FR3141742A1 - Tubular connection including a visual locking indicator. - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid connector comprises: a tubular main body (1) having a first opening (1a) for receiving a tubular male connector (4). The tubular main body (1) is provided with a radial opening (3) and two side vents (3a, 3b). It comprises a lock (2) having two flexible arms (21), and at least one locking pattern (5). The lock (2) is provided with a cover (2a) having a window (6) arranged so that the locking pattern (5) is at least partly hidden by the cover (2a) when the lock occupies a position of delivery and so that the locking pattern (5) is exposed through the window (6) of the cover (2a) when the lock (2) is in a locking position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Tubular connection including a visual locking indicator. FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tubular connector for connecting pipes or fluid conduits, of the quick connector type (“quick connector” according to the Anglo-Saxon term generally used in the field). These fittings can find their application in the automotive field, in order to form a fluid network in a vehicle in a simple and robust manner.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such connections are known, for example, from documents EP3171066, US7823930 or FR3021386A1.

These fittings comprise a main body intended to receive a male connector so as to allow the passage of a fluid between two conduits at one end of which the main body and the male connector are respectively connected. The main body has a radial opening and two side vents. A latch having two flexible arms is configured to insert transversely into the radial opening and to respectively place the two flexible arms in the two side louvers.

The lock can be partially inserted into the main body and occupy a so-called “delivery” position. When the male connector is correctly inserted into the main body, the lock can be moved transversely to fully insert into the main body and occupy a so-called “locking” position. In this position, the lock firmly holds the male connector in the main body and prevents their accidental disassembly.

It is known to provide an indicator, for example a visual indicator, making it possible to easily determine the mounting state of the connection, that is to say, to determine whether the main body is correctly assembled to a male connector or not. Thus, document FR3021386A1 provides a visual indicator which is hidden when the lock is in the locking position.

In document US20220243850 a locking pattern, forming a visual indicator, is arranged on the main body, the pattern being able to be masked by a flexible arm of the lock in the locking position. To enable this, the lock is configured so that the flexible arms do not penetrate the main body, but clip onto its outer surface. This configuration in which the flexible arms surround the main body rather than penetrating it is not desirable, because it is particularly fragile. In addition, the shape of the lock proposed by document US20220243850 must be specifically adapted to selectively hide the locking pattern. It is therefore not possible to exploit a conventional and pre-existing lock. This requires having two types of locks, depending on whether or not you want to incorporate a locking pattern into the fitting.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the invention is to propose a connection for a fluidic circuit comprising a locking pattern having a configuration different from the connections of the state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

• un corps principal tubulaire présentant une première ouverture destinée à recevoir un connecteur mâle tubulaire, le corps principal étant muni d’une ouverture radiale et de deux ouïes latérales ;
• un verrou présentant deux bras flexibles, le verrou étant configuré pour s’insérer transversalement dans l’ouverture radiale et pour placer respectivement les deux bras flexibles dans les deux ouïes latérales, le verrou pouvant être inséré dans le corps principal dans une position dite « de livraison » dans laquelle il occupe une première position transversale et dans une position dite « de verrouillage » dans laquelle il occupe une seconde position transversale, différente de la première.

With a view to achieving this goal, the object of the invention proposes a fluid connection comprising:

• a tubular main body having a first opening intended to receive a tubular male connector, the main body being provided with a radial opening and two side vents;
• a lock having two flexible arms, the lock being configured to insert transversely into the radial opening and to respectively place the two flexible arms in the two lateral openings, the lock being able to be inserted into the main body in a so-called "from" position delivery” in which it occupies a first transverse position and in a so-called “locking” position in which it occupies a second transverse position, different from the first.

According to the invention, the connection comprises at least one locking pattern arranged on the main body between the radial opening and one of the two side openings, the lock being provided with a cover enveloping at least the part of the main body arranged between the radial opening and the side opening, the cover having a window arranged so that the locking pattern is at least partly hidden by the cover when the lock occupies the delivery position and so that the locking pattern is exposed through the hood window when the latch is in the locked position.

