Female element of a quick connector and quick connector comprising the female element and an associated male element

Abstract

A female element (100) of a quick connector (R) configured to be connected to a male element (10) comprises a hollow body (102) extending along an insertion axis (A100) and delimiting a receiving volume (V100) for the male element. Radial openings (110) formed in the body along radial axes (A110) open into said receiving volume. Each radial opening receives a latch (112) translatable with respect to the body along the corresponding radial axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The female element comprises an actuation ring (150) arranged around the body and translatable along the body between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuation ring comprises a guide groove (160) interacting with the pin of each latch. The guide groove associated with each latch is geometrically carried by a guide plane (P160) inclined with respect to the insertion axis so that each latch is driven between its locked position and its unlocked position when the actuation ring moves between its locked position and its unlocked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a female element of a quick connector, and a quick connector comprising such a female element and an associated male element. Background Technology

[0002] A quick connector is a fluid connection device comprising a female element and an associated male element. Each of the male and female elements includes an internal channel that is fluidly connected when the connector is in a connection configuration. The female element typically includes a locking device that automatically engages when the male and female elements are connected to maintain the connector in the connection configuration, hence the name quick connector.

[0003] When the fluid flowing through the quick connector is under pressure, this pressure tends to push the male element away from the female element, thereby subjecting the locking device to mechanical stress. To improve connection security and prevent unintentional disconnection, especially in the case of very high-pressure quick connectors, it is known to equip the quick connector with a safety locking device.

[0004] For example, EP-A-1 557 599 describes a female element of a quick connector equipped with a safety locking device. The female element includes a locking ball that is pushed to a first position by an actuating ring, in which the ball interacts with a peripheral groove of the male element. The actuating ring, itself pushed to the locked position by a first spring, is also locked in its locked position by a second latch loaded by a second spring. Therefore, to disconnect the male and female elements, the second latch must first be released to move the actuating ring away from its locked position, and then the locking ball is released. This safety locking device is bulky and relatively complex to manufacture, and therefore expensive.

[0005] To address these problems more specifically, the present invention proposes a female element for a quick connector that provides improved security against unintentional disconnection while remaining compact and easy to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a female element of a quick connector, the female element being configured to connect to a male element, the female element comprising:

[0007] - A body extending along the insertion axis and comprising:

[0008] A receiving volume for receiving the male element, the receiving volume having a rotational shape about the insertion axis and opening from the body through a nozzle located in a transverse plane orthogonal to the insertion axis, the nozzle defining the front side of the female element.

[0009] • A radial opening, arranged in the body along a radial axis orthogonal to the insertion axis, the radial opening leading to the receiving volume.

[0010] - At least one latch, each latch being received in a corresponding radial opening and capable of translational movement relative to the body along a corresponding radial axis between a first position and a second position, in the first position being inserted into the receiving volume, and in the second position being not inserted into the receiving volume, each latch including a proximal side oriented on the side opposite to the first mouth piece.

[0011] - An actuating ring, which is arranged coaxially with the insertion axis around the body and is capable of translating relative to the body along the insertion axis between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0012] - A return member, which is configured to return the actuation ring to its locked position.

[0013] According to the invention, the actuating ring includes a guide groove that interacts with a pin of each latch, the pin extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial axis of the corresponding radial opening, the guide groove associated with each latch being geometrically supported by a guide plane inclined relative to the insertion axis, such that:

[0014] - As the actuating ring moves from its unlocked position to its locked position, each latch is driven from its second position to its first position, and

[0015] - As the actuating ring moves from its locked position to its unlocked position, each latch is driven from its first position to its second position.

[0016] With the aid of this invention, the latch returns to its first position by means of the return member of the actuating ring returning to its locked position. This makes the quick connector compact and economical. When the quick connector is connected and under pressure, the repulsive force that tends to separate the connector is applied to the latch and is completely absorbed by the wall of the radial opening, thereby reducing the risk of unintentional disconnection.

[0017] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a female element may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in any technically permissible combination:

[0018] - When the guide groove approaches the front of the female element, the guide groove moves away from the insertion axis, and the unlocking position of the actuation ring is the position where it is axially retracted from the locked position along the insertion axis.

[0019] - When the guide groove approaches the front of the female element, the guide groove approaches the insertion axis, wherein the locking position of the actuation ring is a position where it is axially retracted from the unlocked position along the insertion axis.

[0020] - Each guide plane is inclined at an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably 40° to 50°, more preferably equal to 45° relative to the insertion axis.

[0021] - The proximal side of each latch is generally planar and parallel to the transverse plane, and the proximal side contacts the rear surface of the corresponding radial opening.

[0022] - The width of the proximal side of each latch, measured in a direction orthoradial to the insertion axis, is greater than the radius of the mouth piece, and the width is equal to the length of the projection of the proximal side of the latch onto the transverse plane.

[0023] - Each latch includes an inner surface oriented toward the insertion axis, the inner surface including an expansion portion oriented toward the insertion axis A100 and toward the mouthpiece.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a quick connector comprising a female element as defined above and a male element configured to be connected to the female element, wherein:

[0025] The male element includes a hollow body having a generally rotatable shape about a main axis, the hollow body including a distal portion intended to be received in the receiving volume of the female element, the body of the male element defining a fluid channel that opens from the distal portion through a second nozzle, the second nozzle defining a front side of the male element.

[0026] The distal portion includes a first cylindrical portion, an expanded portion, particularly a conical portion, and a second cylindrical portion in a direction away from the second nozzle. The expanded portion is arranged to protrude relative to the first and second cylindrical portions.

[0027] - The expanded portion forms a flange having a front face and a rear face, wherein:

[0028] • The front face is oriented toward and extends away from the second nozzle, and the front face is configured to push each latch from its first position to its second position during the press-fit movement of the male element into the receiving volume of the female element as the male element penetrates the female element.

[0029] The rear face connects the front face to the second cylindrical portion and is oriented away from the second nozzle.

[0030] - When the quick connector is in a connection configuration in which the male element is received in the receiving volume of the female element, the insertion axis coincides with the main axis, the actuating ring is in the locked position and each latch is in its first position, wherein the rear face of the collar faces the proximal side of each latch.

