Coupling device for tube

Abstract

To propose a coupling device which is provided with a good connection indicator and for which the entry of dust and other contaminants remains limited.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a coupling device provided with an indicator of good connection. In particular, the indicator at issue is sound emission means, more particularly a whistle, which, when activated reveals a connection fault, and, in particular, a leak in the connection. The proposed arrangement also uses cleanliness means configured to limit, or even prevent, the entry of dust into the coupling device. In order to effectively combine the sound emission means and cleanliness means, the present invention proposes to provide one or more escape paths that bypass the cleanliness means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid coupling devices implemented in fluid circulation and / or distribution systems.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a device for connecting pipes, the device being provided with means making it possible to verify the correct state of the connection of the pipes to the connecting device. [Background technology]

[0003] Today, fluid couplings are widely used in motor vehicles and road transport vehicles, and are implemented in particular to ensure the circulation and / or distribution of fluids within these vehicles.

[0004] Furthermore, to ensure assembly speeds that meet the requirements of the automotive and / or road transport vehicle industry, it may be necessary to have fluid coupling devices that allow for quick connections and a means for verifying their assembly.

[0005] In this regard, US Pat. No. 5,629,999 discloses a coupling device for enabling fluid connection of pipes or ducts with a visual attachment indicator.

[0006] In particular, the coupling device comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow body having an opening in the receiving housing that communicates with the insertion opening, a locking ring and a seal also provided within the receiving housing and arranged to secure a tube inserted into the receiving housing along an insertion direction through the insertion opening.

[0007] The coupling device also includes a cartridge that can be locked in either a first or second position within the receiving housing. When initially locked in the first position, the cartridge partially protrudes from the receiving housing through the insertion opening. By inserting a predetermined length into the receiving housing along the insertion direction, the cartridge can be unlocked and slid from the first position to a second position where the cartridge is fully integrated into the receiving housing.

[0008] Full insertion of the cartridge into the receiving housing allows one to conclude that the tube is properly connected to the coupling device. However, there are situations in which lighting conditions and / or the cramped conditions of the coupling area on the vehicle may prevent observation of the cartridge's position, thus rendering the visual control of the cartridge ineffective.

[0009] Alternatively, it is possible to envisage providing the coupling device with an audible indicator. Patent document 2 provides an example of this. In particular, the coupling device described therein includes an audible indicator formed by an elastic pin that is configured to wiggle when the tube is pushed into the coupling device a predetermined length. However, a noisy environment can make the sound difficult to detect.

[0010] Alternatively, US Pat. No. 5,629,999 discloses a coupling device that proposes the placement of exhaust lines, in particular, such that in the event of a fluid leak, the fluid flow in the exhaust lines generates sound waves.