• le raccord fluidique comporte en outre un connecteur mâle tubulaire destiné à pénétrer axialement dans la première ouverture du corps principal tubulaire ;
• le connecteur mâle tubulaire comporte un collet annulaire ;
• le corps principal tubulaire présente également une deuxième ouverture, disposé du côté opposé à la première ouverture, et le corps principal tubulaire présente, du côté de la seconde ouverture, d’au moins un élément d’assemblage à un conduit ;
• le verrou comprend deux bras de verrouillage ;
• les bras de verrouillage et les bras flexibles sont configurés en double cavalier en U ;
• l’extrémité de chaque bras flexible porte un mécanisme de verrouillage au corps principal tubulaire ;
• le mécanisme de verrouillage est formé d’un cran pour s’engager sur un ergot formé sur le corps principal tubulaire ;
• les ouïes latérales sont formées par des portions d’une ouverture secondaire aménagée en vis-à-vis de l’ouverture radiale ;
• le motif de verrouillage comprend un code à barres, notamment un code à barres bidimensionnel ;
• le capot présente au moins un bras de capot disposé latéralement à un des bras flexibles, la fenêtre étant agencée sur le bras du capot ;
• le bras du capot est plus court que le bras flexible contre lequel il est latéralement disposé ;
• le capot est conformé à la surface externe du corps principal tubulaire ;
• le capot présente une forme de U.
• le capot est une pièce assemblée à une partie principale du verrou.

According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

• the fluid connection further comprises a tubular male connector intended to penetrate axially into the first opening of the tubular main body;
• the tubular male connector has an annular collar;
• the main tubular body also has a second opening, disposed on the side opposite the first opening, and the main tubular body has, on the side of the second opening, at least one assembly element to a conduit;
• the lock includes two locking arms;
• the locking arms and flexible arms are configured as a double U-shaped jumper;
• the end of each flexible arm carries a locking mechanism to the main tubular body;
• the locking mechanism is formed with a notch to engage on a lug formed on the tubular main body;
• the side vents are formed by portions of a secondary opening arranged opposite the radial opening;
• the lock pattern includes a bar code, in particular a two-dimensional bar code;
• the hood has at least one hood arm arranged laterally to one of the flexible arms, the window being arranged on the hood arm;
• the arm of the hood is shorter than the flexible arm against which it is laterally arranged;
• the cover is shaped to the external surface of the tubular main body;
• the hood has a U shape.
• the cover is a part assembled to a main part of the lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

There represents an embodiment of a tubular main body provided with a lock occupying a so-called “delivery” position;

There represents an embodiment of a tubular main body provided with a lock occupying a so-called “locking” position;

There represents a lock according to the invention;

There represents a tubular male connector;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 represent an embodiment of a tubular main body 1 of a fluid connection according to the invention. In the representation of the , the main body 1 is provided with a lock 2 which occupies a first transverse position, called the “delivery position”. In this position, the lock 2 is not completely inserted into the main tubular body.

In the representation of the , the main body 1 is provided with a lock 2 which this time occupies a second transverse position called “locking”, the second transverse position being different from the first. Preferably, in this position, the lock 2 is entirely inserted into the main tubular body, and the head of the lock 2 is flush with the external surface of this body.

As will be detailed in the remainder of this description and visible on the , the lock 2 comprises a main part surmounted by a cover 2a enveloping at least part of the main body 1. The cover 2a constitutes the head of the lock.

The fluidic connection also includes a tubular male connector, an embodiment of which is presented in . One end of the tubular male connector 4 is intended to penetrate axially into a first opening 1a of the main body, so as to fluidly connect the two parts. The main tubular body 1 also has a second opening 1b, disposed on the side opposite the first opening 1a, this second opening 1b being intended to be assembled to a conduit, so that the tubular body 1 constitutes its end. For this purpose, the tubular main body 1 may have, on the side of the second opening 1b, at least one assembly element to a conduit, such as the grooves 1c shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The tubular male connector 4 is generally provided with an annular collar 4a allowing, in cooperation with the lock 2, its assembly to the tubular main body 1.

The tubular main body 1 is provided with a radial opening 3 allowing the transverse insertion of the lock 2, and with two side openings 3a, 3b. The side openings 3a, 3b are intended to receive two flexible arms of the lock 2, in particular when the latter occupies the locking position.

There represents a lock 2 according to the invention. The main part of the lock 2 comprises two locking arms 22 as well as two flexible arms 21 forming a double inverted U-shaped jumper. The flexible arms 21 have a greater length than the locking arms 22.

When the end of the tubular male connector 4 is arranged abutting in the main body 1, the locking arms 22 are able to be placed behind the annular collar 4a, when the lock 2 is moved transversely through the radial opening 3 to place it in the locked position. The tubular male connector is then held firmly in the main body, from which it can no longer be extracted.

