Connecting device for tubular elements

Abstract

The present application relates to a coupling device for a tubular element. The coupling device comprises: a hollow body (3) having a housing (30); a barrel (4) which is locked in the housing (30) in a first position, the barrel protruding from the body (3), the barrel (4) having an outer wall (40) and an inner wall (41), the inner wall defining an inner channel (43), the inner channel (43) having a first end (431) forming an entrance for receiving a tubular element (2) and a second end (432) provided with an obstacle; a seal (5) and a fastening ring (6) which are arranged in the channel (43) to seal the tubular element (2) in the channel (43). The coupling device (1) comprises an unlocking system designed to allow the barrel (4) to be unlocked and moved towards a second position, in which the barrel (4) is completely integrated in the body (3) when the tubular element (2) exerts a force on the obstacle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of couplings and coupling devices for allowing sealed fluid communication between pipes or lines, in particular for motor vehicles. The present invention relates in particular to a fluid connection fitting comprising an indicator of correct assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the field of fluid connectors, it is desirable to have a quick connect coupling device that has a proper assembly indicator, thereby allowing confirmation of the proper assembly of tubing in the coupling device.

[0003] The coupling device generally comprises a generally cylindrical body defining an internal passage forming a housing for receiving the tube. The housing is provided with means for sealingly fixing the end of the tube thereto, generally a fastening member such as a metal ring and an annular sealing element of the annular seal type. The fastening member is responsible for keeping the tubular element in place once inserted, while the annular seal is arranged so that it is compressed between the wall of the internal passage and the tubular element in order to ensure a seal between them.

[0004] In order to enable the sealing device to perform their functions reliably and effectively, it is necessary to drive the end of the tubular element into the inner passage so that it is enough to reach the fastening member and the annular seal. For this reason, a stopper is usually simply provided in the inner passage, against which the end of the pipe abuts when fully driven. If the operator detects that the end of the tubular element has reached the stopper, the operator in charge of the connection knows that the end of the tubular element has been fully pushed in. However, the force required for driving the tubular element is not linear, and increases according to the connection operation when the end of the tubular element passes through the fastening member and / or the seal. Therefore, the operator may misunderstand this sudden increase in the pushing force and interpret it as the end of the tubular element reaching the stopper. The end of the tubular element therefore cannot be fully pushed in, causing the risk of tubular element leakage and / or separation.

[0005] In order to compensate for this disadvantage, it is envisaged to arrange an element in the inner channel, which acoustically indicates the predetermined insertion of the end of the tubular element into the inner channel. FR3,065,050 discloses such a coupling device with an acoustic connection indicator. In this document, when the tubular element is inserted, the annular acoustic indicator is deformed and an acoustic signal is generated in the deformed state. Acoustic indicators are also described in EP 1746349, JP 2016-75308, JP 2016-75309 and JP 2016-75387.

[0006] Such acoustic indicators have disadvantages, in particular when the tubular element is inserted into the coupling device by an operator in a production line. Such a task is often performed in a noisy environment such as a factory, which may prevent the operator from hearing the acoustic signal. Likewise, in case of fatigue or inattention, and in any case, the operator may not hear the acoustic signal indicating a correct assembly, which forces him to drive the tubular element again or to dismantle the connection and reassemble it until he hears the signal. This results in a loss of time and additional fatigue of the operator.

[0007] FR 3021089 attempts to solve this problem by providing an acoustic indicator element with a resilient pin arranged to jump against the surface of the tubular element so as to emit an acoustic signal simply by pivoting the tubular element about its axis if the tubular element is sufficiently pushed in. However, although this device allows the operator to repeatedly confirm the correct assembly of the tubular element simply by pivoting the end of the tubular element, it still involves detecting the acoustic signal, which requires particularly restrictive attention in noisy environments. In addition, it is sometimes impossible to rotate the tube or the fitting.

[0008] JP 2016-75308, JP 2016-75309 and JP 2016-75387 also describe coupling devices including visual indicators. In these documents, when the tubular element is inserted into the body, the tubular element pushes the colored visual indicator until it reaches the stop. Here the body of the coupling device is transparent, allowing the operator to see the colored visual indicator, indicating that the tubular element has been correctly assembled.

