FR3137734A1 - Improved tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube - Google Patents

Abstract

Improved tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube One aspect of the invention relates to a tubular assembly E comprising a tube 3 of revolution comprising at least a first axial stop 3440, a second axial stop 3444 intended to abut against a second tube to be connected, a sealing wall 36 comprising an internal surface 3460 formed by a recess 3060 making it possible to elastically deform the sealing wall 36 by compression having at least one axial component on an external surface of sealed deformation 3464 opposed radially to the internal surface. The assembly further comprising a fixing member 32 mounted and movable axially around the tube 3 between a free position and a stop position, comprising an axial fixing means 324 for fixing to the second tube and an axial stop 321 abutting against the first axial stop 3440 of the tube 3 in the stop position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Improved tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of the invention is that of tube fittings.

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a tube and an axial fixing member for fixing the tube to another tube in a sealed manner.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Metal tubes are known for transporting fluid from one zone to a second zone. It is often necessary to connect different tubes to each other. One problem is to ensure the seal between each tube connection.

One of the solutions is the connection by welding, however for several reasons for example risk of fire during welding or even access behind the tubes this connection is not possible in different uses. Removable connections between two tubes are then known. The two tubes can be manufactured by different suppliers, thus requiring fittings that adapt to the manufacturing constraints of the different manufacturers.

There represents a first set of tubes 1 connected to a second tube 2 according to a proposed implementation by the applicant.

The tube assembly 1 comprises a tube 10 and a nut 12 comprising a thread for fixing by screwing to the thread of the second tube 2. The first tube 10 comprises an internal surface surrounding a volume in which the fluid circulates to an open end . The internal surface is a regular cylindrical surface (same diameter) to reduce pressure losses.

The first tube 10 comprises a connection part 100 comprising a part of the cylindrical internal surface up to the open end and a conical external surface. The second tube comprises at its open end a conical internal surface corresponding to the external conical surface of the first tube each forming a sealing and abutment contact surface.

The first tube 10 further comprises a stop 112 against a rod 121 inserted in a bore of the nut to abut against the stop 112.

When the nut 12 is screwed onto the second tube 2, the ring 121 abuts against the stop 112 of the first tube 10 and brings the sealing and abutment contact surfaces of the two tubes together axially. Tightening the nut with the second tube 2 results in constraint of the conical external surface of the connection part 100 with the internal conical surface of the second tube. However, as the two sealing and abutment contact surfaces may have different sizing constraints, caused by the dimensional tolerances of the tubes, rod and nut which are linked to manufacturing and as this connection is made to the blind, it is necessary to “break-in”, that is to say a step of measuring and checking the connection to then ensure the blind connection of the two tubes. Indeed, in practice, the operator can, before mounting on a machine, tighten the nut on the second tube for the first time, measure the tightening torque, carry out a tightness test between the two tubes, loosen the nut and disconnect the two tubes then when connecting the two tubes on the machine make the connection by applying a tightening torque corresponding to the tightening torque achieved. In addition, this double step allows for running-in of the connection and makes it possible to verify that the two tubes have not undergone plastic deformation by this tightening.

This double step carried out by the operator is restrictive in terms of time and is therefore expensive. In addition, during multiple connection operations, the tightening torque may change due to wear between the thread and tapping or between the two conical surfaces.

There is therefore a need for a removable connector which ensures a good seal between the two tubes without the need for two operations for the user without modifying the second tube.

The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing a removable connection for two tubes, which ensures a level of sealing by metal/lubricant/metal contact and by an axial stop between the two tubes.

• un tube de révolution autour d’un axe comprenant une zone de connexion comprenant :
  • une paroi de raccord de révolution comprenant au moins un collet comprenant:
    • une première surface formant une première butée axiale, et
    • une deuxième surface formant une deuxième butée destinée à venir en butée contre le deuxième tube ,
  • une paroi d’étanchéité de révolution s’étendant de la paroi de raccord, la paroi d’étanchéité comprenant :
    • une partie inclinée comprenant:
      • une première extrémité formant un bord libre entourant une ouverture axiale du tube,
      • une deuxième extrémité opposée axialement à la première extrémité,
      • une surface externe de déformation étanche ayant un diamètre augmentant progressivement et continuellement de la première extrémité libre à la deuxième extrémité,
    • une surface interne opposée radialement à la surface externe de déformation étanche, formée par un chambrage permettant de déformer élastiquement la paroi d’étanchéité par une compression ayant au moins une composante axiale sur la surface externe de déformation étanche,
• un organe de fixation monté et mobile axialement autour de la zone de connexion entre une position libre et une position de butée, comprenant :
  • un moyen de fixation axial destiné à se fixer à un moyen de fixation complémentaire du deuxième tube à raccorder, et
  • une butée axiale en butée contre la première butée axiale du collet du tube dans la position de butée.

