FR3122459A1 - Device for connecting two ducts of a pipe comprising at least one connection system equipped with a system for longitudinally guiding a clamp and pipe comprising said connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for connecting two conduits of a pipeline comprising at least one connection system equipped with a guidance system of a clamp and pipe comprising said connecting device The subject of the invention is a device for connecting two conduits (32, 34) comprising: a clamp (50), and at least one connection system (42) comprising a base (44) having an internal face (F44) and an external face (F44'), first and second branches (46, 48) positioned at the level of the internal face (F44 ) as well as a system for longitudinally guiding the clamp (50) making it possible to hold it on the external face (F44'). This solution makes it possible to be able to choose a material for the connection system different from that of the clamping collar, which is less dense, in order to reduce the mass of the connection device. The invention also relates to a pipeline equipped with at least one such connection device. Figure 3

Description

Device for connecting two ducts of a pipe comprising at least one connection system equipped with a system for longitudinally guiding a clamp and pipe comprising said connection device

The present application relates to a device for connecting two ducts of a pipe comprising at least one connection system equipped with a system for longitudinally guiding a clamp as well as to a pipe comprising said connection device.

According to an embodiment illustrated in the , a pipe 10 (shown in phantom) provided for channeling a fluid, such as a hot gas for example, comprises first and second ducts 12, 14 abutting as well as a connection device 16 making it possible to maintain the first and second ducts 12 , 14 butted.

The first duct 12 comprises, at its end connected to the second duct 14, a first flange 18 which has a first plane connection face F18 as well as a first support face F18' frustoconical. In addition, the second duct 14 comprises, at its end connected to the first duct 12, a second collar 20 which has a second flat connection face F20 as well as a second tapered support face F20'. When the first and second ducts 12, 14 are connected, the first and second connection faces F18, F20 are pressed against each other at a junction plane PJ, the first and second support faces F18 ', F20' are substantially symmetrical with respect to the junction plane PJ and flare out approaching the first and second ducts 12, 14.

The connection device 16 comprises at least one connection system 22, configured to cooperate with the first and second flanges 18, 20, which has a base 24 extended on either side by first and second branches 26.1, 26.2 forming a angle, configured to be in contact with the first and second bearing surfaces F18 ', F20' in operation. According to one configuration, the connection device 16 comprises several connection systems 22 distributed over the circumference of the first and second collars 18, 20. In addition, the connection device 16 comprises a clamping collar 28 encircling the connection systems 22. operation, a tightening of the clamp 28 causes a concentric force on the connection systems 22 which generates a pressing force of the first and second connection faces F18, F20.

According to one embodiment, the connection systems 22 and the clamp 28 are metallic and interconnected by spot welds distributed over the circumference of the clamp 28.

Given this embodiment, this connection device has a non-negligible mass leading to a significant increase in the on-board mass of an aircraft given the large number of connection devices present in the aircraft.

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

1. au moins un système de raccordement comportant une base présentant une face interne et une face externe ainsi que des première et deuxième branches positionnées au niveau de la face interne,
2. un collier de serrage comportant une bande de matière formant un cylindre et positionnée contre la face externe de la base de chaque système de raccordement ainsi qu’un système de serrage configuré pour réduire le diamètre du cylindre formé par la bande de matière.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for connecting first and second ducts comprising:

1. at least one connection system comprising a base having an internal face and an external face as well as first and second branches positioned at the level of the internal face,
2. a clamping collar comprising a strip of material forming a cylinder and positioned against the external face of the base of each connection system as well as a clamping system configured to reduce the diameter of the cylinder formed by the strip of material.

According to the invention, each connection system comprises at least one longitudinal guide system for the clamp configured to keep it positioned on the outer face of its base.

As the clamping collar is held on the connection system by the longitudinal guide system, it is not necessary to connect them by welding points. Consequently, the connection system can be made of a different material from that of the clamping collar, thus making it possible to choose a less dense material in order to reduce the mass of the connection device.

According to another characteristic, the guide system comprises at least one loop, positioned on the outer face of the base of each connection system, having a passage orifice through which the strip of material of the clamping collar passes.