[0009] However, such visual indicators require that the interior of the body of the coupling device can be seen from the outside. Therefore, this type of device is not suitable for situations where the coupling device is already connected to the female element, in which case the element partially covering the coupling device may hide the visual indicator. Therefore, such devices require that the tubular element be connected to the coupling device before it is incorporated into the female element, which is a limitation.

[0010] EP 1183480 and EP 2112416 propose coupling devices comprising viewing openings, which allow the tubular elements to be correctly assembled. However, due to the viewing opening being located at the end of travel of the tubular element, when the coupling device has been covered by the female element, such devices may be difficult to use.

[0011] Couplings comprising visual indicators of correct assembly are also known from EP 1559943 and EP 1154187, in which the insertion of a tubular element pushes an element in its path, such as an indicator ring, which by deformation produces an indicator visible outside the coupling. In the same way as previously described, these designs require the visual indicator to be arranged at the end of travel of the tubular element, which is not practical when the coupling is incorporated into the female element before the insertion of the tubular element.

[0012] US 2017 / 0321825 discloses a coupling device for tubular elements, comprising a visual indicator of the correct assembly of the tubular element, wherein the visual indicator comprises a mark arranged on the tubular element. Thus, when the predetermined mark is no longer visible, the operator can know whether the tubular element is correctly assembled. The disadvantage of this device is that the visual indicator is incorporated into the tubular element rather than into the coupling device, which hinders the use of standard tubular elements and may require the operator to accurately cut the end of the tubular element so that the visual indicator is arranged at a known distance from the end.

[0013] A coupling device is also known from EP 0940620, comprising a crimping sleeve intended to be deformed by the insertion of a tubular element and at least one indicator arranged on the crimping sleeve, the crimping sleeve being intended to be deformed by the insertion of a tubular element, the indicator moving radially when the tubular element is correctly fitted into the coupling device. This type of visual indicator has the disadvantage of being visible only at the window where the indicator is located, which forces the operator to orient the coupling device in order to be able to see the indicator. This constraint is impractical for the operator, wastes time and increases the fatigue of the operator.

[0014] EP 2249072 proposes a coupling device comprising a tactile indicator of the correct assembly of a tubular element. In this document, the internal channel is provided with a stop against which the tubular element applies a force until it breaks, thereby indicating that the tubular element has been properly pushed in. The disadvantage of this device is that it only provides a tactile control of the correct assembly of the tubular element. This type of verification is sometimes difficult to detect by the operator, especially if he uses gloves and even more so when the operator is in a state of considerable fatigue. Moreover, it is not possible for the operator to verify the correct assembly afterwards. Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention relates to an alternative to the solutions of the prior art which seek to remedy all or some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, the present invention relates to a coupling device for tubular elements comprising a visual indicator of the correct assembly of the tubular elements which is easy to implement and verify and is usable even when the coupling device is already integrated in a female element.

[0016] In order to achieve this object, the subject of the present invention proposes a coupling device for tubular elements, said coupling device comprising:

[0017] a substantially cylindrical hollow body having a housing opening to an opening, the housing having a first recess;

[0018] a cartridge locked in the housing in a first position, the cartridge protruding from the opening of the hollow body in the first position, the cartridge having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining an inner passage, the inner passage having a first end and a second end, the first end forming an inlet for receiving the tubular element and the second end being provided with an obstacle, the cartridge further comprising a first retaining member supported by its outer wall and designed to fit elastically in the first recess so as to retain the cartridge in the first position;

[0019] an annular seal disposed in the inner passage,

[0020] A fastening ring is arranged in the inner passage between the inlet and the seal for sealingly fixing the tubular element in the inner passage.

[0021] The coupling device also comprises an unlocking system designed to allow the cartridge to be unlocked and moved from the first position to a second position in which the cartridge is fully integrated in the hollow body when the tubular element inserted in the internal channel exerts a force on the obstacle.

