FR3071300A1 - TUBULAR CONDUIT ELEMENT AND DECOUPLING ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH SUCH A CONDUIT ELEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular duct element (1), in particular devolved to an exhaust system, which comprises a first connection end, a second connection end, a frustoconical flare in the region of said second connection end and, in the region of said frustoconical flare, an antirotation stop (5) provided in such a way that a connecting element, to be provided for connecting the tubular duct member (1) to an additional tubular duct element, is retained on said element (1) with anti-rotation lock, in the unfinished mounting state, in the region of said second connection end.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Tubular duct element and decoupling element provided with such a duct element ^ The present invention relates to a tubular duct element devolved, in particular, to the exhaust system of a internal combustion engine, preferably in a motor vehicle.

The invention further relates to a decoupling element provided with a tubular conduit element of the aforementioned type, as well as a connection device which is used, in particular, for the exhaust system of an engine. internal combustion, preferably in a motor vehicle, and comprises a tubular conduit element or a decoupling element of the aforementioned types.

The invention further relates to a connection link comprising a connection device of the aforementioned type, as well as to a method of connecting a tubular conduit element to an additional tubular conduit element.

According to documents DE 10 2013 106 075 A1 and DE 20 2012 008 100 U1, there is known a device dedicated to the connection, with vibration decoupling, of two devices of an exhaust system in which a flare frustoconical is provided at one end of a tubular conduit element having the shape of a bellows, in particular providing an inner part forming a socket and correspondingly molded. To be able to connect said bellows to an additional tubular conduit element of an exhaust system, this additional element is also provided with at least one frustoconical flare so that the two aforementioned frustoconical flares can, in the concatenation, be capped by a “V-shaped clamping collar” and be connected in a corresponding manner (by blocking said collar).

It then turned out to be disadvantageous, under determined circumstances, that the aforementioned collar could undergo a rotary shift, prior to the blocking of the connection, around a longitudinal axis of the assembly composed of the bellows and the additional tubular conduit element. As a rule, therefore, during the assembly process, said collar will not occupy a location easily accessible to the operator and the latter must, in general, manually actuate an assembly tool and / or manually assemble the elements. to be connected. Thus, in the case where said collar shows a rotary offset, a second operator must provide assistance in a time-consuming and expensive manner, or else assistance must be provided, in another way, to set up the mentioned connection.

The invention aims to counteract this situation and to provide a tubular conduit element, a decoupling element integrating the latter, a connection device, a connection link, as well as a method of connecting a tubular conduit element or a decoupling element to an additional tubular conduit element, which avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and can in particular, in a simple and economical manner, be the responsibility of a single operator.

A tubular conduit element according to the invention, in particular assigned to the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, preferably in a motor vehicle, is characterized in that it comprises a first end of connection ; a second connection end; a tapered flare in the region of said second connection end; and an anti-rotation stop in the region of said frustoconical flare, which anti-rotation stop is provided and produced in such a way that a connecting element, to be provided for connecting the tubular conduit element to an additional tubular conduit element, is retained on said tubular conduit member with anti-rotation lock, in an incomplete or unbound mounting state, in the region of said second connection end.

The anti-rotation stop proposed by the invention ensures that a connecting element, which must be provided to connect the tubular conduit element to an additional tubular conduit element, can no longer easily show a rotary offset on said tubular conduit element, in the unfinished mounting state, which clearly facilitates the connection of said tubular conduit element to an additional tubular conduit element.

In the present case and in the rest of the description, it should be understood, by the expression “unfinished mounting state”, a condition (of mounting) in which the connecting element is not found still in its final assembly state. In the case where said connecting element takes the form of a clamp (non-restrictive), this may mean that a screwable means, present in said collar, has not yet been blocked.

In a decoupling element according to the invention, including a tubular conduit element according to the invention, provision is made for said tubular conduit element to be connected, at least at its first connection end, to a flexible duct element produced, at least in zones, in the form of a bellows, knowing that the aforementioned connection can preferably be established physically. With maximum preference, at least one additional internal component, such as a flame tube and / or a coiled flexible hose, can still be housed inside the bellows. In addition or alternatively, at least one additional external component, such as a braided or knitted envelope, can also be placed outside said bellows.

A connection device according to the invention, in particular intended for the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, preferably in a motor vehicle, comprises a tubular duct element according to the invention or an element of decoupling according to the invention, as well as, moreover, a connecting element designed to connect said tubular conduit element (forming, if necessary, an integral part of said decoupling element) to an additional tubular conduit element. In the unfinished mounting state, said connecting element is retained on said tubular conduit element with anti-rotation locking, in the region of the second connection end, the aforementioned anti-rotation stop being provided for this purpose.