One aspect of the invention relates to a tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube characterized in that the assembly comprises:

• a tube of revolution around an axis comprising a connection zone comprising:
  • a revolution connection wall comprising at least one collar comprising:
    • a first surface forming a first axial stop, and
    • a second surface forming a second abutment intended to abut against the second tube,
  • a sealing wall of revolution extending from the connection wall, the sealing wall comprising:
    • an inclined part comprising:
      • a first end forming a free edge surrounding an axial opening of the tube,
      • a second end opposite axially to the first end,
      • an external sealed deformation surface having a diameter increasing gradually and continuously from the first free end to the second end,
    • an internal surface opposite radially to the external sealed deformation surface, formed by a recess making it possible to elastically deform the sealing wall by a compression having at least one axial component on the external sealed deformation surface,
• a fixing member mounted and movable axially around the connection zone between a free position and a stop position, comprising:
  • an axial fixing means intended to attach to a complementary fixing means of the second tube to be connected, and
  • an axial stop abutting against the first axial stop of the tube collar in the stop position.

Thanks to the invention, the sealing wall of revolution has the role of sealing and the radial surface abutting against the first stop makes it possible to determine the end of stroke. In fact, the operator can use a torque wrench to target the nut and during contact between the two stops (second stop against a stop of the second corresponding tube).

The sealing wall of revolution is in fact adapted to deform elastically during connection with the second tube by having the external sealed deformation surface bearing against an inclined surface of the second tube to be connected forming a seal between them. The nut in the abutment position on the first tube, when screwed onto the second tube moves the two tubes towards each other, such that the inclined surface of the second tube presses and slides (by friction which can be reduced thanks to a lubricant for example dry) on the external sealed deformation surface of the inclined part which elastically deforms the wall of sealing revolution until the second surface forming the second axial abutment of the first tube abuts against a stop of the second tube to be connected. In other words, the external sealed deformation surface is intended to come to bear and slide against an inclined surface (between radial and axial, for example at X° relative to the axis of the tubes such that the angle is measured on the side of the second tube) of a sealing wall of the second tube to be connected to elastically deform the wall of sealing revolution and thus form a seal against this sealing wall of the second tube.

During the first fixing of the fixing member to the second tube, the sealing wall will deform mainly elastically and can be locally plastically deformed, but during the various dismantling and assembly operations, the sealing wall only deforms. elastically.

In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the previous paragraph, the tubular assembly according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more complementary characteristics among those in the following paragraphs, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations.

According to one embodiment, the first tube comprises a main tubular zone comprising a regular thickness between an internal and external surface, the connection zone comprising a junction end extending from the main tubular zone having a different internal or external diameter of that of the main tubular zone and in which, the connection zone comprises an internal volume of the tube from the junction end to the first end forming a free edge surrounding the axial opening, the connection wall comprising an internal surface surrounding a first part of the internal volume and in which the sealing wall surrounds a second part of the internal volume extending from the first part of the internal volume to the axial opening.

According to an example of this embodiment, the internal surface of the connecting wall comprises different diameters, of which a part of the internal surface between two axial ends has a diameter forming the smallest volume of the first part of the internal volume, the first axial stop being located axially between the ends of the part of the internal surface.

According to another example, the internal surface of the connecting wall comprises a constant diameter, forming the first part of the internal volume of cylindrical shape.

According to one embodiment, the connecting wall comprises an internal part having a first diameter and a restriction zone between the internal part and the sealing wall, the restriction zone having the smallest diameter of the connection zone.

According to one embodiment, the connecting wall comprises a groove extending from the first surface of the collar to another abutment surface, the axial abutment of the fixing member being movable in the groove between the first axial abutment, and the other abutment surface delimiting the groove.

According to one example, the other abutment surface delimiting the groove and the first surface of the collar has a shape corresponding to the abutment corresponding to the shape of the axial abutment of the fixing member. This helps avoid deforming the stop of the fastener. According to an example embodiment, the end of the collar at the level of the first surface forming a first axial stop is a fillet.

• inférieure à celle de la deuxième portion comprenant la deuxième butée axiale,
• supérieure à l’épaisseur de la paroi d’étanchéité mesurée entre la surface interne et la surface externe de déformation étanche.

According to one embodiment, the collar comprises a groove dividing the collar into a first and a second part, the first part comprising the first axial stop comprising a thickness measured axially:

• lower than that of the second portion comprising the second axial stop,
• greater than the thickness of the sealing wall measured between the internal surface and the external surface of waterproof deformation.

According to one embodiment, the axial stop of the fixing member is a rod.

According to an example of this embodiment, the fixing member comprises an orifice for inserting the rod passing through the fixing member from an external surface to an internal surface facing the tube, the orifice d insertion comprising a section corresponding to the rod to an internal surface surrounding the tube.

According to one embodiment, the fixing member is a nut and the fixing means is a thread for screwing onto a thread of the second tube.

According to a variant, the fixing member comprises a thread for screwing into a nut of the second tube.

According to one embodiment, the sealing wall further comprises a cylindrical part of revolution extending from the inclined part to the second axial stop of the collar. This allows for better flexibility of the inclined part to deform elastically.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the sealing wall comprises only the inclined part extending directly from the second axial stop of the collar.

