Male or female fluid coupling elements and fluid couplings comprising such elements

Abstract

The coupling (2) element (4) comprises a body (20) and a nozzle (50). The body delimits a housing (V20) for partially receiving the nozzle. The nozzle comprises a tubular portion (52) and a flange (54) received in the housing (V20). Two sealing barriers formed by at least one sealing joint (56, 58) are respectively interposed between a rear face (545) of the flange and a front face (233) of the body, and between a front face (543) of the flange and a rear face (283) of the body. A plug (80) covers an internal duct (32). Parts (324, 326) of the internal duct are communicated by at least one passage (68) which opens in front of the plug and on an outer peripheral surface (541) of the flange to an internal volume (V50) of the nozzle. An inner chamber (36) is separated from the internal duct by the body, the flange, the plug and the first sealing barrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a convex or concave fluid coupling element, and a connector capable of connecting a pressurized fluid conduit and including such a coupling element. Background Technology

[0002] One application area of ​​this invention is a cooling circuit in which convex and concave connecting elements can be mounted on a support, such as a plate equipped with at least one fluid circulation circuit. For such an assembly, it is necessary to consider the possibility of misalignment between the convex and concave connecting elements, allowing for the possibility of adjusting the nozzle of one of the connecting elements in a direction perpendicular to the press-fit axis.

[0003] Therefore, a convex coupling element with a nozzle is known from US-A-3508580. This nozzle is equipped with a flange housed within an internal volume for receiving the body of the convex coupling element, with a sealing joint inserted between the rear surface of the flange and the body. Sliding the flange within the internal receiving volume allows adjustment of the position of the convex coupling element nozzle on a press-fit axis defined by a concave coupling element. In this embodiment, in the unconnected configuration of the coupling, when the valve is in the closed position of the convex coupling element, the fluid pressure within the convex coupling element induces a forward axial force on the nozzle. This forward axial force is applied to a cross-section defined by the sealing section at the joint inserted between the rear surface of the flange and the body, and this force has the effect of pressing the front of the flange against the body of the convex coupling element. A ball should be provided to facilitate radial movement of the flange within the internal volume of the body. In practice, longitudinal pressure hinders alignment of the central axes of the convex and concave coupling elements, which occurs before the fluid conduit is connected. This leads to a relatively rapid deterioration of the nozzle tip of the convex connecting element and the truncated conical mouth of the concave connecting element during the press-fit process.

[0004] The present invention aims to address these problems more specifically by proposing a new connecting element in which the effect of axial pressure applied to the nozzle is reduced in its connecting configuration, which facilitates radial displacement of the nozzle without increasing pressure loss within the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a convex or concave fluid connection element designed for connecting pressurized fluid pipelines.

[0006] - The connecting element includes a body, a nozzle, and a valve;

[0007] - The main body extends along the longitudinal axis between the front and rear sides, with the front side facing the direction of press-fitting the connecting element and the complementary element of the connector, and the rear side facing the opposite direction.

[0008] - The body defines, on the one hand, a receiving volume for partially receiving the nozzle, and on the other hand, at least a first portion of an internal conduit for circulating fluid in the connecting element, the first portion being arranged rearward relative to the receiving volume and in fluid communication with the receiving volume.

[0009] - The nozzle includes a tubular portion that protrudes forward from the body;

[0010] - The second part of the internal conduit is arranged in the internal volume of the nozzle and is defined at the front by the front opening of the tubular part;

[0011] - The valve is housed in the internal volume of the nozzle and can move between a forward closed position and a retracted open position. In the forward closed position, the valve covers the front opening of the tubular section, and in the retracted open position, the valve does not obstruct the circulation of fluid in the internal conduit.

[0012] - The nozzle is equipped with a flange formed to project from the tubular portion and toward the rear relative to the tubular portion. This flange is received within a receiving volume and can only move relative to the body in a radial plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] - A first sealing barrier, formed by at least one sealing joint, is inserted between the rear surface of the flange and the front surface of the body, the front surface defining the receiving volume on the rear side and disposed opposite to the rear surface of the flange.

[0014] According to the present invention

[0015] - A second sealing barrier, formed by at least one sealing joint, is inserted between the front surface of the flange and the rear of the body, the rear defining the receiving volume on the front side and being arranged opposite the front surface of the flange;

[0016] - The third part of the internal conduit, located between the first and second parts, surrounds the flange and is radially defined between the outer peripheral surface of the flange and the inner peripheral surface of the body, the inner peripheral surface of the body defining the receiving volume radially relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] - The stopper covers the second part of the internal conduit at the rear;

[0018] - The second and third portions of the internal conduit are in fluid communication via at least one channel disposed in the nozzle, the at least one channel opening onto the nozzle's internal volume at the front of the plug and the outer peripheral surface of the flange; and

[0019] - The inner chamber is arranged in the connecting element and is separated from the internal conduit by the body, flange, plug and first sealing barrier.

[0020] Using this invention, the combination of the first and second sealing barriers reduces the stress of the pressurized fluid on the flange, thereby facilitating nozzle alignment on the body of the complementary connecting element. When the connecting element is connected to the complementary connecting element, the first, second, and third portions and (one or more) channels of the internal conduit for fluid circulation allow fluid to circulate with minimal pressure drop. Furthermore, the inner chamber is isolated from the internal conduit and is therefore under a different pressure than the fluid present in the connecting element, which allows for the full or partial equalization of the pressure applied axially to the nozzle and therefore its flange.

[0021] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a connecting element can be combined with one or more of the following features in any technically permissible combination:

[0022] - The ratio of the area of ​​the sealing section defined by the second sealing barrier to the area of ​​the sealing section defined by the first sealing barrier is between 0.85 and 1.15, preferably between 0.95 and 1.05, and more preferably 1.

[0023] - At least one vent connects the inner chamber to the outside of the connecting member and preferably extends through the body parallel to the radial plane.

[0024] - The inner chamber is defined by an inner portion of the body, which is a truncated cone and converges toward the rear of the connecting element with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis as its center, and is connected to the middle portion of the body arranged around the inner portion by at least one connecting bracket, while the first portion of the inner conduit extends between the inner portion and the middle portion of the body, and simultaneously receives the first portion of the volume toward the rear of the inner conduit.

[0025] - The ratio between the thickness of the connecting bracket measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and the length of the internal part of the body measured along the same longitudinal axis is strictly less than 1, preferably between 0.15 and 0.40, and more preferably 0.25.

[0026] - The internal part of the main body defining the inner cavity, (one or more) connecting supports, and the middle part of the main body together form a single piece.

[0027] - The flange includes a front collar forming a front surface of the flange and a rear collar forming a rear surface of the flange, wherein when the outer peripheral surface of the front collar is in radial contact with the inner peripheral surface of the body that radially defines the receiving volume, an annular gap of non-zero minimum radial thickness exists between the outer peripheral surface of the rear collar and the inner peripheral surface of the body, and wherein a first portion and a second portion of the internal conduit are in fluid communication through the annular gap.

[0028] - The front and rear collars define an annular volume between them along the longitudinal axis, leading to the receiving volume, while each channel leads to this annular volume.

[0029] - The main body includes a cover fitted in the skirt of the main body, which defines a front opening of the main body through which the tubular portion of the nozzle protrudes forward from the main body. A second sealing barrier is inserted between the front surface of the front collar and the rear of the cover surrounding the front opening. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential surface of the main body is formed on the cover, and the rear surface portion of the inner circumferential surface is flared towards the rear and radially faces the outer circumferential surface of the rear collar. The outer circumferential surfaces of the front collar and the rear collar are cylindrical with a circular outer cross section, having the same outer diameter and being coaxial.

[0030] - The rear and front surfaces of the flange are flat axial surfaces, and each sealing joint forming the first sealing barrier and each sealing joint forming the second sealing barrier are respectively accommodated in a groove arranged on the rear surface of the flange and in a groove arranged on the front surface of the flange.

[0031] - The plug is a part attached to the nozzle, which is installed in a sealed manner in the internal volume of the nozzle, opposite the rear inner shoulder of the nozzle.

