FR3067440A1 - CONNECTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting a male element and a female element shaped to be inserted into one another by defining an overlap zone, the male element and the female element delimiting a first and a second channel extending into the extending one of the other and in which is intended to circulate a fluid under pressure, at least one of the male element and the female element being provided with: a coupling member of the male element to the female element, a sealing element of the connection of the male element to the female element, and an anticontamination seal mounted in a housing arranged at one end of the covering zone. The housing is shaped so that at least a portion of the anticontamination seal is ejected from its housing so as to be visible from outside the device.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of fluid transport circuits and more particularly to a device for connecting a tube, in particular although not exclusively, to a tube of a braking circuit of a vehicle.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to connect a tube to another element (another tube, distributor, actuator, valve, etc.) of a circuit for transporting pressurized fluid by means of a connection device comprising a body delimiting a channel having a first section connected to the other element and a second section arranged to receive an end portion of the tube and provided internally with means for sealingly securing the end portion of the tube therein. These means conventionally comprise an attachment member such as a clamp or an internally toothed washer, and a sealing element such as an annular seal intended to be compressed between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the second section.

A leak in the connection device irreparably leads to a reduction in the pressure of the fluid in the circuit. In some applications, such a decrease in pressure can be dramatic. This is the case for example in a circuit of a vehicle braking system where the safety of the driver and passengers is called into question since the reduction in pressure in the circuit risks rendering the control of the braking system ineffective.

It is recognized that the presence of a leak in a circuit is often due to improper assembly of the tube with the connection device. It is indeed common for the tube not to be sufficiently fitted into the body of the connection device to be engaged in the sealing element. A bad fitting generally happens because it is not easy to distinguish, during fitting, the insertion of the tube in the fastening element, the insertion of the tube in the sealing element, and finally the arrival of the tube in abutment assuming that there is one. This is all the more difficult since there are many types of fittings which involve different forces and provide the operator with different sensations.

The presence of a leak in a circuit can also be due to a defect in the sealing elements of the connection, a defect which may be of different types (manufacturing, storage, mounting, aging, etc.). Such a leak is then independent of the quality of the fitting of the tube into the fitting and can occur immediately after the first pressurization of the circuit as after several months of service.

It is also recognized that the search for the defective connection is not always easy, in particular in the case where the fluid is a gas, for example in the braking circuit of a truck where a leak is not detectable visually.

It would therefore be advantageous to be able to check the tightness of the fittings of such a circuit in service as soon as the circuit is pressurized, but also to be able to quickly identify the defective fitting (s).

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention therefore aims to provide a connection device to meet the above needs.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention provides a device for connecting a male element and a female element shaped to be inserted one into the other by defining an overlap zone. The male element and the female element define a first and a second channel extending in the extension of one another and in which is intended to circulate a fluid under pressure, at least one of the element male and the female element being provided:

- a member for attaching the male element to the female element,

- a sealing element for the connection of the male element to the female element, and

- an anti-contamination seal mounted in a housing arranged at one end of the covering zone.

According to the invention, the housing is shaped so that at least a portion of the anti-contamination seal is ejected from its housing so as to be visible from outside the device.

In this way, when the circuit is under pressure, the anti-contamination seal acts as a visual indicator making it possible to check the tightness of the device. What is more, the identification of a defective connection is facilitated since a simple visual inspection of the particularly of the covering end, allows the user to identify the connection (s) whose connection is defective.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the male element is a tube and the female element is a fittings in service, of the and more zone of tubular body of connection. According to another embodiment, the the male element is a tubular cartridge body and the female element a circuit component comprising a bore opening on one end of the component.

In a particular way, the anti-contamination seal is mounted and housed in the vicinity of one end of the attachment member, which makes it possible to reduce the number of elements constituting the device, and therefore the reliability and the cost of a such device.

According to a particular characteristic, the housing is shaped to guarantee, during a leak in the connection, a partial ejection of the anti-contamination seal. The anti-contamination seal then remains in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the canal. The search for a faulty fitting is then all the easier when the inspection area is reduced.