A connection link according to the invention comprises a connection device according to the invention and is distinguished by the fact that the connection element comes to cover the tubular conduit element, and an additional tubular conduit element , in a connection zone including at least the second connection end and the anti-rotation stop.

In a method according to the invention, designed to connect to an additional tubular conduit element, by means of a connecting element, a tubular conduit element according to the invention or a decoupling element according to the he invention, it is provided that said additional tubular conduit element is introduced axially into the connecting element, which connecting element is retained on the tubular conduit element with anti-rotation lock, in the unfinished mounting state, by the 'Intermediate anti-rotation stop, after which there is a control of the completed mounting state of said connecting element, for example, and without limitation, by blocking a corresponding screw means.

In all the cases mentioned above, the anti-rotation stop, present in accordance with the invention, ensures that the connecting element cannot rotate easily, in the unfinished mounting state, around a longitudinal axis of the tubular conduit element or in the circumferential direction, since it is retained with anti-rotation locking under the action of said anti-rotation stop. Said connecting element can thus be placed in a position suitable for subsequent mounting, and it will maintain this position even if, during said mounting, movements are imparted to the elements to be connected, in particular to said tubular conduit element according to the invention and to the additional tubular conduit element, as is regularly the case. In this way, the aforementioned connection link can be set up by a single operator, simply and economically, which means a huge advantage (pecuniary) in industrial production.

In a first improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, it is provided that the anti-rotation stop is provided on at least part of the periphery of said tubular conduit element. It has, however, been found to be particularly advantageous for said anti-rotation stop to be provided over the entire periphery of said tubular conduit element.

In another improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, it can be provided that the anti-rotation stop includes a cooperation structure by complementarity of shapes on, or in an external surface of said tubular conduit element in the region of the second connection end. Such a cooperation structure by complementarity of forms represents a structural arrangement of a non-rotating stop of a particularly simple and economical manufacture, which can also be easily implemented (at a later stage) on existing structural components, produced in series. .

In an improvement of this structural arrangement, it can be provided that the cooperation structure by complementarity of shapes includes, in the region of the second connection end, a profiled outer surface of the tubular duct element covering, preferably, the form of ridges and / or hollows extending, with maximum preference, substantially in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal direction of said conduit element. Preferably, said striations or recesses are identical to each other and are made over the entire periphery of said duct element, without the invention being limited to this particular feature, however. In addition or alternatively, a corresponding profiled (interior) surface can likewise be provided on the connecting element.

In addition or alternatively, in a further improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, it can also be provided that the anti-rotation stop includes a coating of said tubular conduit element with effective technical action on the friction in the region of the second connection end. In this way, it is possible to adequately adjust the friction of said conduit element relative to the connecting element, which makes it possible to achieve efficient anti-rotation locking. Additionally or as a replacement, a corresponding coating may likewise be provided on said connecting element.

In a further development of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, it can be expected that the anti-rotation stop is made for friction cooperation with the connecting element to be provided. In this case, in addition to the coating already mentioned, the creation of a roughness on said duct element is envisaged in the aforementioned region, in particular by an appropriate surface treatment. A choice of the material used for the manufacture of said duct element can also play a role in this context. As a variant or in addition, the connecting element can also be (internally) produced in a corresponding manner.

An improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, which is still different, provides that the anti-rotation stop includes an intermediate layer, in particular made of metal or plastic, located at least in the region of the second end. connection. The use of a plastic material is especially envisaged when said duct element is not subjected to excessive thermal stress. The aforementioned intermediate layer can ensure the establishment of the friction cooperation mentioned above.

Another improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention provides that the anti-rotation stop includes at least one element of cooperation by positive engagement, preferably a magnetizable device or exerting a magnetic action in the region of the second connection end. A connecting element can, in this way, be fixed to said duct element with anti-rotation locking when said connecting element is also of a design which is consequently magnetizable or exerts a magnetic action. In this context, the expression "exerting a magnetic action" means that a magnetic force, emanating from the aforementioned device, is able to permanently block a magnetic or magnetizable object. Conversely, "magnetizable" means that the corresponding object can be locked permanently under the action of such a magnetic force. As a device exerting a magnetic action, it is for example possible to envisage a permanent magnet or a material (of said conduit element or of said connecting element) with corresponding permanent magnetization. A magnetizable device would appear to be a material of any kind capable of being influenced by such a device exerting a magnetic action, for example a ferritic or ferromagnetic material (constituting said conduit element or said connecting element).

In an improvement of the tubular conduit element according to the invention, in turn different, it can be expected that the anti-rotation stop includes at least one material fastening element, preferably a layer of adhesive interposed between said conduit element and the connecting element. By means of this material fastening element, the connecting element can be temporarily blocked permanently on the duct element during assembly, in particular in the unfinished assembly state mentioned above. Said fastening element can be destroyed during the transition subsequent to the completed mounting state carried out, in particular, by said connecting element. In the case where said fastening element takes the form of a layer of plastic material or of a similar type, the latter can also be destroyed, in service, by subsequent thermal stress of said duct element, in particular by combustion or vaporization.

