Layout for a circuit, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a first conduit and a receiving element for said conduit

Abstract

TITLE: Arrangement for a circuit, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a pipe and a receiving element for said pipe. Arrangement (1) for a fluid circuit, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a pipe (2) and a receiving element (3), configured to receive the pipe (2), a sealing means (4) disposed in contact with an external periphery (23) of the pipe (2), an elastically deformable return member (5) connected to a free end (22) of the pipe (2), and a stop device (6) configured to form a stop for the return member (5) and disposed in the receiving element (3). Figure from the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for a circuit, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a first conduit and a receiving element for said conduit

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a circuit, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a first conduit and a receiving element for said conduit. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising said arrangement. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling the arrangement according to the invention.

[0002] In the automotive industry, circuits typically comprise at least one pipe assembled with a separate pipe, a housing, or some other receiving element, so as to define a fluid flow path. It is known to assemble such circuits by inserting the pipe onto the receiving element, the pipe including a sealing means configured to be positioned at the interface between said pipes. However, when the interface is located at or near a branch or intersection formed in the receiving element, it has been observed that during assembly, a technician is unable to detect a suitable operating position and tends to push the pipe in further than necessary.As a result, the sealing means temporarily extends to the level of the crossing recess and, when the technician returns the pipe to its operating position, a deformation of said sealing means may be observed, which could lead to an unsuitable positioning of the sealing means affecting its operation and / or wear of said means.

[0003] To solve such a problem, it is known to place a tab on the outer periphery of the pipe so that it comes to rest against the receiving element when the pipe is in its operating position. However, depending on the size of the vehicle and / or the circuit, it may be complex, or even impossible, to integrate such a tab.

[0004] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide an arrangement for a fluid circulation circuit, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a conduit and a receiving element, the conduit being configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving element along an insertion direction, the arrangement further comprising: - a sealing means added and placed in contact with an external periphery of the pipe; - an elastically deformable return element connected to a free end of the pipe and configured to be inserted into the receiving element; - a stop device comprising at least one stop member projecting from an internal surface of the receiving element and configured to form a stop for the return member when the pipe is inserted into the receiving element.

[0005] In particular, the recall device: - is attached and fixed to the outer periphery of the pipe, for example by welding; or - forms a single unit with the pipe.

[0006] Optionally, the return member is a compression spring, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring or at least an elastically deformable strip, extending at least partially in projection from the free end of the pipe when in nominal, uncompressed configuration.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the free end of the pipe, the return member and the sealing means are centered on a central axis, parallel to the insertion direction, a first radial distance of the return member, measured between the central axis and an external face of said member, being strictly less than a second radial distance, measured between the central axis and a point of the most distant sealing means.

[0008] In particular, the stop device: - is attached and fixed to the internal surface of the receiving element, for example by welding; or - forms a single unit with the receiving element.

[0009] In particular, the stop device: - is made of a metallic material; and / or - is made of a plastic material, in particular a filled one.

[0010] According to exemplary embodiments, the stop device:

[0011] - comprises at least one tooth projecting from the inner surface and including a flat area configured to form a stop for the return member; and / or - extends continuously along the internal surface of the receiving element.

[0012] In particular, the stop device comprises a plurality of stop members arranged successively along the insertion direction at the level of the internal surface of the receiving element and separated by a non-zero spacing, defined along the insertion direction.

[0013] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising a fluid circuit comprising an arrangement according to the invention.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an arrangement according to the invention, comprising inserting the conduit into the receiving element and the positioning of the pipe to an operating position by moving the pipe along the insertion direction relative to the receiving element until the return member extends into contact with the stop device.

[0015] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of an arrangement for a fluid circuit comprising a pipe and a receiving element for said pipe.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of the interface between the conduit and the receiving element.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective representation of the driving according to the invention, equipped with a recall means.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of the interface between the conduit and the receiving element when the receiving element comprises a plurality of stop members.

[0020] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an arrangement 1 for a fluid circuit. The fluid in question can be of any type, including a liquid, such as a coolant or oil, or an airflow. In this case, the circuit is contained within a vehicle, specifically a motor vehicle. However, it is understood that the invention can be extended to other types of circuits located in environments other than a vehicle. The vehicle in question can be powered by a combustion engine, a hybrid, or an electric motor. It can also be a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, or other type of vehicle.

