COUPLING DEVICE FOR A TUBE

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (1) comprising:a hollow body (2) defining a housing (3) which comprises an opening (4);a locking ring (6) arranged in the housing and intended to engage with an inserted tube;a first stop (7);a cartridge (12) against which the tube is intended to butt in order to impose a connection state on the cartridge, the cartridge being able to slide between a first and a second position, the passage of the cartridge (12) from the second position to the first position causing the locking ring (6) to butt against the first stop (7), and the passage of the cartridge from the first position to the second position placing the locking ring (6) at a distance from the first stop (7);a spring (14) exerting a force against the cartridge (12).

Claims

1. A coupling device (1) for a tube, comprising: a hollow body (2) defining a housing (3) that comprises an opening (4) through which a tube is intended to be slidably inserted in an insertion direction, the housing (3) being delimited by an inner surface (5) of the hollow body (2) which has a rotational symmetry about a main axis parallel to the insertion direction; a locking ring (6) arranged in the housing (3) coaxially with the direction of insertion and intended to be in engagement with a tube inserted into the housing (3); a first stop (7) which is arranged in the housing (3) upstream of the locking ring (6) in the direction of insertion and against which said ring is capable of abutting; a cartridge (12) against which the tube, inserted by a predetermined length and engaged with the locking ring (6), is intended to abut in order to impose on said cartridge (12) a connection state, the cartridge (12) in the connection state being able to slide between a first and a second position in order to accompany the sliding of the tube engaged with the locking ring (6), the passage of the cartridge (12) from the second to the first position forcing the tube to slide in an extraction direction, opposite to the insertion direction, in order to abut the locking ring (6) against the first stop (7), while the passage of the cartridge (12) from the first to the second position allows a sliding of the tube in the insertion direction in order to place the locking ring (6) at a distance from the first stop (7), the cartridge (12) comprises a sleeve (13) that extends from a free end (12a) in the direction of insertion, and which is intended to provide guidance of the tube during the insertion thereof into the housing (3), the cartridge (12) may be held by at least one locking means in a state, called locked state, and wherein any sliding of the cartridge (12) towards the second position is prohibited, the passage from the locked state to the connection state being induced by the insertion, in the direction of insertion, of a length of tube equal to the predetermined length; a spring (14) exerting a force against the cartridge (12) in the direction of extraction in order to force the cartridge (12), in the connection state, to adopt its first position.

2. The coupling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises a second stop (15) and a flexible lever (16), the second stop (15) being formed on the inner surface (5), while the flexible lever (16), supported by the sleeve (13), extends divergently with respect to the sleeve (13) and comprises an end, referred to as the blocking end (17), intended to abut the second stop (15) when the cartridge (12) is in the locked state, and the flexible lever (16) is configured to bend convergently inside the sleeve (13) during insertion of the tube in order to position the blocking end (17) so as to be set back from the second stop (15).

3. The coupling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve (13) comprises an end stop (18) opposite the free end (12a) thereof, against which stop the tube is intended to abut upon insertion into the housing (3) by a length at least equal to the predetermined length.

4. The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge (12) comprises a liner (19) mechanically secured to the sleeve (13) via an end of said sleeve (13) that is opposite the free end (12a), the liner (19) comprising a flange (20) against which the spring (14) exerts its force on said cartridge (12).

5. The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cartridge (12) comprises a lug which, when said cartridge (12) is in the locked state, is located in a slot of the locking ring (6) in order to impose a stress thereon, resulting in a spacing greater than a spacing in the free state of said locking ring (6).

6. The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a dust cover ring (23) is arranged in the opening (4) upstream of the first stop (7) in the direction of insertion, the dust cover ring (23) advantageously being in engagement with the hollow body (2) by means of snap-fitting.

7. The coupling device (1) according to claim 6, wherein an O-ring is provided in the housing (3) upstream of the first stop (7) in the direction of insertion.

8. The coupling device (1) according to either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first stop (7) forms a ring at least partially embedded in the dust cover ring (23).

9. The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein another O-ring is also provided downstream of the locking ring (6) in the direction of insertion.