A first improvement of the decoupling element according to the invention provides that the tubular conduit element presenting itself as a flame tube is housed, at least by zones, inside the bellows and at a distance from the convolutions of said bellows. It can then preferably project axially beyond the first connection end. In the presence of the above configuration, in other words, the first connection end of the tubular conduit element, to which the flexible conduit element is attached, is located not exactly at the end, but in a central region of said tubular conduit element (relative to the longitudinal extent thereof). The duct element proper is extended and fulfills, on this continuation of its course, the function of a flame tube which is housed inside the bellows in order to protect the convolutions of said bellows against 'thermal influences, in a manner known per se, or respectively guarantee a well-defined guidance of the flow inside said bellows.

In a still different development of the decoupling element according to the invention, provision may be made for a connection end of the bellows to extend outside the tubular conduit element, as far as the region of the second connection end of said conduit element, and preferably ends in this zone, before reaching the anti-rotation stop, or else forms an integral part of said anti-rotation stop. Within the framework of the invention, a structural arrangement may in particular be provided in which the bellows is externally applied against the duct element by its connection end and extends, in this zone, as far as the region of the second connection end. When an anti-rotation stop is provided by means of profiling of the external surface of said conduit element in said region of the second connection end, as described above, this profiling can also be provided, at the same time, for the the aforementioned connection end of said bellows. In this way, the connection end of the bellows and the tubular conduit element form a unitary assembly. The same considerations also apply to the other types of anti-rotation stop described above. However, as already explained, it can also be provided that said connection end of the bellows ends before reaching said anti-rotation stop, which is then provided only on said tubular conduit element.

In an improvement of a connection device according to the invention, it can be expected that the anti-rotation stop, present on the latter, is achieved in one of the ways described in detail above, for improvements to the tubular conduit element according to the invention.

Furthermore, in another improvement of the connection device according to the invention, it can also be provided that the anti-rotation stop is at least partly on the connecting element, which has already been mentioned above . Preferably, the part of said anti-rotation stop which is provided on said connecting element is produced in addition and, with maximum preference, in addition to or in addition to the anti-rotation stop provided on the tubular conduit element. These considerations apply in particular to the cooperation structure by complementarity of shapes, already mentioned, in which it is possible to provide, on said conduit element and on said connecting element, cooperation structures by complementarity of forms which match or complement and interact, or interact. This also relates to the aforementioned coating or the aforementioned friction cooperation (respectively, the intermediate layer) which can be supplemented or even replaced by a corresponding structural arrangement in the region of said connecting element.

Structural arrangements of the tubular conduit element and the connecting element, complementing each other with regard to the anti-rotation stop, are likewise conceivable with regard to the previously mentioned devices, respectively magnetizable or exerting a magnetic action.

In principle, in a manner deviating from the description provided so far, it is also possible to provide the anti-rotation stop exclusively on the connecting element, or even on the tubular conduit element. additional, which will be further discussed below. All the above-described structural arrangements of said anti-rotation stop are conceivable for this purpose.

An improvement of the connection device according to the invention, to which extreme preference is granted, provides that the connecting element is produced in the form of a V-shaped clamp. In the presence of a such a connecting element, safe connections can be established in a proven manner, precisely also in the field of motor vehicle exhaust systems.

An improvement of the connection device according to the invention, still different, may provide that the connecting element includes an external connecting element and an intermediate element interposed, at least in part, between said external connecting element and the tubular conduit element in the region of the second connection end, knowing that part of the anti-rotation stop, associated with said connecting element (as described above), can be provided on said intermediate element. As part of this improvement, therefore, the connecting element comprises an intermediate element and an external connecting element, said intermediate element being located between the duct element and said external element. Preferably, on the one hand, the intermediate element is, or can be connected to said external element with rotary locking. In addition, said intermediate element can provide improved rotary locking of the anti-rotation stop with respect to said conduit element by providing, for example, cooperation structures by complementarity of shapes or similar types, as described above.

In this regard, in another improvement of the connection device according to the invention, the intermediate element may include with distribution around its periphery, on its side facing the tubular conduit element, first protrusions s' extending at least in zones in the axial direction. These protuberances can in particular be used, preferably, for entry into interaction with an anti-rotation stop based on cooperation by complementarity of forms, which has already been mentioned. Another object, sought by the aforementioned protuberances, can consist in that said intermediate element is, in turn, connected to the external connecting element with anti-rotation locking.

