FR2995655A1 - Connector for manually connecting flexible envelope to gas pipe for repairing repair patch of structural component of aircraft using e.g. cement, has fixing units arranged to compress joint when connector is in assembled configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (1) has a lateral channel (4.4) presenting a boring (4.2) in which a rod (2.2) is inserted to put the channel in gas communication with a primary channel (2.4). Fixing units are conformed to fix an insert (2) at a connection body (4) to place the connector in an assembled configuration. An annular joint (8) is elastically deformable and placed around the rod between the support and the body. The joint presents a sealing surface on which a portion of a flexible envelope is affixed. The units are arranged to compress the joint when the connector is in the assembled configuration. An independent claim is also included for a method for manually connecting a flexible envelope to a gas pipe.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for manually connecting a flexible envelope to a gas conduit, for the purpose of evacuating a sealed volume and / or injecting gas into a sealed volume. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for manually connecting a flexible envelope to a gas conduit. The present invention finds particular application in the aeronautical field, for several applications. For example, the present invention is applicable to the repair of a structural component of an aircraft: a flexible plastic envelope is evacuated in order to press a patch of repair, putty or a composite material (matrix) on the structural component to be repaired, according to the technique of marouflage with emission of infrared radiation. Furthermore, the present invention applies to the detection of fuel leaks: a tracer gas is injected into a flexible envelope surrounding a part of the outside of the fuel tank; an operator can then locate the location of the leak using a tracer gas detector disposed in the fuel tank. EP2170705 describes a marouflage repair device of an aircraft structural component. The device of EP2170705 comprises a bladder or flexible envelope 12 where a pump extracts the gas to put the flexible envelope 12 under vacuum. The pump is connected to the flexible envelope 12 by means of a connector 26 fixed on the flexible envelope 12. However, the structure of this connection is relatively complex, so that its assembly requires tools, which is relatively tedious . In addition, the device connection of EP2170705 allows only one assembly of the fitting, which limits its use to a single gas pumping operation. The present invention aims to solve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above. For this purpose, the invention relates to a coupling, for manually connecting a flexible casing to a gas duct, the connection comprising: an insert intended to be placed in the flexible casing, the insert comprising: i) a support , which is configured to support a portion of the flexible envelope, and ii) a rod 35 which extends substantially transversely to the support and which has a hollow central portion so as to define at least one primary channel passing through the insert for the gas flow; a connecting body having at least one secondary channel passing through the coupling body, the secondary channel having a bore in which the rod can be inserted so as to put the secondary channel in communication with the primary channel; - Fastening means shaped to attach the insert to the connector body so as to place the connector in an assembled configuration; an annular seal that is elastically deformable and disposed, in assembled configuration, around the rod between the support and the coupling body, the annular seal having a seal surface on which said portion of the flexible envelope can be affixed, the means for fixing being arranged to compress the annular seal when the connector is in assembled configuration. In other words, when the fitting is in assembled configuration, the flexible envelope portion is in a manner clamped between the insert and the coupling body. Thus, such a connection makes it possible to connect a flexible envelope to a gas conduit quickly, reliably and repeatedly.

