U.S. patent application number 13/027334 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for bayonet connection for coupling bodies.
Invention is credited to Philippe Blivet.
Application Number | 20110148107 13/027334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40480121 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110148107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blivet; Philippe |
June 23, 2011 |
BAYONET CONNECTION FOR COUPLING BODIES
Abstract
Fluid coupling formed as an assembly of a first body section
having an end portion with studs and a second body section having
an end portion configured to receive the end portion of the first
body section and having grooves for receiving a corresponding one
of the studs. Each of the grooves has an axial inlet section, and a
blind section extending circumferentially from the inlet section to
an end wall movable between a projecting position retaining the
stud in the blind section and a retracted position allowing the
stud to pass from the inlet to the blind section. Rotation of one
of the body sections passes the studs in the retracted position of
the groove end wall from the inlet section into the blind section,
the studs being retained in the blind section in the projected
position of the groove end wall to couple the body sections.
Inventors: |
Blivet; Philippe; (Rennes,
FR) |
Family ID: |
40480121 |
Appl. No.: |
13/027334 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/FR2009/001018 |
Aug 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
13027334 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/252 20130101;
F16L 37/248 20130101; F16L 37/0841 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/402 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/248 20060101
F16L037/248 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2008 |
FR |
0804650 |
Claims
1. A coupling for connecting a first component in fluid
communication with a second component, the coupling comprising a
generally tubular body having an internal channel therethrough, the
body comprising: a generally tubular first body section extending
axially between a first end portion couplable to the first
component for connecting the first component in fluid communication
with the body channel, and a second end portion having a
circumferential outer surface including one or more studs
projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the first body section
having a first channel section extending axially therethrough from
the first end portion to the second end portion; a generally
tubular second body section extending axially between a first end
portion couplable to the second component for connecting the second
component in fluid communication with the body channel, and a
second end portion configured to receive the second end portion of
the first body section coaxially therein and having a
circumferential inner surface including one or more grooves defined
therein for receiving a corresponding one of the studs of the first
body section, each of the grooves having an inlet section extending
axially from the second body section second end portion, and a
blind section extending circumferentially from the inlet section to
an end wall movable between a projecting position retaining the
corresponding one of the studs in the blind section and a retracted
position allowing the corresponding one of the studs to pass from
the inlet section to the blind section, whereby with the second end
portion of the first body section being received coaxially in the
second end portion the second body section with each of the studs
of the first body section being received in the inlet section of a
corresponding one of the grooves of the second body section, one of
the first and the body section is rotatable relative to the other
body section to pass each of the studs in the retracted position of
the corresponding groove end wall from the groove inlet section
into the groove blind section, each of the studs being retained in
the groove blind section in the projected position of the
corresponding groove end wall to permanently couple the first body
section to the section body section to form the body with the
internal channel thereof being comprised by the first channel
section of the first body section and the second channel section of
the second body section.
2. The coupling of claim 1 wherein each end wall is resiliently
deformed from its projected position to its retracted position by
the bearing of a corresponding one of the studs thereon as the stud
is passed from the groove inlet section to the groove blind
section.
3. The coupling of claim 1 wherein each end wall is inelastically
deformed from its retracted position to its projecting position
following the passing of a corresponding one of the studs from the
groove inlet section to the groove blind section.
4. The coupling of claim 1 wherein each end wall has a moveable end
adjacent the groove inlet segment and a stationary end adjacent the
groove blind segment.
5. The coupling of claim 4 wherein each of the studs has a first
shape and the moveable end of each end wall has a second shaped
complementary to the first shape such that as retained in a
corresponding groove blind section each of the studs is engagable
with the moveable end of the corresponding end wall such that the
end wall is urged towards its projecting position.
6. The coupling of claim 1 wherein each of the studs has a first
shape and each end wall has a second shaped complementary to the
first shape such that as retained in a corresponding groove blind
section each of the studs is engagable with a corresponding end
wall such that the end wall is urged towards its projecting
position.
7. The coupling of claim 1 wherein: the outer surface of the second
end portion of the first body section has a plurality of said
studs; and the inner surface of the second end portion of the
second body section has a plurality of said grooves, the studs and
grooves being arranged symmetrically so as to allow the second end
portion of the first body section to be received coaxially in the
second end portion of the second body section in a plurality of
different angular orientations.