Simultaneously, the two flexible arms 21 move through the two side openings 3a, 3b to, in the locking position, emerge. The end of each flexible arm 21 carries a locking mechanism to the main body 1, here a notch 21a configured to fit onto a lug formed on the tubular main body 1. In the locking position, the notches of the flexible arms 21 are engaged on the lugs, which prevents the accidental movement of the lock 2 which could release the tubular male connector 4.

In certain embodiments, the ends of the flexible arms 21 rest on the lugs when the lock 2 occupies the delivery position.

In certain embodiments, the insertion of the tubular male connector 4 while the lock occupies the delivery position, causes the annular collar 4a to come into contact with the flexible arms 21. These are capable of being elastically and axially moved by the collar 4a, which makes it possible to move the lock transversely so that it occupies the locking position and engage the notches 21a on the lugs.

The side vents 3a, 3b have a width (that is to say a dimension in the axial direction) sufficient to allow the notches 21a to be released from the lugs of the main body, taking advantage of the flexibility of the flexible arms 21a. This clearance is facilitated by the fact that the end of the flexible arms emerges from the main body 1, as is clearly visible on the , which allows them to be manipulated. In this released position, the lock 4 can be moved from the locking position to the delivery position and release the tubular male connector 4.

Note that the invention is in no way limited to the elements of the tubular connection represented by way of illustration in the figures. The connection may in particular include parts other than those presented, such as for example a retaining ring placed in the main tubular body 1, under the radial opening 3, making it possible to facilitate the insertion and locking of the tubular male connector 4, as described in particular in documents EP317066 or FR3072756. It is possible to provide the tubular main body and/or the tubular male connector 4 with seals. The flexible arms 21 may have other locking mechanisms to the tubular main body 1 than the notches 21a of the lock 2 given as an example. The locking arms 22 can be replaced by another mechanism making it possible to retain the tubular male connector 4 assembled to the main body 1. The side openings 3a, 3b can join together to form, facing the radial opening 1a , a secondary opening arranged on the main tubular body 1. In this configuration, the term "lateral opening" is designated as the portion of this secondary opening intended to receive a flexible arm 21.

In all cases, however, the lock 2 has two flexible arms 21, this lock 2 being configured to insert transversely into the radial opening 3 and to respectively place the two flexible arms 21 in the two side openings 3a, 3b.

In the context of this description, provision is made for providing the connection with an indicator, for example a visual indicator, making it possible to easily determine the mounting state of this connection, that is to say, to determine whether the main body is correctly assembled to a male connector or not.

For this purpose, the tubular main body 1 comprises at least one locking pattern 5 disposed on its external surface, between the radial opening and one of the side openings 3a, 3b.

The main body can be provided with a single locking pattern between the radial opening and one of the side openings 3a, 3b. Alternatively, the main body can be provided with two locking patterns, respectively arranged between the radial opening and each of the side openings 3a, 3b

The locking pattern 5 may be a colored pattern, and having any color, including yellow, green, red, white, blue, black, orange, purple to make it particularly visible in its environment. The pattern can be a simple block of solid color, or be composed of a color gradient. The pattern lock 5 may include reflective tape or a sticker or imprint displaying a pattern, color, barcode, reflective material, label or alphanumeric message.

In some embodiments, the lock pattern 5 includes a code, such as a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., UPC code, EAN code, code 39, code 128, ITF, code 93, codabar, GS1 databar, MSI Plessey, etc.), a two-dimensional bar code (e.g. QR code, datamatrix code, PDF417, AZTEC, etc.), a holographic code, a human-readable alphanumeric code, other codes known in the art and interpretable by a machine equipped with a vision device and/or by an operator.

Whatever the nature of the locking pattern 5 chosen, the lock 2 is provided with a cover 2a enveloping at least the part of the main body disposed between the radial opening and the side opening, that is to say the part of the tubular main body 1 carrying the locking pattern 5.

Advantageously, the cover 2a is shaped to the external surface of the main tubular body 1, that is to say that the cover 2a matches the external shape of the main tubular body 1, when the lock 2 is inserted in the main body 1. Thus, when the lock 2 occupies the locking position, the cover 2a can be placed as close as possible to the main body (or even come into contact with this body), which makes it possible to form a compact tubular connection. When this main body 1 has a generally cylindrical shape, as is the case of the main body 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover 2a can therefore take a U shape. The cover is attached to the main part of the lock 2 so that the bottom of the U rests on the top of the main part of the lock.