[0022] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, the following features are used alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0023] The obstacle is formed by a flexible element that undergoes deformation when a tubular element inserted into the internal passage exerts a force on the obstacle;

[0024] The housing of the hollow body has a second recess, and the cartridge includes a second retaining member designed to resiliently fit into the second recess in the second position;

[0025] the first retaining member and the second retaining member forming a single retaining member;

[0026] the unlocking system comprising the retaining member and the first recess, the retaining member and the first recess being designed such that a minimum force required when inserting the tubular element to release the retaining member from the first recess is greater than a force required to sealingly secure the tubular element in the interior passage;

[0027] The cartridge includes an inner tubular member that together with the inner wall forms a tubular interior passage;

[0028] the housing of the hollow body having a shoulder, and the unlocking system comprising the shoulder and comprising at least one flexible tab supported by the tubular element and forming the barrier, the flexible tab extending obliquely in the internal passage so as to gradually narrow the passage in the insertion direction and terminating in a lug abutting against the shoulder when the cartridge is in the first position, the force exerted by the tubular element on the flexible tab allowing the release of the tab and the unlocking of the cartridge;

[0029] The unlocking system includes a plurality of flexible tabs evenly distributed at angles;

[0030] The hollow body includes an inner tubular member on a side opposite to the opening thereof;

[0031] The barrel includes a flexible restrictor tip designed to reduce a diameter of the interior passageway at a second end and abut the inner tubular member when the barrel is in the first position;

[0032] The unlocking system includes a flexible restrictor tip and an inner tubular member that form a barrier;

[0033] the inner wall being provided with a third recess between the inlet and the fastening ring, and the coupling device comprising a substantially cylindrical retaining ring inserted into the barrel, the retaining ring having a third retaining member designed to elastically fit in the third recess and retain the fastening ring in the inner passage;

[0034] The internal passage is provided with a second annular seal arranged between the inlet and the fastening ring;

[0035] The securing ring has a tapered interior to grip the tubular element when the tubular element is inserted and prevent removal of the tubular element;

[0036] The fastening ring is made of metal, preferably brass;

[0037] The fastening ring is C-shaped;

[0038] The outer wall of the barrel is provided with a third annular seal to provide a seal between the barrel and the hollow body;

[0039] The annular seal(s) are made of rubber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Other features and advantages of the present invention can be found in the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a coupling device and a tubular element according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 2a is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling device according to the present invention when the cartridge is in a first position.

[0043] Figure 2b is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling device according to the present invention when the cartridge is in the second position.

[0044] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling device according to the present invention when the cartridge is in a first position.

[0045] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a coupling device and a tubular element according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 5a A cartridge of a coupling device according to a particular embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 5b to Figure 5e The coupling device according to a particular embodiment of the invention is shown at different stages of insertion of a tubular element, with the cartridge in a first position ( Figure 5b , Figure 5c , Figure 5d ) and then in the second position ( Figure 5e ). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to simplify the following description, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same or perform the same function in the different embodiments of the present invention being described.

[0049] Overview of the coupling device

[0050] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a coupling device according to the present invention.

[0051] Typically, the coupling device 1 is used to removably connect a tubular element 2, such as a tube, pipe or pipeline, in particular made of plastic material, to a female element (not shown). The fluid may be a liquid, such as water or oil, or a gas, such as compressed air.

[0052] Such a coupling device 1 can be used in the automotive sector, in particular in an automobile or any type of commercial vehicle, such as a bus, coach, truck, trailer or semitrailer, but can also be used in the railway or aviation sectors. In particular, but not restrictively, the coupling device 1 according to the invention can be used in the context of air brakes or even in the context of a cooling circuit for a battery of an electric vehicle.

[0053] Back to Figure 1As described above, the coupling device 1 includes a generally cylindrical hollow body 3 and a cylinder 4.

[0054] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Two lateral sectional views of a coupling device 1 according to the invention are shown.

[0055] As can be seen in these figures, the hollow body 3 has a housing 30 opening into an opening 31 to allow insertion therein in an insertion direction, as well as to allow extraction of the cartridge 4 .

[0056] The outer surface of the hollow body 3 may have one or more grooves 321 , 322 to receive one or more external annular seals 331 , 332 in order to ensure sealing with the female element when the coupling device 1 is integrated in the female element.

[0057] The substantially cylindrical cartridge 4 has an outer wall 40 , the shape of which allows the cartridge 4 to be inserted into the housing 30 of the hollow body 3 along an insertion direction.

