Pipe connection device comprising at least one sleeve partially housed in at least one fixed conduit

Abstract

Pipe connection device comprising at least one sleeve partially housed in at least one fixed chute. The invention relates to a connection device comprising: at least one first section of conduit (44), at least one sleeve (46) having a sleeve collar (50.1) at one of its ends, a first connection system (48) connecting the sleeve (46) and the first section of conduit (44) and comprising: at least one fixed chute (56) connected to the first section of conduit (44) and configured to partially house at least the first sleeve collar (50.1) of the sleeve (46), at least one removable stop (58) configured to occupy an assembled state in which it is connected to the first section of conduit (44) and holds a part of the first sleeve collar (50.1) of the sleeve (46) in the fixed chute (56) as well as a disassembled state in which it is no longer connected to the first section of conduit (44). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Pipe connection device comprising at least one sleeve partially housed in at least one fixed channel

[0001] The present application relates to a pipe connection device comprising at least one sleeve partially housed in at least one fixed chute and to an aircraft comprising at least one such pipe equipped with such a connection device.

[0002] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], an aircraft 10 comprises a fuselage 12 and a floor 14 located within the fuselage 12, dividing the latter into an upper zone 12.1 and a lower zone 12.2, such as an avionics bay, for example. The aircraft 10 comprises at least one cabinet 16 located in the lower zone 12.2, a ventilation system 18, and at least one duct 20 connecting the ventilation system 18 and the cabinet 16. This duct 20 comprises at least a first rigid conduit 20.1 connected to the ventilation system 18, at least a second rigid conduit 20.2 connected to the cabinet 16, and at least one connecting device 20.3 connecting the first and second rigid conduits 20.1 and 20.2. According to the configuration shown in [Fig. 2], the first and second rigid conduits 20.1, 20.2 comprise first and second tubular ends, respectively. The connecting device 20.3 includes at least one sleeve 22 which has a first end 22.1 fitted around the first tubular end of the first rigid conduit 20.1 and a second end 22.2 fitted around the second tubular end of the second rigid conduit 20.2, as well as first and second clamps 24.1, 24.2 clamping the first and second ends 22.1, 22.2 of the sleeve 22 on the first and second tubular ends of the first and second rigid conduits 20.1, 20.2.

[0003] This sleeve 22 is not compressible between its first and second ends 22.1, 22.2 and requires significant clearance areas for installation. However, for some applications, the connecting device 20.3 is located in a confined area, making its installation difficult.

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a connection device comprising at least a first section of conduit, at least a sleeve which has a longitudinal axis and extends between first and second ends, as well as a first connection system linking the sleeve and the first section of conduit.

[0006] According to the invention, the sleeve comprises at least one first sleeve collar positioned at one of the first and second ends. In addition, the first connection system comprises at least one fixed channel connected to the first conduit section, open in the direction of the longitudinal axis and configured to partially house at least the first sleeve collar, as well as at least one removable stop configured to occupy an assembled state in which said removable stop is connected to the first conduit section and retains a portion of the first sleeve collar in the fixed channel, and a disassembled state in which the removable stop is no longer connected to the first conduit section and allows the portion of the first sleeve collar positioned in the fixed channel to exit said fixed channel.

[0007] This design of the sleeve and the connection system simplifies the installation of the sleeve, even in a confined area such as the connection of a ventilation duct to the bottom of a piece of furniture positioned in an aircraft cargo bay.

[0008] According to another feature, the fixed chute comprises first and second walls and a bottom connecting the first and second walls, the first wall being connected to the first section of conduit.

[0009] According to another feature, the first and second walls flare out in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0010] According to another feature, the removable stop includes a side wall substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one first extension configured to be connected to the first conduit section when the removable stop is in the assembled state.

[0011] According to another feature, the removable stop comprises a wing, the side wall being interposed between the first extension and the wing and connected to the latter.

[0012] According to another feature, the first conduit section includes a conduit collar. In addition, the conduit collar, the side wall, and the flange form a second open channel in the direction of the longitudinal axis and configured to partially house at least the first sleeve collar of the sleeve when the removable stop is in the assembled state.