[0032] - The valve is equipped with a rearward-opening skirt with a through opening that opens to the outer peripheral surface of the valve, and a nozzle defines an inner surface that can interact radially with the valve at the rear of the through opening when the valve is in the retracted open position.

[0033] - Each channel arranged in the nozzle extends along an inclined axis and converges towards the front of the central longitudinal axis of the tubular section, with an inclination angle between 30° and 50° relative to this axis, preferably equal to 40°.

[0034] - Each channel in the nozzle has a cross-section that is centered on the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion, and is presented in the form of a ring portion.

[0035] - The nozzle includes a plunger mounted inside the tubular portion, a valve that is annular and mounted around the plunger, and in the forward closed position, the valve interacts with the plunger and the tubular portion in a sealing manner to cover the front opening of the tubular portion.

[0036] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting a pressurized fluid pipeline, the connector comprising a convex connecting element and a concave connecting element, at least one of the convex connecting element and the concave connecting element being the connecting element as described above.

[0037] This type of connector has the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding connecting elements. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will be better understood from the following description of four embodiments of the connecting elements and connectors according to the invention, and other advantages of the invention will become clearer. These descriptions are given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a main axial cross-sectional view of the convex connecting element according to the present invention and belonging to the connecting parts according to the present invention;

[0040] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 Main axial cross-sectional view of concave connecting elements that are complementary to convex connecting elements and belong to the same connecting piece;

[0041] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This includes those in the press-fit process. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Main axial cross-sectional view of the connector with convex and concave connecting elements;

[0042] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is a similar configuration of the convex connecting element and the concave connecting element in the connector. Figure 3 Cross-sectional view;

[0043] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A larger-scale cross-sectional view of the VV line in the diagram;

[0044] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The VI-VI line in Figure 5 Cross-sectional views at the same scale;

[0045] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the convex connecting element shown in the previous figure; in this figure, the sealing joints are omitted, thus showing the receiving grooves of some of these joints.

[0046] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a main longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector in a separated configuration according to the second embodiment, the connector incorporating a concave connecting element according to the invention;

[0047] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 It is similar to the connected configuration of the connector. Figure 8 Cross-sectional view;

[0048] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 This is a main axial cross-sectional view of the convex connecting element according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 It is similar to the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figures 1 to 7 The fluid connector 2 shown includes Figure 1 The convex connecting element 4 shown separately in the image and Figure 2 The concave connecting elements 6, shown separately, are intended to be assembled continuously from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The unconnected configuration shown is to Figure 3 The connection configuration is shown, then proceed to... Figures 4 to 6 The connected configuration is shown.

[0051] The convex connecting element 4 is screwed onto the plate 8, which forms a support and has a pipe C8 arranged in it, in which pressurized fluid, such as a heat transfer fluid for a cooling circuit, circulates.

[0052] The convex connecting element 4 includes a body 20, which includes a rear portion 22, a front skirt 24, a middle portion 26 connecting the rear portion 22 and the skirt 24, and a cover 28 attached to the skirt 24.

[0053] The rear portion 22 is tubular with a cylindrical cross-section and centered on the longitudinal axis X20 of the convex body 20. This rear portion 22 is provided with external threads 222, which are used to screw into corresponding threads 802 provided in the drilled hole P8 of the plate 8. A sealing joint 30 is inserted between the rear portion 22 and the peripheral wall of the drilled hole P8.

[0054] The longitudinal axis X20 also forms the press-fit axis of the convex connecting element 4.

[0055] The convex connecting element 4 extends forward from the plate 8.

[0056] The front side 4A of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as the side facing the concave connecting element 6 at the start of the connection, that is, the side facing the insertion direction along the longitudinal axis X20. The rear side 4B of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as the side of this element opposite to the front side 4A. Here, the rear side 4B of the convex connecting element 4 faces the plate 8 and the pipe C8. In the following text, the adjective "front" is used to classify the object or surface of the connecting element facing the front side of the connecting element, while the adjective "rear" is used to classify the object or surface facing the rear side of the connecting element.

[0057] The radial or peripheral surface of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as an annular surface centered on and parallel to the longitudinal axis X20. The axial surface of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X20. The outer surface of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as a surface oriented away from the longitudinal axis X20. The inner surface of the convex connecting element 4 is defined as a surface oriented towards the longitudinal axis X20.

[0058] The internal conduit 32 is disposed in the convex connecting element 4 for circulating fluid from the pipe C8, and includes a first rear portion 322, a second front portion 324 and a third intermediate portion 326 connecting the first rear portion 322 and the second front portion 324.

[0059] The first rear portion 322 of the internal conduit 32 includes a first sub-part 322A and a second sub-part 322B. The first sub-part 322A is cylindrical with a circular cross-section centered on the longitudinal axis X20 and is defined by the rear portion 22 of the main body 20. The second sub-part 322B is also centered on the longitudinal axis X20, defined inside the middle portion 26 of the main body 20 and radiates towards the front.

[0060] The second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 is located in the internal volume V52 of the tubular portion 52 of the nozzle 50. The valve 70 is slidably mounted in the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32, and the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 passes directly through the tubular portion.

[0061] The third intermediate portion 326 of the internal conduit 32 is arranged radially inside the skirt 24 relative to the longitudinal axis X20.

[0062] The skirt 24 has an internal thread 242.

[0063] In contrast, the cover 28 includes a bottom 282 and a skirt 284, the skirt 284 extending from the bottom 282 toward the rear of the convex connecting element 4. The bottom 282 defines a central opening 286 centered on the longitudinal axis X20. The skirt 284 has an external thread 288 that is complementary to an internal thread 242. The cover 28 is mounted on the front skirt 24 by screwing the external thread 288 into the internal thread 242, and the sealing connector 34 is inserted into a peripheral groove 289 of the cover 28. Thus, the cover 28 constitutes the front part of the body 20, and the central opening 286 is the front opening of this body.

[0064] The main body 20 also includes a cap 23, which is an internally conical component that converges toward the rear of the convex connecting element 4. The outer peripheral surface of the cap 23 is marked 232.

[0065] The inner circumferential surface 262 of the intermediate portion 26 is generally conical and converges towards the rear. The cap 23 and the intermediate portion 26 are centered on and radially spaced relative to the longitudinal axis X20, such that the intermediate portion 26 surrounds the cap 23 and the first rear portion 322 of the inner conduit 32. The first rear portion 322 of the inner conduit 32 has a disc-shaped cross-section at a first sub-portion 322A within the rear portion 22, and presents an annular cross-section that increases forward and around the radius of the cap 23 at a second sub-portion 322B within the intermediate portion 26. The second sub-portion 322B of the first rear portion 322 of the inner conduit 32 is defined between the outer circumferential surface 232 and the inner circumferential surface 262.

[0066] The inner circumferential surface of the cap 23 is marked 264. It is generally conical and defines an inner chamber 36 in the rear of the nozzle 50, which is disposed in the convex body 20 around the longitudinal axis X20.

[0067] The cap 23 is specifically connected to the rest of the body 20 via three connecting brackets 38 at the junction between the middle portion 26 and the front skirt 24. These three connecting brackets 38 are distributed at 120° around the longitudinal axis X20 and protrude from the outer peripheral surface 232 of the cap 23 away from the longitudinal axis X20. The connecting brackets 38 may also be referred to as "reinforcing pieces" or "reinforcement members" because they help to position the cap 23 within the body 20.

[0068] The number and distribution of the connecting brackets 38 are not limiting. In practice, the number of connecting pieces is between one and six, and their distribution is adjusted according to their number, preferably evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis X20.

[0069] Each connecting bracket 38 has a vent 40 passing through it. Each vent 40 is straight and extends from the inner chamber 36 in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis X20, through the cap 23, the connecting bracket 38, and the intermediate portion 26, to the outer peripheral surface 244 of the body 20. Thus, each vent 40 connects the inner chamber 36 to the outside of the convex connecting element 4.

[0070] The vent 40 is straight and has a polygonal cross-section, such as a pentagon.