[0058] The outer wall 40 of the barrel 4 may be provided with an annular seal 400 (hereinafter referred to as the third annular seal 400), which is preferably made of rubber so that the seal between the barrel 4 and the hollow body 3 can be ensured. To this end, the outer wall 40 may have a groove shaped to accommodate the annular seal 400.

[0059] The barrel 4 further comprises an inner wall 41 defining an inner passage 43 for receiving the tubular element 2 inserted in the insertion direction. To this end, the inner passage 43 has a first end 431 forming an open entrance for receiving the tubular element 2 and a second end 432 provided with an obstacle. Advantageous embodiments of the obstacle will be described in the remainder of this description.

[0060] Advantageously, the cartridge 4 may also comprise an internal tubular member 42 which, together with the inner wall 41, forms an internal channel 43 which is then tubular. In other words, the internal channel 43 is located between the inner wall 41 of the cartridge and the tubular member 42. When the tubular element 2 is inserted, the tubular element 42 acts as a guide for said tubular element, which is particularly useful when the tubular element is made of a flexible material.

[0061] The tubular member 42 may be molded onto the barrel 4 so as to be integral therewith, or rigidly fixed thereto by any known fixing means, such as gluing.

[0062] When the tubular element 2 is not inserted or not fully inserted into the internal passage 43 of the coupling device 1, the barrel 4 is in a first position in which it protrudes from the opening 31 so that a portion of the barrel 4 is visible from the outside. This situation is shown in FIG. Figure 2aIn order to ensure good visibility of this position and allow the user to clearly see the cartridge 4 when it is in the first position, the cartridge 4 may have a different colour than the hollow body 3 .

[0063] The cartridge 4 is locked in the housing 30 in the first position. Locking in the housing 30 is understood to mean that the cartridge 4 cannot be removed from the housing 30 by applying a simple removal force in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was inserted into the hollow body 3. For this purpose, and as in Figure 2a As can be clearly seen in the figure, the housing 30 of the hollow body 3 can advantageously have at least one first recess 301. The barrel 4 may include at least one first retaining member 45, which is supported by its outer wall 40 and is designed to be elastically fitted into the first recess 301 in the first position of the barrel 4. In this way, the barrel 4 can be fixedly maintained in this position as long as no force is applied to the barrel 4, and this is also the case when an active or unexpected removal force is applied to the barrel. Of course, devices other than the first recess 301 and the first retaining member 45 are also conceivable for locking the barrel 4 in the removal direction. It should also be noted that although the first recess 301 and the first retaining member 45 are shown as female and male elements, respectively, in a variant embodiment, they can correspond to male and female elements, respectively, on the contrary.

[0064] Locking the cartridge 4 in the housing 30 also means that the cartridge 4 does not move to the second position (i.e. it does not move in the direction of its insertion into the body 3) as long as the tubular element 2 is not sufficiently inserted into the cartridge 4 to ensure that it is correctly assembled and the assembly is sealed.

[0065] The locking cylinder 4 thus ensures that the cylinder 4 protrudes from the hollow body 3 and remains visible from the outside when the tubular element 2 is not inserted and as long as it is not pushed in sufficiently. In the remainder of this description several locking devices will be described in detail, in particular with reference to three specific non-limiting embodiments of the coupling device 1.

[0066] The coupling device 1 also comprises an annular seal 5 arranged in the internal channel 43. This seal 5 ensures the sealing of the device 1 when the tubular element 2 is inserted into the internal channel 43, preventing any circulation of fluid in the channel 43 around the tubular element 2.

[0067] The coupling device 1 also comprises a fastening ring 6 arranged in the internal channel 43, between the inlet 431 and the seal 5, which assembly makes it possible to fix the tubular element 2 in the internal channel 43 in a sealing manner ( Figure 2b ). The fastening ring 6 is provided with means for fastening the tubular element 2 so that it is possible to prevent said element from being removed from the internal passage 43 once inserted. To this end, the fastening ring 6 may advantageously have a conical interior to grip the tubular element 2 when it is inserted and prevent it from being removed, such as Figure 2b To ensure effective fastening of the tubular element 2 , in particular when it is made of plastic material, the fastening ring 6 may be made of metal, preferably brass.