According to one embodiment, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is curved. This facilitates the elastic deformation of this inclined part during contact with the second tube.

According to one embodiment, the external waterproof deformation surface is curved. This allows for less friction through contact with the second tube during the elastic deformation of the inclined part.

According to another embodiment, the inclined part of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical elastic washer.

According to an example of this embodiment, the inclined part of the sealing wall has the shape of a conical elastic washer. For example, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is also frustoconical.

According to one embodiment, the thickness of the sealing wall between the internal surface and the external surface of waterproof deformation varies less than 10%. For example, which part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is concentric with the external surface of waterproof deformation (in the case of curved surface, they are therefore parallel.

According to one embodiment, each element is metallic, for example steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy. For example, the tube is a stainless steel type steel, the fixing means includes the axial fixing means made of stainless steel and the stop which is made of stainless steel.

According to one embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface is inclined relative to an axis of the tube with an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive. An average angle in the case of a curved external deformation surface is an average of the angles between the tangents of a section of the surface and the X axis. The average angle in the case of an external deformation surface watertight frustoconical is the angle between the line of a section of the surface and the X axis.

According to an example of this embodiment, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is inclined relative to an axis of the tube having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive.

According to another embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface is inclined relative to an axis of the tube at an average angle between 45° and 90°, the recess forming a recess delimiting the sealing wall forming its internal surface.

According to an example of this other embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface extends in the extension of the second surface forming the second axial stop of the collar.

According to an example of this other embodiment, the part of the internal surface forming part of the inclined part of the sealing wall is inclined relative to an axis of the tube having an average angle between 45° and 90°.

According to one embodiment, the collar is formed such that the second surface is at the axial end of the tube. In this example, the sealing wall includes only the inclined portion which extends directly from the second surface.

According to another embodiment, the sealing wall further comprises a cylindrical part of revolution extending from the inclined part to the second surface of the collar.

According to one embodiment, the connecting wall comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop, and one end of the connecting wall opposite axially to the sealing wall, a visual indicator corresponding to a covered area at least partially by the fixing member in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube. Thus this indicator makes it possible to indicate to the operator whether the first tube is correctly connected to the second tube.

According to an example of the mode comprising a visual indicator, the visual indicator is a marking indicating that the tightening is not completed.

According to one example, the visual indicator is only fully visible in the stop position.

According to another example, the visual indicator is partially uncovered from the free position.

According to one example, the fixing member comprises an axial end opposite the axial fixing means, the fixing member comprising notches at this axial end. This allows the operator to see when he is approaching the target position to be reached.

According to one example, the external surface extends from the other abutment surface to the end of the connecting wall.

• un ensemble selon l’aspect précédent avec ou sans une ou plusieurs des différentes caractéristiques des paragraphes précédents,
• le deuxième tube comprenant :
  • une surface d’étanchéité inclinée par rapport à l’axe en contact et en appui contre la surface externe de déformation étanche déformant élastiquement la paroi d’étanchéité et
  • une butée axiale en butée axiale avec la deuxième butée axiale de la paroi de raccord et dans lequel le moyen de fixation axial est fixé au moyen de fixation complémentaire,
• une couche de lubrifiant entre la surface externe de déformation étanche et surface d’étanchéité inclinée.

The invention also relates to a connected assembly comprising:

• a set according to the preceding aspect with or without one or more of the different characteristics of the preceding paragraphs,
• the second tube comprising:
  • a sealing surface inclined relative to the axis in contact and bearing against the external sealing deformation surface elastically deforming the sealing wall and
  • an axial stop in axial stop with the second axial stop of the connecting wall and in which the axial fixing means is fixed to the complementary fixing means,
• a layer of lubricant between the outer sealing deformation surface and inclined sealing surface.

According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the lubricant layer is a dry lubricant deposited on the external sealed deformation surface.

According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the inclined sealing surface of the second tube comprises a first free end and a second end opposite the free end extending from the radial surface forming the axial stop of the connecting wall, in which the inclined sealing surface is frustoconical having a diameter at the first free end greater than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface and a diameter at the second end less than the largest diameter of the external surface waterproof deformation.

According to one embodiment of this connected assembly, the elastic deformation of the sealing wall by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube forces the external sealed deformation surface of the first tube to press against the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

• une étape d’insertion d’un deuxième tube d’essai contre la deuxième butée axiale formant un ensemble raccordé de marquage, le deuxième tube d’essai comprenant des moyens de fixation axial correspondant avec celui de l’organe de fixation, le deuxième tube d’essai étant agencé pour ne pas déformer la paroi d’étanchéité élastiquement,
• une étape de positionnement de l’organe de fixation en position de butée, par une étape de serrage de l’organe de fixation au deuxième tube d’essai jusqu’à un couple prédéterminé,
• une étape de réalisation d’un indicateur visuel sur le tube.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of marking a tubular assembly according to the aspect of the previous invention, comprising:

• a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop forming a connected marking assembly, the second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the fixing member, the second tube test being arranged so as not to deform the sealing wall elastically,
• a step of positioning the fixing member in the stop position, by a step of tightening the fixing member to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque,
• a step of producing a visual indicator on the tube.