[0031] According to an advantageous, but non-mandatory, aspect of the invention, such a quick connector may include one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically permissible combination:

[0032] - The rear face of the flange includes a first outer portion and a first inner portion, the first inner portion being radially closer to the main axis than the first outer portion and connecting the outer portion to the second cylindrical portion.

[0033] - The first outer portion defines a first annular outer surface, which is centered on the main axis and lies in a plane orthogonal to the main axis.

[0034] - The first internal portion includes a first groove recessed within the first internal portion and includes a bottom and two radial edges facing each other.

[0035] - The bottom of the first groove defines a first annular inner surface, the first annular inner surface being centered on the main axis and located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis.

[0036] - One of the two radial edges, connecting the first inner surface and the first outer surface, defines a first safety surface, which is geometrically supported by a cylinder having a circular cross-section centered on the main axis and oriented towards the main axis.

[0037] - Each latch has a proximal side profile that complements the rear face of the flange and includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and a second safety surface, wherein:

[0038] The second outer portion has a ring-shaped portion, which is centered on the insertion axis and lies in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis.

[0039] The second inner surface lies in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis and is moved rearward from the second outer surface relative to the nozzle of the female element.

[0040] The second safety surface is located between the second outer surface and the second inner surface and is oriented away from the insertion axis.

[0041] -When the quick connector is in its connection configuration:

[0042] The first outer surface is opposite to the second outer surface.

[0043] The first inner surface faces the second inner surface.

[0044] When one of the first outer or the first inner surface contacts the corresponding second outer or the second inner surface, the first safety surface then contacts the second safety surface, thereby preventing the latches from moving from their first position to their second position.

[0045] - For each latch, a second recess is recessed in a second inner portion of the proximal side, the second recess including a bottom and two radial edges opposite each other, the bottom of the recess having an annular portion centered on the insertion axis when the latch is in its first position, and each of the two edges having a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section centered on an axis parallel to the insertion axis, while the bottom defines the second inner surface, and one of the two radial edges oriented away from the insertion axis defines the second safety surface, and when the quick connector is in the connection configuration, the second outer surface rests on the first outer surface.

[0046] - For each latch, a second groove is recessed in a second inner portion of the proximal side. The second groove includes a bottom and two radial edges opposite each other. The bottom of the groove has an annular portion centered on the insertion axis when the latch is in a first position, while each of the two edges has a cylindrical portion with a circular cross-section centered on an axis parallel to the insertion axis. The bottom defines a second inner surface, and one of the two radial edges, oriented away from the insertion axis, defines a second safety surface. When the quick connector is in a connection configuration, the second inner surface rests on the first inner surface.

[0047] - For each latch, an insert is located in a second inner portion near the side of the latch, the insert protruding from the second outer portion, wherein the insert has a side facing away from the insertion axis and a rear face facing away from the mouth of the female element, and wherein the side of the insert is the second safety face of the latch, and the rear face of the insert is the second inner face of the latch. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The invention will be better understood from the following description of four embodiments of the female element of a quick connector, and a quick connector including such a female element and an associated male element according to its principles, and other advantages of the invention will become apparent. The description is given by way of example only and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 A longitudinal section of a quick connector, shown in a first so-called disconnect configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the quick connector comprising a female element and an associated male element;

[0050] Figure 2 As shown in the two corresponding illustrations a) and b) Figure 1 Details of the male element of the quick connector II a) and Figure 1 Details of the female component of the quick connector (II b);

[0051] Figure 3 For being in the second so-called pre-locked construction Figure 1 The longitudinal cross-section of the quick connector;

[0052] Figure 4 For the third so-called connection construction Figure 1 The longitudinal cross-section of the quick connector;

[0053] Figure 5 for Figures 1 to 4 The connector's female element is shown in a larger proportion of its longitudinal cross-section, the female element being depicted within the connection configuration and based on... Figure 1 The cross-sectional plane is orthogonal and in Figure 1 The visible cross-sectional plane VV is shown;

[0054] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The female element, based on Figure 1 The cross-section of plane VI in the middle;

[0055] Figure 7 for Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exploded three-dimensional view of the two components of the negative element;

[0056] Figure 8 To be observed from different angles Figure 7 3D exploded view of the components;

[0057] Figure 9 For the female element according to the second embodiment of the present invention, based on and Figure 1 The longitudinal section of a cross-sectional plane similar to the cross-sectional plane is shown as being in a disconnected configuration;

[0058] Figure 10 A longitudinal section of a quick connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the quick connector comprising... Figure 9 The female element is shown as being in a pre-locked configuration;

[0059] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The longitudinal section of a quick connector, wherein the connector is in a connection configuration;

[0060] Figure 12 A longitudinal section showing a larger proportion of the details of a quick-connect connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector is in a connection configuration;

[0061] Figure 13 For a quick-connect connector similar to the fourth embodiment of the present invention Figure 12 The view; and

[0062] Figure 14 To show from two different perspectives Figure 13 A 3D view of a part of a quick-connect connector. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 Connector R is shown, and connector R includes Figure 1 The left-side anode element 10 and in Figure 1 The associated female element 100 on the right side.

[0064] Connector R is shown here in a disconnected configuration, in which male element 10 and female element 100 are separated from each other. Male element 10 is further sealed here by cap 12, which is not part of the invention and is removed when male element 10 is connected to female element 100.

[0065] First, the anode element 10 is described.

[0066] The male element 10 includes a hollow body 14 with a generally rotational shape about a main axis A10. The body 14 is formed in two parts, having a proximal portion 16 and a distal portion 20. The proximal portion has a threaded hole 18 for attaching a fluid line to the male element 10, and the distal portion is intended to be partially received within the receiving volume of the female element 100. Here, the proximal portion 16 is assembled to the distal portion 20 by screws 21.

[0067] The body 14 of the male element 10 defines a fluid passage V10, which opens from the distal portion 20 through the nozzle 22. Figure 1 In the disconnected structure, the mouth part 22 is closed by the cap 12.