8. A first body part of a coupling for connecting a first component
in fluid communication with a second component, the coupling
comprising a generally tubular body having an internal channel
therethrough, the body comprising the first body part and a second
body part comprising a generally tubular first body section
extending axially between a first end portion couplable to the
first component for connecting the first component in fluid
communication with the body channel, and a second end portion
having a circumferential outer surface including one or more studs
projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the first body section
having a first channel section extending axially therethrough from
the first end portion to the second end portion, the first body
part comprising: a generally tubular second body section extending
axially between a first end portion couplable to the second
component for connecting the second component in fluid
communication with the body channel, and a second end portion
configured to receive the second end portion of the first body
section coaxially therein and having a circumferential inner
surface including one or more grooves defined therein for receiving
a corresponding one of the studs of the first body section, each of
the grooves having an inlet section extending axially from the
second body section second end portion, and a blind section
extending circumferentially from the inlet section to an end wall
movable between a projecting position retaining the corresponding
one of the studs in the blind section and a retracted position
allowing the corresponding one of the studs to pass from the inlet
section to the blind section, whereby with the second end portion
of the first body section being received coaxially in the second
end portion the second body section with each of the studs of the
first body section being received in the inlet section of a
corresponding one of the grooves of the second body section, one of
the first and the body section is rotatable relative to the other
body section to pass each of the studs in the retracted position of
the corresponding groove end wall from the groove inlet section
into the groove blind section, each of the studs being retained in
the groove blind section in the projected position of the
corresponding groove end wall to permanently couple the first body
section to the section body section to form the body with the
internal channel thereof being comprised by the first channel
section of the first body section and the second channel section of
the second body section.
9. The first body part of claim 8 wherein each end wall is
resiliently deformed from its projected position to its retracted
position by the bearing of a corresponding one of the studs thereon
as the stud is passed from the groove inlet section to the groove
blind section.
10. The first body part of claim 8 wherein each end wall is
inelastically deformed from its retracted position to its
projecting position following the passing of a corresponding one of
the studs from the groove inlet section to the groove blind
section.
11. The first body part of claim 8 wherein each end wall has a
moveable end adjacent the groove inlet segment and a stationary end
adjacent the groove blind segment.
12. The first body part of claim 11 wherein each of the studs has a
first shape and the moveable end of each end wall has a second
shaped complementary to the first shape such that as retained in a
corresponding groove blind section each of the studs is engagable
with the moveable end of the corresponding end wall such that the
end wall is urged towards its projecting position.
13. The first body part of claim 8 wherein each of the studs has a
first shape and each end wall has a second shaped complementary to
the first shape such that as retained in a corresponding groove
blind section each of the studs is engagable with a corresponding
end wall such that the end wall is urged towards its projecting
position.
14. The first body part of claim 8 wherein: the outer surface of
the second end portion of the first body section has a plurality of
said studs; and the inner surface of the second end portion of the
second body section has a plurality of said grooves, the studs and
grooves being arranged symmetrically so as to allow the second end
portion of the first body section to be received coaxially in the
second end portion of the second body section in a plurality of
different angular orientations.