[0071] Vent 40 provides pressure equalization between the inner chamber 36 and the ambient atmosphere surrounding the convex connecting element 4.

[0072] In one variant, only some of the connecting brackets 38 are equipped with vents 40.

[0073] According to another variation, the cross-section of (one or more) vent holes 40 is circular or oblong.

[0074] The thickness of the connecting bracket 38, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X20, is denoted as e38. Furthermore, the axial length of the cap 23, also measured along the longitudinal axis X20, is denoted as L23. The length L23 corresponds to the total length of the cap 23 and is equal to the projection of the outer peripheral surface 232 onto the longitudinal axis X20. The connecting bracket 38 is thinner along the longitudinal axis X20 than the cap 23 along this axis. In other words, the ratio e38 / L23 is strictly less than 1. In practice, this ratio can be between 0.15 and 0.40, preferably equal to 0.25.

[0075] Here, the connecting bracket 38 extends only around the front of the cap 23. Under these conditions, the second sub-section 322B of the inner conduit 32 extends completely around the cap 23 to the rear of the connecting bracket 38 and extends radially about the longitudinal axis X20 between the outer peripheral surface 232 and the inner peripheral surface 262.

[0076] from Figure 6 As can be clearly seen, each connecting bracket 38 extends in the corner sector, with its angle denoted as α38 at the vertex around the longitudinal axis X20. Here, the angle α38 is equal to 13°, such that the group of three connecting brackets 38 only slightly restricts the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal conduit 32 around the cap 23.

[0077] In practice, port 42 is positioned around cap 23 between the two connecting brackets 38 in the form of an arc centered on the longitudinal axis X20, and its radial thickness, measured radially about the longitudinal axis X20, is marked as e42. In practice, the radial thickness e42 is between 10% and 20% of the maximum radius R23 of cap 23.

[0078] Port 42 forms a channel connecting the first rear portion 322 of the internal conduit 32 and the third intermediate portion 326.

[0079] Preferably, the number of ports 42 is equal to the number of connecting brackets 38. In this example, three ports 42 are arranged around the cap 23.

[0080] There is no limit to the number of ports 42. It is greater than or equal to 1, and in practice it is adjusted according to the number of connection brackets 38.

[0081] Given the value of angle α38, the three connecting brackets 38 only slightly restrict the angular range of port 42. Here, the sum of the angular sectors occupied by the connecting brackets 38, or the ratio of 39° to 360°, is approximately 0.11. In practice, this ratio is chosen between 0.05 and 0.2.

[0082] The front of the cap 23 is marked 233. The front 233 is also the front of the connecting bracket 38, because they are flush with the front of the cap 23.

[0083] The bottom of the cover 28 is marked as 283.

[0084] The front 233 and the rear 283 are annular, flat, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X20. They face each other. In other words, they face each other. They define the volume V20 inside the body 20 along the longitudinal axis X20.

[0085] The midplane of volume 20, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X20, parallel to the front 233 and rear 283, and equidistant from these surfaces along the longitudinal axis X20, is marked as P20. Plane P20 is radial about the longitudinal axis X20, and vent 40 extends parallel to the radial plane P20.

[0086] The axial length of volume V20 is marked as L20, which is the distance between the front 233 and the rear 283 measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X20.

[0087] The inner circumferential surface of skirt 284 is marked as 285. This surface defines a volume V20 radially outward.

[0088] Without nozzle 50, volume V20 opens forward to the outside of the convex connecting element 4 through the central opening 286 at rear 283 and towards the rear, opening to the inner chamber 36 at front 233. Whether nozzle 50 is present or absent, volume V20 opens to the second sub-section 322B at front 233. Therefore, volume V20 remains in fluid communication with the first rear section 322 of the internal conduit.

[0089] The cap 23, skirt 24, and middle portion 26 of the main body 20 together form a single piece, preferably manufactured by 3D printing, and preferably also form a single piece with the rear portion 22, as in the example shown in the attached drawings. This has the advantage that the geometry of this part is well defined, so that dimensional tolerances, especially those related to the first rear portion 322 of the internal conduit 32, the vent 40, and the port 42, are well controlled.

[0090] The nozzle 50 is mounted on the body 20 and includes a hollow tubular portion 52 at the front, which is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and a diameter marked D52, and houses a valve 70 in its internal volume V52. When the nozzle 50 is partially received in the volume V20, its tubular portion 52 protrudes forward from the body 20 through a central opening 286.

[0091] The longitudinal axis of the nozzle 50 is marked X50. The valve 70 can move along this axis within the tubular portion 52, and this axis forms the central axis of the tubular portion 52.

[0092] At the rear of the tubular portion 52, the nozzle 50 includes a flange 54, the outer peripheral surface of which is marked 541, and the flange 54 includes a front collar 542 and a rear collar 544. The front collar 542, the rear collar 544, and the tubular portion 52 together constitute a single piece.

[0093] Each of the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544 has a corresponding outer peripheral surface 546, 548, which is a cylinder with a circular cross-section centered on the longitudinal axis X50, and its corresponding outer diameter is marked D542, D544. The outer diameters D542 and D544 are strictly larger than the diameter D52. In other words, the flange 54 is formed as an outward protrusion relative to the tubular portion 52. The outer peripheral surfaces 546 and 548 are coaxial. In this embodiment, the outer diameters D542 and D544 are equal.

[0094] In the longitudinal direction between the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544, the diameter of the flange 54 decreases, forming an annular volume V54 that opens radially outward toward the flange 54 around the flange 54 and between these collars. The bottom of this annular volume is defined by the outer peripheral surface 550 of the flange 54, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameters of the outer peripheral surfaces 546 and 548. The outer peripheral surfaces 546, 548, and 550 together constitute the outer peripheral surface 541 of the flange 54, which is stepped along the longitudinal axis X50.

[0095] The front surface of the front collar 542 is marked as 543, meaning that the surface of the front collar 542 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X50 and faces the tubular portion 52.

[0096] The rear surface of the rear collar 544 is marked 545, which is also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X50, but away from the tubular portion 52.

[0097] The front surface 543 and the rear surface 545 are annular, centered on the longitudinal axis X50, and are flat. The front surface 543 and the rear surface 545 are also axial surfaces.

[0098] The outer peripheral surface 541 is arranged longitudinally between the front surface 543 and the rear surface 545 of the flange 54.

[0099] The axial length of flange 54 is marked as L54 and is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X50 between the front surface 543 and the rear surface 545.

[0100] The length L54 to the nearest operating gap is equal to the length L20.

[0101] In the mounting configuration of nozzle 50, flange 54 is received within volume V20 defined by body 20, and has the possibility of movement relative to body 20 only in the direction parallel to radial plane P20, i.e., in the radial direction relative to longitudinal axis X20. This is derived from the corresponding values ​​of lengths L20 and L54. Therefore, in the assembly configuration of convex connecting element 4, volume V20 constitutes a housing for receiving flange 54.

[0102] In this configuration, volume V54 is open toward the inner peripheral surface 285 and toward the portion of volume V20 not occupied by flange 54. Front surface 543 faces rearward 283 along longitudinal axis X20. Rear surface 545 faces frontward 233 along longitudinal axis X20.

[0103] The third intermediate portion 326 of the internal conduit 32 surrounds the flange 54 between the inner peripheral surface 285 of the body 20 and the outer peripheral surface 541 of the flange 54.

[0104] A first O-ring seal 56, such as an elastomeric seal, is mounted in a groove 547 in the front surface 543, while a second O-ring seal 58, also such as an elastomeric seal, is mounted in a groove 549 arranged on the rear surface 545. In the mounting configuration of the nozzle 50 on the body 20, the seals 56 and 58 abut against the respective rear 283 and front 233, as well as the flange 54. The outer peripheral surface 541 of the flange 54 lies within the volume V20 along the longitudinal axis X20 between the two seals 56 and 58.

