Two-phase connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes consisting of two coaxial casings defining a central flow entering an inner casing and an annular flow entering a space between said inner and outer casings, said coupling comprising a second connector intended to be attached to one end of said two-phase pipes and a first complementary connector intended to be attached to the complementary end of the other of said two-phase pipes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluidics, more precisely to the connection by means of a connector of the two ends of a two-phase pipe with two coaxial ducts, such a pipe intended for example to supply a device with a liquid and air or a gas under pressure, or even to transport two counter-current liquids, in particular two liquids, or one liquid and a counter-current gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Such pipes are used, for example, to supply water and pressurized air to spray nozzles to reduce water consumption and increase efficiency, for applications such as polishing and cleaning surfaces such as walls, the sides of vehicles or industrial equipment, or even for firefighting applications.

[0003] It is conventional to use two ducts (one supplying pressurized air and the other supplying pressurized water) that are interconnected using two separate connectors on the nozzle. The prior art has also proposed "mono-joint" solutions, in which the two phases are fed coaxially, allowing a single-step connection.

[0004] prior art Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe seal for a double pipe having an inner pipe and a concentric rigid outer pipe, the seal consisting of an annular boss, the face of the member opposite the perforated boss having two different diameters, the smallest counter-perforation adapted to fit the inner pipe, a cooling liquid circulates in the inner pipe, and the cooled liquid circulates in the annular space formed between the walls of the two pipes.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a joint for coaxial pipes each having an inner pipe and an outer pipe, and this joint is a male connector having an inner part for receiving an inner pipe of one of the coaxial pipes and having internal bores in communication with said inner pipe, an outer cylindrical part for receiving an outer pipe of said one of the coaxial pipes, and a perforated body extending integrally from said outer part, said body defining a plurality of longitudinal bores between said body and said inner part for communication with said outer pipe; a female joint having an inner portion for receiving an inner pipe of the other of the coaxial pipes and having internal bores communicating with the inner pipe of the other of the coaxial pipes, an outer cylindrical portion for receiving an outer pipe of the other of the coaxial pipes, and a bore body extending integrally from the female joint bore body, the female joint bore body defining a plurality of longitudinal bores between the body and the female joint bore body that communicate with the outer pipe of the other of the coaxial pipes; the inner portion of each of the male and female joints having opposing projections on one end face, and the outer portion of each of the male and female joints having opposing projections on an end face remote from the outer cylindrical surface; a perforating body of one of the parts having a thread on its outer circumferential surface, and a perforating body of the other part having an outer flange on its outer circumferential surface; a flat metal lining between said parts, said flat metal lining having internal passages connecting said internal perforations of said inner part and external passages connecting said longitudinal perforations; - means for engaging the threads with the flanges to lock the male and female parts together with the lining therebetween, such that the opposing projections are pressed towards each other with the lining, so that the projections are pressed and sealed against the lining and the internal and longitudinal bores are sealed from each other and from the atmosphere.

[0006] Patent document 3 discloses a fixed joint for connecting a counter joint part to which a pipe, in particular a fire hose, is attached to a fixed part, in particular a duct or rigid joint, the fixed joint being characterized by a first ring having a pipe side and a ring for coupling the counter joint part attached to an end face provided on the pipe, and a second ring having an end face, an elastic sealing ring provided on the end face and at least one claw protruding axially as part of the bayonet connection between the conjugate joint part and the fixed joint, being rotatable together with the first ring and including means for fastening to the fixed part.

[0007] Patent document 4 discloses a seal intended to be used with a coupling component, the seal being made of a compressible elastomeric material and having a generally annular shape having a longitudinal axis, a radially inward-facing inner peripheral surface and a radially outward-facing outer peripheral surface, longitudinally opposed side surfaces, a positioning portion substantially adjacent to the outer peripheral surface, a compression seal portion substantially adjacent to the inner peripheral surface, and a connection portion between the positioning portion and the compression seal portion, the connection portion having a longitudinal thickness substantially less than the longitudinal thickness of the compression seal portion, and at least one of the side surfaces of the compression seal portion having two outward-facing ridges separated by an outward-facing groove. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,217,543 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 4,732,414 [Patent Document 3] German patent no. 20004675 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 8,197,783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Shortcomings of the prior art Prior art solutions are not entirely satisfactory as they involve many moving parts which make sealing the two phases difficult and require complex manipulation to ensure effective connection and locking.

[0010] Furthermore, prior art solutions generally have sections that locally reduce the cross section of the duct, which causes pressure losses and hydraulic turbulence.