The gas duct has the particular function of channeling gases injected into the flexible envelope and channeling gases extracted by a pump to evacuate the flexible envelope. After inserting the rod into the bore, the annular seal is compressed by the actuation of the fastening means, so that the annular seal compensates for defects in shape so as to provide a helium seal below 5 ppm at over 500 mbar overpressure and -850 mbar underpressure. According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprise a primary thread extending on the rod and a secondary thread extending in the bore, the secondary thread preferably being a tapping, the primary thread being shaped. for cooperating by screwing with the secondary thread, the connector further comprising a ring connected to the connecting body so that the ring can rotate freely relative to the coupling body, the ring having an annular surface arranged to exert, in assembled configuration, a pressure on said portion of the flexible envelope, the annular seal being disposed, in assembled configuration, between the support and the ring. Thus, such primary and secondary threads form effective fastening means for compressing the annular seal. The free rotation of the ring during the screwing of the primary thread on the secondary thread avoids any occurrence of folding or stretching of the flexible envelope, which is important because such a fold or stretching could create a leak gas degrading the operation of the fitting. According to one embodiment of the invention, the ring is connected to the coupling body by elastic latching. Thus, such a snap allows a rotary connection with a minimum of components. According to one embodiment of the invention, the insert has, on a free face opposite the rod, at least one groove extending between the primary channel and a peripheral region of the support. Thus, such a groove allows to pass a gas flow and / or air to or from the primary channel, in the case where the free face is pressed against a wall by the vacuum of the flexible envelope. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support has transverse dimensions, measured transversely to the axis of the rod, which are between 15 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 24 mm, the free face of the medium preferably having the shape of a disc. Thus, such transverse dimensions allow to make a connection having a small footprint while properly immobilizing, by pinching, the portion of the flexible envelope when the connector is in assembled configuration. According to one embodiment of the invention, the rod has a free end of pointed form on the side opposite to the support. Thus, such a sharp shape makes it possible to pierce the flexible envelope easily without tools. According to one embodiment of the invention, the rod has a length greater than 10 mm, preferably 20 mm. Thus, such a rod length makes it possible to perforate the flexible envelope by plastic deformation until tearing the flexible envelope. The flexible envelopes used in the areas of masking or fuel leak detection are generally not elastic, which plastically deform them manually. For example, for a flexible envelope having a thickness of 0.1 mm and composed of polyamide 6-6, a rod having a length of 15 mm is sufficient to perforate the flexible envelope. According to one embodiment of the invention, the seal surface is generally flat, and in which the face of the support which is in contact with the annular seal in assembled configuration is generally flat. Thus, such a seal and such a support have a small longitudinal space, measured parallel to the axis of the primary or secondary channel. According to one embodiment of the invention, the material forming the annular seal is selected from the group consisting of a fluorocarbon polymer and a perfluorocarbon polymer such as viton®. Thus, the annular seal can chemically resist kerosene and thermally at a temperature above 200 ° C. According to a variant of the invention, the insert and at least a part of the coupling body are composed of a polyamide, such as a polyamide 6-6. Thus, such materials can mechanically withstand temperatures of about 220 ° C commonly measured during a repair of composite parts by means of infrared rays. In addition, the low coefficient of friction of such a material avoids any risk of damage to the walls of an aircraft.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support and the connecting body have fillet or chamfer on their respective periphery. Thus, such fillets or chamfers avoid tearing the flexible envelope or scratch an aircraft wall, when the connector is in use.

Similarly, according to a variant of the invention, the ring has fillets or chamfers on its periphery. According to a variant of the invention, the connection has, in assembled configuration, a length, measured parallel to the axis of the rod, which is less than 70 mm, preferably less than 50 mm. Thus, such a connection represents a small longitudinal space, measured parallel to the axis of the primary or secondary channel. In addition, the weight of the connection is very low, typically about 20 g, which generates negligible efforts on the flexible envelope and avoids any deformation that would otherwise be a source of leaks.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connector further comprises a connection piece which is connected to the connector body opposite the insert.

Thus, such a connecting piece makes it possible to fix successively to the connection several gas ducts sealingly and releasably. According to a variant of the invention, the connection piece comprises a ring for blocking the gas duct, the locking ring being manually movable, transversely to the axis of the gas duct and against an elastic member. in the locked position, the connecting piece further comprising a pin configured to selectively maintain the locking ring in the release position of the gas conduit. Thus, such a connection piece makes it possible to fix the connection of the gas conduit quickly. According to one embodiment of the invention, the coupling body has a ridged or knurled outer surface. Thus, such a grooved or knurled outer surface allows a firm grip of the coupling body so as to fix it on the insert, to place the fitting in assembled configuration. Of course, the insert, the ring and / or the connecting body can be in one or more pieces. For example, the insert may comprise a separate rod and a support, the rod being secured to the support. Similarly, the coupling body or the ring can be in several parts. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manually connecting a flexible envelope to a gas conduit, the method comprising the steps of: 101) implementing a coupling according to the invention; 102) place the insert in the flexible envelope; 103) drilling a hole in said portion of the flexible envelope; 104) pass the rod through the hole; and 105) inserting the rod into the bore; 106) actuate the fastening means so as to fix the insert to the coupling body until compressing the annular seal and to immobilize said portion of the flexible envelope. In other words, when the fitting is in assembled configuration, the flexible envelope portion is in a manner clamped between the insert and the coupling body.

Thus, such a method makes it possible to connect a flexible envelope to a gas conduit quickly, reliably and repeatedly.