[0021] By convention in the description below the terms "first", "second", "primary" and "secondary" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements.

[0022] The arrangement 1 according to the invention comprising, in general, a conduit 2, a conduit 2 receiving element 3, a sealing means 4, a return member 5 and a stop device 6.

[0023] The conduit 2 comprises a primary extremity segment 21 that is straight or substantially straight. Said primary extremity segment 21 comprises a free end 22 of the conduit 2 configured to cooperate with the receiving element 3. Here, "segment" means a part of a whole.

[0024] The receiving element 3 is an element capable of housing at least part of the conduit 2. It defines a fluid circulation volume into which said conduit 2 is capable of being inserted. Note that the receiving element 3 may be a conduit, a sleeve, a component housing, or something else. Optionally, but preferably, the receiving element 3, in particular the volume of circulation which it delimits, includes a secondary extreme segment 31 straight or substantially straight suitable for receiving the free end 22 of the conduit 2.

[0025] The conduit 2 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving element 3 along an insertion direction 100 at a link interface. In particular, the conduit 2 is configured to be inserted into the receiving element 3 by means of a translational movement along the insertion direction 100.

[0026] Optionally, the receiving element 3, in particular the fluid circulation volume, includes an angle, a bifurcation 32 and / or a crossing. In other words, the circulation volume delimited by the receiving element 3 comprises a plurality of fluid circulation branches, at least a portion of which extends transversely, or even orthogonally, to one another, the secondary extremity segment 31 forming one of said branches. For example, the branches of the receiving element 3 form a "T", "L", cross, or other shape.

[0027] According to alternative embodiments and depending on the type of fluid circulating in the circuit, and by extension depending on the temperatures measured in said circuit, the conduit 2 is made of a metallic material or of a plastic material, in particular a filled material, such as polypropylene or polyamide or the like. Similarly, the receiving element 3 is, for example, made of a metallic material, such as steel or the like, or of a plastic material, in particular a filled material.

[0028] The sealing means 4 is attached to and disposed in contact with an external periphery 23 of the pipe 2. The "external periphery 23" is understood to be the surface of the pipe 2 facing the external environment and configured to be partially oriented towards the receiving element 3 when the pipe 2 and the receiving element 3 are in contact. Optionally, but preferably, the sealing means 4 is an O-ring. Alternatively, the sealing means 4 is an annular seal with a square, rectangular, V-shaped, or other cross-section. Conventionally, the sealing means 4 is made of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber or a plastic.

[0029] The sealing means 4 is configured to extend continuously in contact with the outer periphery 23 of the conduit 2. Also, when the conduit 2 is inserted into the receiving element 3, the sealing means 4 is configured to extend continuously in contact with an internal surface 33 of the receiving element 3 so as to ensure the sealing of the connection interface. The term "internal surface 33" refers to the surface of the receiving element 3 that defines the fluid circulation volume suitable for allowing fluid circulation and is configured to face the conduit 2 when the latter is in contact with the receiving element 3.

[0030] Optionally but preferably, the primary end segment 21, particularly the free end 22 of the pipe 2, includes a retaining device 7 for the sealing means 4. The retaining device 7 includes at least one bulge 71, or bead, extending outward from the outer periphery 23 so as to form a stop for the sealing means 4 along one direction of insertion 100 and thus limit, or even prevent, the movement of the sealing means 4 along this same direction or its detachment from the pipe 2. Preferably, the retaining device 7 includes two bulges 71 defining a housing 72 in which the sealing means 4 extends.

[0031] The return member 5 is an elastically deformable element connected to the free end 22 of the conduit 2. The return member 5 is configured to be inserted into the receiving element 3 when the conduit 2 and the receiving element 3 cooperate. The return member 5 can be made of a metallic material, such as steel, or of rubber or an elastically deformable plastic material.

[0032] The return member 5 is configured to extend at least partially beyond the free end 22 of the conduit 2 when in its nominal configuration, i.e., undeformed. According to an optional but preferred embodiment, the return member 5 is a compression spring, in particular a helical spring, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Alternatively, the return member 5 is a leaf spring or at least an elastically deformable leaf.