[0011] The solution described in Patent Document 1 cannot be used with flexible pipes, the inner tube is modified to form an annular boss, and therefore this solution is not at all applicable to two-phase flexible hoses.

[0012] Finally, the seal between the two fluid circuits is not always satisfactory with prior art solutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To address these drawbacks, the present invention relates, in its most general sense, to a fluid connection system intended for connecting two flexible two-phase pipes.

[0014] The pipe consists of two coaxial casings defining a central passageway flowing into the inner casing and an annular passageway flowing into the space between the inner and outer casings, and the coupling comprises a second connector intended to be attached to one end of the two-phase pipe and a first complementary connector intended to be attached to the other complementary end of the two-phase pipe.

[0015] The first connector is a central connection, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the inner casing of one of the two-phase pipes; a peripheral connection, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the outer casing of the two-phase pipe, the peripheral connection having an annular forward inner flange axially traversed by a port opening into the peripheral passage; the central connection portion and the peripheral connection portion are assembled to define a lateral joining surface; The second connector is a central connection, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the inner casing of the other of the two-phase pipes; a peripheral connection, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the outer casing of the other two-phase pipe, the peripheral connection having an annular forward inner flange axially traversed by a port opening into the peripheral passage; the central connection portion and the peripheral connection portion are assembled to define a second lateral forward coupling surface. a first connector and a second connector having an axial locking means, the connector further comprising an annular seal disc having an axial port corresponding to the axial port in the forward inner flange;

[0016] According to a first variant, the first and second connectors have longitudinal locking means.

[0017] According to a second variant, the first and second connectors have angular and axial locking means by relative rotation between a coupling ring having alternating annular shoulders and interlayer spaces and a complementary coupling ring having alternating claws with annular shoulders.

[0018] Advantageously, the central portion of the first connector comprises an inner sleeve extended by a disk shoulder and a coaxial tubular outer sleeve having a plurality of axially threaded holes, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being adapted to surround the end of the inner casing of one of the two-phase pipes.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the peripheral portion of the first connector consists of a sleeve having a tubular lip at its distal end whose diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer casing, the sleeve having a plurality of axial threaded holes, the sleeve being extended proximally by an inner collar through which the axial holes pass, the collar defining a central port of a compartment corresponding to the compartment of the central sleeve, the sleeve being extended proximally by a locking collar defining a cavity for receiving an end of a second connector, the peripheral connection further comprising a coaxial tubular outer sleeve having a plurality of axial holes, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being configured to surround the end of the outer casing of the two-phase pipe, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being assembled by an axial screw passing through the axial hole of the tubular outer sleeve to fit into the axial threaded hole of the sleeve.

[0020] Advantageously, said central connection part and said peripheral connection part are assembled by means of an axial screw passing through said collar of a sleeve and fitting into said axially threaded hole of said tubular outer sleeve of said central connection part.

[0021] According to one variant, the central part of the second connector consists of an inner sleeve extended by a disk shoulder and a coaxial tubular outer sleeve having a plurality of axial holes, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being adapted to surround the end of the inner casing of the other of the two-phase pipes.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment, the peripheral portion of the second connector consists of a sleeve having a tubular lip at its distal end whose diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer casing, the sleeve having a plurality of threaded axial holes, the sleeve being extended proximally by an inner collar through which the axial holes pass, the collar defining a central port, the sleeve being extended proximally by a locking collar defining a cavity for receiving the end of the second connector, the peripheral connection further comprising a coaxial tubular outer sleeve having a plurality of axial holes, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being configured to surround the end of the outer casing of the two-phase pipe, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being assembled by an axial screw passing through the axial hole of the tubular outer sleeve to fit into the threaded hole of the sleeve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a longitudinal section of a joint according to a first variant of the invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view of a joint with a sealing disk according to a first variant of the invention; [Figure 3] 1 shows a front view of a coupling according to a first variant of the invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a front view of a seal disk according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a longitudinal section of an assembly of two couplings according to a second variant of the invention; [Figure 6] 1 shows a partial perspective view of a sealing joint according to a second variant of the invention; [Figure 7] 1 shows a perspective view of a coupling according to a second variant of the invention; [Figure 8] 1 shows a three-quarter front view of a coupling according to a second variant of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Exemplary Joint Description FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section of two two-phase pipes (100, 200) joined by a fitting according to the invention.

[0025] A two-phase pipe consists of two concentric tubular casings (3, 4) defining a central passage (1) defined by the inner casing (3) and a peripheral passage (2) defined by the annular space between the inner casing (3) and the outer casing (4). The highest pressure fluid preferably circulates in the central passage (1) and the lower pressure fluid circulates in the peripheral passage (2).