10. The coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner surface (5) of the hollow body (2) comprises an abutment shoulder against which the spring (14) bears.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a coupling device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular [FIG. 1] shows the coupling device according to a cutting plane passing through the main axis AA of said coupling device;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the hollow body implemented in the example of [FIG. 1] and according to a perspective view making it possible to observe the opening through which the tube is intended to be inserted;

[0040] FIG. 30 shows the coupling device of [FIG. 1] according to the cutting plane passing through the main axis AA, and wherein a length of tube, less than the predetermined length, is inserted into the housing through the opening and in the insertion direction;

[0041] FIG. 4 shows the coupling device of [FIG. 1] according to the cutting plane passing through the main axis AA, and wherein a length of tube, equal to the predetermined length, is inserted into the housing through the opening and in the insertion direction, the cartridge, in its connection state, adopting its first position;

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the coupling device of [FIG. 1] according to the cutting plane passing through the main axis AA, and wherein a length of tube, equal to the predetermined length, is inserted into the housing through the opening and in the insertion direction, the cartridge, in its connection state, adopting its second position;

[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a cartridge along a longitudinal cutting plane (passing through the main axis AA) and capable of being implemented in the coupling device according to the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation in perspective of a cartridge comprising a lug forcing a spacing in the locking ring;

[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular [FIG. 8] shows the coupling device according to a cutting plane passing through the main axis AA of said coupling device;

[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a cartridge according to a cutting plane passing through the main axis AA of the coupling device according to the other embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a coupling device according to the other embodiment of the present invention, in particular [FIG. 10] shows the coupling device according to a cutting plane passing through the main axis AA of said coupling device and in the connected state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention relates to a coupling device intended to provide a fluid connection, advantageously sealed, between a tube or a duct and a female element (not shown in the figures). This connection can in particular be implemented in a flow and/or distribution system of a fluid (for example a liquid such as water or oil, or a gas, or air) in the automotive field, in particular in cars or any other type of commercial vehicle such as buses, trucks, trailers, etc. However, the invention is not limited to these fields alone, and can also be implemented in the railway and/or aeronautical fields.

[0049] In [FIG. 1], a coupling device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be seen. The principles set out below are not limited just to the arrangement shown in this example. In particular, a person skilled in the art, based on what follows, could consider other configurations. In particular, the coupling device 1 according to this embodiment is shown along a cutting plane passing through an axis, called the main axis AA, of said coupling device 1.

[0050] In particular, the coupling device 1 comprises a hollow body 2 which has a housing 3 opening out through an opening 4 ([FIG. 2]). The opening 4 in particular allows the insertion of a tube in an insertion direction u along the direction defined by the main axis AA. The housing 3 is delimited by an inner surface 5 of the hollow body 2 and which has a rotational symmetry about the main axis AA.

[0051] The exterior surface of the hollow body 2 may comprise one or more circumferential grooves R1, R2 intended to receive one or more O-rings J1, J2 making it possible to ensure a sealed junction with a female element.

[0052] The coupling device 1 comprises a locking ring 6 and a first stop 7 making it possible to secure a tube capable of being inserted into the housing in the insertion direction u. More particularly, the locking ring 6 and the first stop 7 are arranged to prevent the extraction of the tube when said tube is inserted into the housing 3 and is engaged with said locking ring 6.

[0053] In this respect, the locking ring 6 can be provided with attachment means allowing it to be engaged with the tube. More particularly, the locking ring 6 may have a tapered inner cross-section 8 making it possible to grip the outer surface of the tube, and thus be engaged with said tube.

[0054] Engaged is understood to mean two elements mechanically secured to one another. The expression engaged also has a reciprocal nature such that a first element engaged with a second element implies that the second element is engaged with the first element. Thus, and throughout the description, once the locking ring is engaged with the tube, the tube is engaged with the locking ring.

[0055] For its part, the first stop 7 is arranged upstream of the locking ring 6 in the insertion direction u so as to constitute an obstacle against which the locking ring 6 is likely to abut. Particularly advantageously, the first stop 7 can be formed by a ring whose axis of revolution coincides with the main axis AA, and which is in fixed connection in the housing 3 of the hollow body 2.

[0056] Thus, an extraction force, in an extraction direction v (opposite the direction of insertion u), on a tube with which the locking ring 6 is engaged will position the latter in abutment against the first stop 7 and thus prevent the removal of the tube.