An improvement of the connection device according to the invention, which is still different, provides that the intermediate element comprises, on its side turned away from the tubular conduit element, second protuberances distributed around its periphery. These protrusions can be produced and provided, in particular, for permanently blocking or fixing said intermediate element on the external connecting element and / or for providing a means endowed with elasticity and fulfilling a stopper function opposing the extraction of an additional tubular conduit element introduced, or to be introduced into the connecting element. Since, in addition, in accordance with the invention, said connecting element can be connected to the tubular conduit element with rotary locking, this results in an extremely convenient possibility for connecting said tubular conduit element to the conduit element additional tubular.

In an improvement of the connection link according to the invention, it can also be provided that the connecting element establishes the fluid-tight mutual junction between the tubular conduit element and the tubular conduit element additional, when it is in the completed mounting state, that is to say for example, and in a non-restrictive manner, when the clamp is blocked.

In this regard, in a further improvement of the connection link according to the invention, it can be provided that the additional tubular conduit element comprises, in the connection zone, a frustoconical flare preferably located at one end, and is respectively provided, with maximum preference, of a frustoconical flare and of a frustoconical constriction appearing in particular in the manner of a bicone. Thus, the frustoconical flare merges into the frustoconical constriction, said flare and said constriction being carried out in the manner of a "bicone". The term “bicone” implies that a flare that is initially frustoconical is further followed, in direct continuity, by a frustoconical constriction towards a (free) end of said additional element, said flare and said constriction being, preferably of specular realization. Such a connection link has proven to be safe and reliable in motor vehicle exhaust systems, in particular, and is for example known from the documents DE 10 2013 106 075 A1 and DE 20 2012 008 100 U1 noted above. -before.

In general, it should be noted that the described anti-rotation stop does not necessarily have to be carried out in such a way that part of the latter must be provided on the tubular conduit element. On the other hand, in a variant of the basic idea, it is also possible to provide, or respectively carry out said anti-rotation stop only on the connecting element, as already explained in the context of a preferred embodiment.

Finally, the anti-rotation stop can also be provided at least in part, or even exclusively on the above-mentioned additional tubular conduit element.

In all these situations, the anti-rotation stop can be carried out, in principle, in the manner set out above relative to the present invention. As a result, the advantages mentioned are offered to the operator, because they make it possible to assemble the tubular conduit element and the additional tubular conduit element, in which there is no uncontrolled rotation of the element used for connection.

Other properties and advantages of the invention appear from the description of exemplary embodiments provided below, with the support of the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a tubular conduit element according to the invention;

2 shows the tubular conduit element according to Figure 1, by two detailed fragmentary views on an enlarged scale;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section showing a possible configuration of an additional tubular conduit element;

Figure 4 is an illustration, partially in longitudinal section, of a decoupling element according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a variant of the decoupling element according to Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an overall perspective of a connection link according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows other details of a connection link according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal section illustrating a structural arrangement of a connection device according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows an arrangement of the tubular conduit element, according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary end view of the tubular conduit element according to Figures 8 and 9;

Figure 11 is an exploded illustration of the connection device according to Figure 8;

Figure 12 shows the connection device according to Figure 11, in an intermediate state;

Figure 13 illustrates a connection device according to the invention, the assembly of which is completed; and Figure 14 shows an additional anti-rotation stop, between an external connecting element and an intermediate element (internal).

Figure 1 illustrates, in longitudinal section (longitudinal axis L), a tubular conduit element according to the invention which is designated, as a whole, by the reference 1. The element 1 is preferably made made of metal and is intended to be used in the exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle. Said element 1 comprises first and second connection ends carrying, respectively, the references 2 and 3, a frustoconical flare 4 being provided in the region of the second end 3. In FIG. 1, moreover, other references 2a and 2b are respectively assigned to an inner face and an outer face of the element 1 in the region of the first end 2, an inner face and an outer face of said element 1 being identified, respectively, by the references 3a and 3b in the second end region 3.

In Figure 1, the reference 5 designates an anti-rotation stop located in the region of the frustoconical flare 4, that is to say in the region of the second connection end 3. Said anti-rotation stop 5 is provided and made in such a way that a connecting element (not shown), which must be provided to connect the tubular conduit element 1 to an additional tubular conduit element (not illustrated), is retained on said element 1 with anti-rotation locking, in the unfinished or unbound state of assembly, in the region of said second end 3.

Structural arrangement possibilities of the anti-rotation stop 5 will be the subject of more detailed comments, based on the following figures.

Figure 2 is a detailed illustration on an enlarged scale showing respectively, by fragmentary views of right and left, the tubular conduit element 1 according to Figure 1 in the region of the flare 4. As shown in the Figure 2, said element 1 may include, in this region, an outer surface 5a extending essentially parallel, or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L (in Figure 1). The anti-rotation stop 5 already mentioned is preferably placed in the region of this external surface 5a, which will be developed in more detail below.