[0026] The ends of the two two-phase pipes (100, 200) are connected by a first connector (110) and a second fitting (210).

[0027] Description of the first joint (110) The first connector consists of a central connection part attached to the front end of the inner casing (3) and a peripheral connection part attached to the front end of the outer casing (4).

[0028] "Forward" refers to the side closest to the lateral central plane (160) corresponding to the interface of the two pipes (100, 200), and "distal" refers to the side furthest from this central plane (160).

[0029] The central connection part consists of said first connector (110) and consists of an inner sleeve (5) extended by a flared disk shoulder (15) and a coaxial tubular outer sleeve (6) which tapers from the distal side and may consist of tabs separated by longitudinal notches to limit obstruction of the fluid flow circulating in the peripheral passage (2). The outer sleeve (6) flares at the distal side to form the disk shoulder (15) with a number of axial threaded holes intended to receive the assembly screws (16) of the central connection part and the peripheral connection part.

[0030] The inner sleeve (5) and the outer tubular sleeve (6) are configured to surround the ends of the inner casing (3) of the two-phase pipe (100). They have annular grooves or splines (17, 18) intended to reinforce the fixation of the inner casing (3) at the central connection.

[0031] The peripheral connection is attached to the front end of the outer casing (4).

[0032] A peripheral connection, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the outer casing (4) of said two-phase pipe (100).

[0033] It is formed by a sleeve (7) having an annular front collar (21) and a distal tubular skirt (27), solid or formed by alternating longitudinal teeth and slots, the peripheral casing (4) being pressed between this distal tubular skirt (27) and a peripheral sleeve (8) having a longitudinal hole (28) intended for the passage of a screw (29) that ensures the connection with the sleeve (7) and that surrounds the outer end of the two-phase pipe (100).

[0034] The sleeve (7) has ports (30) passing laterally through the inner annular ring, and the ports (30) are also passed through by the central and peripheral connection assembly screws (15). These ports (30) are distributed around the circumference of this ring to allow the passage of the fluid circulating in the peripheral passage (2).

[0035] The central connection portion and the peripheral connection portion are assembled to define a lateral joining surface (115).

[0036] The first connector (110) is attached by sliding the tubular outer sleeve (6) around the central casing (3) and then engaging the inner sleeve (5) with the outer casing.

[0037] The outer tubular sleeve (6) is then placed around the outer casing (4) and the distal tubular skirt (27) of the sleeve (7) is inserted. The assembly is secured by an external screw (29) which ensures the tightening of the outer tubular sleeve (6) and sleeve (7) around the outer casing (4) and the assembly of the central and peripheral connections.

[0038] Opposite the distal tubular skirt (27), the sleeve (7) is extended by a tubular ring (23) intended to receive the end of the male fitting. This tubular ring is traversed by several pivots (40, 50) extending in a transverse plane and angularly distributed around the longitudinal axis. These pivots (40, 50) constitute the articulation axes of asymmetrical cams (41, 51) extended by levers (42, 52). These cams (41, 51) engage with complementary surfaces formed by an annular groove (43) surrounding the outer surface of the male fitting.

[0039] Second male fitting The second joint is also formed by a central connection portion and a peripheral connection portion.

[0040] The central connection consists of an inner sleeve (31) and an outer sleeve (32) intended to surround the central casing (3). These two sleeves (31, 32) are assembled by screwing in screws (33, 58) which also pass through drilled holes made in the peripheral connections.

[0041] This peripheral connection is formed from a sleeve (56) extending distally by a solid or split tubular skirt that engages the inside of the outer casing (4), and a second sleeve (57) that surrounds the outer surface of the outer casing (4).

[0042] Seal disc The two female fittings and the second connector define a cross section traversed by a central port allowing flow in the central passage (1) and axial ports formed in an annulus corresponding to the compartment between the outer casing (4) and the central casing (3) and allowing flow in the peripheral passage (2). The inter-port seal is provided by a seal disc (9) which also has a central port (60) and peripheral ports (61-63).

[0043] Second Variant Embodiment The second variant embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8 differs from the first variant embodiment mainly by the locking mode: in the first embodiment, longitudinal locking is performed longitudinally by preventing axial separation, while in the second embodiment, locking is performed angularly, preventing axial separation of the pawls when they are inserted radially. Other features are not systematically recalled for the second embodiment and can therefore be substituted for this second embodiment if they remain unchanged.