According to one embodiment of this process, the step of producing a visual indicator on the tube is a marking carried out by laser, for example all around the tube in an axially delimited area.

• un tube de révolution autour d’un axe comprenant une zone de connexion comprenant :
  • une paroi de raccord de révolution comprenant au moins un collet comprenant:
    • une première surface formant une première butée axiale, et
    • une deuxième surface opposée à la première surface, formant une deuxième butée axiale destinée à venir en butée contre le deuxième tube,
  • une surface externe comprenant, entre la première surface formant une première butée axiale et une extrémité de la paroi de raccord opposée axialement à la deuxième butée axiale, un indicateur visuel,
  • une paroi d’étanchéité de révolution s’étendant de la paroi de raccord, la paroi d’étanchéité comprenant une surface externe de déformation étanche ayant un diamètre augmentant progressivement et continuellement d’une première extrémité libre entourant une ouverture du tube à une deuxième extrémité opposée à la première extrémité.
• un organe de fixation monté et mobile axialement autour de la zone de connexion entre une position libre dans lequel l’indicateur visuel est au moins partiellement recouvert par l’organe de fixation et une position de butée dans lequel l’indicateur visuel est visible, comprenant :
  • un moyen de fixation axial destiné à se fixer à un moyen de fixation complémentaire du deuxième tube à raccorder, et
  • une butée axiale en butée contre la première butée axiale du collet du tube dans la position de butée.

Another unclaimed invention relates to a tubular assembly intended to be connected to a second tube characterized in that the assembly comprises:

• a tube of revolution around an axis comprising a connection zone comprising:
  • a revolution connection wall comprising at least one collar comprising:
    • a first surface forming a first axial stop, and
    • a second surface opposite the first surface, forming a second axial stop intended to abut against the second tube,
  • an external surface comprising, between the first surface forming a first axial stop and one end of the connecting wall opposite axially to the second axial stop, a visual indicator,
  • a sealing wall of revolution extending from the connection wall, the sealing wall comprising an external sealing deformation surface having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from a first free end surrounding an opening of the tube at a second end opposite the first end.
• a fixing member mounted and movable axially around the connection zone between a free position in which the visual indicator is at least partially covered by the fixing member and a stop position in which the visual indicator is visible, comprising :
  • an axial fixing means intended to attach to a complementary fixing means of the second tube to be connected, and
  • an axial stop abutting against the first axial stop of the tube collar in the stop position.

This invention makes it possible to indicate to a user that the first tube abuts with the second tube when connecting the two tubes via the attachment member covering the two axial stops. The visual indicator can be produced by the method described above.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

shows a schematic representation of an axial section of a tubular assembly according to the prior art.

shows an axial section of a tubular assembly according to a first example of a first embodiment in a free position.

shows an enlargement of the .

shows an axial section of a connected assembly comprising the tubular assembly shown in , in a free position.

shows an axial section of a variant of the assembly connected in a stop position.

shows an axial section of a connected marking assembly (M) in a stop position, according to a second example of the first embodiment.

shows an axial section of an assembly connected in an abutment position comprising a tubular assembly according to a third example of the first embodiment.

shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to the first embodiment in a first position showing contact of an inclined part of the first tube with an inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

shows a representation of an axial section of the part of the connected assembly of the showing a deformation of the inclined part of the first tube by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

shows an axial section of the part of the connected assembly of the in a stop position showing a deformation of the inclined part of the first tube by the inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to a second embodiment in a position before contact of an inclined part with an inclined sealing surface of the second tube.

shows an axial section of the part of the assembly connected in a stop position.

shows the connected marking assembly (M) in a free position comprising the tubular assembly according to the first example of the first embodiment.

shows a representation of the connected assembly of the in a stop position.

shows a representation of different side chains on an axial section of the first example of the tubular assembly according to the first embodiment in the stop position.

shows an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly comprising a tubular assembly according to a third embodiment in an abutment position.

shows an enlargement of the section of the .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

There shows a schematic representation of an axial section of a tubular assembly E according to a first example of a first mode of the invention.

The tubular assembly E is intended to be connected to a second tube 4 shown in an axial section in a connected assembly R in . In other words, the connected assembly R comprises the tubular assembly E and the tube 4 connected together. There represents a connected assembly R comprising a tubular assembly E according to a variant of the first example of the first embodiment. There represents a connected set R different from that of the .

The assembly E comprises a fixing member 32 and a tube 3 of revolution around an axis X. The tube 3 comprises a connection zone 34 and a main tubular zone. The tube 3 and/or the fixing member 32 are each metallic, for example steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy. For example, the tube 3 and the fixing member 32 are each made of stainless steel type steel.

The main tubular zone includes a regular thickness between an internal and external surface, in this case they are cylindrical. The delimitation of the connection zone 34 and the main tubular zone is formed by a junction end of the connection zone 34 extending from the main tubular zone by having an internal or external diameter different from that of the main tubular zone. The connection zone 34 comprises an internal volume of the tube 3 from the junction end to an opening 30 formed by a first end 3461 forming a free edge surrounding the axial opening 30.

