FR3097932A1 - Conduit support comprising at least two elastically deformable branches - Google Patents

Abstract

Conduit support comprising at least two elastically deformable branches The subject of the invention is a conduit support comprising at least a pair of first and second branches (30, 32), defining between them a housing (34) for (20), configured to elastically deform between a first undeformed state in which the first and second legs (30, 32) hold the conduit (20) in the housing (34) and a second elastically deformed state in which they allow the introduction of a conduit (20) into the housing (34), the conduit support also comprising a clamp (40) configured to hold the conduit (20) in the housing (34) in operation. Figure 3

Description

Conduit support comprising at least two elastically deformable branches

The present application relates to a conduit support comprising at least two elastically deformable branches.

According to one embodiment visible in Figure 1, a support 10 for connecting a conduit 12 to a structure 14 of an aircraft comprises a body 16 having at a first end a plate 16.1 fixed to the structure 14 and at a second end a head 16.2 equipped with a passage hole 16.3. The support 10 also comprises a clamp 18 provided to surround the duct 12, passing through the passage hole 16.3, in order to connect it to the body 16 itself connected to the structure 14.

The use of such a support 10 is not fully satisfactory because the conduit 10 must be maintained as long as the clamp 18 is not in place. Moreover, such a support 10 only makes it possible to connect a single conduit 10 to the structure 14, which tends to multiply the attachment points on the structure 14 of the aircraft.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a pipe support comprising at least one clamping collar and at least one passage hole housing the clamping collar, characterized in that the support comprises at least a pair of first and second branches , delimiting between them a housing configured to receive a conduit and having free ends delimiting a mouth, the first and second branches being configured to deform elastically between a first undeformed state in which the mouth is smaller than the diameter of the conduit and a second elastically deformed state in which the mouth is equal to or greater than the diameter of the conduit, the clamp securing the conduit in the housing in operation.

The duct support allows easy installation of the clamps, the ducts being held by clipping between the elastically deformable branches.

According to another characteristic, the passage hole has a first open end positioned at the free end of the first branch and a second open end positioned at the free end of the second branch.

According to another characteristic, the first and second branches comprise an edge in the shape of a cylinder portion which delimits the housing and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the first duct in the first undeformed state

According to another characteristic, the duct support comprises a main support according to one of the preceding characteristics as well as at least one secondary support according to one of the preceding characteristics integral with the first or second branch of the main support.

According to one configuration, the support comprises two secondary supports positioned close to the free ends of the first and second branches of the main support.

According to another characteristic, the support comprises a base connecting the first and second branches and comprising a second passage hole housing a clamping collar in operation.

According to one configuration, the base has a curved edge to match the shape of a conduit.

According to another characteristic, the duct support comprises a main support comprising a base having an arcuate gutter, a first clamp configured to surround a first duct and to run in the gutter as well as at least one secondary support, according to one of the preceding characteristics, comprising a second passage hole housing the first clamping collar.

The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one duct support according to one of the preceding characteristics.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, description given by way of example only, with regard to the appended drawings, among which:

is a representation of a conduit support which illustrates one embodiment of the prior art,

is a perspective view of ducts connected to a structure by a support which illustrates a first embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of a support which illustrates a first embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view from another viewing angle of the support visible in Figure 3,

is a front view of the support visible in Figure 3 during the insertion of a first conduit,

is a front view of the support visible in Figure 3 after insertion of the first conduit,

is a front view of the support visible in Figure 3 after the installation of a first clamp,

is a front view of a part of the support visible in figure 3 during the insertion of a second conduit,

is a front view of part of the support visible in Figure 3 after the insertion of the second conduit,

is a front view of part of the support visible in Figure 3 after the installation of a second clamp,

is a perspective view of part of the support visible in Figure 3 after the second clamp has been fitted,

is a perspective view of ducts connected to a structure by a support which illustrates a second embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of a support which illustrates a second embodiment,

is a front view of the support visible in Figure 13,

is a perspective view from another angle of view of a portion of the support visible in Figure 13, and

is a front view of a bracket which illustrates another embodiment of the invention

In Figures 2, 3, 12 and 16, there is shown a first conduit 20 connected by a support 22 to a structure 24, such as the primary structure of an aircraft.