[0033] As illustrated, the return member 5 is optionally, but preferably, attached to and positioned on the outer periphery 23 of the pipe 2. In particular, the return member 5 is fixed to the pipe 2, for example by welding. Specifically, one end of the return member 5 extends alongside the pipe 2 and is fixed to the outer periphery 23, while a second end, opposite the first end, is free.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment, the return member 5 and the conduit 2, in particular at least the primary end segment 21, form a single unit. "Single unit" means that the return member 5 and the conduit 2 cannot be separated without resulting in their degradation or even destruction.

[0035] In particular, the return member 5 and the sealing means 4 are centered on a central axis 500, parallel or substantially parallel to the insertion direction 100. In order not to impede the proper functioning of the sealing means 4, the return member 5 is shaped and dimensioned such that a first radial distance 50 separating the central axis 500 from an external face of the return member 5, facing the external environment, is strictly less than a second radial distance 40 separating this same axis from the most distant point of the sealing means 4, said distances being evaluated in the same plane orthogonal to the central axis 500. Such This principle ensures good contact between the sealing element and the external periphery 23 of the pipe 2 on the one hand and the internal surface 33 of the receiving element on the other.

[0036] Additionally, when the first conduit 2 includes the retaining device 7, a third radial distance 70, measured between the central axis 500 and a point of the retaining device 7 furthest from said axis, is strictly less than the second radial distance 40 defined with respect to the sealing means 4.

[0037] The stop device 6 comprises at least one stop member 63 configured to form a stop for the return member 5. The stop device 6 is disposed in the receiving element 3, at the level of the internal surface 33. It extends outward from said internal surface 33 and is shaped and dimensioned so as to extend across the path of the return member 5, and by extension of the conduit 2, when the latter is inserted into the receiving element 3 along the insertion direction 100.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the stop device 6 is attached to and fixed onto the internal surface 33 of the receiving element 3, for example by welding. In particular, the stop device 6 is made of a metallic material or a plastic material, especially one with a filler. Alternatively, the stop device 6 and the receiving element 3 form a single unit and are made of the same material, defined according to the type of circuit and / or fluid intended to circulate in said circuit.

[0039] According to a first embodiment, at least one stop member 63 comprises at least one tooth extending projecting from the internal surface 33 and comprising a flat area configured to form a stop for the return member 5. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the stop member 63 comprises a plurality of teeth arranged so that the flat areas proper to said teeth lie in the same plane orthogonal to the insertion direction 100. Said teeth are distributed on the internal surface 33 of the receiving element 3. In particular, at least two teeth are arranged on the internal surface 33 so as to be diametrically opposed.

[0040] Alternatively, at least one stop member 63 extends continuously along the internal surface 33 of the receiving element 3, thus forming a cord extending outward from the internal surface 33. For example, at least one stop member 63 includes a flat area configured to form a stop for the return member 5. In particular, at least one stop member 63 has a square or rectangular profile.

[0041] Thus, in order to assemble the circuit, when the conduit 2 is inserted into the receiving element 3 by means of a translational movement along the insertion direction 100, the return member 5 comes into contact with the stop device 6, in particular with the flat area of ​​at least one stop member 63. The return member 5 initially in nominal configuration, i.e. undeformed, is deformed, in particular compressed, by the combination of at least one stop member 63 and the displacement of the pipe 2. It results that the return member 5 generates a resistance which increases with the displacement of the pipe 2 in the receiving element 3 until the return member 5 is in a final configuration, in which the return member 5 and the pipe 2 cannot be displaced further relative to the receiving element 3 and the stop device 6, i.e. here in a compressed configuration.The movement of the pipe 2 is thus interrupted so as to mark a position of the pipe 2 relative to the receiving element 3 which must not be exceeded in order to keep the sealing means 4 in a suitable position, in particular so as to interrupt the movement of the pipe 2 upstream of the angle, the bifurcation 32 or the crossing along the direction of movement along the insertion direction 100. .

[0042] Optionally, the stop device 6 comprises a plurality of stop members 63 as described above. These stop members 63 are arranged successively along the insertion direction 100 at the level of the internal surface 33 of the receiving element 3 and separated by a non-zero spacing defined along this same direction. A first stop member 63a is closer to an inlet of the receiving element 3 configured to receive the conduit 2 than the second stop member 63b. Conversely, the second stop member 63b is closer to the angle, bifurcation 32, or crossing of the flow volume than the first stop member 63a.