The cover 2a has a window 6 arranged so that the locking pattern 5 is at least partly masked by the cover 2a when the lock 2 is in the delivery position (as shown in the figure). ). The window 6 is also arranged so that the locking pattern 5 is exposed through the cover window 2a when the lock 2 occupies the locking position (as shown in FIG. ).

More generally, the cover 2a is integral, or made integral, with the top of the main part of the lock. It comprises at least one cover arm arranged laterally to one of the flexible arms 21 of the lock, that is to say extending along this arm 21. The window 6 is arranged on the cover arm. Advantageously, and to limit the bulk of the connection, the arm of the cover 2a, when the latter is assembled to the main part of the lock, is shorter than the flexible arm 21 along which it extends. In the example shown, the U-shaped cover 2a has two arms extending respectively along the flexible arms 21 of the lock. A window can be fitted on one and/or the other of the two arms. The arms of the cover are advantageously shorter than the flexible arms 21.

The cover 2a can be made up of an attached part and assembled to the rest of the lock (for example the double U-shaped jumper turned over from the ) or these two elements can constitute a monolithic lock. When the cover 2a is attached to the main part of the lock, it can be assembled to this main part by any suitable means, for example by gluing, clipping or laser welding.

Note that the ability to form the lock by simply attaching the cover 2a to the rest of the part is particularly interesting. It makes it possible to use a conventional system, formed for example of a main body and a lock conforming to one of the documents EP3171066, US7823930 or FR3021386 cited in the introduction to this application, and to provide it with the functionality of a warning light. locking by the simple addition, by assembly, of the cover 2a to the lock. We understand the benefit that such a solution brings in terms of simplicity of industrial production and logistics.

Note that by incorporating the cover 2a which has just been described on the lock 2, it is possible to preserve a robust locking mechanism of the lock and prevent the untimely unlocking of the tubular connection, while providing a visual indicator making it possible to determine the assembly condition of this connection.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the mode of implementation described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

Fluid connection comprising:

• a tubular main body (1) having a first opening (1a) intended to receive a tubular male connector (4), the tubular main body (1) being provided with a radial opening (3) and two side vents (3a, 3b);
• a lock (2) having two flexible arms (21), the lock (2) being configured to insert transversely into the radial opening (3) and to respectively place the two flexible arms (21) in the two side openings ( 3a, 3b), the lock (2) being able to be inserted into the tubular main body (1) in a so-called “delivery” position in which it occupies a first transverse position and in a so-called “locking” position in which it occupies a second transverse position, different from the first;

the connection being characterized in that it comprises at least one locking pattern (5) arranged on the tubular main body (1) between the radial opening (3) and one of the two side openings (3a, 3b), the lock (2) being provided with a cover (2a) enveloping at least the part of the main tubular body (1) disposed between the radial opening (3) and the side opening (3a, 3b), the cover (2a ) having a window (6) arranged so that the locking pattern (5) is at least partly hidden by the cover (2a) when the lock occupies the delivery position and so that the locking pattern (5) is exposed through the window (6) of the cover (2a) when the lock (2) is in the locking position. Fluid connection according to the preceding claim further comprising a tubular male connector (4) intended to penetrate axially into the first opening (1a) of the tubular main body (1). Fluid connection according to the preceding claim in which the tubular male connector (4) comprises an annular collar (4a). Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the main tubular body (1) also has a second opening (1b), arranged on the side opposite the first opening (1a), and the main tubular body (1) has, side of the second opening (1b), of at least one assembly element to a conduit. Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the lock (2) comprises two locking arms (22). Fluid connection according to the preceding claim in which the locking arms (22) and the flexible arms (21) are configured as a double U-shaped jumper. Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the end of each flexible arm (21) carries a locking mechanism to the main tubular body (1). Fluid connection according to the preceding claim in which the locking mechanism is formed of a notch (21a) to engage on a lug formed on the tubular main body (1). Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the side openings (3a, 3b) are formed by portions of a secondary opening arranged opposite the radial opening (1a). Fluid connection according to the preceding claim in which the locking pattern comprises a bar code, in particular a two-dimensional bar code. Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the cover (2a) has at least one cover arm arranged laterally to one of the flexible arms (21), the window (6) being arranged on the cover arm. Fluid connection according to the preceding claim in which the arm of the cover is shorter than the flexible arm (21) against which it is laterally arranged. Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the cover (2a) is shaped to the external surface of the tubular main body (1). Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the cover (2a) has a U shape. Fluid connection according to one of the preceding claims in which the cover (2a) is a part assembled to a main part of the lock.