The supports 22 visible in Figures 2, 3 and 12 make it possible to connect first, second and third ducts 20, 20', 20'' to the structure 24 while the support 22 visible in Figure 16 makes it possible to connect a single duct 20 to structure 24.

According to one configuration, the conduits 20, 20', 20'' have a circular section and are used to channel a fluid. However, the invention is not limited to this section or this function.

According to the first embodiment visible in Figures 2 to 11, the support 22 comprises a main support 26 comprising a base 28 configured to be connected to the structure 24 by at least one fixing element 29 as well as first and second branches 30 , 32 each having a first free end 30.1, 32.1 and a second end 30.2, 32.2 connected to the base 28.

The base 28 as well as the first and second branches 30, 32 form a single piece which has first and second faces F1 and F2 parallel to each other, separated by a distance of approximately 5 to 20 mm.

The base 28 and the first and second branches 30, 32 delimit between them a first housing 34 configured to receive the first conduit 20. According to one configuration, the base 28 as well as the first and second branches 30, 32 comprise a first edge 36, connecting the first and second faces F1, F2, in the form of a portion of cylinder which delimits the first housing 34 and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the first duct 20. The free ends 30.1, 32.1 of the first and second branches 30, 32 delimit a first mouth 38 (corresponding to the distance between the free ends 30.1, 32.1 of the first and second branches 30, 32).

The first and second branches 30, 32 form a first gripper configured to deform elastically, in a plane parallel to the first and second faces F1, F2, between a first undeformed state, visible in FIG. 6, in which the first mouth 38 is smaller than the diameter of the first conduit 20 housed in the first housing 34 and a second elastically deformed state, visible in Figure 5, in which the first mouth 38 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the first conduit 20. Thus, the free ends 30.1, 32.1 of the first and second branches 30, 32 move apart, to allow the introduction of a conduit into the first housing 34 when the first and second branches 30, 32 pass from the first state to the second state and approach when the first and second branches 30, 32 pass from the second state to the first state.

The main support 26 includes a first clamp 40 holding the first conduit 20 in the first housing 34 in operation. According to one embodiment, the first clamp 40 is a Tyrap type clamp.

The base 28, the first branch 30 and/or the second branch 32 comprise at least one first passage hole 42, to accommodate the first clamping collar 40 in operation, having first and second open ends 42.1, 42.2, in particular at the level of the first edge 36. According to one configuration, the first passage hole 42 extends over the first branch 30, over the base 28 as well as over the second branch 32. Thus, it has a first open end 42.1 positioned at the level of the free end 30.1 of the first branch 30 and a second open end 42.2 positioned at the level of the free end 32.1 of the second branch 32. Alternatively, the first and second open ends 42.1, 42.2 are separated from the free ends 30.1, 32.1 . The first passage hole 42 has a section slightly greater than that of the first clamp 40 to allow it to slide inside the first passage hole 42 from a first open end 42.1 to a second open end 42.2.

The fact that the first mouth 38 is, in the first undeformed state, smaller than the diameter of the first duct 20 allows the first and second branches 30, 32 to hold the first duct 20 in the first housing 34 without using a clamp. Thus, an operator has both hands to install the first clamp 40.

The support 22 comprises at least one secondary support 44 secured to one of the first or second branches 30, 32 of the main support 26. According to one configuration, the support 22 comprises two secondary supports 44 positioned close to the free ends 30.1, 32.1 of the first and second branches 30, 32. Each secondary support 44 comprises third and fourth branches 46, 48 each having a first free end 46.1, 48.1 and a second end connected to the first or second branch 30, 32 which forms a second base 50 The third and fourth branches 46, 48 comprise first and second faces respectively coplanar with the first and second faces F1, F2.