[0105] Therefore, the first sealing barrier is formed by a sealing joint 58 inserted between the front surface 233 and the rear surface 545, which face each other. When the valve 70 is in the forward-closed position, the sealing section S1 of this sealing barrier is defined as an axial, forward-facing imaginary surface of the nozzle 50, on which the combined rearward force exerted by the fluid pressure contained in the inner conduit 32 acts. This sealing section S1 is defined by the sealing joint 58. This sealing section S1 is actually a disk whose radius is equal to the average radius of the sealing joint 58 obtained between the center of the tube and the center of the torus forming the sealing joint 58. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this context, the trace of section S1 is represented by its diameter.

[0106] The second sealing barrier is formed by a sealing joint 56 inserted between the front surface 543 and the rear surface 283, which face each other. The sealing section of this barrier is denoted as S2, and is defined as an imaginary surface of the nozzle 50 in the axial direction and facing rearward, on which the combined forward force exerted by the pressure of the fluid contained in the inner conduit 32 acts when the valve 70 is in the forward-closed position. This sealing section S2 is defined by the sealing joint 56. This sealing section S2 is actually a disk with a radius equal to the average radius of the sealing joint 56 obtained between the center of the tube and the center of the annulus forming the sealing joint 56. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this section, the trace of segment S2 is represented by its diameter.

[0107] Grooves 547 and 549, as well as sealing joints 56 and 58, have the same geometry. Under these conditions, sealing sections S1 and S2 are identical. In particular, their corresponding areas have the same value.

[0108] Valve 70 is axially movable within volume V50 along the longitudinal axis X50 between a first forward-moving closed position and a second retracted open position. Figure 1 As shown and corresponding to the first forward-closed position in the unconnected configuration, valve 70 abuts against the tubular portion 52 at its front and closes the front opening 522 of the tubular portion 52. In the connected configuration... Figure 4 In the second retracted open position shown, valve 70 is spaced rearward along the longitudinal axis X50 from its unclosed front opening 522 to the extent that valve 70 does not obstruct the circulation of fluid through the internal conduit 32.

[0109] The second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 is defined by the front opening 522 facing the front of the volume V52.

[0110] The connecting ridge between the annular front end 526 of the tubular portion 52 surrounding the front opening 522 and its outer peripheral surface 528 with a diameter of D52 is marked as 524.

[0111] Valve 70 is provided with an outer peripheral groove 72, in which a sealing joint 74 is received. The sealing joint 74 engages with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52 defining the front opening 522 to ensure... Figure 1 The sealing of the closure in the configuration.

[0112] A plug 80 is installed in the nozzle 50 from the longitudinal side opposite the tubular portion 52, inside the flange 54. This plug 80 is disposed within the internal volume V'54 of the flange 54, which is located at the rear of volume V52 and opens to the rear surface 545. Volumes V52 and V'54 together define the internal volume V50 of the nozzle 50. The plug 80 seals and defines the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 towards the rear. The plug 80 is held longitudinally within the nozzle 50 between the rear inner shoulder 60 of the nozzle 50 it faces and, for example, a circlip-type stop section 62 mounted in the nozzle 50.

[0113] The plug 80 is equipped with a peripheral groove 82 in which a sealing connector 84 is received, the sealing connector 84 abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle 50. The plug 80 interacts with the nozzle 50 via the sealing connector 84 to seal the rear end of the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32.

[0114] When the plug 80 is mounted on the nozzle 50 and the nozzle is in place on the body 20, the nozzle flange 54 is received in the housing formed by the volume V20, the plug 80 faces the inner cavity 36 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X20 and seals the inner cavity 36 towards the front.

[0115] Therefore, the inner chamber 36 is separated from the inner conduit 32 by the cap 23, the connecting bracket 38, the flange 54, the plug 80, and the first sealing joint inserted between the front 233 and the rear surface 545.

[0116] Spring 64 is installed in the internal volume V52. This spring 64 rests at the bottom of the countersunk hole of the plug 80 and pushes the valve 70 to the forward position of its opening 522 before it is closed.

[0117] Valve 70 includes a head 71 and a skirt 73. The head 71 has an outer peripheral groove 72, and the skirt 73 extends rearward from the head 71, opening rearward and defining a volume V73 in which a spring 64 engages. A through-hole 76 extends radially through the skirt 73 and communicates the volume V73 with a portion of an inner volume V52 that radially surrounds the skirt 73.

[0118] The outer peripheral surface of the skirt 73 is stepped and includes a first front section 732 and a second rear section 734. The first front section 732 has a polygonal profile, the maximum dimension of which is equal to the diameter of the head 71. The second rear section 734 has a circular cross-section, the diameter of which is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the first front section 732. These dimensions are obtained radially at the longitudinal axis X50. A through-hole 76 opens into the first front section 732.

[0119] On the other side, an inner collar 66 is disposed inside the nozzle 50 at the flange 54 and defines a rear inner shoulder 60 thereafter. The cross-section of the inner radial surface 662 of the collar 66 is also circular and has the same diameter as the second rear section 734 of the skirt 73, and defines a housing for receiving this second rear section 734 when the valve 70 is in Figure 4 When retracted to the open position, this second rear section 734 interacts with the valve 70. Therefore, in the connection configuration of the convex connecting element 4 and the concave connecting element 6 of the connector 2, the collar 66 defines a seat for receiving the valve 70. Near the inner collar 66, the nozzle 50 is provided with three inclined channels 68, which, in the mounting configuration of the nozzle 50 on the body 20, connect the internal volume V52 of the tubular portion 52 (and thus the internal volume V50 of the nozzle 50) to the annular volume V54 located between the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544 (and thus to the volume V20 arranged around the flange 54) and to the third intermediate portion 326. The channels 68 open on the outer peripheral surface 541 outside the nozzle 50, that is, along the longitudinal axis X20, between the sealing barriers formed by the sealing joints 58 and 56 inserted between (on the one hand) the front 233 and the rear surface 545 and (on the other hand) the rear 283 and the front surface 543. In this example, channel 68 is open at the level of surface 550, that is, open in the annular volume V54.

[0120] When valve 70 is in the forward closed position, passage 68 leads to the internal volume V50 of nozzle 50 in front of plug 80 and opens to the rear of valve 70. The second front portion 324 and the third intermediate portion 326 of internal conduit 32 are in fluid communication through passage 68.

[0121] The three channels 68 are separated by bridges 69. These bridges 69 extend partially along the longitudinal axis X50 at the longitudinal level of the front collar 542. The side surfaces 692 of the bridges 69 are recessed.

[0122] The angular amplitude of channel 68 around the longitudinal axis X50 is denoted as β68. This angular amplitude is between 60° and 100°, preferably equal to 90°.

[0123] Each of the channels 68 extends along axis A68, which converges towards the longitudinal axis X50 at the front and forms an angle γ68 with the longitudinal axis X50, which is between 30° and 50°, preferably equal to 40°.

[0124] Channel 68 has a perpendicular axis X50 and is located in... Figure 5 The visible cross-section is shaped like a ring centered on the longitudinal axis X50. In other words, they extend approximately circumferentially around the X50 axis, their circumferential dimension being greater than their radial dimension at the X50 axis and their longitudinal dimension parallel to the X50 axis, and... Figure 1 , 2 As can be seen in 4.

[0125] In this example, three channels 68 are provided through nozzle 50. The number of channels 68 is not limiting. It is greater than or equal to 1 and is adjusted in practice according to the number of bridges 69.

[0126] The diameter of the countersunk hole of the plug 80 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner radial surface 662 of the collar 66. Preferably, the ratio of these diameters is between 0.9 and 1.1. The diameter of the inner radial surface 662 is larger than the diameter of the inner radial surface of the tubular portion 52 in front of the channel 68.

[0127] The inner circumferential surface 285 includes a cylindrical front surface portion 285A, the diameter of which is designated D20, as this diameter constitutes the diameter of the volume V20 at the front of this volume. The inner circumferential surface 285 includes a rear surface portion 285B, which is a truncated cone and diverges rearward from the front surface portion 285A. The rear surface portion 285B faces radially toward the rear collar 544; in other words, the rear surface portion 285B and the outer circumferential surface 548 are aligned along the longitudinal axis X20. The divergence half-angle of the rear surface portion 285B, designated δ285, is equal to 10°. In practice, this half-angle at the apex can be chosen between 5° and 30°.