[0043] Such a principle ensures that the movement of the pipe 2 is properly blocked in a suitable position in the event of breakage or wear of the stop device 6, in particular the first stop member 63a. The second stop member 63b thus has a safety function.

[0044] The invention also extends to a method for assembling an arrangement 1 according to the invention. Such a method can also be extended to a method for assembling a circuit or a vehicle comprising an arrangement 1 according to the invention.

[0045] The method comprises inserting the conduit 2 into the receiving element 3 and positioning the conduit 2 to an operating position by moving the conduit 2 relative to the receiving element 3 along the insertion direction 100. This movement is achieved by a translational motion along the insertion direction 100. This movement includes bringing the return member 5 into contact with the stop device 6. This movement further includes deforming the return member 5 from its nominal, undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, for example, to the final configuration corresponding to maximum deformation. Such a principle This allows a technician or machine working on the circuit to feel the contact between the return element 5 and the stop device 6, and the gradual resistance resulting from the deformation of the return element 5 when the pipe 2 is moved relative to the receiving element 3. The technician or machine operating the assembly can thus detect when the appropriate operating position has been reached. When the technician or machine releases the force exerted on the pipe 2, it is automatically moved into its final position, suitable for the circuit's operation, by the at least partial deformation of the return element 5 towards its nominal configuration.

[0046] The present invention thus proposes an arrangement 1 for a circuit comprising a plurality of pipes, a return element 5, and a stop element 63, enabling the pipes to be positioned correctly relative to each other at a lower cost and without creating bulk within the circuit. The invention thus improves the reliability of the pipe connection interface and its sealing by preventing improper positioning of the sealing means and / or its premature wear. The arrangement according to the invention advantageously allows for mounting the pipe and the circuit without fixing screws. Furthermore, the invention simplifies the assembly of the arrangement and the circuit.

[0047] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. An arrangement (1) for a fluid circulation circuit, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a conduit (2) and a receiving element (3), the conduit (2) being configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving element (3) along an insertion direction (100), the arrangement (1) further comprising: - a sealing means (4) attached and disposed in contact with an external periphery (23) of the conduit (2); - an elastically deformable return member (5) connected to a free end (22) of the conduit (2) and configured to be inserted into the receiving element (3); - a stop device (6) comprising at least one stop member (63) projecting from an internal surface (33) of the receiving element (3) and configured to form a stop for the return member (5) when the conduit (2) is inserted into the receiving element (3).

2. Arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the return member (5): - is attached and fixed to the outer periphery (23) of the conduit (2), for example by welding; or - forms a single unit with the conduit (2).

3. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return member (5) is a compression spring, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring or at least an elastically deformable slat, extending at least partially in projection from the free end (22) of the conduit (2) when in its nominal, uncompressed configuration.

4. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end (22) of the conduit (2), the return member (5) and the sealing means (4) are centered on a central axis (500), parallel to the insertion direction (100), a first radial distance (50) of the return member (5), measured between the central axis (500) and an outer face of said member, being strictly less than a second radial distance (40), measured between the central axis (500) and a point of the sealing means (4) furthest away.

5. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (6): - is attached and fixed to the internal surface (33) of the receiving element (3), for example by welding; or - forms a single unit with the receiving element (3).

6. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (6): - is made of a metallic material; and / or - is made of a plastic material, in particular filled.

7. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (6): - comprises at least one tooth projecting out of the inner surface (33) and comprising a flat area configured to form a stop for the return member (5); and / or - extends continuously along the inner surface (33) of the receiving element (3).

8. Arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (6) comprises a plurality of stop members (63) arranged successively along the insertion direction (100) at the level of the internal surface (33) of the receiving element (3) and separated by a non-zero spacing, defined along the insertion direction (100).

9. Motor vehicle comprising a fluid circuit comprising an arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Method of assembling an arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising inserting the pipe (2) into the receiving element (3) and positioning the pipe (2) to an operating position by moving the pipe (2) along the insertion direction (100) relative to the receiving element (3) until the return member (5) extends into contact with the stop device (6).

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