[0057] Again advantageously, the first stop 7 may also comprise an inner surface 9, opposite its peripheral surface 10, having a divergent tapered shape in the insertion direction u. The latter aspect makes it possible to force the locking ring 6 against the tube during the application of an extraction force. In a complementary manner, the locking ring 6 may comprise a peripheral surface 11 which also has a divergent shape tapered in the insertion direction u. This aspect has the effect of reinforcing the stress effect imposed by the first stop 7 on the locking ring 6 once an extraction force is exerted on a tube engaged with said locking ring 6.

[0058] Divergent surface tapered in the insertion direction u refers to a shape that widens in the insertion direction u.

[0059] The coupling device 1 according to the present invention also comprises a cartridge 12.

[0060] In particular, the cartridge 12 is arranged in the housing 3 and is capable of adopting a so-called connection state. The connection state is in particular imposed on the cartridge 12 once a predetermined length D of tube is inserted into the housing 3 in the insertion direction u and is located at one of its ends, referred to as insertion end E, abutting against the cartridge 12.

[0061] Advantageously, the cartridge 12 comprises a sleeve 13 that extends from a free end 12a along the insertion direction u.

[0062] [FIG. 3] is an illustration of the coupling device 1 wherein a length of tube T shorter than the predetermined length is inserted into the housing through the opening 5 in the direction of insertion. In this [FIG. 3], the locking ring 7 is engaged with the tube T. In other words, the insertion end E of the tube T is downstream of the locking ring 6 in the insertion direction u. However, since the inserted length of tube T remains less than the predetermined length D, said tube T is not abutted against the cartridge 12.

[0063] [FIG. 4] shows a subsequent stage of inserting the tube T into the housing 3 in the insertion direction. In particular, [FIG. 4] shows the coupling device 1 of [FIG. 3] wherein the predetermined length D of the tube T is inserted into the housing 3 in the insertion direction u. At this stage of insertion, the tube T is in abutment by its insertion end against the cartridge 12 and is engaged with the locking ring 6.

[0064] According to the present invention, in its connection state, the cartridge 12 is capable of sliding along either the insertion direction or the extraction direction, between a first position and a second position in order to accompany the sliding of the tube engaged with the locking ring 6. Accompany the sliding means the tube, the locking ring and the cartridge 12 move as an assembly in the same direction.

[0065] In other words, the sliding of the cartridge 12 according to either the insertion direction u or the extraction direction v over a given distance can be accompanied by the same movement of the tube T and the locking ring 6.

[0066] In this respect, the first position is a position upstream of the second position in the insertion direction u, and for which the locking ring 6 is in abutment against the first abutment 7 (this aspect is in particular shown in [FIG. 4]).

[0067] As shown in [FIG. 5], the cartridge 12, once it is in the connection state, can slide in the direction of insertion u from the first position to the second position. This sliding from the first position to the second position may for example be induced by a force exerted by the tube T, in the insertion direction u, abutting against the cartridge 12. In other words, the sliding of the cartridge 12 from the first to the second position is accompanied by a movement of the tube, the locking ring and the cartridge together. Furthermore, this assembly movement positions the locking ring 6 at a distance from the first stop 7.

[0068] The coupling device 1 according to the present invention further comprises a spring 14 arranged to exert a force against the cartridge 12 in the direction of extraction in order to force said cartridge 12, in the connection state, to adopt its first position.

[0069] In other words, the spring 14, as arranged, makes it possible to secure the movement of the tube T, the locking ring 6 and the cartridge 12. In particular, by default, the cartridge 12 is in its first position under the effect of the force exerted by the spring 14 and therefore forces the locking ring 6 to abut against the first stop 7. In contrast, a force exerted on the tube T in the insertion direction u causes the tube T, the locking ring 6 and the cartridge 12 to slide together. Releasing this force returns the cartridge 12 to its first position and will thus position the locking ring 6 in abutment against the first stop 7.

[0070] Thus, once the cartridge 12 is in the connection state, the assembly formed by the tube T, the locking ring 6 and the cartridge 12 can have back-and-forth movements imposed on it in the direction defined by the main axis AA. In other words, an operator wishing to verify the correct connection of the tube T to the coupling device 1 can exert a force in the direction of insertion u on the tube T in order to cause the cartridge to slide from its first position to its second position. Releasing this force will return the cartridge 12 to its first position under the effect of the spring 14. This sequence will reveal on the one hand an insertion of the predetermined length D of the tube T into the coupling device and, on the other hand, the engagement effect with the locking ring.