[0044] The coupling is achieved by two complementary connecting rings (60, 70), one with alternating claws (72) and a hollow space, the other with alternating shoulders (61, 62) and a hollow space. Engagement of the two fittings is achieved by filling the hollow space of the ring (60) with the claws (72) and then applying relative rotation so that the shoulders (61, 62) of one of the fittings are positioned within the hollow of the claws (72) and are maintained in one direction by the semi-annular shoulders (74) of the claws (72) and in the other direction by the periphery (75) of the complementary fitting.

Claims

1. A fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase flexible pipes, comprising two coaxial casings (3, 4) that define a central flow (1) flowing into the inner casing (3) and an annular flow (2) flowing into the space between the inner casing (3) and the outer casing (4), wherein the joint comprises a second connector (210) intended to be attached to an end of one (100) of the two-phase pipes, and a first complementary connector (110) intended to be attached to a complementary end of the other (200) of the two-phase pipes, and the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) have axial locking means (150). ○ The first connector (110) has - A central connection part, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the inner casing (3) of one (100) of the two-phase pipes. - A peripheral connection part, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the outer casing (4) of the two-phase pipe (100), and the peripheral connection part has an annular front inner flange that axially traverses through a port opening to the peripheral flow. - The central connection part and the peripheral connection part are assembled to define a lateral joint surface. ○ The second connector (210) has - A central connection part, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the inner casing (3) of the other (200) of the two-phase pipes. - A peripheral connection part, the distal end of which is configured to ensure a sealed connection with the end of the outer casing (4) of the other two-phase pipe (200), and the peripheral connection part has an annular front inner flange that axially traverses through a port opening into the peripheral path. - The central connection part and the peripheral connection part are assembled to define a second lateral front joint surface. The system is further characterized in that the central part of the first connector consists of an inner sleeve (5) extended by a disk shoulder and a coaxial tubular outer sleeve (6) having a plurality of axial screw holes, and the inner sleeve (5) and the tubular outer sleeve (6) are configured to surround the end of the inner casing (3) of one (100) of the two-phase pipes. A fluid connection system. **Claim 2** The fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (110, 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint further comprises an annular seal disk (9) having an axial opening corresponding to the axial opening of the front inner collar. **Claim 3** The fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (110, 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) have angular and axial locking means (150) by relative rotation of a coupling ring (60) having alternating annular shoulders and intermediate spaces and a complementary coupling ring having alternating claws with annular shoulders. **Claim 4** The peripheral part of the first connector consists of a sleeve (7) having a tubular lip on the distal side, the diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer casing (4), the sleeve having a plurality of axial screw holes, the sleeve (7) being extended proximally by an inner collar through which the axial holes cross, the collar defining a central port in a section corresponding to the section of the central sleeve (5), the sleeve (7) being extended proximally by a locking collar defining a cavity for receiving the end of the second connector, the peripheral connection part further comprising a coaxial tubular outer sleeve (8) having a plurality of axial holes, the inner sleeve (7) and the tubular outer sleeve (8) being configured to surround the end of the outer casing (4) of the two-phase pipe (100), and the inner sleeve (7) and the tubular outer sleeve (8) being assembled by an axial screw passing through the axial holes of the tubular outer sleeve (8) to fit into the screw holes of the sleeve (7). A fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (110, 210) according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (110, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the central connection part and the peripheral connection part are assembled by an axial screw passing through the collar of the sleeve (7) in order to fit into the axial screw hole inside the tubular outer sleeve (6) of the central connection part.

6. The central part of the second connector consists of an inner sleeve (7) extended by a disc shoulder part and a coaxial tubular outer sleeve (17) having a plurality of axial holes, and the inner sleeve (7) and the tubular outer sleeve (17) are configured to surround the end part of the inner casing (3) of the other one (200) of the two-phase pipes. The fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (110, 210) according to claim 1.

7. The peripheral part of the second connector consists of a sleeve having a tubular lip on the distal side, the diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer casing (4), the sleeve having a plurality of axial screw holes, the sleeve being extended proximally by an inner collar through which the axial holes pass, the collar defining a central port, the sleeve being extended proximally by a lock collar defining a cavity for receiving the end part of the second connector, the peripheral connection part further comprising a coaxial tubular outer sleeve having a plurality of axial holes, the inner sleeve and the tubular outer sleeve being configured to surround the end part of the outer casing (4) of the two-phase pipe (100), and the inner sleeve (7) and the tubular outer sleeve (8) being assembled by an axial screw passing through the axial hole of the tubular outer sleeve (8) in order to fit into the axial screw hole of the sleeve (7). The fluid connection system intended to connect two two-phase pipes (200, 210) according to claim 1.

Images