Figure 3 shows, in a longitudinal section, a possible configuration of an additional tubular conduit element 6 which can be used, according to certain aspects of the present invention, for the establishment of a connection link according to l invention or, respectively, for the implementation of a method according to the invention. The additional element 6 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a first connection end 7 and a second connection end 8. Between the first and second ends 7 and 8, and with appreciable offset towards said second end 8, said additional element 6 is provided with a “bicone” including a frustoconical flare 9 and, in direct continuity, a frustoconical constriction 10 symmetrical with respect to said flare 9. The element of additional tubular conduit 6 conforming to FIG. 3 is intended to be connected to the tubular conduit element 1 in accordance with FIG. 1. To this end, said elements 1 and 6 are preferably assembled coincidentally along the longitudinal axis L, the element 6 then penetrating through its second connection end 8, in the second connection end 3 of the element 1.

This is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4 showing, by a partial longitudinal section, a decoupling element 11 which surrounds the tubular duct element according to FIG. 1, identified by the reference 1, and l additional tubular conduit element according to FIG. 3, designated by the reference 6. The decoupling element 11 is also provided with a flexible conduit element 12 produced, at least by zones, in the form of a bellows with corresponding convolutions 13. Said bellows or, respectively, said conduit element 12 is connected to the tubular conduit element 1 preferably materially, in the region of a cylindrical and smooth connection end 14, in which case said end 14 of the bellows 12 comes to cap externally element 1 and has a line parallel to said element 1, up to the zone immediately preceding the anti-rotation stop 5. As already mentioned, the additional tubular conduit element 6 is introduced into the tubular conduit element 1 by its second connection end 8, so that it is internally applied against said element 1 (reference 3a, in FIG. 1) in the region of the frustoconical constriction 10 represented in FIG. 3.

A connecting element 15, produced in the form of a V-shaped clamp, establishes the secure connection of the tubular conduit element 1 and the additional tubular conduit element 6 or, respectively, of the decoupling element 11 and of said additional element 6, which connecting element 15 covers said tubular elements 1 and 6 in a connection zone, as illustrated. The anti-rotation stop 5 and the second connection end 3 of the tubular conduit element 1 are located in this connection zone. As shown in Figure 4, said connecting element 15 is provided, in section, with two branches 15a and 15b which are arranged in V relative to each other and which, in the assembled state illustrated in the figure 4, extend on the one hand parallel to the frustoconical flare 4 (cf. FIG. 1) of the first tubular duct element 1 (branch 15a) and, on the other hand, parallel to the frustoconical flare 9 (cf. Figure 3) of the additional tubular conduit element 6 (branch 15b).

These correlations are, once again, brought to light more clearly by FIG. 5, even if in a slightly modified form, the modifications having only to do with the concrete structural arrangement of the decoupling element 11. In accordance in FIG. 5, said element 11 also includes an interior component 16 taking the form of a coiled flexible pipe or an interior lining (non-restrictive acceptation), as well as an exterior component 17 appearing as a braided or knitted envelope (non-restrictive acceptance). The height of the convolutions 13 of the bellows decreases towards the connection end 14, which is facilitated by the braided or knitted integration, which is ensured by means of an "end sleeve" 18 in the region of said end 14. Such structural arrangements of decoupling elements are known to those skilled in the art and do not therefore need to be discussed further.

Figure 6 is an overall perspective of a connecting link 19 further including the connecting element 15, in addition to the tubular conduit element 1 and the additional tubular conduit element 6. In addition, the reference 15c designates a screwable means (bolt) serving to guide said connecting element 15 produced as a V-shaped clamp, when the latter is in the completed (locked) mounting state, in order to establish the safe connection of said elements 1 and 6. As illustrated, said screwable means 15c is housed in bent zones 15a 'and 15b' of said element 15.

Other details, in this regard, emerge from an observation of FIG. 7 showing, in particular, possible improvements made to the decoupling element 11.

The decoupling element 11 according to FIG. 7 is provided with the external component 17 presenting itself as an integrated metallic knit, at the two respective connection ends, below the end sleeve 18.

Said element 11 or, respectively, the bellows 12 may comprise, in a central region, an intermediate piece of smooth cylindrical construction which bears the reference 20. In the context of the present invention, however, said element 11 is in no way confined to such an embodiment with double bellows.

The fragmentary illustration on an enlarged scale, in the lower part of FIG. 7, once again highlights the conditions of connection in the connection zone. Unlike the structural arrangements of the tubular conduit element 1 hitherto illustrated, the latter is provided in the direction of the bellows 12, in addition to the frustoconical flare 4 already mentioned, with a frustoconical constriction 21 to which is attached an end section 22 with a parallel axis. Said section is located radially away from the bellows 12 and the internal component 16, and fulfills the function of a kind of flame tube, in particular to protect said bellows 12 and to guarantee a well-defined guidance of the flow to the inside of the decoupling element 11.