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the disconnected configuration, the nozzle 22 of the male element 10 is oriented toward the female element 100. Conventionally, the nozzle 22 of the male element 10 is located on the front side of the male element 10, while the threaded hole 18 is located on the rear side of the male element 10.

[0069] The distal portion 20 includes a first cylindrical portion 24, an expansion portion 26, and a second cylindrical portion 28 in the direction away from the mouthpiece 22 toward the rear of the sun element 10.

[0070] The first cylindrical portion 24 and the second cylindrical portion 28 each have a circular cross-section centered on the principal axis A10. An expansion portion 26 located between the first cylindrical portion 24 and the second cylindrical portion 28 is configured to project radially outward from the distal portion of both the first cylindrical portion 24 and the second cylindrical portion 28. The expansion portion 26 forms a flange 30, which... Figure 2 The flange 30 is shown at a larger scale in illustration a). The front face 32 faces the second nozzle 22, and the rear face connects the front face 32 to the second cylindrical portion 28 and faces away from the nozzle 22, i.e., the rear portion facing the male element 10.

[0071] The front face 32 extends away from the mouthpiece 22 and has a truncated conical profile centered on the main axis A10. The rear face 34 includes a first outer portion 36 and a first inner portion 38, the first inner portion 38 being radially closer to the main axis A10 than the first outer portion 36. In other words, the first inner portion 38 connects the first outer portion 36 to the second cylindrical portion 28.

[0072] The first outer portion 36 defines a first outer surface 40, which is an annular shape centered on the main axis A10 and located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A10.

[0073] The first inner portion 38 includes a first groove 42 recessed within the first inner portion 38. The first groove 42 here has a rectangular profile in a radial plane relative to the main axis A10 and includes a bottom 44 and two corresponding radial inner edges 46 and radial outer edges 48 facing each other.

[0074] The radial edges 46 and 48 each have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section centered on the main axis A10, and the radius of the inner radial edge 46 is smaller than the radius of the outer radial edge 48. In this example, the radius of the inner edge 46 is equal to the outer radius of the second cylindrical portion 28.

[0075] The bottom 44 of the first groove 42 defines an annular second inner surface, which is centered on the main axis A10 and located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A10.

[0076] The radial outer edge 48 connects the first outer surface 40 and the bottom 44 and defines a first safety surface. The first safety surface is geometrically supported by a cylinder having a circular cross-section centered on the main axis A10 and oriented toward the main axis A10.

[0077] Advantageously, the male element 10 includes a valve 50 housed within a fluid passage V10. The valve 50 is translatable along the main axis A10 between a closed position and an open position, in which the valve 50 abuts against a base 52 disposed in the body 14 of the male element 10 and closes the fluid passage V10; in the open position, the valve 50 does not close the fluid passage V10. Figure 1 In the image, valve 50 is shown as being in the closed position.

[0078] The male element 10 also includes a spring 54, which acts between the rear face of the valve 50 and the opposing forward face of the body 14. The spring 54 biases the valve 50 toward its closed position.

[0079] On the valve 50 side of the nozzle 22, the valve 50 includes a first support surface 56. The valve 50 is thus configured to move from the closed position to its open position when a force greater than the return force of the spring 54 is applied to the first support surface 56.

[0080] The female element 100 of the quick connector R is now described.

[0081] The female element 100 includes a body 102 having a generally rotationally symmetrical shape about an insertion axis A100. The body 102 is here made into two parts and includes a proximal portion 104 and a distal portion 106, wherein a threaded hole 105 for attaching a fluid line is provided in the proximal portion, and the distal portion is here assembled to the proximal portion by a threaded connection.

[0082] The body 102 of the female element 100 is hollow and defines a fluid channel V100, which opens from the distal portion 106 through a nozzle 108 defining the front side of the female element 100. The nozzle 108 has a circular shape with a radius R108. The nozzle 108 is located in a transverse plane (i.e., a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis A100). When the female element 100 and the male element 10 are inserted, the distal portion 20 of the male element 10 passes through the nozzle 108 and is received in the forward portion of the fluid channel V100. Therefore, the fluid channel V100 is also a partial receiving volume of the male element 10.

[0083] The distal portion 106 of the body 102 includes two radial openings 110 formed radially within the body 102 relative to the insertion axis A100 and leading to the receiving volume V100. Each radial opening 110 is centered on its own radial axis A110, which is an axis orthogonal to the insertion axis A100. In the example shown, the two radial openings 110 are diametrically opposed to each other about the insertion axis A100, such that the two radial axes A110 are aligned. The radial axes A110 are located at... Figure 1 In the cross-sectional plane.

[0084] In the example shown, each radial opening 110 has a rectangular cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the corresponding radial axis A110. Each opening 110 includes a front face 110A, a rear face 110B, and two side faces 110C and 110D. The front face is supported by a plane orthogonal to axis A100 and faces the rear of the female element 100. The rear face is parallel to the front face 110A and positioned opposite to it. The two side faces are arranged opposite each other and are each supported by a plane parallel to the insertion axis A110. In other words, each radial opening 110 has a wall parallel to the corresponding radial axis A110.

[0085] Each radial opening 110 receives a latch 112, and each latch 112 is translatable relative to the body 102 of the female element 100 along a direction parallel to the radial axis A110 of the radial opening 110 in which such latch 112 is received.

[0086] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The latch 112 is shown in the image.

[0087] Each latch 112 has an outer peripheral surface 114 centered on a latch axis A112. When a latch 112 is received in one of the radial openings 110, the latch axis A112 of the latch coincides with the radial axis A110 of the corresponding radial opening 110. The outer peripheral surface 114 is configured to interact with the wall of the radial opening 110 to guide the latch 112 received in the corresponding radial opening 110.

[0088] In the example described, the outer peripheral surface 114 thus has a rectangular profile in a plane orthogonal to the latch axis A112. The outer peripheral surface 114 includes a distal side 116 and a proximal side 118, the distal side being oriented toward the mouthpiece 108 when the latch 112 is received in one of the radial openings 110, and the proximal side being oriented away from the front face and therefore away from the mouthpiece 108, the distal side 116 and the proximal side 118 being connected to each other by two side faces 120.