15. A method of making a coupling for connecting a first component
in fluid communication with a second component, the coupling
comprising a generally tubular body having an internal channel
therethrough, and the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing
a generally tubular first body section extending axially between a
first end portion couplable to the first component for connecting
the first component in fluid communication with the body channel,
and a second end portion having a circumferential outer surface
including one or more studs projecting radially outwardly
therefrom, the first body section having a first channel section
extending axially therethrough from the first end portion to the
second end portion; (b) providing a generally tubular second body
section extending axially between a first end portion couplable to
the second component for connecting the second component in fluid
communication with the body channel, and a second end portion
configured to receive the second end portion of the first body
section coaxially therein and having a circumferential inner
surface including one or more grooves defined therein for receiving
a corresponding one of the studs of the first body section, each of
the grooves having an inlet section extending axially from the
second body section second end portion, and a blind section
extending circumferentially from the inlet section to an end wall
movable between a projecting position retaining the corresponding
one of the studs in the blind section and a retracted position
allowing the corresponding one of the studs to pass from the inlet
section to the blind section; (c) receiving the second end portion
of the first body section being received coaxially in the second
end portion the second body section with each of the studs of the
first body section being received in the inlet section of a
corresponding one of the grooves of the second body section; and
(d) rotating one of the first and the body section is relative to
the other body section to pass each of the studs in the retracted
position of the corresponding groove end wall from the groove inlet
section into the groove blind section, each of the studs being
retained in the groove blind section in the projected position of
the corresponding groove end wall to permanently couple the first
body section to the section body section to form the body with the
internal channel thereof being comprised by the first channel
section of the first body section and the second channel section of
the second body section.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein each end wall is resiliently
deformed in step (d) from its projected position to its retracted
position by the bearing of a corresponding one of the studs thereon
as the stud is passed from the groove inlet section to the groove
blind section.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein each end wall is inelastically
deformed from its retracted position to its projecting position
following the passing of a corresponding one of the studs from the
groove inlet section to the groove blind section.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein each end wall of the second body
section provided in step (b) has a moveable end adjacent the groove
inlet segment and a stationary end adjacent the groove blind
segment.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein each of the studs of the first
body section provided in step (a) has a first shape and the
moveable end of each end wall of the second body section provided
in step (b) has a second shaped complementary to the first shape
such that as retained in step (d) in a corresponding groove blind
section each of the studs is engagable with the moveable end of the
corresponding end wall such that the end wall is urged towards its
projecting position.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein each of the studs provided in
step (a) has a first shape and each end wall of the second body
section provided in step (b) has a second shaped complementary to
the first shape such that as retained in step (d) in a
corresponding groove blind section each of the studs is engagable
with a corresponding end wall such that the end wall is urged
towards its projecting position.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein: the outer surface of the second
end portion of the first body section provided in step (a) has a
plurality of said studs; and the inner surface of the second end
portion of the second body section provided in step (b) has a
plurality of said grooves, the studs and grooves being arranged
symmetrically so as to allow the second end portion of the first
body section to be received in step (c) coaxially in the second end
portion of the second body section in a plurality of different
angular orientations.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending
International Application No. PCT/FR2009/001018 filed Aug. 20,
2009, which designated the United States, and which claims priority
to French Patent Application No. 0804650, filed Aug. 20, 2008, the
disclosure of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling suitable for use
in connecting together two ducts, e.g. for connecting together
pipes or for connecting a pipe to a fluid emitter or receiver
member such as a pump, a manifold, an actuator, a flow or pressure
regulator, a tank, The invention also provides a body part for such
a coupling and a method of reinforcing a bayonet connection
securing the two body parts of a coupling together.
[0003] Couplings are known that comprise a body defining an
internal channel and comprising two body parts, each provided with
connector means for connecting the channel to a duct. The connector
means may be of various types, e.g. comprising a male tubular
section with Christmas-tree teeth or forming a nipple that is to be
engaged by force in the duct, or a female tubular section provided
with a toothed washer or with a quick coupling clamp for engaging
the duct. The body is generally made as a one-piece molding, but
that prevents any modularity of the coupling for the purpose of
simplifying fabrication. It is necessary to provide a plurality of
different molds for fabricating bodies that associate the various
types of connector that are in use.
[0004] Couplings are also known in which the body is made up of two
independent parts. The body parts then have end portions arranged
to enable the first and second body parts to be secured to each
other by relative engagement. The end portions have means for
mutual retention such as snap-fastener means or clip-fastener means
acting in an axial engagement direction. Unfortunately, most of the
forces that act externally on such a coupling include an axial
component. That means that the strength of the connection between
the body parts is relatively weak.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An aspect of the invention is to provide an alternative to
conventional techniques for connecting the body parts of a coupling
together To this end, the invention provides a coupling comprising
a tubular body defining an internal channel and comprising a first
body part and a second body part, each provided with connector
means for connecting the channel to a duct, the first and second
body parts having end portions arranged to enable the first and
second body parts to be secured to each other by relative
engagement, wherein the end portions are provided with fastener
elements arranged to define an irreversible bayonet connection, the
end portion of the first part including at least one radially
projecting stud and the end portion of the second part including at
least one groove for receiving the stud, the groove having an inlet
segment opening out into a blind segment that extends in a
substantially circumferential direction of the coupling, the groove
having a wall element that is movable between a retracted position
outside the groove so as to allow the stud to pass from the inlet
segment to the blind segment, and a projecting position inside the
groove so as to prevent the stud from escaping from the blind
segment, the coupling including holder means for holding the wall
element in its projecting position.