The second base 50 (formed by the first or second branch 30, 32) as well as the third and fourth branches 46, 48 delimit between them a second housing 34' configured to receive a second or third pipe 20', 20''. According to one configuration, the second base 50 as well as the third and fourth branches 46, 48 comprise a second edge 52, connecting the first and second faces F1, F2, in the form of a cylinder portion which delimits the second housing 34' and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the second or third conduit 20', 20''. The free ends 46.1, 48.1 of the third and fourth branches 46, 48 delimit a second mouth 54 (corresponding to the distance between the free ends 46.1, 48.1 of the third and fourth branches 46, 48).

The third and fourth branches 46, 48 form a second gripper configured to deform elastically, in a plane parallel to the first and second faces F1, F2, between a first undeformed state, visible in FIG. 9, in which the second mouth 54 is smaller than the diameter of the second or third conduit 20', 20'' housed in the second housing 34' and a second elastically deformed state, visible in FIG. 8, in which the second mouth 54 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the second or third pipe 20', 20''. Thus, the free ends 46.1, 48.1 of the third and fourth branches 46, 48 move apart to allow the introduction of a conduit into the second housing 34' when the third and fourth branches 46, 48 pass from the first state to the second state. and approach when the third and fourth branches 46, 48 pass from the second state to the first state.

The secondary support 44 includes a second clamp 56 holding the second or third conduit 20', 20'' in the second housing 34' in operation. According to one embodiment, the second clamp 56 is a Tyrap type clamp.

The second base 50, the third branch 46 and/or the fourth branch 48 comprise at least one second passage hole 58, to house the second clamping collar 56 in operation, having first and second open ends 58.1, 58.2, in particular at the level of the second edge 52. According to one configuration, the second passage hole 58 extends over the third branch 46, over the second base 50 as well as over the fourth branch 48. Thus, it has a first open end 58.1 positioned at of the free end 46.1 of the third branch 46 and a second open end 58.2 positioned at the level of the free end 48.1 of the fourth branch 48. The second passage hole 58 has a section slightly greater than that of the second clamp 56 to allow it to slide inside the second passage hole 58 from a first open end 58.1 to a second open end 58.2.

The fact that the second mouth 54 is, in the first undeformed state, smaller than the diameter of the second or third pipe 20', 20'' allows the third and fourth branches 46, 48 to hold the second or third pipe 20', 20 '' in the second housing 34 'without using a clamp. Thus, an operator has both hands to install the second clamp 54.

According to one embodiment, the main support 36 and the secondary support(s) 44 are made in one piece from a material allowing the first, second, third and fourth branches 30, 32, 46 , 48 to deform elastically between the first and second states.

According to the second embodiment visible in Figures 12 to 15, the support 22 comprises a main support 60 comprising a base 62 configured to be connected to the structure 24 by at least one fixing element 64. This base 62 comprises a lower edge 66 describing an arc of a circle having a diameter substantially equal to that of the first duct 20. This arcuate shape makes it possible to position the first duct 20 in a given position.

To connect the first conduit 20 to the main support 60, the base 62 comprises a gutter 68, positioned at the level of the lower edge 66, which describes the same arc of a circle as the lower edge 64.

According to one embodiment, the base 62 is a plate whose lower edge 66 is curved so as to form the gutter 68.

According to the second embodiment, the main support 60 comprises a first clamp 70 configured to surround the first conduit 20 and run in the gutter 68 which forms a hook from which the first conduit 20 is suspended thanks to the first clamp 70.

The support 22 comprises at least one secondary support 72 which comprises a base 74 configured to be connected to the first clamping collar 70 as well as first and second branches 76, 78 each having a first free end 76.1, 78.1 and a second end connected to base 74.

The base 74 as well as the first and second branches 76, 78 comprise first and second faces F1, F2 parallel to each other, separated by a distance of approximately 5 to 20 mm. The base 74 has a curved edge 74.1 to match the shape of the first conduit 20.