[0011] However, the coupling devices presented in these documents do not limit the ingress of dust and other contaminants into the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 148737 [Patent Document 2] French Patent Application Publication No. 3021089 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10,969,041 [Patent Document 4] French Patent Application Publication No. 3128271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] One object of the invention is therefore to propose a coupling device with good connection indicators and which remains limited in ingress of dust and other contaminants.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a coupling device that remains easy to use and ergonomic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To achieve these objectives, at least in part, the object of the present invention is to propose a coupling device for pipes, the coupling device comprising: a body defining a rotationally symmetric housing provided with an opening for inserting a tube along an insertion direction, the housing being defined by an inner surface and comprising a first shoulder forming a widening of the housing along the insertion direction; a retaining ring that is at least partially inserted into the housing through the opening and that, along the insertion direction, comprises a base, for example a circular base, and a rotationally symmetrical retaining portion having a diameter smaller than the extent of the base, the retaining portion having a snap-fit ​​collar on its side that is configured to engage with the first shoulder, thereby allowing the retaining ring to remain clipped in the housing, the retaining ring defining a channel by which the tube is intended to be inserted into the housing; The retaining ring is mounted in the housing with non-zero axial play to assume either a first position or a second position, the first position requiring support of the collar against the first shoulder in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the second position requiring abutment of the base against abutment means formed on the body along the insertion direction, and an escape path is also provided in the space formed between the side surface and the inner surface, arranged to allow fluid that may be present in a chamber downstream of the retaining ring to escape to the outside when the ring is in its first position under the influence of pressure that may be exerted by the fluid, and the escape path is provided so that flow of fluid in the escape path generates an acoustic wave emission.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the relief path includes one or more holes formed in the snap-fit ​​collar.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the relief path includes one or more notches formed on the outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the discharge channel comprises a longitudinal groove formed in the inner surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the coupling device further comprises a guide with a sleeve extending from the free end in the insertion direction, the guide intended to guide the tube during its insertion into the housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the coupling device comprises locking means arranged in the housing downstream of the retaining ring, the locking means being intended to engage with a tube inserted in the housing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the locking means comprises a ring known as a locking ring.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a seal is arranged in the housing downstream of the locking means, the seal being configured to provide a seal between an inner surface and a side of a tube insertable into the housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a clean seal is arranged in the channel, configured to allow dirt and / or dust that may be present on the side of the tube to be removed when the tube is inserted into the housing, and advantageously the clean seal is also configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the retaining part and the side of the tube that can be inserted into the housing, thereby preventing any leakage of fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring when the ring is in its first position under the influence of pressure that may be exerted by the fluid.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the base is configured to limit or even prevent dust from entering the housing when the base abuts against the abutment means.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the abutment means are formed by an edge of the body that defines the opening of the housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the abutment means is formed by a second shoulder formed on the inner surface.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for connecting a pipe with a female element by means of a connecting device according to the invention, said method comprising the steps of: - coupling the coupling device with the female element; - coupling the tube with the coupling device, the coupling device comprising inserting the tube into the housing along an insertion direction via the ring, The method further includes selecting a coupling device that enables the exhaust path(s) to emit an audible signal when a fluid leak occurs.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the exhaust path(s) are dimensioned to emit an audible signal having an intensity greater than 80 dB in the event of a fluid leak. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in particular showing the coupling device according to a cross section through the main axis AA′ of the coupling device; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic view of the body implemented in the example of FIG. 1, taken along a section through the main axis AA′ of the coupling device; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic view of the retaining ring implemented in the example of FIG. 1, according to a section through the main axis AA′ of the coupling device. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram of the retaining ring shown in FIG. 3 supporting a clean seal. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic partial view taken along a cross section through the main axis AA′ with the retaining ring attached to the body in a first position. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic partial view taken along a cross section through the main axis AA′ with the retaining ring attached to the body in a second position. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a partial schematic view of a pipe attached to a coupling device, the pipe having an inclined free end, along a cross section through the main axis AA'. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic diagram of a retaining ring implemented in the example shown in FIG. 1 and including a large notch. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic diagram of a retaining ring implemented in the example shown in FIG. 1, the retaining ring including a small notch. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic diagram of a retaining ring implemented in the example shown in FIG. 1 with a hole through a snap-fit ​​collar along direction AA′. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram of a retaining ring implemented in the example shown in FIG. 1 with a hole extending radially through a snap-fit ​​collar (FIG. 11). [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic diagram of a body implemented in the example shown in FIG. 1, the body including a groove formed on its inner surface. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the body and retaining ring, showing the ring abutting a second shoulder formed on the inner surface of the body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a coupling device with an indicator of a good connection. In particular, the indicator in question is a sound emitting means, more particularly a whistle, which, when activated, reveals a fault in the connection, in particular a leak in the connection. The proposed arrangement also uses cleaning means configured to limit or even prevent the ingress of dust into the coupling device. In order to effectively combine the sound emitting means and the cleaning means, the invention proposes providing one or more escape paths bypassing the cleaning means.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a view along a longitudinal section of a coupling device that may be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] "Longitudinal cross section" refers to the intersection between a coupling device and a plane passing through the axis of elongation of the device.

[0033] The principles described below are not limited to the arrangement shown in this example, and in particular, those skilled in the art can consider other configurations based on the following:

[0034] In particular, the coupling device 1 comprises a body 10, a retaining ring 20, a locking means 30, optionally a guide 40 and a seal 50 (eg an O-ring).

[0035] The body 10 is elongated along a main axis AA', in particular extending from one end 10a to the other end 10b.

[0036] Body 10 defines a housing 11 having an opening 12 at end 10a (FIG. 2). Opening 12 allows for the insertion of a tube along an insertion direction "u", in particular, in a direction defined by a major axis AA'. Housing 12 is defined by an inner surface 13 of body 10 and has rotational symmetry about major axis AA'.

[0037] The outer surface of the body 10 may be provided with one or more circumferential grooves R1, R2 intended to receive one or more O-rings making it possible to ensure a sealing connection with the female element.