[0068] Advantageously, a cross-member 61 may be arranged between the fastening ring 6 and the annular seal 5. Said cross-member has, on one side of the fastening ring 6, a frustoconical profile which substantially widens the diameter of the ring 6 when the ring is pressed against the cross-member 61: Figure 3 As shown, this occurs when the tubular element 2 is inserted and comes into contact with the ring 6. This forced expansion of the ring 6 facilitates the insertion of the tube 2.

[0069] The diameters of the annular seal 5 and the fastening ring 6 are shaped to allow them to be inserted into the internal passage 43, and also to allow the tubular element 2 to be sealed and fixed in the passage 43. In particular, these diameters can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubular element 2 so that the seal 5 and the ring 6 are slightly deformed when the tubular element 2 is inserted. Preferably, the material and / or shape of the seal 5 and the ring 6 are suitable for facilitating this deformation. Therefore, the annular seal 5 is advantageously formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The fastening ring 6 can be C-shaped, i.e. comprising an open ring.

[0070] The diameter of the annular seal 5 and the fastening ring 6 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall 41 of the barrel 4 , requiring a slight compression to insert them into the internal passage 43 and to ensure that they remain within the passage 43 .

[0071] Particularly advantageously, the inner wall 41 may be provided with a third recess 46, which is located between the inlet 431 and the fastening ring 6. The coupling device 1 then comprises a substantially cylindrical retaining ring 7 inserted into the cartridge 4. The retaining ring 7 has a third retaining member 70 designed to fit elastically into the third recess 46 and to retain the fastening ring 6 in the internal passage 43. Thus, when the retaining ring 7 is fitted in the cartridge 4, it presses the fastening ring 6 against the first annular seal 5 (or against the cross member 61 when present), said seal being able to press against the shoulder 433, with which the internal passage 43 is advantageously provided, so as to fix the assembly in the internal passage 43.

[0072] The internal channel 43 may be provided with a second annular seal (not shown in the figures), preferably made of rubber, arranged between the inlet 431 and the fastening ring 6. This second seal, called a "dust shield" seal, ensures the protection of the internal channel 43, in particular the protection of the fastening ring 6 relative to the outside of the barrel 4, in particular preventing dust from entering the channel 43. If the coupling device 1 comprises a retaining ring 7, the second seal is inserted between the fastening ring 6 and the third recess 46, so that when the retaining ring 7 is engaged, the second annular seal is pressed against the fastening ring 6.

[0073] As an alternative to the presence of this second annular seal, and in particular as Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the coupling device may comprise a system 8 for removing the tubular element 2. The removal system 8 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape, the diameter of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the tubular element 2 and of the fastening ring 6, but less than the diameter of the inner wall 41 of the barrel 4. This allows the removal system 8 to be inserted into the internal passage 43 and for the tubular element to pass through the removal system 8 when it is inserted into the coupling device 1.

[0074] The removal system 8 has a first tip 81 intended to penetrate into the internal channel 43 in the insertion direction, and a second end 82 forming a head wider than the inlet of the cartridge 4 and protruding beyond said inlet to allow it to be handled, so that when the removal system 8 is not in use the tip 81 is away from the fastening ring 6. The length of the removal system 8 in the insertion direction is greater than the distance between the inlet of the cartridge 4 and the fastening ring 6.

[0075] To allow the removal of the tubular element 2, the removal system 8 is driven into the internal passage 43 by means of its head 82 in the insertion direction. The tip 81 is then inserted between the tubular element 2 and the fastening ring 6, slightly separating the ring 6 and releasing its constraint on the tubular element 2, allowing the latter to be removed.

[0076] The removal system 8 may comprise a lug 83 intended to be blocked by a complementary lug 71 of the retaining ring 7 in order to prevent removal of the removal system 8 .

[0077] Regardless of the nature and form of these elements, the coupling device 1 also includes an unlocking system. When the tubular element 2 is inserted into the internal channel 43 and a force is applied to an obstacle located at the second end 432 of the channel 43, the unlocking system is designed to allow the cartridge 4 to be unlocked and moved from the first position to the second position. In this second position, the cartridge 4 is completely integrated in the hollow body 3 and no longer protrudes from the opening 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 2b shown.