According to another characteristic, the passage orifice of each loop has a section identical to or slightly greater than that of the strip of material of the clamping collar.

According to another characteristic, each connection system comprises several loops distributed over its length.

According to another characteristic, the guide system comprises a groove positioned at the level of the external face of the base of each connection system configured to accommodate the strip of material of the clamping collar.

According to another characteristic, the groove is delimited by a bottom and two lateral ribs projecting from the bottom.

According to another characteristic, the connection system comprises at least one bar connecting the two lateral ribs; the bar, the two lateral ribs, the bottom delimiting a hole for the passage of a loop through which the strip of material of the clamping collar passes.

According to another characteristic, the connection system is made of composite material or of plastic material.

According to another characteristic, the connection device comprises several connection systems connected by the same clamping collar.

The invention also relates to a pipeline comprising first and second ducts connected by a connection device according to one of the preceding characteristics, the first duct comprising a first flange which has a first plane connection face as well as a first face tapered support face, opposite the first connection face, the second duct comprising a second flange which has a flat second connection face as well as a second tapered support face, opposite the second connection face, the first and second connecting faces being pressed against each other, the first and second branches of the connecting system being in contact with the first and second bearing faces of the first and second flanges.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, description given by way of example only, with regard to the appended drawings, among which:

is a perspective view of a connecting device and a cross-section illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

is a perspective view of a pipeline equipped with a connection device illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a cross section of a connecting device illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a front view of a connecting device and a cross-section along line AA illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and

is a perspective view of a disassembled connection device illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

According to an embodiment visible in Figures 2 and 3, a pipe 30 provided for channeling a fluid, such as a hot gas for example, comprises first and second ducts 32, 34 abutting as well as a connection device 36 making it possible to maintain the first and second ducts 32, 34 abut.

The first conduit 32 comprises a first end 32.1, a first axis of revolution A32 as well as a first collar 38, positioned at the level of the first end 32.1, which has a first flat connection face F38 as well as a first face of support F38' frustoconical, opposite to the first connecting face F38. The first connection face F38 is positioned in a plane approximately perpendicular to the first axis of revolution A32. The first connection face F38 and the first support face F38' form an angle which flares out in the direction of the first axis of revolution A32. According to a first variant, the first duct 32 and the first collar 38 form only one and the same single piece. According to another variant, the first flange 38 can be attached and fixed to the first duct 32, as illustrated in the .

The second conduit 34 comprises a second end 34.1, a second axis of revolution A34 as well as a second flange 40, positioned at the level of the second end 34.1, which has a second flat connection face F40 as well as a second face of support F40′ tapered, opposite the second face of connection F40. The second connection face F40 is positioned in a plane approximately perpendicular to the second axis of revolution A34. The second connecting face F40 and the second bearing face F40' form an angle which flares out in the direction of the second axis of revolution A34. According to a first variant, the second duct 34 and the second collar 40 form only one and the same single piece. According to another variant, the second collar 40 can be attached and fixed to the second duct 34, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

When the first and second ducts 32, 34 are connected, the first and second axes of revolution A32, A34 are approximately aligned, the first and second connection faces F38, F40 are pressed against each other at a PJ junction plan. In addition, the first and second support faces F38', F40' are substantially symmetrical with respect to the junction plane PJ and flare out approaching the first and second axes of revolution A32, A34.

The connection device 36 comprises at least one connection system 42 configured to cooperate with the first and second flanges 38, 40. Each connection system 42 extends over at least part of the circumference of the first and second ducts 32, 34 and has first and second ends 42.1, 42.2. According to one embodiment, the connection device 36 comprises several connection systems distributed over the circumference of the first and second ducts 32, 34. According to one configuration, the connection device 36 comprises two connection systems 42, 42' which each extend over an angular sector slightly less than 180°. Thus, the first and second ends 42.1, 42.2 of the various connection systems 42, 42' are closely spaced.

According to one embodiment, the connection device 36 comprises a single connection system 42 in two parts connected by a hinge to be positioned around the first and second ducts 32, 34.