[0038] The body 10 also comprises a first shoulder forming a widening of the inner surface along the insertion direction. In this regard, the first shoulder can be formed by a circumferential stop 14 formed on the inner surface 13. This circumferential stop 14 may in particular comprise a circumferential rib formed on the inner surface and having rotational symmetry. More specifically, the circumferential rib may comprise an annular surface 14a forming a stop along a direction opposite the insertion direction "u". Although not necessarily specified, it is understood that the annular surface 14a forms a shoulder, in particular a shoulder that results in an increase in the diameter of the inner surface along the insertion direction "u".

[0039] 3 and 4 are depictions of retaining ring 20. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows retaining ring 20 alone, and FIG. 4 shows retaining ring 20 with a clean seal 25 attached, as described below in the description of the invention. Retaining ring 20 is intended to be at least partially inserted into housing 11 through opening 12, as shown in FIG. 1. In particular, retaining ring 20 comprises, along insertion direction "u," a base 21, e.g., a circular base, and a retaining portion 22 extending from circular base 21. Base 21 and retaining portion 22 may be rotationally symmetric.

[0040] Furthermore, the retaining portion 22 has a diameter smaller than the extent of the base portion 21. That is, if the base portion 21 is circular, its diameter is larger than the diameter of the retaining portion 22.

[0041] The side of the retaining portion 22 is provided with a snap-fit ​​collar 23 configured to enable the retaining ring to be retained in a snap-fit ​​engagement with the housing. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, maintaining the snap-fit ​​engagement involves cooperation between the snap-fit ​​collar 23 and the annular surface 14a.

[0042] The retaining ring 20 defines a channel 24 through which a tube is intended to be inserted into the housing 11. Without needing to be specifically described, it is understood that the channel 24 extends coaxially relative to the housing.

[0043] 5 and 6, the retaining ring 20 is mounted in the housing 11 with non-zero axial play (axial play means play along the main axis AA′). In particular, this play allows the retaining ring to assume either the first position or the second position, for example by displacement along the direction AA′.

[0044] In this regard, the first position is one in which the collar 23 must abut against the first shoulder (particularly against the annular surface 14a) along the direction opposite to the insertion direction (FIG. 5). The second position is one in which the base 21 rests against abutment means formed on the body along the insertion direction (FIG. 6). In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, the abutment means can be formed by an edge of the body that defines the opening 12. Alternatively, the abutment means may comprise a second shoulder 26 formed on the housing (FIG. 13). The latter configuration better restricts particles and other contaminants from entering the housing.

[0045] In accordance with the present invention, the retaining ring 20 may be provided with a purge seal 25. More specifically, the purge seal 25 may be mounted within the channel 24 of the retaining ring, and more particularly, may be retained within a groove within the channel 24.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, a locking means 30 is arranged downstream of the retaining ring 20 in the housing 11 and is intended to engage with a tube inserted in the housing. Locking means are described in particular in patent application WO 02 / 04999. In particular, this document describes implementations of a locking ring that can be associated with a locking means according to the terminology of the present invention.

[0047] Particularly advantageously, the locking means comprise a ring known as a locking ring for securing a tube that can be inserted into the housing along the insertion direction "u". More specifically, the locking ring is arranged to prevent withdrawal of the tube when the tube is inserted into the housing 11 and engaged with the locking ring.

[0048] In this regard, the locking ring may include attachment means that allow it to engage with the tube, more specifically, the locking ring may have a tapered inner cross section that allows it to grip the outer surface of the tube and thus engage the tube.

[0049] "Engaged" is understood to mean two elements that are mechanically secured to one another. The term "engaged" also has a reciprocal nature, such that the engagement of a first element with a second element implies the engagement of the second element with the first element. Thus, throughout the description, when a locking ring is engaged with a tube, the tube is engaged with the locking ring.

[0050] A retaining ring located upstream of the locking ring along the insertion direction "u" constitutes an obstacle against which the locking ring is likely to abut when it engages a tube and when a removal force along the direction opposite to the insertion direction is applied to that tube. In other words, for a tube with which the locking ring is engaged, a withdrawal force along the withdrawal direction (opposite to the insertion direction u) will position the locking ring against the retaining ring, thus preventing removal of the tube.

[0051] The coupling device 1 according to the invention also comprises a guide 40 .

[0052] In particular, the guide 40 comprises a sleeve 41 extending from a free end 40 a along the insertion direction u and coaxially with the channel 24 .