[0089] The distal side 116, the proximal side 118, and the side surface 120 are preferably flat. For convenience, the transverse plane P112 of the latch 112 is defined as a plane parallel to the proximal side 118 and containing the axis A112.

[0090] In other words, when the latch 112 is received in the corresponding radial opening 110, the transverse plane P112 is orthogonal to the insertion axis A100.

[0091] The transverse plane P101 of the female element 100 is also defined as a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis A100.

[0092] When the latch 112 is received in the radial opening 110, the distal side 116 and proximal side 118 of the latch 112 are orthogonal to the insertion axis A100, in other words, parallel to the transverse plane P101 of the female element 100, while the side surface 120 is parallel to the insertion axis A100.

[0093] Specifically, the proximal side 118 of the latch 112 is configured such that its surface receives the rear side 110B of the opening 110, which enables the efficient transmission of force and allows the production of a compact female element 100 in an axial direction parallel to the insertion axis A100.

[0094] For each latch 112, the width L118 of the proximal side 118 is defined as the length of the projection of the proximal side 118 onto the transverse plane P101, measured along the axis A112 perpendicular to the latch. In other words, when the latch 112 is received in the corresponding radial opening 110, the width L118 is measured along a direction orthogonal to the corresponding radial axis A110 (i.e., along a direction orthogonal to the insertion axis A100).

[0095] The width L118 of each latch 112 is advantageously chosen to be greater than the radius R108 of the male element 108 in order to ensure a large contact surface between the latch 112 and the flange 30 of the male element 10.

[0096] Each latch 112 also includes an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124, the inner surface being oriented away from the outer surface 122 along the latch axis A112.

[0097] Here, the outer surface 122 is part of a cylinder with a circular cross-section centered on an axis orthogonal to the transverse plane P112 of the latch 112. When the female element 100 is assembled, the outer surface 122 is oriented away from the insertion axis A100 and the inner surface 124 is oriented towards the insertion axis A100.

[0098] The inner surface 124 includes a cylindrical portion 126 and an expanded portion 128. The cylindrical portion 126 is part of a cylinder having a circular cross-section centered on an axis orthogonal to the transverse plane P112, while the expanded portion 128 is a conical portion centered on an axis orthogonal to the transverse plane P112. In the assembled configuration of the female element 100, the expanded portion 128 is oriented toward the insertion axis A100 and toward the nozzle 108 of the female element 100.

[0099] The expansion portion 128 is configured to interact with the front face 32 of the flange 30 of the male element when the male element 10 and the female element 100 are connected, as described later.

[0100] A through-hole 130 is provided through each latch 112, wherein the through-hole 130 leads to each side face 120 of the latch. The through-hole 130 is centered on axis A130, which is parallel to the transverse plane P112 and orthogonal to the locking axis A112. In other words, in the assembled configuration of the female element 100, the axis A130 of the through-hole 130 is orthogonal to the insertion axis A100.

[0101] Each latch 112 includes a lever 132, said lever in Figure 7 Or 8 not shown. Rod 132 is received in hole 130 and protrudes from each of sides 120 to form two guide pins 134. Rod 132 is held in hole 130 by means of a retaining screw 136 inserted into threaded hole 137, which opens to the outside 122. As in Figure 6As seen in the diagram, each pin 134 has a beveled end to reduce the risk of the pin interacting with other elements of the female connector during movement of the latch 112. When the female element 100 is assembled, the pin 134 of each latch 112 thus extends in the direction of the axis A130 of the hole 130, in other words, in a direction orthogonal to the radial axis A110 of the corresponding radial opening 110.

[0102] Each latch 112 has a proximal side 118 with a profile complementary to the rear side 34 of the flange 30. Thus, the proximal side 118 includes a second outer portion 138 and a second inner portion 140, which is radially closer to the insertion axis A100 than the second outer portion 138 when the female element 100 is assembled.

[0103] The second inner portion 140 includes a second outer portion 144, which here is the bottom of a second recess 145 recessed into the proximal side 118. The bottom of the second recess 145 is located between a first outer axial surface 146 and a second inner axial surface 148, which are opposite each other.

[0104] Here, when the latch 112 is in its first position, the second outer surface 144 is an annular ring centered on the insertion axis A100. The second outer surface 144 is parallel to the transverse plane P112 and is moved rearward from the proximal side 118.

[0105] The second outer surface 144 is connected here to the proximal surface 118 via the first outer axial surface 146. The first outer axial surface 146 (which is here a part of a cylinder having a circular cross-section centered on the insertion axis A100 in the assembly configuration of the female element 100) is oriented toward the insertion axis A100.

[0106] The second axial surface 148 (which here has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section centered on the insertion axis A100) is oriented away from the insertion axis A100 when the female element 100 is in the assembly configuration.

[0107] The second axial surface 148 is configured to face the first safety surface 48 of the male element 10 when the male element 10 is received within the receiving volume V100 of the female element 100 and the quick connector is in a locked configuration. Figure 4 As illustrated in the example and further described below, the second axial surface 148 is, by extension, a second safety surface for the latch 112.

[0108] The second inner portion 140 also includes a second inner surface 149, which is parallel to the transverse plane P112 and connects the second axial surface 148 to the inner surface 124 of the latch 112. The second inner surface 149 is further away from the nozzle 108 of the female element 100 than the second outer surface 144.

[0109] Each latch 112 is received in a corresponding radial opening 110 and is translatable relative to the body 102 of the female element 100 between a first position and a second position along the corresponding radial axis A110. In the first position, such a latch 112 enters the receiving volume V100, and in the second position, such a latch 112 does not enter the receiving volume V100.

[0110] The movement of each latch 112 is controlled by an actuator ring 150 belonging to the female element 100.

[0111] The actuating ring 150 has a generally rotatable shape about the ring axis A150. In the assembly configuration of the female element 100, the actuating ring 150 is arranged coaxially with the insertion axis A100 around the body 102, that is, the ring axis A150 coincides with the insertion axis A100.