Advantageously, the partial ejection of the anti-contamination seal is calibrated to allow, when the pressure is leaking, to escape an audible signal.

For this purpose, pressure, the user connection, to the fluid under the device by emitting one when the circuit is under will be warned of any leakage in the fitting, in particular of the insufficient fitting of the tube in the fitting. The identification of the faulty fitting is facilitated since the description also the user will only have to assess where the audible signal comes from to identify the offending fitting.

According to a particular characteristic, the housing comprises at the entrance of the channel a shaped bead to hold at least a portion of the anti-contamination seal in its housing in the event of a leak in the connection.

According to a particular characteristic, the bead is circular.

In particular, the bead is of variable height.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will be better understood below, which light is purely illustrative and not limiting, of particular embodiments of the invention.

Reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which:

FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a connection device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of the connection device in service,

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of the device in service in which the seal is absent,

- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 of a connection device in service according to a

second fashion the of achievement figure 5 is of the invention, a next view the plan of section V of device illustrated connection to the figure 4, the Figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 2

of a connection device in service according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 and according to the first embodiment of the invention, the connection device generally designated at 1 is intended to be installed in a fluid circuit to ensure the connection of a tube 2 to the rest of the fluid. The connection device 1 comprises a body 3, of tubular shape and here produced in a single piece delimiting a channel 4. The body 3 comprises sections 3a, 3b, 3c coaxial with each other.

The first section 3a has a rigid end piece comprising at least one external relief 5, for example fir teeth, allowing the section 3a to be engaged and anchored in a bore of a component not shown in the fluid circuit in which the device connection is intended to be installed. The first section 3a delimits a bore 6 forming a portion of the channel 4.

The second section 3b of the body 3 defines a bore 7 shaped to receive an end portion 8 of the tube 2.

The third section 3c delimits a bore 9 leading to an inlet orifice of the channel 4 and is shaped to receive a seal 10 and retaining means 11, 12 making it possible to subject the end portion 8 in leaktight manner from tube 2 into channel 4.

The seal 10 is housed at the bottom of the bore 9 of the third section 3c and is locked axially by the retaining means 11, 12.

The retaining means 11, 12 comprise an axially movable clamp, one end portion of which is furthest inside the body and is provided with axial grooves delimiting between them elastically deformable arms. A free end of the elastically deformable arms has an internal surface provided with asperities 11a intended to bite an external surface 8a of the end portion 8 of the tube 2. The clamp 11 a, on the side of the free end of the elastically deformable arms , an outer surface 11b of frustoconical shape to cooperate with an inner surface 12a of an insert 12 fixed in the third section 3c of the body 3. The arrangement of the insert 12 and the clamp 11 is such that an axial displacement of the clamp 11 towards the inlet of the third section 3c generates a radial displacement of the asperities 11a of the clamp 11 towards the central axis of the body 3. The asperities 11a are shaped so as not to oppose the fitting of the end portion 8 of the tube 2 in the channel 4 and to oppose the withdrawal of the tube 2 when it is sufficiently fitted to cooperate with the clamp 11.

The insert 12 comprises at the inlet of the channel 4 a housing 12b in which is mounted an anti-contamination seal 13 (also known as a dust seal) intended to be in contact with the external surface 8a of the end portion 8 of the tube 2 The housing comprises a circular bead 12c making it possible to maintain the anti-contamination seal 13 inside the housing 12b during the handling of the device without preventing its mounting.

The connection device 1 also comprises a fur 14 moving axially in the body 3 and on which is intended to be fitted the end portion 8 of the tube 2. The fur 14 has at one end opposite the entry of the channel 4 a shoulder 15 forming a stop for the fitting of the tube 2 on the fur 14. The end of the fur 14 also has axial grooves delimiting between them elastically deformable arms 16 shaped to cooperate with a relief 18 delimiting the bores 6 and 7 of the body 3.

The operation of the connection device 1 is detailed in Figures 2 and 3.