[0128] The maximum diameter of the inner circumferential surface 285 is marked as D'20, therefore this is the maximum diameter of the receiving volume V20. This maximum diameter D'200 is measured at the rear end of the rear surface portion 285B.

[0129] The possibility of radial movement of the nozzle 50 relative to the body 20, that is, the possibility of displacement between the longitudinal axis X20 and the longitudinal axis X50 which remain parallel, corresponds to the radial gap existing between the outer peripheral surface 541 of the flange 54 and the inner radial surface defining the volume V20, which is here formed by the inner peripheral surface 285.

[0130] The diameter D52 of the tubular portion 52 and the diameter of the central opening 286 are selected so as not to restrict the movement of the flange 54 in the volume V20.

[0131] The difference between diameter D542 and diameter D20 is approximately 9% of diameter D542. On the other hand, the difference between diameter D544 and diameter D'20 is approximately 14% of diameter D544. Therefore, during the maximum radial stroke of nozzle 50 within volume V20, if the front collar 542 contacts the inner circumferential surface 285, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the lower part, since the outer peripheral surface 548 does not contact the inner peripheral surface 285, or even partially, a circumferential radial clearance J is maintained around the rear collar 544. Therefore, this clearance J is annular. The radial thickness of this clearance J, obtained parallel to the radial plane P20, is variable around the longitudinal axis X20 and has a non-zero minimum value e. Jmin This is because the diameter D'20 is larger than the diameter D20 of the front surface portion 285A, while the diameters D542 and D544 are equal. This allows fluid to pass through the gap J in the third intermediate portion 326 between the first rear portion 322 and the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32, on the side furthest from the inner circumferential surface 285 (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown at the top) and the side closest to that surface (as shown at the top) Figure 4 (As shown at the bottom) passes around the rear collar 544.

[0132] Therefore, flange 54 can move parallel to radial plane P20 within volume V20, and the maximum stroke value d54 is equal to the difference between diameter D20 and diameter D542. The relationship is expressed by the following equation:

[0133] d54 = D20 - D542 (Equation 1)

[0134] For a connecting element with a diameter D52 equal to 15 mm, the maximum clearance value is selected to be greater than or equal to 0.75 mm, preferably equal to 2.1 mm. Therefore, the ratio d54 / D52 is between 0.1 and 0.16, preferably equal to 0.14.

[0135] The front collar 542 on the side of the annular volume V54 has a truncated edge defining a truncated conical chamfer 552, the half-angle of which at its apex is equal to 45°. On the other hand, the rear collar 544 on the side of the annular volume V54 has a truncated edge defining a chamfer 554, the half-angle of which at its apex is equal to 30° relative to the longitudinal axis X50. This chamfer 554 connects the outer peripheral surface 548 of the rear collar 544 to the front annular surface 556. The chamfer 554 has a length parallel to the longitudinal axis X50 and a radial width perpendicular to the axis, both of which are greater than the corresponding axial length and radial width of the truncated conical chamfer 552. The chamfer 554 facilitates fluid circulation around the rear collar 544, minimizing pressure drop.

[0136] The concave connecting element 6 of the connector is screwed into the plate 10 that defines the fluid circulation passage C10.

[0137] The concave connecting element 6 includes a one-piece body 120 with an external thread 122 that screws into a correspondingly shaped thread 102 around a drilled hole P10 arranged in the plate 10. A seal 130 is inserted between the body 120 and the drilled hole P10.

[0138] The main body 120 extends along the longitudinal axis X120. A front side 6A and a rear side 6B of the concave connecting element 6 are defined. The front side 6A is oriented toward the convex connecting element 4 at the start of the connection, that is, toward the press-fit direction along the longitudinal axis X120. The rear side 6B is oriented opposite to the front side 6A and toward the pipe C10.

[0139] The stationary plunger 121 is longitudinally fixed in the tubular body 120 by a stop section 123 formed by a retaining ring.

[0140] In the configuration where valve 170 covers the internal fluid circulation conduit 132 within the concave connecting element of the connector, valve 170 is mounted around plunger 121 and surrounds the head 125 of the plunger. Valve 170 may also be referred to as a "valve core".

[0141] Connector 174 is mounted in a groove 172 arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the body 120 around the head 125, while another connector 194 is mounted in the outer circumferential groove 192 of the head 125. When the valve 170 covers the internal fluid circulation conduit 132, connectors 174 and 194 abut against the corresponding outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the valve.

[0142] Spring 164 is arranged in the internal volume of body 120 and rests against foot 127 of plunger 121, pushing valve 170 to the position where it closes internal fluid circulation conduit 132.

[0143] Valve 170 can move along the longitudinal axis X20. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration shown is the same as Figure 4 The longitudinal movement between the retracted and open positions shown is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the configuration, valve 170 is in the forward closed position and closes the front annular opening 152 of body 120. Figure 4 In the retracted open position shown, valve 170 allows fluid to pass through the internal fluid circulation conduit 132.

[0144] The front end of the main body 120 forms an opening that radiates forward, and the half-angle of the truncated conical inner surface 154 at the apex η154 is between 20° and 45°, preferably equal to 30°. In the forward-closed position, the truncated conical inner surface 154 is arranged in front of the valve 170.

[0145] The radial thickness of the inner surface 154 is denoted as e154, and this thickness is measured radially about the longitudinal axis X120. This radial thickness e154 is chosen to be greater than the maximum stroke value d54 of the flange 54 in the volume V20. In other words, there is a relationship expressed by the following equation:

[0146] e154 > d54 (Equation 2)

[0147] During the connection process, the convex connecting element 4 and the concave connecting element 6 are joined together by approximately aligning the longitudinal axes X20 and X120 with their corresponding bodies 20 and 120. It is assumed that the flange 54 of the nozzle 50 is centered in the volume V20, that is, the longitudinal axes X20 and X50 are aligned. However, this is not mandatory.

[0148] In the event of misalignment between longitudinal axis X50 and longitudinal axis X120, edge 524 contacts the truncated conical inner surface 154 of the opening of concave body 120, and the convex connecting element and the concave connecting element advance toward each other in a direction of approach or press-fitting parallel to longitudinal axis X20, as... Figure 3 As indicated by arrow F1, this causes edge 524 to slide along inner surface 154 to align longitudinal axis X50 with longitudinal axis X120, even though longitudinal axis X20 and longitudinal axis X120 remain parallel but are not aligned. This can be achieved by displacing nozzle 50 relative to body 20, by means of deflection of flange 54 within volume V20, i.e., displacement parallel to radial plane P20. In the example in the attached figure, this occurs from... Figure 3 Configuration to Figure 4During the configuration transition, this deflection movement, throughout its entire amplitude, creates a tight sliding contact between the front surface 233 of the body 20 and the rear surface 545 of the flange 54, mediated by the sealing joint 58, and a tight sliding contact between the rear surface 283 of the body 20 and the front surface 543 of the flange 54, mediated by the sealing joint 56. Therefore, during the deflection movement of the flange 54 within the body 20, the sealing joint 58 provides a sealing function between the flange 54 and the front surface 233. Similarly, during the deflection movement of the flange 54 within the body 20, the sealing joint 56 provides a sealing function between the flange 54 and the rear surface 283.

[0149] During this deflection process, compared to the device of US-A-3 508 580, even if the internal conduit 32 of the convex connecting element 4 is filled with a pressurized fluid, such as Freon, at a pressure of 15 bar, the displacement force of the flange 54 in volume V20 does not need to counteract the force generated by the fluid pressure in the internal conduit 32. In fact, the pressure difference applied to the nozzle 50 on either side of the first sealing barrier inserted between the front 233 and the rear surface 545 and on either side of the second sealing barrier inserted between the rear 283 and the front surface 543 tends to balance each other, that is, tends to cancel each other out, because the sealing sections S1 and S2 defined by the first sealing barrier and the second sealing barrier, respectively, have equal areas, the corresponding areas of which are labeled A1 and A2.