[0078] In this way, the passage of the cartridge 4 from the first position to the second position, easily visually detected by the disappearance of the cartridge 4 inside the hollow body 3, indicates that the tubular element 2 has been correctly and fully driven into the coupling device 1, i.e. it has passed the tightening ring 6 and the annular seal 5 and has certainly exerted a force on an obstacle located at the second end 432, behind the annular seal 5 in the insertion direction. In other words, the coupling device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the correct assembly of the tubular element 2 by simply visually detecting the disappearance of the cartridge 4 inside the hollow body 3. This disappearance can be detected even when the coupling device 1 is already connected to the female element and regardless of the orientation of the coupling device 1, which disappearance is easily noticeable in any environment and leads to low fatigue on the part of the operator.

[0079] Advantageously, the housing 30 of the hollow body 3 may have a second recess 302. The cartridge 4 may comprise a second retaining member (not shown) designed to resiliently fit into the second recess 302 when the cartridge is in the second position.

[0080] Alternatively, the first and second retaining members may form a single retaining member 45, such as Figure 2a and Figure 2b In this advantageous embodiment, the retaining member 45 makes it possible to lock the cartridge 4 in the first position and in the second position by cooperating with the first notch 301 and the second notch 302 respectively.

[0081] First embodiment of the coupling device

[0082] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the housing 30 of the coupling device 1 comprises two recesses 301 , 302 and a single retaining member 45. According to this embodiment, the unlocking system comprises a first recess 301 and a retaining member 45.

[0083] As is known per se, the shape of the recess, in particular its depth or the inclination of its stop, makes it possible to set the minimum force required to release the retaining member 45 from the recess.

[0084] In this first embodiment, the shapes of the first recess 301 and the retaining member 45 are designed so that when the tubular element 2 is inserted, the minimum force required to release the retaining member 45 from the first recess 301 is greater than the force required to sealingly fix the tubular element 2 in the internal passage 43.

[0085] In other words, the depth of the first notch 301 and the inclination of its stop are adjusted to ensure that the insertion of the tubular element 2 first allows it to pass through the fastening ring 6 and then through the seal 5, while the barrel 4 remains locked in the first position, the force being insufficient to release the retaining member 45 from the first notch 301.

[0086] Then, tubular element 2 applies sufficient force against the obstruction of second end 432 of internal passage 43 so that retaining member 45 is released, cartridge 4 moves from the first position to the second position, and retaining member 45 resiliently fits into second recess 302 to lock cartridge 4 in the second position.

[0087] To this end, the obstruction of the second end 432 may consist of a simple stop to receive the thrust exerted by the tubular element 2 after it has passed through the fastening ring 6 and the seal 5 .

[0088] Such an embodiment makes it possible to ensure that the cartridge 4 is unlocked and moved from the first position to the second position only when the tubular element has passed the fastening ring 6 and the seal 5 .

[0089] Second embodiment of the coupling device

[0090] According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the cartridge 4 comprises the above-mentioned tubular member 42. In addition, the outer shell 30 of the hollow body 3 has a shoulder 300.

[0091] In this embodiment, the unlocking system 44 comprises a shoulder 300 and at least one flexible tab 441 supported by the tubular member 42 and forming an obstacle. More precisely, the flexible tab 441 extends obliquely in the internal passage 43, gradually narrowing the passage 43 downstream of the annular seal 5 in the insertion direction. The flexible tab 441 terminates in a lug 442 extending radially outwardly relative to the insertion direction. This lug 442 abuts the shoulder 300 when the barrel 4 is in the first position. The engagement between the lug 442 at the end of the flexible tab 441 and the shoulder 300 causes the barrel 4 to be locked in the first position, preventing it from moving in the insertion direction to the second position.

[0092] The force exerted by the tubular element 2 on the flexible tab 441 has the effect of gradually moving the flexible tab 441 away from the inner wall 41 of the barrel 4 so as to gradually align it in the insertion direction. This displacement of the flexible tab 441 allows the lug 442 to be released from the shoulder 300 and thus allows the unlocking of the barrel 4. The force exerted by the tubular element 2 on the lug 442 forming the stop then allows the barrel 4 to move in the insertion direction until a second position in which it is completely integrated in the hollow body 3.

