Pipe joints or couplings – Essential catch – Leaf spring
Patent
1991-09-26
1993-10-05
Nicholson, Eric K.
Pipe joints or couplings
Essential catch
Leaf spring
285 7, 285 29, 285921, F16L 3320
Patent
active
052498301
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
In numerous industrial sectors, it is frequently necessary to immobilize two tubes after they have been fitted, generally with mild friction, which has rendered them coaxial one to the other. This is particularly the case when it is desired to proceed with connecting two conduits, for example those constituting elements of a cooling circuit in a vehicle motor. In that case, and particularly if the connection of the two conduits must be effected automatically by means of a motorized apparatus, such as a robot, it is necessary that immobilization of the two conduits be obtained by one movement, preferably in the course of the translation leading to the fit thereof.
More generally, the immobilization of two coaxial tubes may be sought after, both with regard to a relative rotation and to a translation, whenever it is desired to obtain an efficient mechanical connection between the two tubes.
Devices for effecting the desired immobilization have already been proposed, but, in general, when they are efficient with respect to somewhat high efforts aiming at disconnecting the tubes from each other, these devices comprise complementary screwing members or present considerable dimensions. These two drawbacks are no longer admissible in certain technical sectors, either for aesthetic reasons or also because of the small space available for placing in position the connection of the tubes. Finally, relatively high cost prices are frequently the consequence of the various drawbacks of the known devices for immobilizing two tubes.
However, US-A-3 933 378 has already sought to overcome the drawbacks of certain known devices and has described a quick connection of tubes, generally made of metal, but the device proposed by this prior document, apart from the fact that it is difficult to dismantle if it is used in encumbered zones, for example on a vehicle motor, does not allow an easy, visual check of the locking of the connection, since the locking members risk being hidden by a cage fixed to the inner tube
On the other hand, German DE-A-3 815 168, 3 815 170, 3 815 171, 3 815 172, 3 815 173 and 3 914 645 have also proposed solutions to the problem of the quick connection of two tubes, thanks in particular to the use of flexible tabs borne by the outer tube and cooperating with a shoulder of the inner tube. However, these known devices, apart from the fact that they require relatively expensive manufacture, do not appear to procure in practice a sufficiently safe locking. Like the majority of the other known devices, they allow incorrect assemblies which must then be modified. This is in particular due to the fact that they possess a plurality of flexible tabs angularly offset in regular manner so that the "angular indexation" remains uncertain.
The present invention therefore has for its object a quick connection, of the above-mentioned type, ensuring by simple means the immobilization of two coaxial tubes, both with respect to an axial translation and to a relative rotation, and preventing any possibility of an incorrect assembly thanks to a certain "angular indexation". In the following, such a connection will be called "locking device" and it will be noted as from now that it will be advantageously used on devices for connecting two conduits, such as those described in the patent application filed by Applicants this day and entitled: "Device for connecting a flexible pipe on a rigid tubular joining piece".
Such a locking device comprises, in known manner, a longitudinal tab, elastically flexible in a radial direction, and connected to the outer tube. This tab presents at least one area which can axially abut, once the tubes have been fitted together, against a shoulder provided in register on the outer face of the inner tube and projecting radially therefrom.
According to the invention, the locking device is constituted by the combination of simple arrangements of the ends of the inner and outer tubes, designed to be fitted into each other. The wall of the outer tube presents a groove, open at the end of the tube, of w
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Calmettes Lionel
Detable Pascal
Etablissements Caillau
Nicholson Eric K.
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