For the rest, concerning other details relating to the illustration of Figure 4, reference may be made to the disclosures of the above-mentioned correlative documents DE 10 2013 106 075 A1 and DE 20 2012 008 100 U1 to which, at in this regard, we will refer to their entirety.

Figure 8 shows, in a fragmentary longitudinal section, a structural arrangement of the connection device according to the invention, generally designated by the reference 23. Said device 23 also includes, in addition to the tubular conduit element 1 , the connecting element 15 assigned to the connection of the latter to an additional tubular conduit element (not shown) which can, in particular, be structurally arranged in accordance with FIG. 3. According to FIG. 8, said element 15 comprises an external connecting element 15 ′ which can have substantially the same configuration as that described above with respect to the connecting element 15, that is to say in particular provided with branches 15a and 15b according to FIG. 4. Said element 15 includes still further, an intermediate element identified by the reference 24 and produced, in accordance with the illustration in section, in the manner of an annular socket ire whose cross section flares it frusto-conically and which is arranged, for the most part, inside the frustoconical flaring 4 of said tubular conduit element 1. With regard to other details in this regard, reference is made to Figure 11 below. On the side facing said tubular conduit element 1, said intermediate element 24 is provided with first axial protuberances which are distributed around its periphery and two of which are visible in FIG. 8, with the designation by reference 24a. These first protrusions 24a extend in the axial direction, at least by zones, and are in particular intended to interact with the anti-rotation stop 5, which will be the subject of a more detailed comment below. Said intermediate element 24 is also provided, on its side turned away from said tubular conduit element 1, with second protrusions which are distributed around its periphery and only one of which is visible in FIG. 8, on which it bears reference 24b. The second protrusions 24b are produced and provided for fixing the intermediate element 24 to the external connecting element 15 ’and surround, for this purpose, said element 15’ from the outside, which will be discussed more precisely below. The second protrusions 24b also form a means endowed with elasticity which constitutes a stop preventing the extraction of an additional tubular conduit element (not shown), which must be introduced into the connecting element 15. For this purpose , said second protrusions 24b firstly comprise a branch 24c which points in the direction of the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the assembly and which merges radially outwards, in the region of a bent zone designated by the reference 24d, in an additional branch 24e extending, correspondingly, outward in the radial direction. If an additional tubular conduit element, in particular the additional tubular conduit element 6 according to FIG. 3, is now introduced axially into the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, it comes into contact with the second protuberance 24b in the bent region 24d and pushes said second protuberance 24b towards the outside, which returns elastically, due to its elastic properties, so that the branch 24c can come to apply, from the outside, against the frustoconical flare 9 of said additional tubular conduit element 6. Thus, the second protuberance 24b of the intermediate element 24 forms a sort of retainer opposing an extraction of said additional element 6.

In Figure 8, as in the other figures, the reference 5 designates the anti-rotation stop already mentioned. Said stop 5 is disposed on the end section of the frustoconical flare 4, in the region of the external surface 5a of the tubular conduit element 1 already commented on in support of FIG. 2 and it is provided, in accordance with in FIG. 8, of a certain number of striations or notches made in the material of the element 1 with a trace extending axially. In FIG. 8, a single stripe or notch of this type is explicitly designated by the reference 25, for the sake of clarity of illustration. Preferably, said striations or notches 25 cover the entire periphery of said element 1 in the aforementioned region, which also emerges from FIG. 9 (concerning at least the half-perimeter).

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view at the end of the tubular conduit element 1 in the aforementioned region, clearly showing the profiled surface (striations or notches 25) thereof.

In the introduction to the descriptive part, attention has already been drawn to the fact that the anti-rotation stop 5 can also be achieved in a manner other than by the striations or notches 25 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, to which reference should now be made.

It has also been mentioned, in particular, that the connecting element 15 may in turn comprise structures which can cooperate with the anti-rotation stop 5, on the tubular conduit element 1, in order to improve even more security preventing rotation. External edges 24f of the first protrusions 24a of the intermediate element 24 are, for example, provided for this purpose. Said edges 24f touch said stop 5, respectively the ridges or notches 25 into which they penetrate at least in part, which provides a very effective safety preventing rotation.

The scope of the present invention includes the ability to provide the connecting element 15 or, respectively, the intermediate element 24 in the region of the first protrusions 24a, with a coating or similar means with technical action effective on friction. The same is true for the tubular conduit member 1 in the region of the outer surface 5a. It is also possible to envisage, for the aforementioned elements, a design respectively magnetizable or exerting a magnetic action, with a view to an interaction with positive engagement, or else the presence of a material joining element (layer of adhesive) .