[0150] When the sealing cross-sections have similar areas, especially when the area difference is less than 15%, that is, when the A2 / A12 ratio of the areas of sealing cross-sections S2 and S1 is between 0.85 and 1.15, the pressure differential effect of the nozzle 50 applied to either side of the first and second sealing barriers is greatly reduced. Particularly satisfactory results are obtained when the A2 / A1 ratio is between 0.95 and 1.05, and for this ratio, a value of 1 remains preferred.

[0151] Therefore, when valve 70 is in its forward-closed position covering the convex connecting element 4, movement of nozzle 50 relative to body 20 can occur without overcoming significant pressure. This allows for a reduction in the force exerted on inner surface 154 by edge 524 and prevents localized gaps between inner surface 154 and edge 524. The force applied to connect convex connecting element 4 and concave connecting element 6 is reduced, while a permanent seal is ensured.

[0152] The pressure balance at flange 54 is also due to the fact that the two sealing barriers are sealed with the same pressure difference, that is, sealed with the pressure difference between the internal pressure at volume V20 and the external atmospheric pressure, since the inner chamber 36 is under external atmospheric pressure through the vent 40.

[0153] The vent allows the inner chamber 36 to be maintained at a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure in the event of leakage through the first sealing barrier. In practice, the vent 40 is only useful in the event of leakage through the first sealing barrier, because during assembly, the sealed inner chamber 36 is at the same atmospheric pressure as the outside of the convex connecting element 4.

[0154] When longitudinal axis X50 is aligned with longitudinal axis X120, the front of head 71 contacts the front of head 125, and the front of valve 170 contacts the front of tubular portion 526. A longitudinal press-fit movement parallel to longitudinal axis X20 continues in the press-fit direction of arrow F1, causing valves 70 and 170 to move towards their respective open positions against the action of springs 64 and 164. This movement causes the second rear section 734 of the skirt 73 of valve 70 to move into a seat of a complementary shape defined by the inner radial surface 662 of the inner collar 66. Through-hole 76 allows pressurized fluid to be drawn from volume V73, preventing pressure buildup in this volume from hindering or slowing the movement of valve 70 towards its open position. During engagement, the inner radial surface 662 helps guide valve 70 from its closed position to its open position at the end of its displacement process.

[0155] In the connection configuration, connector 2 connects the two pipes C8 and C10. Then, as... Figure 4 As indicated by arrow F2, fluid can circulate between pipes C8 and C10 via the internal conduit 32 and the internal fluid circulation conduit 132. Specifically, pressurized fluid from pipe C8 flows through the cylindrical and axial first sub-section 322A of the first rear portion 322 of the internal conduit 32, and then flows in the divergent annular second sub-section 322B of the first rear portion 322 until it passes through port 42 and longitudinally enters the portion surrounding the flange 54 of volume V20, which constitutes the third intermediate portion 326 of the internal conduit 32. The fluid exits the third intermediate portion 326 through channel 68 and enters the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 in the tubular portion 52, where the fluid flows around the forward portion of valve 70 and plunger 121 until it passes through valve 170 and exits into the internal fluid circulation conduit 132 of the concave connecting element 6, and then reaches pipe C10 through the foot 127 of plunger 121.

[0156] Figures 4 to 6 The connection configuration of the connector 2 shown is achieved by the basic longitudinal displacement of plates 8 and 10 toward each other, while misalignment between the longitudinal axes X20 and X120 is permissible at the start of the press-fitting movement. In fact, from the start of the connection and at the connection position of the convex connecting element 4 and the concave connecting element 6, a radial offset d may exist between the longitudinal axes X20 and X120 without interfering with the transition from the unconnected configuration to the connected configuration, or the connection operation.

[0157] Because the thickness e154 is greater than the maximum deflection stroke value d54, during the relative approach movement of plates 8 and 10, the front portion of nozzle 50 may be opposite to the truncated conical inner surface 154 of the orifice of the concave connecting element. This ensures the connection operation of the convex connecting element 4 and the concave connecting element 6.

[0158] When the misalignment between the longitudinal axis X20 and the longitudinal axis X120 is at its maximum at the start of the connection, the nozzle 50 moves within the body 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X20 until the front collar 542 rests against the inner circumferential surface 285 of the convex body defined by the cover 28. Figure 4 At this location, fluid can pass through three ports 42, and the resulting pressure drop is minimized due to the truncated conical nature of the rear surface portion 285B and the presence of the chamfer 554.

[0159] In the example in the attached figure, in Figures 4 to 6 In this configuration, the radial offset d is equal to half the maximum deflection stroke value d54 because the flange 54 rests on the inner circumferential surface 285 of the housing formed by volume V20. This is an extreme case. In practice, the magnitude of the radial offset d is less than or equal to half the maximum stroke value d54.

[0160] The first rear portion 322, the second front portion 324, and the third intermediate portion 326 are in permanent fluid communication, whether in an unconnected configuration, a connected configuration, or during the connection of the convex connecting element 4.

[0161] To separate connector 2, convex connecting element 4 and concave connecting element 6 move apart along longitudinal axis X20 in the separation direction opposite to arrow F1, causing valves 70 and 170 to close and nozzle 50 to disengage from body 120. During this separation phase, the radial position of nozzle 50 within internal volume V20 remains unchanged.

[0162] exist Figure 8 In the second to fourth embodiments shown in the subsequent figures, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. If a reference numeral not mentioned in the description is used in one of these figures, that reference numeral corresponds to an element with the same reference numeral in the first embodiment. Conversely, if a reference numeral not mentioned in the description is used... Figures 8 to 11 The reference numerals shown in the figure correspond to elements having the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0163] The following mainly describes the differences between the second to fourth embodiments and the first embodiment.

[0164] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the second embodiment, the convex connecting element 4 is conventional, with the body 120 mounted on the plate 8, which defines the conduit C8. The valve 170 slides within the body 120 and is pushed to the closed position by the spring 164. The convex connecting element 4 is complementary to the concave connecting element 6.

[0165] The concave connecting element 6 includes a nozzle 50 equipped with two collars, namely a front collar 542 and a rear collar 544, which belong to a flange 54 arranged in the internal volume V20 of the body 20. In this embodiment, the invention is implemented in the concave connecting element 6 of the connector.

[0166] The concave connecting element also includes a valve 70, which is annular and slidably mounted around the plunger 21 of the nozzle 50 within the internal volume V52 of the front tubular portion 52 of the nozzle 50. The plunger 21, mounted within the internal volume V52 of the tubular portion 52, has no possibility of axial movement relative to the tubular portion 52. In the forward-closed position, the valve 70 interacts with the plunger 21 and the tubular portion 52 in a sealing manner to close the front opening 522 of the tubular portion 52. In the forward-closed position, a truncated conical inner surface 154 is arranged in front of the valve 70. In the retracted open position, the valve 70 allows fluid to enter the internal conduit 32. A spring 64 pushes the valve 70 back to its closed position.

[0167] Here, the cover 28 is not screwed to the inside of the skirt 24, but to its outside. For this purpose, the cover 28 is provided with internal threads, while the skirt 24 is provided with external threads. The inner circumferential surface of the body 20, which defines the internal volume V20 externally as defined in the first embodiment, is thus formed here by the inner radial surface 245 of the skirt 24, which has a constant diameter along its entire length.

[0168] Furthermore, in this example, the outer diameters D542 and D544 of the two collars (i.e., the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544) are different. In fact, the outer diameter D544 of the rear collar 544 is smaller than the outer diameter D542 of the front collar 542, so as to leave as much space as possible around the rear collar 544 for fluid to pass through in the connection configuration of the connector 2, regardless of the position of the nozzle 50 in the internal volume V20, so that fluid can flow into the pipe C10 defined by the plate 10, on which the body 20 of the concave connecting element 6 is screwed.