[0013] According to another feature, when the removable stop is in the assembled state, the wing and the duct collar flare out in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0014] According to another feature, the connection system includes at least one connecting element configured to connect the removable stop and the first conduit section. In addition, for each connecting element, the removable stop and the first conduit section respectively comprise first and second extensions, each of which has a through-hole through which the connecting element passes.

[0015] According to another feature, the connection device includes at least one annular sealing gasket between the sleeve and the first section of conduit.

[0016] According to another characteristic, each connection system has a vertical plane of symmetry passing through the longitudinal axis.

[0017] According to another feature, the fixed chute and the removable stop extend continuously over the entire circumference of the sleeve.

[0018] According to another feature, the sleeve has an oblong cross-section comprising two opposite straight sides and upper and lower semicircles connecting the straight sides, the fixed chute extending over the lower semicircle and at least half of each of the straight sides, the removable stop extending over the upper semicircle and less than half of each of the straight sides.

[0019] According to another feature, the connecting device comprises first and second conduit sections, a sleeve interposed between the first and second conduit sections, and first and second connection systems linking respectively the sleeve and the first and second conduit sections, the first and second connection systems being symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane.

[0020] According to another feature, the sleeve includes a central part located between the first and second ends, extensible and configured to deform elastically.

[0021] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one pipeline provided with at least one connection device according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0022] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0023] [Fig-1] is a schematic cross-section of part of an avionics bay of an aircraft illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0024] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a connecting device illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0025] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-section of part of an aircraft avionics bay illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0026] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a connecting device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the connection device visible in [Fig.4], connected at only one end,

[0028] [Fig.6] is a schematic longitudinal section of a connecting device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0029] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of first and second rigid conduits configured to be connected by a connecting device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0030] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a flexible sleeve of the connecting device visible on [Fig.4] illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0031] [Fig.9] is a set of front and perspective views of the connecting device visible on [Fig.4] at different times of its installation.

[0032] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], an aircraft 30 comprises a fuselage 32 and a floor 34 located within the fuselage 32, dividing the latter into an upper zone 32.1 and a lower zone 32.2, such as an avionics bay, for example. The aircraft 30 comprises at least one cabinet 36 located in the lower zone 32.2, a ventilation system 38, and at least one duct 40 connecting the ventilation system 38 and the cabinet 36. This duct 40 comprises at least a first rigid conduit 40.1 connected to the ventilation system 38, at least a second rigid conduit 40.2 connected to the cabinet 36, and at least one connecting device 42 connecting the first and second rigid conduits 40.1 and 40.2. Alternatively, the piping does not include a second rigid conduit 42, the connection device 42 being directly connected to the furniture 36.

[0033] Of course, the invention is not limited to this application and can be applied to any equipment requiring ventilation. Regardless of the application, the connection device 42 comprises at least one first duct section 44, at least one sleeve 46, and a first connection system 48 linking the sleeve 46 and the first duct section 44.

[0034] According to a preferred application, the connection device 42 comprises first and second conduit sections 44, 44' spaced apart (attached respectively to the first and second rigid conduits 40.1, 40.2 in the case of the pipeline 40), at least one sleeve 46 interposed between the first and second conduit sections 44, 44' and first and second connection systems 48, 48' linking respectively the sleeve 46 and the first and second conduit sections 44, 44'.

[0035] The sleeve 46 has a longitudinal axis X. The first and second conduit sections 44, 44' as well as the sleeve 46 are aligned along the longitudinal axis X. A transverse plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. A vertical longitudinal plane PLV is a plane containing the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis.

[0036] According to one configuration, the first and second conduit sections 44, 44' and the sleeve 46 each have a cross-section (taken in a plane transversal) oblong having a large dimension oriented along the vertical direction. According to this configuration, each oblong cross-section comprises two opposite straight sides al, a2 and two semicircles cl, c2 connecting the straight sides al, a2. In the case of an oblong shape, the longitudinal axis X is located equidistant from the two straight sides al, a2 and the two semicircles cl, c2.