[0071] This operation performed manually can be carried out in cramped, unlit and/or noisy places, thus making it possible to effectively and unambiguously verify the correct connection of the tube in the coupling device.

[0072] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the coupling device 1 can comprise a locking means. In particular, the locking means can be arranged to hold the cartridge 12 in a state, called locked state, wherein any sliding of said cartridge 12 to the second position is prohibited. More particularly, the locking means can be arranged to cooperate with the tube T in order to allow the cartridge 12 to pass from the locked state to the connection state.

[0073] In particular, the passage of the cartridge 12 from the locked state to the connection state can be induced by inserting a length of tube T equal to the predetermined length.

[0074] Thus, and as shown in [FIG. 3], the locking means comprises a second stop 15 and a flexible lever 16. More particularly, the second stop 15 is formed on the inner surface 5, while the flexible lever 16, borne by the sleeve 13, extends divergently relative to the sleeve 13 and comprises an end, called the locking end 17, intended to abut against the second stop when the cartridge 12 is in the locked state.

[0075] The flexible lever 16 is further configured to flex convergently internally to the sleeve 13 during the insertion of the tube T in order to position the locking end set back from the second stop 15. In particular, the coupling device 1 is arranged so that the flexing of the flexible lever 16 only occurs when a length of tube T equal to the predetermined length is inserted into the housing.

[0076] In this respect, and as shown in [FIG. 3], the length of tube T inserted into the housing is less than the predetermined length, so that said tube T does not exert any force on the flexible lever 16. In this figure, the flexible lever 16 remains in abutment against the second stop 15 and requires the cartridge 12 to be in its locked state.

[0077] In [FIG. 4], the length of tube T inserted into the housing is equal to the predetermined length so that said tube exerts a force on the flexible lever 16 so as to cause the latter to flex in order to place the locking end 17 set back from the second stop 15. The flexing of the flexible lever 16 thus makes it possible to impose on the cartridge 12 its connection state.

[0078] Advantageously, the sleeve 13 comprises an end stop 18 opposite the free end 12a thereof, against which stop the tube T is intended to abut upon insertion into the housing by a length at least equal to the predetermined length.

[0079] Again according to this particular embodiment, the cartridge 12 (also shown in [FIG. 6]) comprises a liner 19 mechanically integral with the sleeve by one end of said sleeve opposite the free end 12a, and which further comprises a flange 20 against which the spring 14 exerts its force on said cartridge 12. More particularly, the liner 19 is arranged externally and coaxially to the sleeve 13. It is understood that the liner 19 is tubular in shape that extends, in the insertion direction, between a first end 19a and a second end 19b, the flange being arranged on the first end 19a ([FIG. 4]).

[0080] According to this exemplary embodiment, the spring 14 is compressed between the flange 20 and a support shoulder 26 formed on the inner surface of the hollow body 2.

[0081] The cartridge 12 may also comprise a lug 21 which, when said cartridge 12 is in the locked state, is located in a slot of the locking ring in order to impose a stress thereon, resulting in a spacing greater than a spacing in the free state of said locking ring 6 ([FIG. 7]).

[0082] Advantageously, a seal 22 can be inserted between the locking ring 6 and the flange 20 in order to ensure a sealing connection between the tube and the coupling device. The seal 22 can also provide a stop function against which the locking ring 6 abuts in the insertion direction as long as the cartridge is not in its connection state (it goes without saying that the seal 22 abuts against the flange of the cartridge). This aspect is in particular shown in [FIG. 1] to [FIG. 3] and [FIG. 4]. In particular, as shown in [FIG. 1] and to [FIG. 3], the cartridge 12 is in the locked state. During its insertion through the opening, the tube T (forcibly) passes through the locking ring without causing the latter to slide as long as it is not in abutment against the end stop 18 of the cartridge 12. In [FIG. 4], the cartridge 12 is in the connection state and therefore allows a movement of the locking ring engaged with the tube and cartridge as an assembly in the direction of insertion of the tube.

[0083] The coupling device may also comprise a dust cover ring 23 placed on or in the opening 4 and wherein a port is formed allowing the insertion of the tube T into the housing 3.