[0112] Here, the actuating ring 150 is formed by an assembly of an inner ring 152 and an outer ring 154. The inner ring 152 and the outer ring 154 are connected to each other by screws 156.

[0113] The actuating ring 150 is capable of translating relative to the body 102 of the female element 100 between a frontal and rearward position along the insertion axis A100. Here, the actuating ring 150 defaults to the front of the female element 100 by means of a compression spring 158, which acts between two opposing surfaces of the actuating ring 150 and the body 102.

[0114] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The inner ring 152 is shown independently of the outer ring. The inner ring 152 includes a guide groove 160 that interacts with each latch 112 to guide the movement of each latch between its first and second positions as the actuating ring 150 moves between its forward and rearward positions.

[0115] For each latch 112, the inner ring 152 also includes a radial channel 162 centered on a channel axis A162 which is radial relative to the ring axis A150, and each radial channel 162 has a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the channel axis A162.

[0116] Each radial channel 162 is configured to receive a corresponding latch 112 when the actuating ring 150 moves between its forward and rearward positions and when the latch 112 moves between its first and second positions, without interfering with the latch movement.

[0117] In the example shown, two guide grooves 160 are associated with each radial channel 162, wherein the two guide grooves 160 are opened through an opening 163 in the radial channel 162, and the other opposite end is the bottom 164 of the guide groove 160.

[0118] Each recess 160 includes two walls 166 positioned opposite each other and connected by a bottom 164. Here, the walls 166 are parallel to each other, and the distance between the walls 166 is slightly larger than the diameter of the pin 134 of the latch 112, so as to guide the pin 134 into the guide recess 160.

[0119] The guide groove 160 associated with the radial channel 162 is therefore associated with the latch 112. The guide groove 160 associated with each latch 112 is geometrically supported by a guide plane P160.

[0120] The guide plane P160 and the insertion axis A100 form an inclination angle α160 relative to each other. The inclination angle α160 is generally considered to be equal to 90° when the guide plane P160 is orthogonal to the insertion axis A100, and is generally considered to be equal to 0° when the guide plane P160 is parallel to the insertion axis A100.

[0121] Each guide plane P160 is tilted relative to the insertion axis A100. Tilt means that the guide plane P160 is neither parallel to nor orthogonal to the insertion axis A100. In other words, the tilt angle α160 is neither 0 nor 90°.

[0122] Here, each guide plane P160 is tilted forward, that is, when the female element 100 is assembled, the guide grooves 160 move away from the insertion axis A100 as they approach the front of the female element 100.

[0123] When the female element 100 is assembled, each latch 112 is received in a corresponding radial opening 110 and a corresponding radial channel 162, and is guided translationally along the radial axis A110. A pin 134 is received in a guide groove 160, which is inclined. Therefore, as the actuating ring 150, integral with the inner ring 152, moves toward the front of the female element 100, each latch 112 moves closer to the insertion axis A100 until the pin 134 abuts against the bottom 164 of the corresponding guide groove 160. Here, the forward position of the actuating ring 150 is thus the locked position of the actuating ring 150, where the compression spring 158 is arranged to push the actuating ring 150 to its locked position.

[0124] Conversely, when the actuating ring 150 moves to the rear of the female element 100, each latch 112 moves away from the insertion axis A100 by sliding the pin 134 away from the corresponding bottom 164 of the guide groove 160 within the guide groove 160. Here, the rear position of the actuating ring 150 is therefore the unlocked position of the actuating ring 150.

[0125] In other words, the unlocked position of the actuating ring 150 is the position where it is axially retracted along the insertion axis A100 relative to the locked position.

[0126] It should be understood that the transmission of force between the actuating ring 150 and the latch 112 depends on the tilt angle α160.

[0127] When the tilt angle α160 is greater than 60°, it becomes difficult to manipulate the actuator ring 150, which is undesirable.

[0128] Conversely, when the tilt angle α160 is less than 30°, manipulating the actuator ring 150 is easy. However, the axial travel of the actuator ring 150 between its locked and unlocked positions increases, which is also undesirable because the female element 100 becomes more cumbersome as a result.

[0129] In practice, the tilt angle α160 is between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°, and more preferably equal to 45°.

[0130] Advantageously, the female element 100 includes a valve 170 housed within a fluid passage V100. The valve 170 is translatable along the insertion axis A100 between a closed position and an open position, in which the valve 170 abuts against a base 172 disposed in the body 102 of the female element 100 and closes the fluid passage V100, and in the open position, the valve 170 does not close the fluid passage V100. Figure 1 In the image, valve 170 is shown as being in the closed position.

[0131] The female element 100 also includes a spring 174 that acts between the rear face of the valve 170 and the opposing forward face of the body 102 of the female element 100. The spring 174 biases the valve 170 toward its closed position by default.

[0132] On the nozzle 108 side, valve 170 includes a second support surface 176. Valve 170 is thus configured to move from its closed position to its open position when a force greater than the return force of spring 174 is applied to the second support surface 176.

[0133] When the male element 10 is received in the receiving volume V100 of the female element 100, the support surface 176 is supported on the first support surface 56.

[0134] The operation of connector R will now be described.

[0135] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the nozzle 22 of the male element 10 and the nozzle 108 of the female element 100 are placed opposite each other, and the main axis A10 is aligned with the insertion axis A100. The valve 50 of the male element 10 and the valve 170 of the female element 100 are each in the closed position.

[0136] Under the action of spring 158, actuation ring 150 is pushed into its locked position. Latches 112, guided by guide groove 160, are thus in their first positions.

[0137] After removing the cap 12 from the male element 10, the operator moves the male element 10 toward the female element 100 with a press-fit movement F1, which is a translational movement parallel to the insertion axis A100.

[0138] As the press-fitting motion continues, the distal portion 20 of the male element 10 is received in the receiving volume V100 of the female element 100.

[0139] The first support surface 56 abuts against the second support surface 176. As the insertion movement continues, the two valves 50 and 170 resist the push of the springs 54 and 174 towards each other and return to their respective open positions. The fluid passage V10 of the male element 10 is thus fluidly connected to the fluid passage V100 of the female element 100.