In accordance with FIG. 2, the tube 2 is fitted onto the fur 14 until the portion 2 comes into abutment against the fur 14. Continuing at the end 8 of the tube the shoulder 15 of the fitting of the tube 2 in the channel 4, the fur 14 then moves axially until the elastically deformable arms 16 cooperate with the relief 18 by emitting an audible signal comparable to a snap noise. The fitting length of the tube 2 in the body 3 is then greater than the length of the bore 9 of the first section 3a in which the seal 10 and the retaining means 11, 12 are mounted.

In this way, the audible signal emitted when the fur 14 is clipped into the body 3 allows the operator to ensure that it has sufficiently fitted the end portion 8 of the tube 2 into the channel 4 without the need for pressurize the circuit.

Any release force exerted on the tube 2 causes an axial displacement of the clamp 11 whose asperities 11a are in contact with the external surface 8a of the end portion 8 of the tube 2. The clamping force exerted by the asperities 11a increases if the tube 2 recedes.

In service, the anti-contamination seal 13 is perfectly visible from outside the connection device 1. It is therefore possible at any time to visually check that the anti-contamination seal 13 is indeed in its housing 12b, that is to say at inside the channel 4 behind the bead 12c. It is also possible to use the anti-contamination seal 13 to identify circuits using the connection device 1, for example by making anti-contamination seals of different colors matched to the color of the tube or a mark on the tube, or to a marking affixed in the vicinity of the connection device.

In the event of failure or absence of the seal 10 (FIG. 3), a fluid 19 circulating under pressure inside the tube 2 tends to pass through the retaining means 11, 12 to exert an axial pressure on the seal anticontamination 13 which is then pressed against the bead 12c of the housing 12b. In the case where the pressure of the fluid 19 is high, the anti-contamination seal 13 tends to deform and to move axially so as to be initially compressed between the bead 12c and the external surface 8a of the end portion 8 of the tube 2, then in a second step ejected from the device for connecting the tube 2. The anti-contamination seal 13 is then axially translated along the end portion 8 of the tube 2 set back from the inlet of the channel 4 and then resumes its initial shape . The ejection of the anti-contamination seal 13 from the connection device 1 thus creates a leak path from which the fluid 19 escapes.

Thus, any leakage of the connection device 1 in service can be detected simply by visually inspecting it to verify the correct positioning of the anti-contamination seal. In the case of a braking circuit of a truck, the fluid 19 is air under pressure. It then suffices to visually inspect each connection 1 of the circuit, to identify the connection or fittings from which the anti-contamination seal 13 has been ejected from its housing 12b.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention relating, as before, to a connection device 101 intended to be installed in a fluid circuit to ensure connection to the rest of the fluid circuit. Connection 101 is similar to connection 1 except that the bead is no longer circular here.

The connection device 101 thus comprises a tubular body 103 in which is retained in an identical manner to previously retaining means 111, 112, a seal 110 and a fur 114 movable axially to seal an end portion 108 of the tube 102 in the body 103. The retaining means 111, 112 comprise a clamp 111 and an insert

112 equipped with a housing 112b in which an anti-contamination seal 113 is mounted.

As before, the anti-contamination seal to the device user of a device device tube

102 of

113 is held in its housing 112b using a bead 112c. In accordance with FIG. 5, the bead 112c is no longer completely circular here but has a half-moon shape on a lower portion, so that the height of the bead is up to 1.5 times greater in the lower part than 'at the top.

The operation of the connection device 101 is substantially identical to that of the connection device 1.

In the event of failure or absence of the seal 110, a fluid 119 circulating under pressure inside the tube 102 tends to pass through the retaining means 111, 112 to exert an axial pressure on the anti-contamination seal 113 which then found pressed against the bead 112c of the housing 112b. Under the effect of pressure, the anti-contamination seal 113 tends to deform, in particular and more particularly in the upper part where the anti-contamination seal 113 is first compressed between the bead 112c and the external surface 108a of the end portion 108, then in a second step ejected from the device for connecting the tube 2. The height of the bead 112c in the lower part is such that the lower part of the anti-contamination seal 113 cannot escape from the housing 112b. The ejection of the anti-contamination seal 113 is then partial, the anti-contamination seal 113 then being found in a transverse position relative to the axis of the connection device 101.