The base 74 as well as the first and second branches 76, 78 delimit between them a housing 80 configured to receive the second or third pipe 20', 20''. According to one configuration, the base 74 as well as the first and second branches 76, 78 comprise an edge 82, connecting the first and second faces F1, F2, in the form of a cylinder portion which delimits the housing 80 and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the second or third conduit 20', 20''. The free ends 76.1, 78.1 of the first and second branches 76, 78 delimit a mouth 84 (corresponding to the distance between the free ends 76.1, 78.1 of the first and second branches 76, 78).

The first and second branches 76, 78 form a first clamp configured to deform elastically, in a plane parallel to the first and second faces F1, F2, between a first undeformed state in which the mouth 84 is smaller than the diameter of the second or third conduit 20', 20'' housed in housing 80 and a second elastically deformed state in which the mouth 84 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the second or third conduit 20', 20''. Thus, the free ends 76.1, 78.1 of the first and second branches 76, 78 move apart to allow the introduction of a conduit into the housing 80 when the first and second branches 76, 78 pass from the first state to the second state and approach when the first and second branches 76, 78 pass from the second state to the first state.

According to one embodiment, the secondary support 72 is made of a material allowing the first and second branches 76, 78 to deform elastically between the first and second states.

The secondary support 72 includes a second clamp 86 holding the second or third conduit 20', 20'' in the housing 80 in operation. According to one embodiment, the second clamp 86 is a Tyrap type clamp.

The base 74, the first branch 76 and/or the second branch 78 comprise at least one first passage hole 88, to house the second clamping collar 86 in operation, having first and second open ends 88.1, 88.2, in particular at the level of the edge 82. According to one configuration, the first passage hole 88 extends over the first branch 76, over the base 74 as well as over the second branch 78. Thus, it has a first open end 88.1 positioned at the level of the free end 76.1 of the first branch 76 and a second open end 88.2 positioned at the level of the free end 78.1 of the second branch 78. The first passage hole 88 has a section slightly greater than that of the second clamping collar 86 for it allow sliding inside the first passage hole 88 from a first open end 88.1 to a second open end 88.2.

To connect it to the first clamp 70, the base 74 comprises a second passage hole 90, having first and second open ends 90.1, 90.2, housing the first clamp 86 in operation.

According to one configuration, the support 22 comprises two secondary supports 72, as illustrated in Figures 13 to 15.

According to another configuration, the main support 26 visible in FIGS. 2 to 12 could comprise a base 28 which is not connected to the structure 24 but which comprises a second passage hole 90 housing in operation a clamping collar 70 suspended from a base 62 as shown in Figure 13.

According to a third embodiment visible in Figure 16, the support 22 is configured to support a single conduit 20. It comprises first and second branches 92, 94 interconnected at a junction zone 95 and each having a free end 92.1, 94.1.

The first and second branches 92, 94 delimit between them a housing 96 configured to receive the conduit 20. According to one configuration, the first and second branches 92, 94 comprise an edge 98 in the shape of a cylinder portion which delimits the housing 96 and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the conduit 20. The free ends 92.1, 94.1 of the first and second branches 92, 94 delimit a mouth 100 (corresponding to the distance between the free ends 92.1, 94.1 of the first and second branches 92, 94) .

The first and second branches 92, 94 form a clamp configured to elastically deform between a first undeformed state in which the mouth 100 is smaller than the diameter of the conduit 20 housed in the housing 96 and a second elastically deformed state. in which the mouth 100 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the conduit 20. Thus, the free ends 92.1, 94.1 of the first and second branches 92, 94 move apart to allow the introduction of a conduit into the housing 96 when the first and second branches 92, 94 pass from the first state to the second state and come together when the first and second branches 92, 94 pass from the second state to the first state.

According to one embodiment, the support 22 is made of a material allowing the first and second branches 92, 94 to deform elastically between the first and second states.