[0140] As valves 50 and 170 are opened, during the insertion movement, flange 30 pushes latches 112 from their first positions to their second positions. More specifically, the front face 32 of flange 30, which extends towards the rear of the male element 10, interacts with the expansion portion 128 of latches 112 to push each latch 112 toward its second position in a translational movement following a radial axis A110 parallel to the opening 110.

[0141] As the latches 112 move from their first position to their second position, the pin 134, interacting with the guide groove 160, pushes the actuating ring 150 from its locked position to its unlocked position. When the latches 112 are in their second position, the actuating ring 150 is in its unlocked position.

[0142] As the pushing motion continues, each of valves 50 or 170 becomes seated in its corresponding body 14 or 102. Then, connector R is... Figure 3 In the pre-locked configuration shown, the male element 10 is fully inserted into the female element 100, and the actuation ring 150 is in the unlocked position.

[0143] In this pre-locked configuration, flange 30 no longer pushes latch 112 back. Therefore, the movement of latch 112 along radial axis A110 is applied by actuating ring 150. Under the action of compression spring 158, actuating ring 150 is pushed from its unlocked position to its locked position, thereby driving latches 112 from their second position to their first position.

[0144] Once the latches 112 are in their first positions, the first outer surface 40 of the flange 30 faces the second outer surface 144 of the latch 112, while the first inner surface 44 of the flange 30 faces the second inner surface 149 of the latch 112.

[0145] Under the action of springs 54 and 174 in valves 50 and 170, male element 10 and female element 100 move backward away from each other. The first outer surface 40 of flange 30 is thus received in the second groove 145 of each latch 112, while the second inner surface 149 of each latch is received in the first groove 42 of flange 30.

[0146] The second groove 145 is shallower here than the first groove 42 in the rear face 34 of the flange 30. Rearward movement continues until the first outer surface 40 of the flange 30 rests on the second outer surface 144. The quick connector R is then in position... Figure 4 As shown in its connection structure.

[0147] The first safety face 148, belonging to the latch 112, therefore faces the second safety face 48 of the flange 30.

[0148] The interaction between the first safety surface 148 and the second safety surface 48 prevents the latches 112 from moving from their first position to their second position, i.e., provides a safety latch for the quick connector R in addition to the latch provided by the actuation ring 150.

[0149] When the quick connector R is in the connection configuration, the actuator ring 150 is prevented from moving. In addition, when pressurized fluid flows through the quick connector R, the fluid pressure tends to cause the male element 10 to move backward away from the female element 100, that is, tends to hold the quick connector R in the connection configuration, wherein the latch 112 engages the flange 30.

[0150] In a variant not shown, the proximal side 118 of the latch 112 does not have a groove 145; that is, the proximal side 118 is flat, like the rear face 34 of the flange 30 of the male element 10. The connector R thus formed does not have a disconnect safety feature, but has a very large contact surface between the latch and the rear face of the flange. When fluid flows through the connector R at very high pressure, the repulsive force between the male and female elements does not generate any significant contact pressure that could lead to premature wear of the collar of the latch or the male element.

[0151] To disconnect the male element 10 from the female element 100, the user moves the male element 10 toward the female element 100 during the first stage according to the insertion movement, until the first safety surface 148 and the second safety surface 48 are no longer facing each other. In the example shown, this configuration corresponds to valves 50 and 170 each being at the rear stop, as in Figure 3 middle.

[0152] The movement of the latches 112 along the radial axis A110 is then controlled by the actuating ring 150. In the second stage, the user moves the actuating ring 150 from its locked position to its unlocked position, thereby moving the latches from their first position to their second position. The quick connector R is then in... Figure 3 In the pre-locking configuration, the proximal side 118 of the latch 112 no longer faces the rear face 34 of the flange 30. During the third stage, the user moves the male element 10 and female element 100 away from each other along the insertion axis A100, a movement assisted by springs 154 and 174 of valves 50 and 170. During this movement, each of valves 50 and 170 returns to rest on its corresponding seat 52 or 172, thereby closing the corresponding fluid passage V10 or V100.

[0153] The complex kinematics of the release connector R in three distinct phases reduce the risk of it being inadvertently disconnected by the user. In particular, when pressurized fluid flows through the quick-release connector R, the user notices that during the first phase, the force required to bring the male element 10 and female element 100 together is greater than that required in the absence of pressure, thus alerting the user to the presence of pressure, which is perfectly safe since the user has not yet moved the actuating ring 150.

[0154] When the pressure inside connector R is high, the user cannot perform the first-stage approach movement using only his or her muscle strength. This prevents the pressure from disengaging connector R.

[0155] In the second to fourth embodiments, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals and function in the same manner. Hereinafter, the differences between each embodiment and the one or more of the foregoing embodiments will be primarily described.

[0156] exist Figures 9 to 11The diagram illustrates a female element 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. While in the first embodiment, the female element 100 includes an inner ring 152 with a guide groove 160 inclined toward the front of the female element 100, one of the main differences between the second and first embodiments is that the female element 200 includes an inner ring 252 comprising a guide groove 260 inclined toward the rear of the female element 200. In other words, as the guide groove 260 moves toward the front of the female element 200, the guide groove 260 moves closer to the insertion axis A100.

[0157] When the female element 200 is assembled, each latch 112 is received in a corresponding radial opening 110 and a corresponding radial channel 162, and is guided translationally along the radial axis A110. The pin 134 forming the end of the shaft 132 is received in a guide groove 260. The guide groove 260 associated with a single radial opening 110 is aligned on a guide plane P260, which is tilted rearward relative to the insertion axis A100. Each guide plane P260 forms an inclination angle α260 with respect to the insertion axis, which is neither zero nor equal to 90°.

[0158] Therefore, as the actuating ring 150 moves to the rear of the female element 200, each latch 112 moves closer to the insertion axis A100 until the pin 132 abuts against the bottom 164 of the corresponding guide groove 260. Then, the latches 112 are in their first positions, and the actuating ring 150 is in its locked position. The female element 200 is then in the locked configuration, as... Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, the compression spring 158 is arranged to push the actuation ring 150 to its locked position.