[0006] The fastener elements that define a bayonet connection
co-operate with each other via bearing surfaces that are strong in
the axial direction, thereby conferring relatively great strength
to the coupling against forces exerted in that direction. In
addition, the fastener elements also oppose disengagement of the
body parts in the event of them pivoting relative to each other by
ensuring that the bayonet connection is irreversible.
[0007] The movable wall element constitutes a simple manner of
ensuring that the bayonet connection is irreversible.
[0008] Advantageously, the holder means comprise resilient return
means for urging the wall element into its projecting position and,
preferably, the wall element is elastically deformable from its
projecting position towards its retracted position.
[0009] The passage from the retracted position to the projecting
position is thus instantaneous. In addition, the use of an
elastically deformable wall element makes it possible to provide
irreversibility and resilient return without having recourse to
fitting separate elements, thereby limiting assembly costs and
making it possible to retain a coupling that is relatively
lightweight.
[0010] Advantageously, the end portion of the first part is a male
part and the stud extends radially, projecting outwards from the
end portion, and the end portion of the second part includes a wall
defining a housing for receiving the first part, the groove being
formed in said wall of the housing, the inlet segment extending in
a substantially axial direction of the housing and having one end
opening out into a terminal face of the second part and an opposite
end opening out into the blind segment and, preferably, the groove
has an end wall forming the movable wall element, the end wall
being elastically deformable from its projecting position towards
its retracted position.
[0011] In this embodiment, the coupling is easy to make.
[0012] Also preferably, the end wall forming the movable wall
element possesses a stationary end in the inlet segment and a free
end close to the blind segment and, advantageously, the stud and
the free end of the end wall forming the movable wall element are
of complementary shapes arranged in such a manner that a force from
the stud on the free end towards the inlet segment tends to hold
the end wall forming the movable wall element in the projecting
position.
[0013] If the stud is pressed against the free end of the movable
wall element, it tends to hold it in its projecting position.
[0014] Also advantageously, the end portions comprise respectively
a plurality of studs and a plurality of grooves, said studs and
grooves being arranged symmetrically so as to allow a plurality of
angular positions for mutual engagement of the body parts.
[0015] This is particularly advantageous when one of the two body
parts is not symmetrical, e.g. when it has a bend, which bend can
then be oriented in different directions so as to make it easier to
install the coupling in a circuit by adapting its shape to its
surroundings.
[0016] The invention also provides a body part for such a coupling.
This body part has an end portion with at least one groove for
receiving a stud, the groove having an inlet segment opening into a
blind segment that is at an angle relative thereto, and a wall
element that is movable between a retracted position outside the
groove so as to allow the stud to pass from the inlet segment to
the blind segment, and a projecting position inside the groove so
as to prevent the stud from escaping from the blind segment, the
coupling including holder means for holding the wall element in the
projecting position.
[0017] The invention also provides a method of reinforcing the
connection between two body parts of a tubular body of a coupling,
the body defining an internal channel and each of the body parts
being provided with means for connecting the channel to a duct and
each having a respective end portion arranged to enable the first
and second body parts to be secured to each other by relative
engagement, the end portions being provided with fastener elements
comprising respectively at least one radially projecting stud and
at least one groove for receiving the stud, the groove including an
inlet segment opening into a blind segment extending in a
substantially circumferential direction of the coupling, the method
comprising the step of plastically deforming at least one of the
fastener elements in order to block the stud in the blind
segment.
[0018] The method of the invention thus makes it possible to ensure
that the bayonet connection securing the body parts together is
irreversible.
[0019] According to a particular characteristic, the groove
includes a wall element that is movable between a retracted
position outside the groove for allowing the stud to pass from the
inlet segment to the blind segment and a projecting position inside
the groove to prevent the stud from escaping from the blind
segment, the deformation being performed to oppose movement of the
movable wall element from its projecting position towards its
retracted position, against the movable wall element, or against
the stud.
[0020] The function of the plastic deformation is to increase
resistance to the stud moving towards the inlet segment of the
groove by acting on the stud itself or by acting on the movable
wall element.
[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear
on reading the following description of particular non-limiting
embodiments of the invention.
[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear
on reading the following description of particular, non-limiting
embodiments of the invention.