There shows an enlargement of the at this connection zone 34. The fixing member 32 is mounted and is movable axially around the connection zone 34 between a free position and a stop position. The fixing member 32 thus comprises an axial fixing means 324 fixed to a complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4 allowing it to be fixed together. In this example, in this case by the fixing member 32 is a nut whose fixing means 324 is a tapping and the complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4 is a thread for screwing together one to the other. other.

The connection zone 34 comprises a connecting wall 342 of revolution comprising at least one collar 344. The collar 344 comprises a first surface forming a first axial stop 3440 and a second surface forming a second axial stop 3444.

Tube 4 also includes an axial stop 404 abutting against the second axial stop 3444 when they are in the abutment position (and therefore potentially connected to tube 3).

The fixing member 32 comprises an axial stop 321 abutting against the first axial stop 3440 of the collar 344 of the tube 3 in the stop position.

Thus, to carry out the fixing, here by screwing, the fixing member 32 moves along an axis of revolution X towards the tube 4, until the axial stop 321 abuts against the first axial stop 3440 of the collar 344. During fixing, here during screwing, the second tube 4 approaches the first tube until it is in contact with the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344.

In this first embodiment, the second tube 4 comprises an axial stop 443, in this case at the axial end of the complementary fixing means 424 of the tube 4.

The connecting wall 342 comprises a groove 3421 extending from the first surface 3440 of the collar 344 to another abutment surface 3422 (referenced on the representing a variant of the first example shown in Figures 2 to 4). The axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32 is movable in the groove 3421 between the first axial stop 3440, and the other stop surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421. The assembly E represented in the is a variant of that of the in that the other abutment surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421 is a radial surface whereas in the first example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the other abutment surface 3422 delimiting the groove 3421 has a corresponding shape to the shape of the axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32. In these two examples the first surface of the collar 344 (forming a stop) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the axial stop 321.

In this embodiment, the axial stop 321 of the fixing member 32 is a rod. The fixing member 32 comprises an insertion orifice 3210, visible in the section on the as well as in Figures 10 and 11 representing an external view of the first example of the first embodiment respectively in a free position and a stop position. The insertion orifice 3210 has a helical shape whose section corresponds to that of the rod 321, passing through the fixing member 32 from an external surface to an internal surface facing the tube 3. The orifice insertion 3210 makes it possible to insert the rod (by plastic or elastic deformation) into the groove by surrounding the tube 3. Thus, to form the assembly E, the fixing member 32 devoid of the rod forming the fixing member 32 is fitted onto the connection zone 34 until the internal outlet of the insertion orifice 3210 is opposite the groove 3421, the rod is then inserted into the insertion orifice 3210 (via its external inlet) which deforms and exits the internal outlet by deforming in the groove 3421 until forming the axial stop 321.

The tube 3 further comprises a sealing wall 36 of revolution extending from the connecting wall 342 opposite the first axial stop 3440.

The connecting wall 342 comprises an internal surface 3420 surrounding a first part of the internal volume of the connection zone 34 and the sealing wall 36 surrounds a second part of the internal volume extending from the first part of the internal volume up to the axial opening 30.

The sealing wall 36 comprises an inclined part 346 relative to the axis of revolution X of the tube 3, that is to say that its internal and external surfaces are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the axis of revolution X. The inclined part 346 comprises the first end 3461 of the tube 3.

The inclined part 346 further comprises a second end 3462 opposite axially to the first end 3461. In other words, the inclined part 346 is delimited in the axial direction between its two ends 3462, 3461. Beyond the second end 3462, i.e. the second end 3462 is also that of the sealing wall 36 (as in the second embodiment explained below, i.e. the sealing wall 36 comprises a non-inclined portion, in this case in this first mode of revolution a cylindrical part of revolution 360 (having its internal and external surfaces parallel to the axis of revolution X) extending from the second end 3462 to the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344.

The inclined part 346 further comprises a sealed external deformation surface 3464 having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from the first free end 3461 to the second end 3462.

The sealing wall 36 comprises an internal surface 3460 radially opposite the external sealing deformation surface 3464 formed by a recess 3060 making it possible to elastically deform the sealing wall 36 by a compression having at least one axial component on the external surface of waterproof deformation 3464.

There represents a section of a connected assembly R' comprising an assembly E according to a third example of this first embodiment, in which the differences in internal diameters of the internal surface 3420 of the connection wall 342 are referenced. A part 34200 of the internal surface 3420 has a constant diameter D3420 forming the smallest volume of the first part of the internal volume. The part 34200 is delimited between an internal chamfer and the recess 3060. The first axial stop 3440 is located axially at the level of the part 34200 of the internal surface 3420, i.e. between the internal chamfer and the recess 3060. Furthermore the example shown in is different in that the fixing member 32 is shorter axially and does not have the marking explained below.