Suitable coatings can be deposited, in particular, on the first protrusions 24a of the intermediate element and / or on the tubular conduit element 1, in the region of the outer surface 5a, so as to optimize cooperation mutual of the aforementioned elements with effective technical action on friction, with regard to targeted safety preventing rotation.

FIG. 11 is an exploded illustration of the connection device 23 in accordance with FIG. 8. At this stage, it is essentially essential to return, in depth, to the configuration of the intermediate element 24.

Figure 11 highlights the configuration mentioned of the intermediate element 24, taking the form of a ring or a corresponding tightening sleeve in the direction of the tubular conduit element 1. We distinguish more fully the configuration of the second protrusions 24b which also include an additional branch 24g, at their end, in the continuity of the branch 24e already mentioned. The first protrusions 24a include a first branch 24h with a substantially parallel axis, as well as a second branch 24i extending roughly in the radial direction. A tongue 24j, punched in the first mentioned branch 24h, is substantially bent inward in the radial direction so that it can interact with the anti-rotation stop 5, respectively with the striations or notches 25 of the manner described above, in support of Figure 8, about the edges 24f.

Figure 12 shows the connection device 23 in an intermediate state, in which the external connecting element 15 ’and the intermediate element 24 are connected to each other. To this end, said element 24 is housed inside said external element 15 'so that the respective free ends of the first protrusions 24a, or of the second protrusions 24b of said element 15' are overhanging from the outside, said element 24 thus being locked permanently on said element 15 'in the axial direction. Said second protuberances 24b moreover fulfill the function of a retainer opposing the extraction of an additional tubular conduit element in particular in accordance with FIG. 3, to be introduced from top to bottom in accordance with the figure 12, which has already been repeatedly stated. The tubular conduit element 1, provided respectively with the anti-rotation stop 5 or the ridges 25, can now be introduced from bottom to top, in accordance with FIG. 12, into the interstitial space situated between the external connecting element 15 'and the intermediate element 24, the latter then entering into respective interaction with said anti-rotation stop 5 or with said ridges 25, by its first protrusions 24a, which effectively prevents the connecting element 15 from rotating in the circumferential direction , with respect to said tubular conduit element 1, with the element 15c required for the final assembly.

So that the external connecting element 15 'cannot rotate with respect to the intermediate element 24, two, among the first protrusions 24a of said element 24 (designated by the reference 24a' in Figures 11 to 13, insofar as they appear there) are laterally applied against the bent zones 15a 'and 15b' of said element 15 ', which zones 15a' and 15b 'are assigned to the reception of the screwable means 15c, as illustrated on the Figure 6, and also already described with regard to the latter.

Figure 13 shows the connection device 23 in the completed assembly state in which the tubular conduit element 1 is housed, by its second connection end 3 (and the anti-rotation stop), in the element 15 consisting of the external connecting element 15 'and the intermediate element no longer appearing (with the exception of the protrusions 24a and 24b). Said connecting element 15 is thus retained on said tubular conduit element 1, without being able to rotate, even when the screwable means 15c of said element 15 is not yet blocked. In FIG. 13, the dotted lines symbolize the continuation of the respective paths of the tubular conduit element 1 or of a decoupling element 11, and of the additional tubular conduit element 6, thus generally establishing a connection. 19 (see Figure 7).

This is shown once again in FIG. 14, the last appended figure, concerning the two bent zones 15a ’and 15b’ designed to receive the screwable means 15c.

It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the invention as described and shown, without departing from the scope of the latter.

Claims (1)