[0084] According to this particular embodiment, and as shown in [FIG. 5], the dust cover ring 23 is arranged upstream of the first stop in the insertion direction. More particularly, the dust cover ring 23 is engaged with the hollow body 2 by snap-fastening.

[0085] Still advantageously, another O-ring 27 is arranged in the housing 3 upstream of the first stop 7 in the insertion direction u.

[0086] The first stop 7 may comprise a ring at least partially embedded in the dust cover ring 23.

[0087] [FIG. 8] is a schematic representation of a coupling device 1 according to another particular embodiment of the present invention. In particular, this other embodiment essentially uses the elements described above, although it does not comprise any locking means according to the embodiment described above.

[0088] More particularly, according to this other embodiment, the locking ring 6 and the cartridge 12 are arranged to adopt a state, referred to as the engagement state, wherein the locking ring 6, which is split, is imposing, by the cartridge 12, a constrained state resulting in a spacing, called the second spacing, greater than its spacing in the free state, referred to as the first spacing.

[0089] The cartridge 12 and the locking ring 6 are arranged so that the passage from the engagement state to the connection state of the cartridge 12 is induced by the insertion of the predetermined length D of tube T so as to cause the cartridge 12 to slide in the insertion direction and place the locking ring 6 in engagement with the tube T.

[0090] In this respect, the cartridge 12 may comprise a collar 24 formed around the sleeve 13, while the locking ring 6 comprises, in the insertion direction u, a first section 6a and a second section 6b ([FIG. 9]).

[0091] It is understood that the collar 24 takes the form of a ring formed around the sleeve 13.

[0092] The first section 6a bears the tapered inner section 8 making it possible to grip the outer surface of the tube, and thus be engaged with said tube.

[0093] The second section 6b, which extends over a length L, is intended to cooperate with the collar in order to be imposed on the second spacing when the cartridge is in the engaged state.

[0094] Thus, as shown in [FIG. 8] and in [FIG. 9], once the cartridge 12 is in the engaged state, the collar 24 is inserted by sliding into the second section 6b of the locking ring 6 in order to impose thereon the second spacing.

[0095] The inner surface 5 of the hollow body comprises, in the direction of insertion u, a first part of a first diameter and a second part of a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, so as to form an engagement shoulder 25 against which the second section 6b is intended to abut during the passage from the engagement state to the connection state of the cartridge in order to release the locking ring.

[0096] Thus, during its insertion along the insertion direction u, the tube T exerts a force against the collar 24 leading to a sliding of the cartridge 12. This sliding, insofar as the locking ring 6 is in abutment against the engagement stop 25, results in disengagement of the collar 24 from the second section 6b of the engagement ring 6. More particularly, the complete disengagement of the collar 24 in the second section 6b is effective after sliding of the cartridge over a length L ([FIG. 10]).

[0097] Once the disengagement of the collar 24 from the second section 6b is complete, the locking ring 6 is no longer constrained by said collar and is thus engaged with the tube T. In other words, the cartridge 12 is in the connected state.

[0098] According to this other exemplary embodiment, the spring 14 exerts its force against the collar 24. More particularly, the spring 14 is in compression between the collar 24 and the bearing shoulder 26 formed on the inner surface of the hollow body 2.

[0099] Again according to this other example, the dust cover ring 23 is snap-fastened outside the hollow body 2. In other words, the dust cover ring 23 covers the opening of the housing.

[0100] Furthermore, the seal 22 and the other seal 27 are arranged upstream of the first stop. In this respect, the seal 22 and the other seal 27 can be separated by a ring, called separation ring 28.

[0101] Regardless of the example considered, the coupling device 1 allows verification of the correct coupling of a tube in cramped and dark environments. Moreover, this verification can be executed repeatedly and as many times as necessary without affecting the quality of the coupling.

[0102] Furthermore, the coupling device 1 can be adapted to compensate for the bevel effect resulting from a non-straight (non-orthogonal) cut of the tube end. In other words, the connected state of the cartridge may only occur when a given length of the tube has actually passed through the locking ring.

[0103] Of course, the invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments and variant embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

REFERENCES

[0104] [1] WO2021148737A1; [0105] [2] FR3021089A1; [0106] [3] EP2249072A1.