[0169] As in the first embodiment, two sealing joints 56 and 58, arranged at the interface between the flange 54 and the body 20, define two sealing barriers with sealing sections S1 and S2 having the same areas A1 and A2. As in the first embodiment, when the nozzle 50 deflects relative to the body 20, the front surface defined by the cap 23 slides into a sealing contact with the rear surface of the flange 54 via the sealing joint 58, and the rear surface of the cover 28 slides into a sealing contact with the front surface of the flange 54 via the sealing joint 56. Also as in the first embodiment, the axial thickness of the connecting bracket 38 is less than the axial length of the cap 23 defining the inner cavity 36.

[0170] exist Figure 10 In the third embodiment shown, the plug 80 is integral with the rear collar 544, thereby covering the second front portion 324 of the internal conduit 32 at the rear.

[0171] Furthermore, the valve 70 consists of three parts, having a head 71, a rear portion 77, and a ball 79, so as to be mounted in the volume V52 from the front portion of the nozzle 50 through the front opening 522 of the tubular portion 52. The technical teachings of EP-A-3 301 341 are used herein, and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0172] Here, the cap 23 and the connecting bracket 38 together form a one-piece component, but are not integral with the rest of the main body 20. Instead, they are attached to the one-piece component of the rear part 22, the skirt 24, and the middle part 26 at the junction between the skirt 24 and the middle part 26. Furthermore, assuming there is no leakage through the first sealing barrier, no vent is provided to connect the inner chamber 36 to the outside of the convex connecting element 4.

[0173] In this embodiment, the tapered shape of the cap 23 is optional. In practice, the inner chamber 36 can be defined between the front 233 of the cap 23, which is a disc-shaped structure surrounding the longitudinal axis X20 and axially facing the plug 80. This inner chamber 36 is kept separate from the inner conduit 32 by the cap 23, the flange 54, the plug 80, and the first sealing joint 58 of the sealing section S1.

[0174] In this embodiment, the areas of sealing sections S1 and S2 are not equal; the area A2 of sealing section S2, defined by sealing joint 56 at the front of flange 54, is smaller than the area A1 of sealing section S1, defined by sealing joint 58 at the rear of flange 54. The difference between these sealing sections S1 and S2, i.e., the difference between the areas A1 and A2 of the imaginary disc-shaped axial surfaces surrounded by sealing joints 56 and 58 in practice, is chosen to be sufficiently small to remain compatible with the relatively moderate force provided to allow the flange 54, formed by the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544, to move parallel to the radial plane P20 within volume V20 during connection.

[0175] In practice, in this embodiment, as in other embodiments, the maximum misalignment force to be provided can be set to approximately 30 daN. The maximum force to be applied depends not only on the sealing sections S1 and S2, but also on the fluid pressure inside the internal conduit 32 of the convex connecting element 4. Figure 10 In the example shown, the difference in sealing cross-section is approximately 7%, which produces good results. In practice, satisfactory results can be obtained for an S2 / S1 ratio greater than or equal to 0.85, i.e., a sealing cross-section difference of 15%.

[0176] In a variant of the invention not shown, the area A1 of the sealing section S1 at the rear of flange 54 is smaller than the area A2 of the sealing section S2 at the front of flange 54. Similarly, in this case, in practice, the A1 / A2 ratio is chosen to be greater than or equal to 0.85.

[0177] In this third embodiment, sealing joints 56 and 58 are respectively arranged in grooves in the cover 28 and cap 23, that is, on a portion of the body 20, rather than on a portion of the flange 54 as in other embodiments. Furthermore, sealing joints 56 and 58 are not O-rings as in other embodiments, but rather flat joints with rectangular cross-sections.

[0178] exist Figure 11 In the fourth embodiment shown, the vent 40 connecting the inner chamber 36 to the outside of the convex connecting element 4 is a cylinder with a circular cross-section rather than a polygonal cross-section.

[0179] Furthermore, individual sealing joints are arranged in pairs to form first and second double sealing barriers. This is particularly true for sealing joints 56 and 56' arranged in two concentric grooves formed on the front collar 542 and sealing joints 58 and 58' arranged in two concentric grooves formed on the rear collar 544, where, as in the first embodiment, the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544 form a flange 54. In this case, the first sealing barrier is formed by two sealing joints 58 and 58', both of which contact the flange 54 and the front end 233 of the body 20, and the second sealing barrier is formed by two sealing joints 56 and 56', both of which contact the flange 54 and the rear end 283 of the body 20. In this case, the sealing sections S1 and S2 associated with the two sealing barriers are defined by the outermost sealing joints, that is, by sealing joints 56 and 58 with diameters larger than sealing joints 56' and 58', thus defining the inner conduit 32.

[0180] The elements in the first embodiment indicated by reference numerals 30, 34, 72, 130, 174, and 194 are here replaced by elements indicated by pairs of reference numerals 30 and 30', 34 and 34', 74 and 74', 130 and 130', 174 and 174', and 194 and 194'.

[0181] In one variation, only some of these joints are replaced by pairs of joints.

[0182] According to a variation not shown but applicable to all embodiments, instead of having two collars (i.e., front collar 542 and rear collar 544) (defining a surrounding volume V54 between the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544), the flange 54 has a constant outer diameter along its entire length.

[0183] According to another variation, not shown and applicable to all embodiments, the flanges have two adjacent collars with different diameters, and no volume comparable to volume V54 is provided between them.

[0184] According to another variation, which is not shown and applies to all embodiments, each of the channels 68 extends along axis A68, which is located radially relative to the longitudinal axis X50.

[0185] According to another variation not shown and applicable to all embodiments, the cap 23 is centered on an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis X20 and offset from the central longitudinal axis X2.

[0186] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, it has the advantage of reducing pressure imbalance applied to the nozzle 50 at the nozzle flange 54, which facilitates movement of the flange 54 within the volume V20 parallel to the radial plane P20, including when pressurized fluid is present in the internal conduit 32 in the valve 70 closed configuration. Sealing barriers, respectively, on the front side of the nozzle 50 and the sides of the sealed internal chamber 36, isolate the volume V20 for receiving the flange 54 from atmospheric pressure, making it possible to largely balance or compensate for the forces exerted on the nozzle 50 by the pressurized fluid present in the internal conduit 32, thus enabling optimized coupling forces.

[0187] In particular, the geometry of the various channels formed by port 42 and channel 68, as well as the geometry of connecting bracket 38 and bridge 69, are optimized to limit pressure loss.

[0188] When the vent 40 is present, the vent 40 ensures that the inner chamber 36 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, even in the event of a leak at the first sealing barrier.

[0189] In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, the main body of the connecting element is formed by only two parts: a one-piece component comprising a rear portion 22, a cap 23, a skirt 24, and a middle portion 26, and a cover 28 attached to this one-piece component, which reduces the need for sealing gaskets.

[0190] In the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the rearward diverging property of the inner peripheral surface 285 of the cover facilitates the generation of a non-zero minimum radial thickness e. Jmin The annular gap J. In a variant not shown, such as in the second embodiment, when the skirt 24 is used to define the volume V20 in the radial direction, this can be implemented at the inner circumferential surface 245 of the skirt 24.

[0191] On the one hand, the geometry of the front collar 542 and the rear collar 544, and on the other hand, the geometry of the internal volume V20 for receiving the flange 54, are optimized so that the fluid passes entirely around the rear collar 544 with minimal pressure loss, even in the configuration of the nozzle 50 with maximum radial clearance relative to the convex body 20.

[0192] The internal geometry of the nozzle 50 is optimized, particularly at the inner ring 66 of the plug 80 attached to or integrated with the nozzle, to limit pressure drop and guide the valve 70 radially in the open position.

[0193] In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, the use of the plug 80 insert allows the valve 70 to be installed in the nozzle 50 from the rear. The type of valve 70 is not important in the third embodiment.

[0194] The applicability of this invention is independent of the nature of the fluid passing through the coupling (whether liquid or gas) and the direction of circulation of such fluid through the coupling.

[0195] The applicability of this invention is independent of the exact nature of the sealing barrier. In a variation not shown, the O-ring seals 56 and 58 of these sealing barriers are replaced by lip seals, possibly spring-powered.