[0159] Conversely, as the actuating ring 150 moves forward of the female element 200, each latch 112 moves away from the insertion axis A100. The latches 112 then reside in their second position, and the actuating ring 150 is in its unlocked position. By extension, the female element 200 is then in... Figure 10 The unlocking structure shown is in the diagram.

[0160] In other words, the locked position of the actuator ring 250 is the position in which it is axially retracted along the insertion axis A100 relative to the unlocked position of the actuator ring 150.

[0161] The connection of connector R follows a similar sequence to that in the first embodiment, except that the locking and unlocking positions of ring 150 are reversed compared to the first embodiment.

[0162] exist Figure 10 In the diagram, the quick connector R is shown in its pre-locked configuration, while... Figure 11In the image, the quick connector is shown as being in its connection configuration.

[0163] When the quick connector R is disconnected, in the first stage, the user moves the male element 10 parallel to the insertion axis A100 toward the female element 200 until the first safety face 148 and the second safety face 48 are no longer facing each other. In the second step, the user moves the actuating ring 150 from its locked position to its unlocked position, in this case toward the front of the female element 200, i.e., toward the male element 10. Then, the connector R is in a pre-locked configuration. Finally, in the third stage, the user moves the male element 10 backward away from the female element 200. Valves 50 and 170 each return to their closed positions.

[0164] Advantageously, the female element 200 of the second embodiment remains compatible with the male element 10 of the first embodiment.

[0165] exist Figure 12 The third embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. A connector R comprising a female element 300 and a male element 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 12 The middle element is shown in a connection configuration. One of the main differences between the female element 300 and the female element 100 of the first embodiment is that in the connection configuration of the quick connector R, the latch 112 and the flange 30 abut against each other via different surfaces.

[0166] The female element 300 includes two latches 312. A second recess 345 is recessed in the proximal side 118 of each latch 312 to provide a second outer surface 144 and a second safety surface 148. Here, the second recess 345 is deeper than the first recess 42 provided in the rear surface 34 of the flange 30. In the connection configuration of the quick connector R, the bottom 44 of the flange 30, i.e., the first inner surface 44, abuts against the second inner surface 149 of the locking member 312.

[0167] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. A connector R comprising a female element 400 and a male element 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 13 The middle is shown as being in a connected configuration. However, in the first embodiment, each latch 112 includes a second recess 145 recessed into the proximal side 118, while in the fourth embodiment, the female element 400 includes latches 412, each of which includes an insert 445 forming a protrusion from the proximal side 118.

[0168] For each latch 412, an insert 445 is located in the second inner portion 140 of the proximal side 118 of the latch, wherein the insert 445 protrudes from the second outer portion 140. In the example shown, the insert 445 is received in a complementary recess formed in the second inner portion 140 of the proximal side 118.

[0169] Here, the insert 445 is formed by a cylindrical pin with a circular cross-section, the cylindrical pin extending along an insert axis A445 orthogonal to the near-side surface 118. The insert 445 includes a cylindrical side surface 448 and a rear surface 449 parallel to the near-side surface 118.

[0170] A portion of the near side 118, between the insert 445 and the outer side 122 of the latch 412, adjacent to the insert 445, constitutes the second outer side 444 of the latch 412.

[0171] When the latch 412 is received in the corresponding radial opening 110, each insert 445 extends in a projecting manner along the insertion axis A100 relative to the second outer portion 140. A radial groove 411 is further provided in the rear face 110B of each radial opening 110 to allow the insert 445 to pass through during movement of the latch 412 between its first position and its second position.

[0172] The side face 448 includes a portion oriented away from the insertion axis A100, which forms the second safety face of the latch 412. The rear face 449, oriented away from the mouthpiece 108, forms the second inner face of the latch 412.

[0173] When the connector R is in the connection configuration, the insert 445 is received in the first recess 42 of the flange 30. The rear face 449 of the insert 445 (also referred to as the second inner face of the latch 412) faces the first inner face 44 of the flange, while the side face 448 faces the first safety surface 48 of the flange 30, and the second outer face 444 faces the first outer face 40 of the flange 30.

[0174] Such a latch 412, including insert 445, is easier and more economical to manufacture than the latch 112 or 312 of the previous embodiment (in which the second groove 145 or 345 is machined, for example, by milling).

[0175] The above embodiments and variants can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A female element (100; 200; 300; 400) of a quick connector (R), said female element (100; 200; 300; 400) being configured to connect to a male element (10), said female element comprising: - Body (102), which extends along the insertion axis (A100) and includes: • A receiving volume (V100) for the male element (10), the receiving volume having a rotational shape about the insertion axis and opening from the body through a first nozzle (108), the first nozzle (108) being located in a transverse plane orthogonal to the insertion axis (A100), the first nozzle defining the front side of the female element. • A radial opening (110) is arranged in the body along a radial axis (A110) orthogonal to the insertion axis, the radial opening leading to the receiving volume. - At least one latch (112; 312; 412), each latch being received in a corresponding radial opening (110) and capable of translational movement relative to the body along a corresponding radial axis (A110) between a first position and a second position, in the first position being inserted into the receiving volume (V100), and in the second position being not inserted into the receiving volume, each latch including a proximal side (118) oriented on the side opposite to the first mouth piece (108). - An actuating ring (150; 250), which is arranged coaxially with the insertion axis (A100) around the body (102) and is capable of translating relative to the body along the insertion axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. - Return member (158), the return member being configured to return the actuation ring to its locked position. The actuating ring (150; 250) is characterized in that it includes a guide groove (160; 260) that interacts with a pin (134) of each latch (112; 312; 412) extending along a direction (A130) orthogonal to the radial axis (A110) of the corresponding radial opening (110). The guide groove associated with each latch is geometrically carried by a guide plane (P160; P260) inclined relative to the insertion axis (A100) such that: - When the actuating ring moves from its unlocked position to its locked position, each latch is driven from its second position to its first position, and - As the actuating ring moves from its locked position to its unlocked position, each latch is driven from its first position to its second position.