For the remainder of the description, an axial direction is a direction parallel to the first and second axes of revolution A32, A34. A transverse plane of the connection device 36 is a plane passing through the first and second axes of revolution A32, A34 when the connection device 36 is positioned on the first and second ducts 32, 34. A length corresponds to a dimension taken in a longitudinal plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

Each connection system 42 comprises a substantially constant cross-section which has a base 44 extended on either side by first and second branches 46, 48 configured to be in contact with the first and second bearing surfaces F38', F40 'First and second flanges 38, 40 in operation. The base 44 as well as the first and second branches 46, 48 form an angle such that if the first and second branches 46, 48 were extended they would form a V. Thus, whatever the embodiment, the base 44 and the first and second branches 46, 48 are configured so that when a concentric force is applied to the base 44, the first and second branches 46, 48 generate opposing forces substantially parallel to the axes of the ducts 32, 34 which generate a force pressing the first and second connection faces F38, F40 of the first and second flanges 38, 40 against each other. The first and second branches 46, 48 flare away from the base 44. According to one configuration, the first and second branches 46, 48 form an angle substantially identical to that formed by the first and second bearing surfaces F38 ', F40' of the first and second flanges 38, 40.

The base 44 has an internal face F44 oriented towards the first and second branches 46, 48 as well as an external face F44' opposite the internal face F44.

In addition to the connection system 42, the connection device 36 comprises a clamp 50 encircling the connection system(s) 42.

According to one configuration, the clamp 50 comprises a strip of material 52 forming a cylinder as well as a clamping system 54, visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, configured to reduce the diameter of the cylinder formed by the strip of material 52 when a clamping force is applied.

In a transverse plane, the strip of material 52 has an inner face 52.1 oriented towards the connection system 42 in operation, an outer face 52.2 opposite the inner face 52.1 as well as first and second edges 52.3, 52.4 connecting the inner faces and exterior 52.1, 52.2. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, this strip of material 52 has a constant cross-section which has a width L52, corresponding to the distance separating the first and second edges 52.3, 52.4, as well as a thickness E52 corresponding to the distance separating the inner and outer faces 52.1, 52.2.

The clamp 50 is a simple, flat and metallic clamp, like a clamp marketed under the references ASNA0033, ABS0901, ABS0902 for example. Of course, the clamp 50 is not limited to these embodiments.

Whatever the embodiment, in operation, a clamping force applied to the clamping collar 50 causes a concentric force on the connection systems 42 which generates a pressing force on the first and second connection faces F38, F40 of the first and second flanges 38, 40 against each other.

According to one characteristic, each connection system 42 comprises at least one loop 56, positioned on the outer face F44′ of its base 44, having a passage orifice 58 through which the strip of material 52 of the clamping collar 50 passes. embodiment, each connection system 42 comprises at least two loops 56.

According to one configuration, each passage orifice 58 has a section identical to or slightly greater than that of the strip of material 52 of the clamp 50. Thus, the passage orifice 58 has a length L58 substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width L52 of the strip of material 52 of the clamp 50 and a height H58 substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness E52 of the strip of material 52 of the clamp 50.

According to one embodiment, for each connection system 42, loops 56 are distributed over its length, two loops 56 being positioned close to each of its first and second ends 42.1, 42.2. By way of example, each connection system 42 comprises four loops 56.

According to one configuration, each loop 56 has a thickness of the order of a few millimeters.

In operation, the loops 56 guide the clamp 50 and allow it to be kept positioned on the outer face F44' of the base 44 of each connection system 42. According to one configuration, the connection device 36 comprises several connection systems 42 connected by the same clamp 50.

According to another characteristic, the base 44 has a groove 60 positioned at the level of the external face F44' and configured to house the clamping collar 50 and more particularly its strip of material 52. This groove 60 extends over almost all or all of the length of the connection system 42, from one end to the other.

According to one embodiment, the outer face F44' forms the bottom 62 of the groove 60. In addition, the base 44 comprises two lateral ribs 64, 64' projecting with respect to the outer face F44' delimiting the groove 60. The bottom 62 has a width L62, corresponding to the distance separating the two lateral ribs 64, 64', equal to or slightly greater than the width L52 of the strip of material 52 of the clamp 50.