Bracket 22 includes a clamp 102 holding conduit 20 in housing 96 during operation. According to one embodiment, the clamp 102 is a Tyrap type clamp.

The first branch 92 and/or the second branch 94 comprise at least one passage hole 104, to accommodate the clamping collar 102 in operation, having first and second open ends 104.1, 104.2, in particular at the level of the edge 98. According to a configuration, the passage hole 104 extends over the first branch 92 and over the second branch 94. Thus, it has a first open end 104.1 positioned at the level of the free end 92.1 of the first branch 92 and a second open end 104.2 positioned at the level of the free end 94.1 of the second branch 94. The passage hole 104 has a section slightly larger than that of the clamp 102 to allow it to slide inside the passage hole 104 of a first open end 104.1 to a second open end 104.2.

The support 22 comprises a plate 106, secured to the junction zone 95 of the first and second branches 92, 94, configured to be connected, by means of at least one fixing element 108, to the structure 24.

The support 22 allows easy installation of the clamps, the conduits being held by clipping between the elastically deformable branches. According to embodiments visible in FIGS. 2 to 15, the support 22 can comprise a main support and one or more secondary supports making it possible to connect several ducts to the structure of an aircraft with the same fastening elements.

Claims (9)

Duct support comprising at least one clamp (40, 56, 86, 102) and at least one passage hole (42, 58, 88, 104) housing the clamp (40, 56, 86, 102), characterized in that the support comprises at least a pair of first and second branches (30, 32; 46, 48; 76, 78; 92, 94), defining between them a housing (34, 34', 80, 96) configured to receive a conduit (20, 20', 20'') and having free ends (30.1, 32.1; 46.1, 48.1; 76.1, 78.1; 92.1, 94.1) delimiting a mouth (38, 54, 84, 100), the first and second limbs (30, 32; 46, 48; 76, 78; 92, 94) being configured to elastically deform between a first undeformed state in which the mouthpiece (38, 54, 84, 100) is smaller than the diameter of the conduit (20, 20', 20'') and a second elastically deformed state in which the mouth (38, 54, 84, 100) is equal to or greater than the diameter of the conduit (20, 20' , 20''), the clamp (40, 56, 86, 102) holding the duct (20, 20', 20'') in the housing (34, 34', 80, 96) in operation. Pipe support according to Claim 1, characterized in that the passage hole (42, 58, 88, 104) has a first open end (42.1, 58.1, 88.1, 104.1) positioned at the level of the free end (30.1, 46.1, 76.1, 92.1) of the first branch (30, 46, 76, 92) and a second open end (42.2, 58.2, 88.2, 104.2) positioned at the level of the free end (32.1, 48.1, 78.1, 94.1) of the second branch (32, 48, 78, 94). Pipe support according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and second branches (30, 32; 46, 48; 76, 78; 92, 94) comprise an edge in the form of a portion of a cylinder which delimits the housing ( 34, 34', 80, 96) and which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the first conduit (20, 20', 20'') in the first undeformed state. Conduit support comprising a main support (26) according to one of claims 1 to 3 as well as at least one secondary support (44) according to one of claims 1 to 3 secured to the first or second branch (30, 32 ) of the main support (26). Pipe support according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support comprises two secondary supports (44) positioned close to the free ends (30.1, 30.2) of the first and second branches (30, 32) of the main support (26). Conduit support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support comprises a base (74) connecting the first and second branches (76, 78) and comprising a second passage hole (90) housing a clamping collar ( 86) in operation. Duct support according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (74) has a curved edge (74.1) to match the shape of a duct (20). Conduit support according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a main support (60) comprising a base (62) presenting a gutter (68) in the form of an arc of a circle, a first clamping collar (70) configured to surround a first pipe (20) and to run in the gutter (68) as well as at least one secondary support (72) according to claim 5 or 6 comprising a second passage hole (90) housing the first clamping collar (70 ). Aircraft comprising at least one duct support according to one of the preceding claims.