[0037] Of course, the invention is not limited to this shape for the cross-sections. Alternatively, the cross-sections could be circular, approximately square, or have any other shape.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 46 extends between first and second ends 46.1, 46.2 and comprises at least one sleeve flange 50.1 positioned at one of the first and second ends 46.1, 46.2. According to a preferred configuration, the sleeve 46 comprises first and second sleeve flanges 50.1, 50.2 located respectively at the first and second ends 46.1, 46.2 and positioned in transverse planes. The first and second sleeve flanges 50.1, 50.2 comprise, respectively, contact faces F50.1, F50.2 oriented respectively towards the first and second conduit sections 44, 44'.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 46 comprises a central portion 46.3 located between the first and second ends 46.1, 46.2, distant from said first and second ends 46.1, 46.2, extensible and configured to deform elastically. In one configuration, the central portion 46.3 of the sleeve 46 comprises a bellows. This configuration makes it possible to compensate for any differences in spacing between the first and second duct sections 44, 44' from one aircraft to another or during the operation of the aircraft in which the sleeve 46 is installed.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 46 is made at least partly of elastomer, in particular at the central part 46.3.

[0041] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the sleeve 46. Thus, one of the ends of the sleeve 46 could be different and not include any collar.

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first and second conduit sections 44, 44' comprises an end, oriented towards the sleeve 46, which has a conduit flange 52 positioned in a transverse plane and comprising a contact face F52 oriented towards the sleeve 46. According to one configuration, the first conduit section 44 comprises a first conduit flange 52 having a contact face F52 oriented towards that of the first sleeve flange 50.1 of the sleeve 46, and the second conduit section 44' comprises a second conduit flange 52' having a contact face F52' oriented towards that of the second sleeve collar 50.2 of sleeve 46.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the connection device 42 comprises at least one annular sealing gasket 54 interposed between the sleeve 46 and the first conduit section 44, more particularly between at least one pair of flanges among the first sleeve and conduit flanges 50.1, 52 and the second sleeve and conduit flanges 50.2, 52'. According to one configuration, the connection device 42 comprises a first annular sealing gasket 54 interposed between the first sleeve flange 50.1 and the first conduit flange 52 and a second annular sealing gasket 54' interposed between the second sleeve flange 50.2 and the second conduit flange 52'.

[0044] The first and second conduit sections 44, 44' and the first and second ends 46.1, 46.2 of the sleeve 46 have substantially the same internal cross-section. Each annular sealing joint 54, 54' comprises an internal cross-section larger than that of the first and second conduit sections 44, 44' and the first and second ends 46.1, 46.2 of the sleeve 46.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second sleeve collars 50.1, 50.2 could be directly pressed against the first or second conduit collar 52, 52' of the first or second conduit section 44, 44'.

[0046] According to a particular feature of the invention, at least one of the first and second connection systems 48, 48' comprises: a. at least one fixed chute 56 connected to the first or second section of conduit 44, 44', open in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and configured to partially house at least the first or second sleeve collar 50.1, 50.2 of the sleeve 46 and a possible annular sealing gasket 54, 54', b. at least one removable stop 58 configured to occupy: i. an assembled state in which said removable stop 58 is connected to the first or second conduit section 44, 44' and retains part of the first or second sleeve collar 50.1, 50.2 of the sleeve 46 in the fixed channel 56, ii. a disassembled state in which the removable stop 58 is no longer connected to the first or second conduit section 44, 44' and allows the part of the first or second sleeve collar 50.1, 50.2 of the sleeve 46 positioned in said fixed chute 56 to come out of said fixed chute 56.

[0047] When part of the sleeve 46 is positioned in the fixed chute 56 attached to the first or second section of conduit 44, 44', the sleeve 46 and the first or second section of conduit 44, 44' are immobilized relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0048] When in the assembled state, the removable stop 58 immobilizes the sleeve 46 relative to the first or second conduit section 44, 44' in translation along a transverse direction DT.

[0049] According to one configuration, the first and second connection systems 48, 48' are symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane PMT. Alternatively, the first and second connection systems 48, 48' could be different.