The partial ejection of the anti-contamination seal 113 then forces the fluid to escape from the connection device 101 essentially at the top. To this end, the fluid escapes from the connection device 101 by emitting an audible signal such as a hissing sound due in particular to the vibrations of the seal.

In this way, any leakage of the connection device 101 is detectable without visually inspecting the latter. Likewise, the search for a faulty connection in a circuit is simplified since the audible signal makes it possible to easily spot a fault.

The embodiment of the or FIG. 6 illustrates one of the invention, particularly a cartridge type device intended for third mode connections concerning more connection 201 to be installed, as previously, in a fluid circuit to ensure the connection of a tube 202 to the rest of the fluid circuit.

The connection device 201 comprises, as before, a tubular body 203 delimiting a channel 204 and comprising sections 203a, 203b, 203c coaxial with each other.

The first section 203a comprises a rigid end piece comprising, in an identical manner to the previous embodiments, external reliefs 205 allowing the section 3a to be engaged and anchored in the tube 202.

The second section 203b of the body 203 comprises on an outer surface a coupling washer 211 and a ring 212 provided with a first anti-contamination seal 220 and shaped to receive a second anti-contamination seal 213 in a housing 212b. The housing 212b comprises a circular bead 212c making it possible to maintain the second anti-contamination seal 213 in its housing 212b during the handling of the body 203 without preventing its mounting.

The third section 3c has an outer surface around and projecting radially from which extend shoulders intended to collect a seal 210 and axially immobilize the latching washer.

211.

The tubular body thus forms a cartridge intended to be fitted in a sealed manner in a first bore 241 of a component 240 comprising a second bore 242 coaxial with the first bore 241 and extending the channel 204.

The operation of the connection device 201 is substantially identical to that of the previous connection devices 1, 101.

In the event of failure or absence of the seal 210, a fluid circulating under pressure inside the tube 202 tends to pass through the fastening washer 211 to exert a substantially axial pressure on the second anti-contamination seal 213 which finds himself totally ejected from his home.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant coming within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The retaining means 11, 12, 111, 112, for sealingly securing the end portion 8, 108, of the tube 2, 102 in the connection device 1, 101 may comprise elements different from the clamp 11, 111 illustrated in figures 1 to 4, such as for example a hooking washer or a split rod.

Although here the variation in height of the bead 112c is unique, it can of course be multiple. The bead 112c can for example comprise two half-moons arranged opposite one another.

Another variant could also consist in replacing the bead 12c, 112c by multiple reliefs arranged on the periphery of the housing 12b, 112b.

Furthermore, with the aim of improving the detection of leaks, the color of the anti-contamination seal 13, 113 may be chosen so as to contrast with the color of the tube 2, 102.

Claims (8)

1. Device for connecting a male element and a female element shaped to be inserted one into the other by defining an overlap zone, the male element and the female element delimiting a first and a second channel extending in the extension of one another and in which a pressurized fluid is intended to circulate, at least one of the male element and the female element being provided: a member for attaching the male element to the female element, a sealing element for the connection of the male element to the female element, and an anti-contamination seal mounted in a housing arranged at one end of the overlap zone, characterized in that the housing is shaped so that at least a portion of the anti-contamination seal is ejected from its housing so as to be visible from outside the device. 2. Connection device according to claim 1, in which the male element is a tube and the female element is a tubular connection body. 3. Connection device according to claim 1, in which the male element is a tubular cartridge body and the female element is a circuit component comprising a bore opening on one end of the component. 4. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the anti-contamination seal is mounted and housed in the vicinity of one end of the attachment member. 5. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing is complied to guarantee, when of a defect sealing of the connection, an ejection partial of anti-contamination seal 6. Device of connection according to the claim 5, in which 1'éjection partial of anti-contamination seal is calibrated to allow, during a leak in the connection, the pressurized fluid to escape from the device by emitting an audible signal. 7. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing comprises at the end of the overlap zone a bead shaped to hold at least a portion of the anti-contamination seal in its housing in the event of a defect. sealing of the connection. 8. Connection device according to claim 7, wherein the bead is circular. 9. Connection device according to claim 8, in which the bead is of variable height.