[Claim 1] Element of tubular conduit (1) for, in particular, an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, preferably in a motor vehicle, said element (1) being characterized in that it comprises a first connection end (2); a second connection end (3); a tapered flare (4) in the region of said second connection end (3); and an anti-rotation stop (5) in the region of said frusto-conical flare (4), which anti-rotation stop (5) is provided and produced in such a way that a connecting element (15), to be provided for connecting the duct element tubular (1) to an additional tubular conduit element (6), either retained on said tubular conduit element (1) with anti-rotation lock, in an unfinished or unbonded mounting state, in the region of said second connection end ( 3). [Claim 2] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) is formed on at least part of the periphery of said tubular conduit element (1). [Claim 3] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) includes a cooperation structure by complementarity of shapes on, or in an external surface of said tubular conduit element ( 1) in the region of the second connection end (3). [Claim 4] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cooperation structure by complementarity of shapes includes, in the region of the second connection end (3), a profiled outer surface of said element of tubular conduit (1) preferably taking the form of ridges (25) and optionally, or alternatively, of hollows extending, with maximum preference, substantially in the axial direction relative to a longitudinal direction (L) of said element (1). [Claim 5] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) includes a coating of said tubular conduit element (1) with effective technical action on the friction in the region of the second connection end (3). [Claim 6] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) is produced with a view to cooperation by friction with the connecting element (15) to be provided . [Claim 7] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) includes an intermediate layer, in particular of metal or plastic, located at least in the region of the second connection end (3). [Claim 8] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) includes at least one element of cooperation by positive engagement, preferably a magnetizable device or exerting a magnetic action in the region of the second connection end (3). [Claim 9] Tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) includes at least one material fastening element, preferably a layer of adhesive. [Claim 10] Decoupling element (11) provided with a tubular conduit element (1) according to claim 1, said decoupling element (11) being characterized in that the tubular conduit element (1) is connected at least at the first connection end (2), preferably materially, to a flexible duct element (12) produced, at least in zones, in the form of a bellows, knowing that with maximum preference, at least one additional internal component (16), such as a flame tube and optionally, or alternatively, a coiled flexible pipe, is housed inside the bellows (12); and that optionally, or alternatively, at least one additional external component (17), such as a braided or knitted envelope, is placed outside said bellows. [Claim 11] Decoupling element (11) according to claim 10, characterized in that the tubular conduit element (1) being presented as a flame tube is housed, at least by zones, inside the bellows (12), knowing that it preferably projects, in the axial direction, beyond the first connection end (2). [Claim 12] Decoupling element (11) according to claim 10, characterized in that a connection end (14) of the bellows (12) extends outside the tubular conduit element (1) , as far as the region of the second connection end (3) of said conduit element (1), and preferably ends in this zone, before reaching the anti-rotation stop (5), or else done itself integral part of said anti-rotation judgment (5). [Claim 13] Connection device (23) dedicated, in particular, to the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, preferably in a motor vehicle, device characterized in that it comprises the tubular duct element (1) according to claim 1 or the decoupling element (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, and a connecting element (15) designed to connect said tubular conduit element (1) to a additional tubular conduit element (6), said connecting element (15) being retained on said tubular conduit element (1) with non-rotating locking, in the unfinished mounting state, in the region of the second connection end (3 ). [Claim 14] Connection device (23) according to claim 13, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) is produced in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 9. [Claim 15] Connection device (23) according to claim 13, characterized in that the anti-rotation stop (5) is provided, at least in part, on the connecting element (15), preferably in addition and , with maximum preference, in addition to or in addition to the anti-rotation stop (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 9. [Claim 16] Connection device (23) according to claim 13, characterized in that the connecting element (15) is produced in the form of a V-shaped clamp. [Claim 17] Connection device (23) according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection element (15) includes an intermediate element (24) interposed, at least in part, between an external connection element (15 ') and the tubular conduit element (1) in the region of the second connection end (3), knowing that part of the anti-rotation stopper according to claim 15, associated with said connection element (15), is provided on said intermediate element (24). [Claim 18] Connection device (23) according to claim 17, characterized in that the intermediate element (24) comprises with distribution around its periphery, on its side facing the tubular conduit element (1), first protrusions (24a) extending at least in zones in the axial direction and preferably entering into interaction with the anti-rotation stop (5) produced in accordance with claim 3 or with claim 4. [Claim 19] Connection device (23) according to claim 17, characterized in that the intermediate element (24) comprises with distribution around its periphery, on its side turned away from the tubular conduit element ( 1), second protrusions (24b) produced and provided, in particular, for fixing said intermediate element (24) on the external connecting element (15 ') and possibly, or as a variant, to provide a means endowed with elasticity and fulfilling a stopper function opposing the extraction of an additional tubular conduit element (6) introduced, or to be introduced into the connecting element (15). [Claim 20] Connection link (19) comprising a connection device (23) according to any one of Claims 13 to 19, and characterized in that the connection element (15) covers the element tubular conduit (1), and an additional tubular conduit element (6), in a connection area including at least the second connection end (3) and the anti-rotation stop (5). [Claim 21] Connection connection (19) according to claim 20, characterized in that the connection element (15) establishes, in the assembled state, the fluid-tight mutual connection between the conduit element tubular (1) and the additional tubular conduit element (6). [Claim 22] Connection link (19) according to claim 20, characterized in that the additional tubular conduit element (6) comprises, in the connection zone, a frustoconical flare (9) preferably located at one end , and is respectively provided, with maximum preference, with a frustoconical flare (9) and a frustoconical constriction (10) which is presented in particular in the manner of a bicone. [Claim 23] Method of connection to an additional tubular conduit element (6), by means of a connecting element (15), of a tubular conduit element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a decoupling element (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, method characterized in that the additional tubular conduit element (6) is introduced axially into the connecting element (15 ), which connecting element (15) is retained on the tubular conduit element (1) with anti-rotation lock, in the unfinished mounting state, via the anti-rotation stop (5), after which it s 'operates a control of the completed mounting state of said connecting element (15).