[0053] More specifically, the sleeve has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the channel, in particular smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. This last aspect therefore allows the sleeve to be inserted into the tube when the tube is positioned. In other words, the sleeve guides the tube into the housing.

[0054] Further in accordance with the invention, a seal 50 is arranged within the housing downstream of the locking means along the insertion direction.

[0055] Thus, in operation, tube 60 can be inserted into channel 24 along insertion direction "u." During that insertion, the outer surface of tube 60 contacts clean seal 25, which retains any impurities that may be present on the outer surface by rubbing against the aforementioned surface, while the sleeve penetrates (or fits) into the tube for guidance purposes. The clean seal also provides a seal between the inner wall of the channel and the outer surface of tube 60.

[0056] Upon insertion, the tube successively encounters the locking means and then the seal 50. The locking means is configured to resist withdrawal of the tube from the housing, particularly when in contact with the outer surface of the tube. The seal 50 is configured to provide a seal between the inner surface and the side of the tube that may be inserted into the housing 11.

[0057] It will therefore be appreciated that as soon as pressurized fluid flows through the pipe coupling assembly, the locking ring moves rearward (moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction) and abuts the retaining ring, particularly at the free end of the retaining portion 23. This latter movement has the effect of pressing the snap-fit ​​collar 23 and the annular surface 14a together.

[0058] There are also situations where the tube is not tightly fitted to the housing. This can occur particularly when the seal is not properly or uniformly compressed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the tube. For example, the presence of defects or other impurities on the outer surface of the tube can alter the tightness of the assembly and result in leakage of pressurized fluid. Alternatively, a free end of the tube with too pronounced a bevel (indicated by the arrow in Figure 7) can limit contact between the outer surface of the tube and the seal, thus creating a leakage path for the pressurized fluid.

[0059] Therefore, if the assembly is not sealed, the pressurized fluid can only escape outward through the space between the body and the retaining ring (indeed, as mentioned above, the clean seal prevents fluid from entering the space between the inner surface of the channel and the outer surface of the tube).

[0060] The present invention therefore provides for implementing one or more vent paths in the space formed between the side of the retaining ring and the inner surface of the housing, in particular, the vent path or paths being arranged to allow outward leakage of fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring when the retaining ring is in its first position under the influence of pressure that may be exerted by the fluid.

[0061] In particular, according to the invention, the one or more exhaust channels are arranged so that the flow of fluid within the exhaust channels generates the emission of sound waves, more particularly sound waves having an energy at least equal to 80 decibels.

[0062] Such acoustic waves can be obtained, inter alia, by forming a passage for the pressurized fluid that allows a flow rate large enough to decompress the pressurized fluid so as to generate acoustic waves.

[0063] The dimensioning of the exhaust path follows the laws of pneumatics (pressure ratio and flow cross section limit the flow rate) and acoustics (power of sound waves is particularly related to leakage flow rate and listening distance), and a person skilled in the art will be fully able to dimension the exhaust path by reading the following.

[0064] Accordingly, Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 show four exemplary embodiments of the evacuation paths. In particular, Figures 8 and 9 implement a large notch 22a (Figure 8) and a small notch 22b (Figure 9) formed on the outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar. Figures 10 and 11 implement holes 22c and 22d that penetrate the snap-fit ​​collar along the direction AA' (Figure 10) and along the radial direction (Figure 11).

[0065] Alternatively, a groove 22e (oriented along direction AA') may be envisaged on the inner surface of the body that provides an escape path between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the retaining ring (Fig. 11).

[0066] The coupling device according to the invention thus provides a combination of an exhaust path and a retaining ring that limits or even prevents particles from entering the housing. The exhaust path(s) also bypass the retaining ring and are dimensioned such that acoustic waves are emitted when pressurized fluid traverses the exhaust path. Finally, the assembly play of the retaining ring compensates for dimensional tolerances between the ring and the body.

[0067] We were able to test the effectiveness of the vent path in revealing the presence of a leak by emitting sound waves.

[0068] In particular, the inventors were able to observe for the first time that in the absence of an exhaust path, whistling (or acoustic emission) is not detectable in the presence of a leak.

[0069] However, when the retaining ring includes one or more holes and / or one or more notches formed in the snap-fit ​​collar, a whistle sound having an intensity greater than 80 dB is detected when the assembly is leaky. In particular, a whistle sound having an intensity of 90 dB has been measured for an assembly subjected to an air pressure equal to 12 bar. The present invention thus enables leak detection in noisy environments.