2. The female element (100; 300; 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the guide groove (160) approaches the front of the female element, the guide groove moves away from the insertion axis (A100), and the unlock position of the actuation ring (150) is a position where it is axially retracted from the locked position along the insertion axis.

3. The female element (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the guide groove (260) approaches the front of the female element, the guide groove is close to the insertion axis (A100), and the locked position of the actuation ring (250) is a position in which it is axially retracted along the insertion axis relative to the unlocked position.

4. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each guide plane (P160; P260) is tilted at an angle (α160; α260) of 30° to 60° relative to the insertion axis (A100).

5. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The proximal side (118) of each latch (112; 312; 412) is generally planar and parallel to a transverse plane, and the surface of the proximal side abuts the rear face (110B) of the corresponding radial opening (110).

6. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The width (L118) of the proximal side (118) of each latch (112; 312; 412), measured in a direction orthogonal to the insertion axis (A100), is greater than the radius (R108) of the first latch (108), and the width is equal to the length of the projection of the proximal side (118) of the latch onto the transverse plane (P101).

7. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each latch (112) includes an inner surface (124) oriented toward the insertion axis (A100), the inner surface including an expansion portion (128) oriented toward the insertion axis (A100) and toward the first mouth piece (108).

8. A quick connector (R) comprising a female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a male element (10) configured to be connected to said female element, wherein: - The male element (10) includes a hollow body (14) having a generally rotational shape about a main axis (A10), the hollow body including a distal portion (20) intended to be received in the receiving volume (V100) of the female element, the hollow body of the male element (10) defining a fluid channel (V10) opening from the distal portion via a second nozzle (22) defining the front side of the male element. - The distal portion includes a first cylindrical portion (24), an expansion portion (26), and a second cylindrical portion (28) in a direction away from the second nozzle, the expansion portion being arranged to protrude relative to the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. - The expansion portion forms a flange (30) having a front surface (32) and a rear surface (34), wherein: • The front face is oriented toward and extends away from the second nozzle (22), and the front face is configured to push each latch (112; 312; 412) from its first position to its second position during the insertion movement (F1) in the receiving volume (V100) of the male element to the female element, when the male element (10) passes into the female element. • The rear face of the flange (30) connects the front face to the second cylindrical portion and is oriented away from the second nozzle (22). - When the quick connector (R) is in a connection configuration in which the male element (10) is received in the receiving volume of the female element, the insertion axis (A100) coincides with the main axis (A10), the actuation ring (150; 250) is in the locked position and each latch is in its first position, and the rear face of the flange (30) faces the proximal side (118) of each latch.

9. The quick connector (R) according to claim 8, characterized in that: -The rear face (34) of the flange (30) includes: • A first outer portion (36) and a first inner portion (38), the first inner portion being radially closer to the main axis (A10) than the first outer portion and connecting the outer portion to the second cylindrical portion (28). • The first outer portion defines a first annular outer surface (40), which is centered on the main axis and located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis. • The first inner portion (38) includes a first groove (42) recessed in the first inner portion and includes a bottom (44) and two radial edges (46, 48) facing each other. • The bottom (44) of the first groove defines an annular first inner surface, which is centered on the main axis and located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis. • One of the two radial edges, connecting the first inner surface and the first outer surface (40), defines a first safety surface, which is geometrically supported by a cylinder having a circular cross-section centered on the main axis and oriented toward the main axis. - The proximal side (118) of each latch (112; 312; 412) has a profile complementary to the rear face (34) of the flange (30) and includes a second outer surface (144; 444), a second inner surface (149; 449), and a second safety surface (148; 448), wherein: • The second outer surface (144; 444) has a ring-shaped portion, which is centered on the insertion axis and lies in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis. • The second inner surface (149; 449) lies in a plane orthogonal to the insertion axis and is rearward from the second outer surface relative to the first nozzle (108) of the female element (100; 200; 300; 400). • The second safety surface (148; 448) is located between the second outer surface and the second inner surface and is oriented opposite to the insertion axis. -When the quick connector (R) is in its connection configuration: • The first outer surface (40) faces the second outer surface (144; 444). • The first inner surface faces the second inner surface (149; 449). • When the first outer or first inner surface abuts against the corresponding second outer or second inner surface which is positioned opposite, the first safety surface then faces the second safety surface (148; 448), thereby preventing the latch from moving from its first position to its second position.

10. The quick connector (R) according to claim 9, characterized in that, For each latch (112). - A second groove (145) is recessed in a second inner portion (140) of the proximal side (118). The second groove includes a bottom and two radial edges (146) opposite each other. The bottom of the second groove has an annular portion centered on the insertion axis (A100) when the latch is in its first position, while each of the two radial edges has a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section centered on an axis parallel to the insertion axis. - The bottom of the second groove defines the second outer surface, while one of the two radial edges, oriented away from the insertion axis, defines the second safety surface. - When the quick connector (R) is in the connection configuration, the second outer surface abuts against the first outer surface (40).

11. The quick connector (R) according to claim 9, characterized in that, For each latch (312): - A second groove (345) is recessed in a second inner portion (140) of the proximal side (118). The second groove includes a bottom and two radial edges (146) opposite each other. The bottom of the second groove has an annular portion centered on the insertion axis (A100) when the latch is in the first position, while each of the two radial edges has a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-section centered on an axis parallel to the insertion axis. - The bottom of the second groove defines the second outer surface, while one of the two radial edges, oriented away from the insertion axis, defines the second safety surface. - When the quick connector (R) is in the connection configuration, the second inner surface (149) abuts against the first inner surface.

12. The quick connector (R) according to claim 9, characterized in that, For each latch (412): - An insert (445) is located in the second inner portion (140) of the proximal side (118) of the latch, the insert protruding from the second inner portion of the proximal side (118) of the latch. - The insert has a side (448) facing away from the insertion axis (A100) and a rear face of a first nozzle (108) facing away from the female element (400). - The side (448) of the insert (445) is the second safety surface of the latch, and the rear surface of the insert is the second inner surface of the latch.

Images