In this first embodiment, at least before connection, the internal surface 3460 formed by the chambering comprises a diameter D3060 larger at the level of the second axial stop 3444 of the collar 344 than the diameter D3461 of the internal surface 3460 at the level of the opening 30. The constant diameter D3420 of the part 34200 is smaller D3060, D3461 than those of the chambering.

The second tube 4 comprises an inclined sealing surface 406 (referenced on the ) relative to the axis , initially, the external sealed deformation surface 3464 comes into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4, and during fixation, by moving the tube 4 towards the tube 3 through the member fixing 32, the sealing wall 36 deforms until the axial stop 404 is in axial abutment with the second axial stop 3444 of the connecting wall 342.

In the first example shown in and its variant in as well as in the third example in , the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4 is formed by a countersink and extends from an internal intermediate cylindrical surface formed by a countersink. The internal intermediate cylindrical surface comprises a diameter larger than the main internal surface extending from this internal intermediate cylindrical surface of the tube 4. In the second example of the , the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube 4 extends from a free end to an internal end attached to the main internal surface via an internal shoulder (the internal end has a diameter having a value between that of the diameter of the main internal surface and that of the diameter of the free end).

Furthermore, according to one example, the external sealing deformation surface 3464 is curved by being convex or frustoconical allowing it to deform while limiting friction when it comes into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406. According to one option, the part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is curved while being concave or is, like the example shown, frustoconical. The inclined part of the sealing wall can thus have the shape of a conical elastic washer.

The thickness of the sealing wall 36 between the internal surface 3460 and the external sealing deformation surface 3464 varies less than 10% and is preferably constant. In particular, the part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is concentric with the external sealed deformation surface 3464.

The inclined sealing surface 406 of the second tube 4 comprises a first free end 4061 and a second internal end 4062 opposed axially to the first free end 4061. The first free end 4061 extends from the radial surface forming the axial stop 404. The inclined sealing surface 406 is frustoconical having a diameter at the first free end 4061 greater than the largest diameter of the external sealed deformation surface 3464 and a diameter at the second end 4062 less than the largest diameter of the external waterproof deformation surface 3464.

In this first embodiment, the external sealed deformation surface 3464 is inclined relative to the axis X of revolution of the tube 3 at an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive, for example here 15° before deformation. The part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the inclined part 346 of the sealing wall 36 is inclined relative to the axis of revolution of the tube 3 having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive. Here, as this part of the internal surface 3460 is concentric with the external watertight deformation surface 3464, the angle is also 15°.

The external sealed deformation surface 3464 makes it possible to be in contact by forming a seal with the inclined sealing surface 406 of the tube by the forces exerted on each other by the elastic deformation when the axial stop 404 is in abutment axial with the second axial stop 3444 of the connection wall 342. The connected assembly comprises a layer of lubricant between the external sealed deformation surface 3464 and inclined sealing surface 406 in order to reduce the friction between these two surfaces during the fixation and therefore deformation.

In Figures 8a to 8c, we can see the differences in stresses in the sealing wall 34 as a function of the deformation of the sealing wall 34 during the approach of the axial stop 443 of the second tube 4 towards the second axial stop 3444 of tube 3. On the , the external sealing deformation surface 3464 is brought into contact with the inclined sealing surface 406, at the the tube 3 has moved closer to the tube 4 in an intermediate position (via the fixing member 32 not shown screwing onto the thread of the tube 4) deforming the sealing wall 34. At the we can see the tube 3 connected to the second tube 4 by having the axial stop 443 of the second tube 4 abutting with the second axial stop 3444 of the tube 3. In this position, the visible stresses exerted by the elastic deformation in the wall of sealing 34 allow sealing between the external sealed deformation surface 3464 and the inclined sealing surface 406.

According to a second embodiment, the assembly E and the assembly R are different from the first embodiment in that the sealing wall 36' of the tube 3 is different as well as the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4'.

Figures 9a and 9b represent a section of a part of the tube 3 and the second tube 4 of the assembly R at the level of the sealing wall 36' and the inclined sealing surface 406' respectively in a position not connected and in a connected position.

In this second embodiment, the sealing wall 36' comprises only the inclined part 346' which extends directly in the extension of the second axial stop 3444' of the collar 344' and the external sealed deformation surface 3464' is inclined relative to the axis of revolution X of the tube 3' having an average angle between 45° and 90°. Here the inclined part 346' includes only the external sealed deformation surface 3464' which extends in the extension of the second surface forming the second axial stop 3444'. The chambering in this second embodiment forms a recess 3060' delimiting the sealing wall 346' forming its internal surface 3460', a part of which forming part of the sealing wall 36' is inclined relative to the axis of revolution X of tube 3' also having an average angle between 45° and 90°. Preferably as in the first embodiment, this part of the internal surface 3460 forming part of the sealing wall 36 is parallel to the external sealed deformation surface 3464' and are each in this case curved (concave for the surface external waterproof deformation 3464' and convex for this part of the internal surface 3460). The collar 344' of the connecting wall 342' of revolution is therefore formed by the groove 3421 (forming the first axial stop) and the curved part of the external sealed deformation surface 3464'. The advantage of this second embodiment is to have a more axially compact connection zone.

The inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4' extends in the extension of the axial stop 404', up to a first free internal end 4060'. The inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial stop 404' are a frustoconical surface having an external diameter at the external end of the axial stop 404' greater than the largest diameter of the external sealing deformation surface 3464' and an internal diameter at the level of the first free internal end 4060' less than at least the largest diameter of the external sealed deformation surface 3464'. In this case the internal diameter is less than the smallest diameter of the external watertight deformation surface 3464'.

The sealing wall 36' with the second axial stop 3444' are arranged relative to the inclined sealing surface 406 and the axial stop 404' so that the inner end of the sealing wall 36' is first in position. contact with the inclined sealing surface 406 to elastically deform the sealing wall 36'. Then, as we can see in the , in the abutment position, the sealing wall 36' is elastically deformed by the inclined sealing surface 406' of the second tube 4' producing stresses in the external sealed deformation surface 3464' of the first tube 3 and in the surface inclined sealing 406 'of the second tube producing the seal. It can be seen that the deformation of the sealing wall 36' causes a deformation of the external sealing deformation surface 3464' which is closer to the frustoconical surface of the inclined sealing surface 406 than to its curvature in the state. initial (without elastic deformation before being in contact with the tube 4').

Optionally the tubular assembly E is marked by a visual indicator according to another aspect of another invention. Figures 10 and 11 represent the marking of the connected assembly R according to the first example of the first embodiment but can also be applied to its variant and to the second example as well as to the second embodiment. The marking can also be applied to the example described in by modifying it.

The connecting wall 342 comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop 3440, and one end of the connecting wall 342 axially opposite the sealing wall 36, a visual indicator 307 corresponding to an area covered with less partially by the fixing member 32 in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube 4.

In this example, as we can see in , the visual indicator 307 is only completely uncovered in the stop position. In this example, as we can see in , the visual indicator 307 is partially uncovered from the free position 307. In this example, the fixing member 32 comprises notches 327 located at an axial end opposite the axial fixing means 324. These notches make it possible to partially cover the visual indicator 307 and thus makes it possible to warn the user if the fixing member 32 is sufficiently screwed onto the second tube 4 so that the axial stop 404 of the second tube 4 is in axial abutment with the second axial stop 3444 of the wall of connection 342 of the first tube 3.

The marking process will now be described in relation to the representing different axial dimension chain on an axial section of the first example of the tubular assembly E according to the first embodiment in the stop position so that the marking works.

The stop 321 comprises an axial length l321, the collar 344 comprises an axial length l344, the fixing member 32 comprises a total axial length l32. The assembly E comprises an axial length L324 between the end of and the second axial stop 3444 of the connecting wall 342

The marking method comprises a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop 3444 of the first tube 3 forming a connected marking assembly. The second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the fixing member 32, the second test tube is arranged so as not to elastically deform the sealing wall 36. In other words the second test tube test does not include an inclined sealing surface 406 but includes an internal cylindrical wall comprising an internal diameter greater than the maximum external diameter of the sealing wall 36 of an axial length greater than the axial length of the sealing wall 36 , thus allowing the axial end of the second test tube to abut with the second axial stop 3444. This axial end is preferably a radial surface.

The method then comprises a step of positioning the fixing member 32 in the stop position by a step of tightening the fixing member 32 to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque.

The method then comprises a step of producing a visual indicator 307 on the tube 3, in this case following the notches 327. This step can be carried out by laser, for example marking all around the tube in an area delimited axially. In this case, the visual indicator is produced all around the tube in an axially delimited area indicating that the tightening is not completed. Thus, regardless of the side chain of lengths L324, L344, L321 and L32, the marking indicates to the user a screwing distance of the fastener to be achieved to ensure that a minimum pressure between the second stop axial 3444 of the first tube 3 and the axial stop 443. Thus, during the manufacture of the assembly E, these chains of dimensions each have a manufacturing tolerance generating differences between each object. The visual indicator makes it possible to indicate to the user when connecting the second tube to assembly E that the axial stop 443 of tube 4 abuts against the second axial stop 3444 of tube 3.

There represents an axial section of an example of a part of a connected assembly R comprising a tubular assembly E according to a third embodiment in a stop position. This tubular assembly E is different from the first example of the first embodiment in that the collar 344' includes a groove 3442. The second tube 4 is similar to that of the first example of the first embodiment.

The collar 344' thus comprises a first portion 3441 comprising the first axial stop 3440, in this case abutting with the axial stop 321, here a rod, of the fixing member 32. The collar 344' comprises on the opposite , separated by the groove 3442, a second portion 3443 comprising the second axial stop 3444, in this case abutting against the axial stop 404 of the second tube 4. The thickness measured axially of the second portion 3443 is preferably greater than that of the first portion 3441. The thickness measured axially of the first portion is also greater than the thickness of the sealing wall 36 measured between the internal surface 3460 and the external surface of sealed deformation 3464 perpendicular thereto. This thus allows the sealing wall 36 to deform elastically before deformation of the rod or the first portion 3441.