This configuration makes it possible to guide the clamp 50 and to keep it positioned on the external face F44' of the base 44 of each connection system 42.

According to one configuration, each lateral rib 64, 64' has an upper edge 66, 66' remote from the outer face F44' forming the bottom 62 of the groove 60 and a height, corresponding to the distance separating the upper edge 66, 66' and the outer face F44', substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness E52 of the strip of material 52 of the clamp 50.

According to another characteristic, the connection system 42 comprises at least one bar 68 connecting the upper edges 66, 66' of the two lateral ribs 64, 64', positioned in a transverse plane; the bar 68, the two lateral ribs 64, 64' and the bottom 62 delimiting the passage orifice 58 with a loop 56.

According to one embodiment, the base 44, the first and second branches 46, 48, the two lateral ribs 64, 64' and the bars 68 of the loops 56 are made in one piece and form only one and the same piece. Thus, the connection system 42 is made of composite material or plastic material, such as polyetherimide for example, obtained by an additive manufacturing technique.

According to the invention, the connection device comprises at least two separate parts, at least one plastic connection system 42 and a metal clamp 50. This design makes it possible to divide the mass of each connecting device by three. Given the large number of connection devices present in an aircraft, it makes it possible to reduce the on-board mass by several kilograms.

Whatever the embodiment, each connection system 42 comprises at least one system for longitudinally guiding the clamp 50 to keep it positioned on the outer face F44' of the base 44 of each connection system 42, preventing any translation movement of the clamp 50 in an axial direction while allowing sliding of the clamp 50 relative to each connection system 42 along its length.

Claims (11)

Device for connecting first and second ducts (32, 34) comprising:

1. at least one connection system (42) comprising a base (44) having an internal face (F44) and an external face (F44') as well as first and second branches (46, 48) positioned at the level of the internal face ( F44),
2. a clamping collar (50) comprising a strip of material (52) forming a cylinder and positioned against the external face (F44') of the base (44) of each connection system (42) as well as a clamping system ( 54) configured to reduce the diameter of the cylinder formed by the strip of material (52),

characterized in that each connection system (42) comprises at least one longitudinal guide system for the clamp (50) configured to keep it positioned on the outer face (F44') of its base (44). Connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the guide system comprises at least one loop (56), positioned on the external face (F44') of the base (44) of each connection system (42), presenting a passage orifice (58) through which the strip of material (52) of the clamping collar (50) passes. Connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guide system comprises at least two loops (56). Connecting device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the passage orifice (58) of each loop (56) has a section identical to or slightly greater than that of the strip of material (52) of the clamping collar ( 50). Connection device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each connection system (42) comprises several loops (56) distributed over its length. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide system comprises a groove (60) positioned at the level of the external face (F44') of the base (44) of each connection system (42) and configured to accommodate the strip of material (52) of the clamp (50). Connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the groove (60) is delimited by a bottom (62) and two lateral ribs (64, 64') projecting with respect to the bottom (62). Connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connection system (42) comprises at least one bar (68) connecting the two lateral ribs (64, 64'); the bar (68), the two lateral ribs (64, 64') and the bottom (62) delimiting a passage orifice (58) for a loop (56) through which the strip of material (52) of the tightening (50). Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection system (42) is made of composite material or of plastic material. Connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device (36) comprises several connection systems (42) connected by the same clamping collar (50). Pipe comprising first and second ducts (32, 34) connected by a connection device according to one of the preceding claims, the first duct (32) comprising a first collar (38) which has a first connection face (F38) which is flat as well as a first frustoconical bearing face (F38'), opposite the first connection face (F38), the second duct (34) comprising a second collar (40) which has a second flat connection face (F40) as well as a second tapered bearing face (F40'), opposite the second connecting face (F40), the first and second connecting faces (F38, F40) being pressed against each other, the first and second branches (46, 48) of the connection system (42) being in contact with the first and second bearing faces (F38', F40') of the first and second flanges (38, 40).