The embodiments of the invention and the variants of the invention mentioned above can be taken individually or in any combination technically possible. The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view a coupling according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view, along the angle of FIG. 1, of an insert belonging to the connector of FIG. 1; - Figure 3 is a perspective view, at an angle different from Figure 1, a connecting body belonging to the connector of Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connection of FIG. 1, partially truncated by plane IV in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1; - Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 of the connection of Figure 4, truncated along the plane IV in Figure 1; FIG. 7 is a truncated perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 during a step of a method according to the invention; and FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of the connector of FIG. 1 during a subsequent step of the method according to the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a connector 1 for manually connecting a flexible envelope E to a gas conduit C, as described below in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8. The connector 1 comprises an insert 2, which is intended to be placed in a the flexible envelope E, and a connecting body 4. As shown in Figure 2, the insert 2 comprises a support 2.1, which is configured to support a portion of the flexible envelope E. This portion of the flexible envelope E has an area of a few square centimeters. The insert 2 further comprises a rod 2.2 which extends substantially transversely to the support 2.1. The rod 2.2 has a hollow central portion so as to define at least one primary channel 2.4 passing through the insert 2 for the flow of gas. In the example of the figures, the rod 2.2 has a length L2.2 of about 15 mm. The rod 2.2 has a free end of pointed form on the opposite side to the support 2.1. In the example of the figures, the free face of the support 2.1, opposite the rod 2.2, has the overall shape of a disk. The diameter of the support 2.1, that is to say, its transverse dimension measured transversely to the Z axis of the rod 2.2, which is about 25 mm.

The insert 2 has, on its free face opposite the rod 2.2, radial grooves 2.6 and 2.7 which extend between the primary channel 2.4, opening at the center of the support 2.1, and a peripheral region of the support 2, here its circumference . For the insert 2, a primary thread extends on the rod 2.2.

In the example of the figures, the primary thread extends on the outside of the rod 2.2; it is a male thread. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting body 4 has a secondary channel 4.4 which passes through the coupling body 4. The secondary channel 4.4 has a bore 4.2 in which the rod 2.2 can be inserted so as to put in communication of gas the secondary channel 4.4 with the primary channel 2.4. For the connecting body 4, a secondary thread extends into the bore 4.2. In the example of the figures, the secondary thread is a tapping; it is a female thread.

The primary thread of the rod 2.2 is shaped to cooperate by screwing with the secondary thread of the bore 4.2. The primary thread and the secondary thread form fastening means shaped to attach the insert 2 to the connecting body 4 so as to place the connector 1 in an assembled configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The fitting 1 has, in assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 4), a length L1 embodied in FIG. 1, measured parallel to the Z axis of the rod 2.2, which is here about 50 mm. FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate the coupling 1 in assembled configuration, when the insert 2 is fixed to the coupling body 4, therefore when the rod 2.2 is inserted, here by screwing, into the bore 4.2, and when the primary channel 2.4 is in communication with the secondary channel 4.4.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the connector 1 further comprises a ring 6 which is connected to the connecting body 4 so that the ring 6 can rotate freely relative to the connecting body 4. In the example of Figures 1 to 4, the ring 6 is mounted idle on the coupling body 4. The ring 6 is here connected to the coupling body 4 by resilient snapping. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 4, the ring 6 comprises an elastic snap-fitting portion 6 of complementary shape to a corresponding part of the coupling body 4.

The connecting body 4 has a ridged or knurled outer surface. The ring 6 has an annular surface 6.1 which is arranged to exert, in the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 4), a pressure on the portion of the flexible envelope E. The support 2, the ring 6 and the connecting body 4 have fillet or chamfer on their respective periphery, such as fillet or chamfer 2.9 and 4.9 visible in Figures 4 and 6. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the connector 1 comprises an annular seal 8 elastically deformable and arranged, in assembled configuration (Figures 1 and 4), around the rod 2.2 between the support 2 and the ring 6. In the example of the figures, the gasket 8 is composed of viton®. The annular seal 8 has a joint surface 8.1 on which the portion of the flexible envelope E can be affixed, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In the example of the figures, the joint range 8.1 is generally flat. The face 2.8 of the support 2 which is in contact with the gasket 8 in the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 4) is also generally flat. The fastening means, in this case the primary thread of the rod 2.2 and the secondary thread of the bore 4.2, are arranged to compress the annular seal 8 when the connector 1 is in assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 4).

As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the connector 1 further comprises a connecting piece 10 which is connected to the connecting body 4 opposite the insert 2. In the example of the figures , the connection piece 10 is glued to the coupling body 4. The connection piece 10 is configured to fix the gas duct C to the connector 1 in leaktight and detachable manner. For this purpose, the connecting piece comprises a locking ring 10.1 of the gas duct C. The locking ring 10.1 has an opening for passing the gas duct C. The locking ring 10.1 is movable manually, transversely to the Z axis of the gas duct C and against an elastic member, not shown, return to the locking position. In the locked position, the opening of the locking ring 10.1 is eccentric with respect to the axis of the gas duct C. The connection piece 10 further comprises a lug 10.2 configured to selectively hold the locking ring 10.1 in position. release position of the gas duct C.