[0023] The present invention, accordingly, comprises the
construction, combination of elements, and/or arrangement of parts
and steps which are exemplified in the detailed disclosure to
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a
coupling in accordance with the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view of the coupling in longitudinal section on
plane II of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a view of the coupling in cross-section on line
III-III of FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 during assembly of the
coupling, during relative engagement of the two body parts;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a view analogous to FIG. 2 of a coupling in a
first variant embodiment, one of its body parts having a bend;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a view analogous to FIG. 2 of a coupling
constituting a second variant embodiment, the fastener elements
co-operating in reinforced manner to increase the strength of the
bayonet connection;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a section view analogous to FIG. 3 showing a first
implementation of the method of the invention; and
[0032] FIG. 8 is a view analogous to FIG. 7 showing a second
implementation of the method of the invention.
[0033] The drawings will be described further in connection with
the following Detailed Description of the Invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the coupling in accordance
with the invention comprises a body given overall reference 1 that
is tubular, defining an internal channel 2 and that is arranged to
connect the internal channel 2 to two ducts, e.g., belonging to
fluid circuit members such as pipes, a manifold, an actuator, or a
tank.
[0035] The body 1 has a first body part and a second body part that
are given respective overall references 3 and 4. The first body
part 3 and the second body part 4 thus define respective segments
of the internal channel 2.
[0036] The first body part 3 possesses a first end portion 5
arranged as a female connector portion for connection to one end of
one of the ducts in order to connect said duct to the internal
channel 2, and a second end portion 6 arranged as a male link
portion for linking to the second body part. The end portion 5
includes a chamber arranged at one end of the internal channel 2
and provided with conventional connector means, here comprising a
latch that is movable radially to co-operate with a portion in
relief on the outside of the duct. The end portion 6 is provided
with four studs 7 projecting radially outwards and arranged
symmetrically at 90.degree. from one another.
[0037] The second body part 4 possesses a first end portion 8
arranged as a connector portion for connection to one end of the
other one of the ducts to connect said duct to the internal channel
2, and a second end portion 18 arranged as a female link portion
for linking to the first body part 3. The end portion 8 is provided
with connector means, in this example with outwardly-projecting
Christmas-tree serrations, i.e. barbs, and it is arranged to be
engaged by force in said end of said duct. The end portion 18 is
provided with a bore 19 of diameter that is greater than the
diameter of the internal channel 2 (the diameter of the bore 19 is
equal to the outside diameter of the duct), and having an end
opposite from the end portion 8 that is provided with a chamber 10
for receiving the end portion 6. From beside the end portion 8, the
bore 19 receives sealing elements 20 for clamping onto the end of
the duct that is retained by the connector means of the body part
3. The chamber 10 is provided internally with four grooves 9
disposed symmetrically at 90.degree. from one another for slidably
receiving the studs 7. Each groove 9 includes an inlet segment 9.1
extending axially, having one end opening out into a terminal face
11 of the end portion 8, and an opposite end opening out into a
blind segment 9.2 that extends in a circumferential direction of
the chamber 10. Each groove 9 possesses an end wall element 12
having one end secured to the chamber wall 10 and an opposite free
end 13. The end wall element 12 extends in the inlet segment 9.1 in
a circumferential direction of the chamber 10 so as to have its
free end 13 extending to the inlet to the blind segment 9.2. The
end wall element 12 is elastically deformable between a rest state
in which the free end 13 projects inside the groove 9 to oppose
exit of the stud 7 from the blind segment 9.2, and a deformed state
in which the free end 13 is retracted outside the groove 9 so as to
allow the stud 7 to pass from the inlet segment 9.1 to the blind
segment 9.2. The end wall element 12 thus forms a movable wall
element.
[0038] Assembly of the coupling amounts to engaging the end portion
6 axially in the chamber 10 by engaging the studs 7 in the inlet
segments 9.1 of the grooves 9 (FIG. 4) and then causing the first
part 3 to pivot relative to the second part 4 (in the direction of
arrow P in FIG. 3) so as to cause the studs 7 to penetrate into the
blind segments 9.2. On the studs 7 passing from the inlet segment
9.1 to the blind segment 9.2, the studs 7 deform the end wall
elements 12 from their rest state to their deformed state. After
the studs 7 have gone past, each end wall element 12 returns
automatically to its rest state as a result of its own resilience.