[0070] Advantageously, the discharge path is 1.5 mm 2 This section detects leaks by emitting an audible signal when the pressure of the fluid in question is about 12 bar.

[0071] The term "cross section of the discharge path" means the cross-sectional area of ​​said discharge path.

[0072] It is understood that temperature, pressure, or even anticipated noise levels may require changes in the dimensions of the exhaust path (and in particular its cross section). These latter aspects are within the understanding of a person skilled in the art who, based on general knowledge in the fields of thermodynamics and acoustics, can dimension the exhaust path, in particular the notches and / or holes, according to the conditions imposed.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for connecting a pipe to a connecting device according to the invention.

[0074] The method includes connecting the coupling device to the female element at its end 10b. The method also includes connecting the tube by inserting the tube into the housing through the ring along an insertion direction u until it engages with the locking means.

[0075] The method further comprises dimensioning the exhaust path so as to allow the emission of an audible signal having an intensity greater than 80 dB in the event of a fluid leak, the dimensions being available to those skilled in the art either theoretically based on the laws of thermodynamics and acoustics or empirically, in particular by carrying out experimental measurements, it being understood that the dimensions considered depend on various parameters, in particular the pressure of the fluid, the intensity of the noise level expected in the event of a leak, the fluid being considered, etc.

[0076] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but variations can be added thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A coupling device for a pipe (60), comprising: a body (10) defining a rotationally symmetrical housing (12) with an opening for inserting a tube (60) in an insertion direction, said housing (12) being defined by an internal surface (13) and comprising a first shoulder forming a widening of said housing (12) in the insertion direction; a retaining ring (20) to be inserted at least partially into the housing (12) through the opening and comprising, in the insertion direction, a base (21), for example a circular base, and a rotationally symmetrical retaining portion (22) having a diameter smaller than the extent of the base (21), the retaining portion (22) having a snap-fit ​​collar (23) on its side, the snap-fit ​​collar (23) configured to engage with the first shoulder, thereby allowing the retaining ring (20) to remain clipped in the housing (12), the retaining ring (20) defining a channel (24) by means of which the tube (60) is intended to be inserted into the housing (12); the retaining ring (20) is mounted in the housing (12) with a non-zero axial play so as to assume either a first position or a second position, the first position requiring support of the collar against a first shoulder in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the second position requiring abutment of the base (21) against abutment means formed on the body (10) in the insertion direction, and an escape path is also provided in the space formed between the side surface and the inner surface (13) and is arranged to allow fluid that may be present in a chamber downstream of the retaining ring (20) to escape outwardly under the influence of pressure that may be exerted by the fluid when the ring is in its first position, the escape path being arranged such that a flow of the fluid in the escape path generates an acoustic wave emission.

2. 2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the escape path comprises one or more holes (22c, 22d) formed in the snap-fit ​​collar (23).

3. 2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the escape path comprises one or more notches (22a, 22b) formed on an outer contour of the snap-fit ​​collar (23).

4. 2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the relief path comprises a longitudinal groove (22e) formed in the inner surface (13).

5. The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a guide (40) with a sleeve (41) extending from a free end (40a) in the insertion direction, the guide intended to guide the tube (60) during the insertion of the tube (60) into the housing (12).

6. A coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising locking means arranged in the housing (12) downstream of the retaining ring (20), intended to engage with a tube (60) inserted in the housing (12), advantageously said locking means comprising a ring called a locking ring.

7. 7. The coupling device of claim 6, wherein a seal (50) is disposed within the housing (12) downstream of the locking means, the seal (50) being configured to provide a seal between the inner surface (13) and a side of the tube (60) insertable into the housing (12).

8. 8. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein a clean seal is arranged in the channel (24) and configured to allow removal of dirt and / or dust that may be present on the side of the tube (60) when it is inserted into the housing (12), and advantageously the clean seal is also configured to provide a seal between the inner surface of the retaining part (22) and the side of the tube (60) insertable into the housing (12), thereby preventing any leakage of fluid that may be present in the chamber downstream of the retaining ring (20) when the ring is in its first position under the influence of pressure that may be exerted by the fluid.

9. A coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (21) is configured to limit or even prevent dust from entering the housing (12) when the base abuts against the abutment means.

10. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment means are formed by an edge of the body (10) that defines the opening in the housing (12).

11. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment means is formed by a second shoulder formed on the inner surface (13).

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