In the example of the figures, the insert 2 and the connecting body 4 are composed of polyamide 6-6. The connection piece 10 is composed for example of a stainless steel, so that it can withstand temperatures well above 200 ° C. After disconnection of the gas duct C, the connection 1 remains sealed thanks to a closure of the female part. In the unconnected configuration, the female part of the connection 1 remains closed completely gastight. Only the connection with the male part of the corresponding connection 1 makes it possible to release the gases from the flexible envelope E. In use, to manually connect the flexible envelope E 20 to the gas conduit, a method according to the invention comprises the steps 101) implement the connector 1; 102) place the insert 2 in the flexible envelope E (FIG. 7); 103) to drill a hole T in the portion of the flexible envelope E (FIG. 7); 104) pass the rod 2.2 through the hole T (FIG. 7); and 105) insert the rod 2.2 into the bore 4.2 (Figure 8); 106) actuate the fixing means so as to fix the insert 2 to the connecting body 4 to compress the annular seal 8 and to immobilize this portion of the flexible envelope E; the immobilization is made by a kind of pinching of this portion of the flexible envelope E between the seal surface 8.1 and the ring 6 (annular surface 6.1), which is pressed against the connecting body 4. After the portion of the flexible envelope E is clamped between the seal surface 8.1 and the annular surface 6.1 of the ring 6, the connection 1 is in use. The flexible envelope E is sealed again and a pump, not shown, may, depending on the intended application, evacuate the volume delimited by the flexible envelope E and / or inject gas into this volume.

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. Connector (1), for manually connecting a flexible envelope (E) to a gas conduit (C), the connector (1) comprising: - an insert (2) intended to be placed in the flexible envelope (E), l insert (2) comprising i) a support (2.1), which is configured to support a portion of the flexible envelope (E), and ii) a rod (2.2) which extends substantially transversely to the support (2.1) and which has a hollow central portion so as to define at least one primary channel (2.4) passing through the insert (2) for the flow of gas; a connecting body (4) having at least one secondary channel (4.4) passing through the connecting body (4), the secondary channel (4.4) having a bore (4.2) in which the rod (2.2) can be inserted in a manner placing the secondary channel (4.4) in communication with the primary channel (2.4); - Fastening means shaped to attach the insert (2) to the connector body (4) so as to place the connector (1) in an assembled configuration; - an annular seal (8) elastically deformable and disposed, in assembled configuration, around the rod (2.2) between the support (2.1) and the connecting body (4), the annular seal (8) having a seal surface ( 8.1) on which said portion of the flexible envelope (E) can be affixed, the fastening means being arranged to compress the annular seal (8) when the connector (1) is in assembled configuration. 2. Fitting (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprise a primary thread extending on the rod (2.2) and a secondary thread extending into the bore (4.2), the secondary thread being of preferably a tapping, the primary thread being shaped to cooperate by screwing with the secondary thread, the connection (1) further comprising a ring (6) connected to the connecting body (4) so that the ring (6) can rotate freely with respect to the coupling body (4), the ring (6) having an annular surface (6.1) arranged to exert, in assembled configuration, a pressure on said portion of the flexible envelope (E), the annular seal (8) being arranged, in assembled configuration, between the support (2.1) and the ring (6). 3. Fitting (1) according to claim 2, wherein the ring (6) is connected to the coupling body (4) by snap elastically. 4. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (2) has, on a free face opposite the rod (2.2), at least one groove (2.6, 2.7) extending between the primary channel (2.4) and a peripheral region of the support (2.1). 5. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (2.1) has transverse dimensions, measured transversely to the axis (Z) of the rod (2.2), which are between 15 mm and 30 mm. mm, preferably between 20 mm and 24 mm, the free face of the support (2.1) preferably having the shape of a disk. 6. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (2.2) has a free end of pointed form on the side opposite the support (2.1). 7. A coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (2.2) has an upper length (L2.2) to 10 mm, preferably 20 mm. 8. A coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal surface (8.1) is generally flat, and in which the face of the support (2.1) which is in contact with the annular seal (8) in 30 assembled configuration is globally flat. The fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material composing the annular seal (8) is selected from the group consisting of a fluorocarbon polymer and a perfluorocarbon polymer such as viton®. 10. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support and the connecting body have fillet or chamfer on their respective periphery. 11. Connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection (1) further comprises a connecting piece (10) which is connected to the connecting body (4) opposite the insert ( 2). 12. Fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting body (4) has a ridged or knurled outer surface. 13. Method, for manually connecting a flexible envelope (E) to a gas duct (C), the method comprising the steps of: 101) implementing a coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims; 102) placing the insert (2) in the flexible envelope (E); 103) drilling a hole (T) in said portion of the flexible envelope (E); 104) pass the rod (2.2) through the hole (T); and 105) inserting the rod (2.2) into the bore (4.2); 106) actuate the fastening means so as to fix the insert (2) to the connecting body (4) to compress the annular seal (8) and to immobilize said portion of the flexible envelope (E).