The free ends 13 of the end wall elements 12 are then in the
vicinity of side faces 14 of the studs 7, opposing any movement of
the studs towards the inlet segments 9.1 (FIG. 3).
[0039] It should be observed that the studs 7 are of a width equal
to the distance between the end 13 and a terminal wall of the blind
segment 9.2, such that each stud 7 is received with practically no
slack in the blind segment 9.2.
[0040] In the variant of FIG. 5, the second body part 4 has a bend
so that the male end portion 8 is at an angle of 90.degree.
relative to the end portion 18.
[0041] It can be understood that the symmetrical arrangement of the
studs 7 and the grooves 9 at 90.degree. allows for four possible
orientations of the body parts relative to each other, thus making
it possible to select the orientation of the latch of the first
body part 3 relative to the male end portion 8 of the second body
part 4 in such a manner as to facilitate access to the latch as a
function of the environment of the coupling.
[0042] In the variant of FIG. 6, the end 13 of each end wall
element 12 and the face 14 of each stud 7 are of shapes that are
complementary so as to oppose movement of the end 13 towards its
retracted position. In this example, the end 13 has a chamfered
portion 15 that penetrates into a setback 16 in the face 14 at the
base of the stud 7 so that when the face 14 exerts a force on the
end 13, co-operation between the chamfered portion 15 and the
setback 16 tending to hold the end wall element 12 in its rest
state.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a coupling analogous to that shown in FIGS. 1
to 4 and that has been subjected to the method of the invention in
a first implementation. In this implementation, at least one of the
studs 7 is subjected to hot deformation 7.1 so as to increase
locally the height of the stud 7 at the face 14 and prevent the
stud 7 from escaping from the thrust of the end 13 (FIG. 7.a shows
the coupling before deformation; FIG. 7.b shows the coupling after
deformation).
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a coupling analogous to that shown in FIGS. 1
to 4 except in that the grooves 9 do not have a movable end wall
element (see FIG. 8.a). The structure of the coupling thus does not
ensure that the bayonet connection is irreversible. This coupling
has therefore been subjected to the method of the invention in its
second implementation. In this implementation, the end wall 42 of
at least one of the grooves 9 at the inlet of the blind segment 9.2
is subjected to local hot deformation so as to reduce locally the
height of the groove 9 so that the stud 7 is taller than the groove
9 at this location and comes into abutment against the deformed
portion of the end wall. This prevents the stud 7 from moving out
from the blind segment 9.2 of the groove 9. In this example the hot
deformation prevents the stud 7 from moving out from the blind
segment 9.2 of the groove 9 by eliminating assembly clearances.
[0045] The hot deformation may be performed by a laser beam or by a
hot punch. The deformation could also be performed cold.
[0046] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described but covers any variant coming within the ambit of the
invention as defined by the claims.
[0047] In particular, the bayonet connection may be made
irreversible by means other than those described, and for example
by means of a latch mounted on the body part having the groove so
as to be movable transversely in the groove.
[0048] Although in the embodiments described, the end wall element
12 forms the movable wall element, the movable wall element could
be constituted by a portion of one of the flanks of the groove. The
movable wall element could be hinged to the chamber and urged
resiliently into a projecting position by an independent spring or
it could be held mechanically in its projecting position.
[0049] The plastic deformation may be obtained on any part of the
coupling, providing it is sufficient to ensure that the bayonet
connection is irreversible.
[0050] Other connector means can be used, and in particular: quick
coupling means, non-quick coupling means, forced engagement means,
clip-fastener means, a toothed washer, a retention clamp. The
coupling may have two male ends or two female ends.
[0051] The number and the positioning of the studs and of the
grooves may be modified, for example as a function of the number of
potential angular orientations that it is desired to have between
the body parts.
[0052] The link between the first body part and the second body
part may be provided as described herein upstream from the sealing
elements 20 (upstream relative to the direction in which the duct
end is inserted in the chamber of the first end portion) or
downstream from said sealing elements, however it is then necessary
to provide additional sealing elements between the first body part
and the second body part.
[0053] As it is anticipated that certain changes may be made in the
present invention without departing from the precepts herein
involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing
description shall be interpreted in as illustrative rather than in
a limiting sense. All references including any priority documents
cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference.
* * * * *