[0050] For the remainder of the description, only the first connection system 48 is described, the second connection system 48' being able to be identical or different.

[0051] According to an embodiment visible for example in [Fig.6], the fixed duct 56, the conduit collar 52 and the first conduit section 44 are made in one piece and form only one single piece.

[0052] The fixed chute 56 has in a longitudinal plane a U or V cross-section and comprises first and second walls 56.1, 56.2 and a bottom 56.3 connecting the first and second walls 56.1, 56.2, the bottom 56.3 being further away from the longitudinal axis X than the first and second walls 56.1, 56.2. The first wall 56.1 is connected to the first or second conduit section 44, 44' and corresponds to a portion of the conduit flange 52. In one configuration, the first and second walls 56.1, 56.2 flare outwards towards the inside of the sleeve 46, in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. When an annular sealing gasket 54 is present, this configuration allows for slight compression of the latter during the installation of the annular sealing gasket 54 and the sleeve 46 in the fixed channel 56.

[0053] The removable stop 58 includes a side wall 60 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X configured to block the sleeve 46 in the transverse direction DT and at least a first extension 62 configured to be connected to the first conduit section 44, more particularly to the first conduit collar 52, when the removable stop 58 is in the assembled state.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the removable stop 58 comprises a wing 64, the side wall 60 being interposed between the first extension 62 and the wing 64 and connected to the latter.

[0055] When the removable stop 58 is in the assembled state, the conduit flange 52, the side wall 60, and the wing 64 form a second channel 66 open in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, configured to partially house at least the first or second sleeve flange 50.1, 50.2 of the sleeve 46 and an optional annular sealing gasket 54, 54'. The second channel 66 has in a longitudinal plane a U or V section. Depending on one configuration, the wing 64 and the duct collar 52 flare out towards the longitudinal axis X. In the presence of an annular sealing gasket 54, this configuration allows slight compression of the latter during the installation of the annular sealing gasket 54 and the sleeve 46.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the connection system 48, 48' comprises at least one connecting element 68 configured to connect the removable stop 58 and the conduit collar 52. By way of example, each connecting element 68 is a bolt, a rivet or other.

[0057] For each connecting element 68, the removable stop 58 comprises a first extension 62. In addition, the first conduit section 44 comprises a second extension 70 in the form of a tab integral with the conduit collar 52 and substantially coplanar with it. When the removable stop 58 is in the assembled state, the first and second extensions 62, 70 are substantially parallel to each other. Each includes an opening 62.1, 70.1 through which the connecting element 68 passes.

[0058] According to one arrangement, the fixed chute 56 and the removable stop 58 are diametrically opposed.

[0059] According to one embodiment, each connection system 48, 48' has a vertical plane of symmetry passing through the longitudinal axis X. According to one configuration, each connection system 48, 48' comprises two pairs of first and second extensions 62, 70 positioned symmetrically with respect to the vertical longitudinal plane PVL.

[0060] The fixed channel 56 and the removable stop 58 extend continuously around the entire circumference of the sleeve 46. In one arrangement, the fixed channel 56 extends over more than half of the circumference of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the fixed channel 56 extends over the lower semicircle c1 and at least half of each of the straight sides a1a, a2 of the circumference of the sleeve 46. In addition, the removable stop 58 extends over the upper semicircle c2 and over less than half of each of the straight sides a1a, a2. Thus, when the removable stop 58 is in the assembled state, the fixed channel 56 and the removable stop 58 extend continuously around the entire circumference of the sleeve 46.

[0061] The installation of the sleeve 46 is illustrated in [Fig. 9]. Before the sleeve 46 is installed, the removable stops 58 are in the disassembled state. The sleeve 46 is positioned so that the first sleeve flange 50.1 and the first annular sealing gasket 54 are positioned vertically above the fixed channel 56 of the first conduit section 44, and the second sleeve flange 50.2 and the second annular sealing gasket 54' are positioned vertically above the fixed channel 56 of the second duct section 44', as illustrated in part (A) of [Fig.9]. Next, the sleeve 46 is translated downwards so that the first sleeve collar 50.1 and the first annular sealing gasket 54 are partially housed in the fixed channel 56 of the first duct section 44 and the second sleeve collar 50.2 and the second annular sealing gasket 54' are partially housed in the fixed channel 56 of the second duct section 44', as illustrated in part (B) of [Fig.9].

