a clamping collar (10a) for clamping the first tube (2a), the collar (10a) defining a receiving area of ​​the first tube (2a) extending between first and second clamping surfaces (Sla, S2a) of the first tube in the receiving area, the collar (10a) selectively adopting a loose configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces (Sla, S2a) are separated from each other by a first distance (Dl) and a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping surfaces (Sla, S2a) are separated from each other by a second distance (D2) which is less than said first distance (Dl),the clamping device (la) also comprising a locking mechanism (lia) arranged to prevent the passage of said clamping collar (10a) from the clamping configuration to the loosened configuration, characterized in that the device (la) comprises at least one fastening device (12a) for supporting the clamping collar, the fastening device being connected to the collar by means of at least one connecting arm (13a).

2. Clamping device (the) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device is a U-shaped bracket.

3. Clamping device (a) according to claim 2, wherein the U-shaped rider is arranged so that a cylinder of revolution can extend into the receiving area of ​​the clamping collar in clamping configuration with the first and second clamping surfaces in contact against the cylinder of revolution, on either side of the cylinder of revolution and a central axis of symmetry of the cylinder of revolution passes between the first and second internal edges of the U-shaped rider, the first and second internal edges being oriented towards each other.

4. Clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the U-shaped rider extends in a rider plane that is parallel to a plane in which the collar and the first and second clamping surfaces (Sla, S2a) extend.

5. Clamping device (a) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one connecting arm (13a) extends lengthwise along an axis longitudinal (YY) of said at least one connecting arm (13a) which is perpendicular to the rider plane.

6. Clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces (Sla, S2a) belong to an annular clamping band.

7. Clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the collar comprises first and second actuating arms (141a, 142a) of the collar (10a) which extend radially with respect to the receiving area, the first and second actuating arms (141a, 142a) being arranged so that the approach of the first arm towards the second arm causes the collar to move from the loosened configuration to the clamping configuration.

8. Clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking mechanism (lia) comprises at least first and second serrated fingers (111a, 112a) arranged so that when the collar (10a) passes from the loose configuration to the clamping configuration, notches of the first serrated finger (111a) fit between notches of the second finger (112a) and oppose the passage of the collar (10a) from the clamping configuration to the loose configuration.

9. Clamping device (la) according to claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism (lia) comprises a compression finger (113a) arranged to compress the first notched finger (111a) against the second notched finger (112a) so as to force contact of notches of the first notched finger (111a) against notches of the second notched finger (112a).

10. Clamping device (la) according to claim 9, wherein the first notched finger (111a) has first and second opposing faces each bearing notches, the compression finger (113a) also having notches arranged to fit between notches of the second face of the first notched finger (11la) and to oppose the passage of the collar from the clamping configuration to the loosened configuration.

11. Clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said second clamping surface (S2a) is carried on a face of the second notched finger (112a) which is oriented towards the receiving area.

12. Assembly (0) comprising a male fluid transfer conduit (20a), said first tube (2a) having a terminal end portion fitted around a first end portion of said male conduit (20a) and a clamping device (la) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 placed in a clamping configuration to concentrically clamp at least a portion of the terminal end portion of the first tube (2a) against the first end portion of the male conduit (20a), said at least one fastening device (12a) for supporting the clamping collar (10a) being fixed, preferably removably, against a first external portion (Ga) of said male conduit (20a).

13. Assembly (0) according to claim 12 comprising the clamping device (la) of claim 2, in which the first external part of said male conduit (20a) against which is fixed said at least one clamping device (12a) of the collar (10a) is a first annular groove (Ga) into which penetrates at least one part of the U-shaped rider, the inner surfaces of the U-shaped rider being in contact on either side of a bottom surface of the first groove (Ga).

14. Assembly (0) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first tube (2a) is flexible relative to the male conduit (20a), the first tube (2a) being elastically deformable, the first end portion of the male conduit (20a) having an annular bulge (21a) in contact against the terminal end portion of the first tube (2a).

15. Assembly (0) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first tube (2a) is preferably made of thermoplastic elastomer or silicone.

16. Assembly (0) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said male conduit (20a) comprises a second external part (G2a) defining at least one locking stop in orientation of the clamping device (la) vis-à-vis the male conduit (20a).

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