[0093] The flexible tab 441 supported by the tubular member 42 may be molded on the tubular member 42 so as to be integral therewith, or fixed thereto by any known fixing means such as gluing.

[0094] The shoulder 300 may be located at a single location in the housing 30, or extend radially in the housing 30. The unlocking system 44 may include a single flexible tab 441, which may be more or less thin, depending on the force applied to unlock the barrel 4. Alternatively, the unlocking system 44 may include a plurality of flexible tabs 441 evenly distributed at angles around the tubular member 42, so as to increase the applied force relative to a design with a single flexible tab.

[0095] In this second embodiment, if Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the housing 30 of the hollow body 3 and the outer wall of the cartridge 4 may have a first recess 301 and a first retaining member 45, respectively, which are designed to elastically cooperate with each other in the first position of the cartridge 4. As already mentioned in the general description of the coupling device 1, this makes it possible to ensure that the cartridge 4 remains in the first position if a removal force (in a direction opposite to the insertion direction) is exerted thereon.

[0096] A second notch 302 may also be provided on the housing 30 to engage with the first retaining member 45 to block the cartridge 4 in the second position when a force is applied in the removal direction.

[0097] Third embodiment of the coupling device

[0098] According to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 and Figure 5a to Figure 5e As shown, the barrel 4 comprises a flexible limiter tip 443 at the second end 432 of the internal passage 43, which is designed to reduce the diameter of said internal passage 43. This flexible tip 443 can be formed, for example, by two cylindrical portions 443a continuous with the wall of the barrel 4 and separated by a longitudinal groove 443b, which allows the portion 443a to bend towards the central axis of the barrel 4 and thus limit the diameter of the internal passage 43 ( Figure 5a ).

[0099] In this embodiment, the unlocking system 44 comprises a flexible limiter tip 443 that will form an obstacle, and an internal tubular member 32 arranged in the body 3 , on the side opposite to the opening 31 .

[0100] like Figure 5b As shown, the barrel 4 is locked in the first position: due to its diameter, it cannot move to the second position because the end of the flexible restrictor tip 443 abuts the inner tubular member 32 of the body 3. Figure 5c ), the flexible limiter tip 443 thus abuts and prevents the barrel 4 from moving in the insertion direction and leaving the first position; thus only the tubular element 2 advances within the internal passage 43. As the tubular element 2 passes through the flexible tip 443, it gradually moves said tip away. The diameter of the end of the flexible tip 443 then increases until the tip no longer abuts the internal tubular member 32 of the body 3: the barrel 4 is unlocked ( Figure 5d ). The tubular element 2 reaches the stop 443c arranged in the inner wall of the flexible end 443: the continued insertion of the tube 2 then moves the cartridge 4 from the first position to the second position in which it is completely integrated in the hollow body 3 ( Figure 5e ). In the second position, the tubular element 2 abuts the inner tubular element 32 , which is surrounded by the end of the flexible tip 443 .

[0101] In the third embodiment, Figure 5a to Figure 5e As shown, the shell 30 of the hollow body 3 and the outer wall of the barrel 4 may respectively have a first recess 301 and a first retaining member 45, which are designed to elastically cooperate with each other to ensure that if a removal force (in a direction opposite to the insertion direction) is applied to the barrel, the barrel 4 remains in the first position.

[0102] A second recess 302 may be provided in the housing 30 to engage with the first retaining member 45 to block the cartridge 4 in the second position in the removal direction.

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

[0104] In particular, the invention is by no means limited to the example of unlocking system provided and any system can be envisaged which ensures that when a tubular element is inserted it can pass through the fastening ring and the seal while the barrel is locked in a first position, and then the barrel is unlocked and can be moved to a second position.

[0105] For example, it is conceivable that the unlocking system is a flexible tab supported by the hollow body and extending radially inside the housing. In order to constitute the unlocking system, the flexible tab must be rigid enough to constitute a stop that locks the cartridge in the first position as long as the tubular element has not passed through the fastening ring and the seal. Once these elements have passed, the tubular element can exert an additional force on the stop that forms an obstacle to the internal passage sufficient to bend the flexible tab and unlock the cartridge.