[0062] The removable stops 58 of the first and second connection systems 48, 48' are positioned so as to cover, at each end 46.1, 46.2 of the sleeve 46, the first or second sleeve flange 50.1, 50.2 and the first or second annular sealing gasket 54, 54', as illustrated in part (C) of [Fig. 9]. Finally, the connecting elements 68 are put in place to immobilize the removable stops 58 by connecting each first extension 62 of each removable stop 58 to the second extension 70 integral with the first or second end section 44, 44'.

[0063] This design of the sleeve 46 and the connection systems 48, 48' simplifies the installation of the sleeve 46, even in a confined area such as the connection of a ventilation duct to the bottom of a piece of furniture positioned in an aircraft bay.

Claims

Demands

1. A connection device comprising at least one first conduit section (44), at least one sleeve (46) having a longitudinal axis (X) and extending between first and second ends (46.1, 46.2), and a first connection system (48) connecting the sleeve (46) and the first conduit section (44); characterized in that the sleeve (46) comprises at least one first sleeve collar (50.1) positioned at one of the first and second ends (46.1, 46.2) and in that the first connection system (48) comprises at least one fixed channel (56) connected to the first conduit section (44), open in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X) and configured to partially house at least the first sleeve collar (50.1).1) of the sleeve (46) and at least one removable stop (58) configured to occupy an assembled state in which said removable stop (58) is connected to the first conduit section (44) and holds a portion of the first sleeve collar (50.1) in the fixed channel (56) and a disassembled state in which the removable stop (58) is no longer connected to the first conduit section (44) and allows the portion of the first sleeve collar (50.1) positioned in the fixed channel (56) to exit said fixed channel (56).

2. Connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed chute (56) comprises first and second walls (56.1, 56.2) and a bottom (56.3) connecting the first and second walls (56.1, 56.2), the first wall (56.1) being connected to the first section of conduit (44).

3. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removable stop (58) comprises a side wall (60) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) and at least a first extension (62) configured to be connected to the first conduit section (44) when the removable stop (58) is in the assembled state.

4. Connecting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable stop (58) comprises a wing (64), the side wall (60) being interposed between the first extension (62) and the wing (64) and connected to the latter.

5. Connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first conduit section (44) comprises a conduit collar (52) and in that the conduit collar (52), the side wall (60) and the wing (64) form a second chute (66) open in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X) and configured to partially house at least the first sleeve collar (50.1) of the sleeve (46) when the removable stop (58) is in the assembled state.

6. Connection device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the connection system (48) comprises at least one linking element (68) configured to connect the removable stop (58) and the first conduit section (44) and in that, for each linking element (68), the removable stop (58) and the first conduit section (44) comprise respectively first and second extensions (62, 70) each having a through orifice (62.1, 70.1) through which the linking element (68) passes.

7. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connection system (48) has a vertical plane of symmetry passing through the longitudinal axis (X).

8. A connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (46) has an oblong cross-section comprising two opposite straight sides (al, a2) and upper and lower semicircles (cl, c2) connecting the straight sides (al, a2), the fixed chute (56) extending over the lower semicircle (cl) and at least half of each of the straight sides (al, a2), the removable stop (58) extending over the upper semicircle (c2) and over less than half of each of the straight sides (al, a2).

9. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device comprises first and second conduit sections (44, 44'), a sleeve (46) interposed between the first and second conduit sections (44, 44') and first and second connection systems (48, 48') respectively connecting the sleeve (46) and the first and second conduit sections (44, 44'), the first and second connection systems (48, 48') being symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane (PMT).

10. 12 Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (46) comprises a central part (46.3) located between the first and second ends (46.1, 46.2), extensible and configured to deform elastically.

11. Aircraft comprising at least one pipeline provided with at least one connection device according to one of the preceding claims.

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