The groove 3442 allows the first portion 3441 to deform elastically in order to avoid crushing and plastically deforming the rod during tightening.

Thus this third embodiment comprises a visual indicator produced like the marking method explained above such that in the step of positioning the fixing member 32 in the stop position by a step of tightening the fixing member 32 to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque also elastically deforms this first portion 3441 in order to ensure a good seal between the first tube 3 and the second tube 4.

Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures presents a unique reference.

Claims (14)

Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4’) characterized in that the assembly (E) comprises:

• a tube (3, 3') of revolution around an axis (X) comprising a connection zone (34) comprising:
  • a connecting wall (342, 342') of revolution comprising at least one collar (344, 344') comprising:
    1. a first surface forming a first axial stop (3440, 3440'), and
    2. a second surface forming a second axial stop (3444, 3444') intended to abut against the second tube (4, 4'),
  • a sealing wall (36, 36') of revolution extending from the connecting wall (342, 342'), the sealing wall (36, 36') comprising:
    1. an inclined part (346, 346') comprising:
       1. a first end (3461, 3061') forming a free edge surrounding an axial opening (30) of the tube (3, 3'),
       2. a second end (3462, 3062') axially opposite the first end (3461, 3461'),
       3. an external sealed deformation surface (3464, 3464') having a diameter gradually and continuously increasing from the first free end (3461, 3461') to the second end (3462 3462'),
    2. an internal surface (3460, 3460') radially opposite the external sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464'), formed by a recess (3060, 3060') making it possible to elastically deform the sealing wall (36) by compression having at least one axial component on the external sealed deformation surface (3464, 3464'),
• a fixing member (32) mounted and movable axially around the connection zone (34) between a free position and a stop position, comprising:
  • an axial fixing means (324) intended to attach to a complementary fixing means (424) of the second tube (4) to be connected, and
  • an axial stop (321) abutting against the first axial stop (3440) of the collar (344) of the tube (3) in the stop position.

Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connection wall (342, 342') comprises a groove (3421, 3421') s 'extending from the first surface (3440, 3440') of the collar (344, 344') to another abutment surface (3422), the axial abutment (321) of the fixing member (32) being movable in the groove (3421, 3421') between the first axial stop (3440, 3440'), and the other stop surface (3422) delimiting the groove (3421). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the collar (344) comprises a groove (3442) dividing the collar into a first and a second part, the first part comprising the first axial stop (3440) comprising a thickness measured axially:

• lower than that of the second portion (3443) comprising the second axial stop (3444),
• greater than the thickness of the sealing wall (36) measured between the internal surface (3460) and the external sealing deformation surface (3464).

Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing wall (36) further comprises a part of cylindrical revolution (360) extending from the inclined part (346) to the second axial stop (3444) of the collar (344). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connection wall (342, 342') comprises an external surface comprising between the first surface forming a first axial stop (3440, 3440'), and one end of the connecting wall (342, 342') axially opposite the sealing wall (36, 36'), a visual indicator (307) corresponding to a covered area at least partially by the fixing member (32) in the free position and uncovered at least partially in the stop position, when the fixing member is coupled to a second tube (4, 4'). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to claim 5, in which the visual indicator (307) is only fully visible in the stop position. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which the fixing member (32) comprises an axial end opposite the axial fixing means ( 324), the fixing member (32) comprising notches (327) at this axial end. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing member (32) is a nut and the fixing means (324) is a tapping to screw onto a thread of the second tube (4). Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4, 4’) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the external sealed deformation surface (3464, 3464’) is curved. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the internal surface (3460) forming part of the inclined part (346') of the wall sealing (36) is curved. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the external sealed deformation surface (3464) is inclined relative to an axis (x) of the tube (3 ) having an average angle between 1° and 45° inclusive. Tubular assembly (E) intended to be connected to a second tube (4') according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, in which the external sealed deformation surface (3464') is inclined relative to an axis (x) of the tube (3') having an average angle between 45° and 90°, the recess forming a recess (3060') delimiting the sealing wall (346') forming its internal surface (3460'). Connected assembly (R) comprising:

• a set (E) according to any one of the preceding claims,
• the second tube (4, 4') comprising:
  • an inclined sealing surface (406, 406') relative to the axis (X) in contact and bearing against the external sealing deformation surface (3464, 3464') elastically deforming the sealing wall (36, 36 ') And
  • an axial stop (404, 404') in axial abutment with the second axial stop (3444, 3444') of the connecting wall (342, 342') and in which the axial fixing means (324) is fixed by means of additional fixation (424),
• a layer of lubricant between the outer sealing deformation surface and inclined sealing surface.

Method for marking a tubular assembly (E) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

• a step of inserting a second test tube against the second axial stop (3444, 3444') forming a connected marking assembly, the second test tube comprising axial fixing means corresponding to that of the member fixing (32), the second test tube being arranged so as not to deform the sealing wall elastically (36, 36'),
• a step of positioning the fixing member (32) in the stop position, by a step of tightening the fixing member (32) to the second test tube up to a predetermined torque,
• a step of producing a visual indicator (307) on the tube (3, 3').