Claims

1. A coupling device (1) for a tubular element (2), the coupling device (1) for a tubular element (2) comprising: A cylindrical hollow body (3), the hollow body having a housing (30) leading to an opening (31), the housing (30) having a first recess (301); a cartridge (4) locked in the housing (30) in a first position, the cartridge (4) protruding from the opening (31) of the hollow body (3) in the first position, the cartridge (4) having an outer wall (40) and an inner wall (41), the inner wall defining an inner channel (43), the inner channel (43) having a first end (431) forming an inlet for receiving the tubular element (2) and a second end (432) provided with an obstacle, the cartridge (4) further comprising a first retaining member (45) supported on the outer wall (40) of the cartridge and designed to elastically fit into the first recess (301) so as to retain the cartridge (4) in the first position; an annular seal (5) arranged in the inner passage (43), a fastening ring (6) arranged in the inner passage (43) between the inlet and the seal (5) so as to sealingly fix the tubular element (2) in the inner passage (43), wherein the fastening ring (6) is C-shaped; The coupling device (1) also includes an unlocking system designed to allow the cartridge (4) to be unlocked and moved from the first position to a second position in which the cartridge (4) is fully integrated in the hollow body (3) when the tubular element (2) inserted into the internal channel (43) exerts a force on the obstacle.

2. The coupling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (30) of the hollow body (3) has a second recess (302), and wherein the cartridge (4) comprises a second retaining member designed to elastically fit into the second recess (302) in the second position.

3. The coupling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The first retaining member and the second retaining member form a single retaining member (45).

4. The coupling device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The unlocking system comprises the retaining member (45) and the first recess (301), the retaining member (45) and the first recess (301) being designed such that the minimum force required to release the retaining member (45) from the first recess (301) when the tubular element (2) is inserted is greater than the force required to sealingly secure the tubular element (2) in the internal passage (43).

5. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cartridge (4) comprises an inner tubular member (42) which together with the inner wall (41) forms the tubular inner passage (43).

6. The coupling device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The shell (30) of the hollow body (3) has a shoulder (300), and wherein the unlocking system (44) includes the shoulder (300) and includes at least one flexible tab (441), which is supported by the tubular member (42) and forms the obstacle, the flexible tab (441) extending obliquely in the internal channel (43) so as to gradually narrow the channel (43) in the insertion direction and terminating in a lug (442), the lug (442) abutting the shoulder (300) when the barrel (4) is in the first position, the force exerted by the tubular element (2) on the flexible tab (441) allowing the release of the lug (442) and the unlocking of the barrel (4).

7. The coupling device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The unlocking system (44) comprises a plurality of flexible tabs (441) evenly distributed at an angle.

8. A coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The hollow body (3) comprises an inner tubular member (32) on the side opposite to the opening (31) of the hollow body, the cartridge (4) comprising a flexible restrictor tip (443) designed to reduce the diameter of the internal passage (43) at the second end (432) and abutting the internal tubular member (32) of the hollow body (3) when the cartridge (4) is in the first position, The unlocking system (44) comprises the flexible restrictor tip (443) forming the obstacle and the inner tubular member (32) of the hollow body (3).

9. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inner wall (41) is provided with a third recess (46) located between the inlet and the fastening ring (6), and wherein the coupling device (1) comprises a cylindrical retaining ring (7) inserted into the barrel (4), the retaining ring (7) having a third retaining member (70) designed to elastically fit into the third recess (46) and retain the fastening ring (6) in the inner channel (43).

10. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inner passage (43) is provided with a second annular seal arranged between the inlet and the fastening ring (6).

11. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The fastening ring (6) has a tapered interior to grip the tubular element (2) when it is inserted and prevent removal of the tubular element.

12. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The fastening ring (6) is made of metal.

13. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The outer wall (40) of the barrel (4) is provided with a third annular seal (400) to ensure sealing between the barrel (4) and the hollow body (3).

14. The coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The annular seal (5, 433, 400) is made of rubber.

15. The coupling device (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The fastening ring (6) is made of brass.

Images