[0196] The invention is shown in the figures where only one of the convex connecting element 4 and the concave connecting element 6 of the connector 2 conforms to the invention. In a variant, both elements conform to the invention.

[0197] In either embodiment, the sealing barrier is compatible with the movement of the flange 54 within the volume V20, that is, compatible with the deflection of the flange, without losing the seal at the sealing joints 56 and 58 or 56 and 56' and 58 and 58'.

[0198] In any embodiment, in one variation, the radial plane P20 may not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X20, but rather inclined relative to this axis, and the flange 54 may move parallel to the radial plane P20 within the housing formed by the volume V20. Thus, the radial plane P20 forms an angle of 75° to 105° relative to the longitudinal axis X20. The radial direction and the radial or surrounding surfaces are adapted accordingly.

[0199] The embodiments and variations envisioned above can be combined to produce new embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A convex or concave fluid coupling element (4, 6) designed for connecting pressurized fluid conduits (C8, C10), - The connecting element includes a body (20), a nozzle (50), and a valve (70); - The body extends along the longitudinal axis (X20) between the front side (4A, 6A) and the rear side (4B, 6B), the front side facing the press-fit direction of the connecting element and the complementary connecting element, and the rear side opposite to the front side; - The main body defines, on one hand, a receiving volume (V20) for partially receiving the nozzle (50), and on the other hand, at least a first portion (322) of an internal conduit (32) for circulating fluid in the connecting element, the first portion (322) being arranged rearward relative to the receiving volume (V20) and in fluid communication with the receiving volume (V20). - The nozzle includes a tubular portion (52) that protrudes forward from the body (20); - The second portion (324) of the internal conduit (32) is arranged in the internal volume (V50) of the nozzle and is defined at the front by the front opening (522) of the tubular portion (52); - The valve (70) is housed in the internal volume (V50) of the nozzle and is movable between a forward closed position and a retracted open position. In the forward closed position, the valve covers the front opening (522) of the tubular portion (52), and in the retracted open position, the valve does not obstruct the circulation of fluid in the internal conduit (32). - The nozzle (50) has a flange (54) formed to protrude from the tubular portion (52) and rearward relative to the tubular portion (52), the flange (54) being received in the receiving volume (V20) and being movable only relative to the body (20) in a radial plane (P20) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X20); and A first sealing barrier, formed by at least one sealing joint (58; 58, 58'), is inserted between the rear surface (545) of the flange (54) and the front surface (233) of the body (20), the front surface (233) defining the receiving volume (V20) on the rear side and arranged opposite the rear surface of the flange (54). Its features - A second sealing barrier formed by at least one sealing joint (56; 56, 56') is inserted between the front surface (543) of the flange and the rear (283) of the body (20), which defines the receiving volume (V20) on the front side and is arranged opposite to the front surface of the flange (54); - The third portion (326) of the internal conduit (32), located between the first portion (322) and the second portion (324), is radially defined around the flange (54) between the outer peripheral surface (541) of the flange (54) and the inner peripheral surface (245; 285) of the body, the inner peripheral surface of the body radially defining the receiving volume (V20) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X20); - A plug (80) covers the second part (324) of the internal conduit (32) at the rear; - The second portion (324) and the third portion (326) of the internal conduit (32) are in fluid communication with each other via at least one channel (68) arranged in the nozzle (50), the channel (68) opening onto the internal volume (V50) of the nozzle (50) in front of the plug (80) and on the outer peripheral surface (541) of the flange; and - The inner chamber (36) is arranged in the connecting elements (4, 6) and is separated from the inner conduit (32) by the body (20), the flange (54), the plug (80) and the first sealing barrier.

2. The connecting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio (A2 / A1) between the area (A2) of the sealing section (S2) defined by the second sealing barrier and the area (A1) of the sealing section (S1) defined by the first sealing barrier is between 0.85 and 1.

15.

3. The connecting element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio (A2 / A1) is between 0.95 and 1.

05.

4. The connecting element according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ratio (A2 / A1) is equal to 1.

5. The connecting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one vent (40) connects the inner chamber (36) to the outside of the connecting element and extends through the body (20).

6. The connecting element according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vent (40) extends parallel to the radial plane (P20).

7. The connecting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner chamber (36) is defined by an inner portion (23) of the body (20), the inner portion (23) of the body (20) being shaped as a truncated cone centered on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X20), converging toward the rear of the connecting element, and connected to the middle portion (26) of the body arranged around the inner portion (23) by at least one connecting bracket (38), the first portion (322) of the inner conduit extending between the inner portion (23) and the middle portion (26) of the body, and the receiving volume (V20) opening toward the first portion (322) of the inner conduit (32) rearward.

8. The connecting element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ratio (e38 / L23) between the thickness (e38) of the connecting bracket measured along the longitudinal axis (X20) of the body (20) and the length (L23) of the inner portion (23) of the body measured along the same longitudinal axis is strictly less than 1.

9. The connecting element according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ratio (e38 / L23) is between 0.15 and 0.

40.

10. The connecting element according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ratio (e38 / L23) is equal to 0.

25.

11. The connecting element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner portion (23) of the main body defining the inner chamber (36), the connecting bracket (38), and the middle portion (26) of the main body (20) are formed together as a single piece.

12. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The flange (54) includes a front collar (542) forming a front surface (543) of the flange and a rear collar (544) forming a rear surface (545) of the flange. When the outer peripheral surface (546) of the front collar is in radial contact with the inner peripheral surface (285; 245) of the body that radially defines the receiving volume (V20), there is a non-zero minimum radial thickness (e) between the outer peripheral surface (548) of the rear collar (544) and the inner peripheral surface (285; 245) of the body. Jmin The annular gap (J) of the internal conduit (32) and the first part (322) and the second part (324) of the internal conduit (32) are in fluid communication through the annular gap (J).

13. The connecting element according to claim 12, characterized in that, The body (20) includes a cover (28) fitted into the skirt (24) of the body and defining a front opening of the body. A tubular portion (52) of the nozzle (50) protrudes forward from the body (20) through the front opening. A second sealing barrier is inserted between the front surface (543) of the front collar (542) and the rear (283) of the cover surrounding the front opening. An inner peripheral surface (285) of the body is formed on the cover (28). The rear surface portion (285B) of the inner peripheral surface (285) flares out rearward and faces radially toward the outer peripheral surface (548) of the rear collar (544). The outer peripheral surfaces (546, 548) of the front collar (542) and the rear collar (544) are cylindrical with a circular outer cross-section, having the same outer diameter (D542, D544), and are coaxial.

14. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The rear surface (545) and the front surface (543) of the flange (54) are flat axial surfaces, and each sealing joint (58; 58, 58') forming the first sealing barrier and each sealing joint (56; 56, 56') forming the second sealing barrier are received in a corresponding groove (549) on the rear surface (545) of the flange (54) or a groove (547) on the front surface (543) of the flange.

15. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The plug (80) is a component attached to the nozzle (50) and is installed in a sealed manner in the internal volume (V50) of the nozzle, opposite the rear inner shoulder (60) of the nozzle.

16. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The valve (70) is equipped with a skirt (73) that opens to the rear, and the skirt of the valve (70) has a through opening (76) that opens to the outer peripheral surface of the valve (70), and the nozzle (50) defines an inner surface (662) that can interact radially with the valve at the rear of the through opening when the valve is in the retracted open position.

17. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Each channel (68) arranged in the nozzle (50) extends along an inclined axis (A68) and converges towards the central longitudinal axis (X50) of the tubular portion (52) at an angle (γ68) between 30° and 50°.

18. The connecting element according to claim 17, characterized in that, The tilt angle (γ68) is equal to 40°.

19. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Each channel (68) arranged in the nozzle (50) has a cross-section that is centered on the central longitudinal axis (X50) of the tubular portion (52) and is in the form of a ring.

20. The connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The nozzle (50) includes a plunger (21) mounted inside the tubular portion (52), and a valve (70) is annular in shape and mounted around the plunger (21). In the forward closed position, the valve (70) interacts with the plunger (21) and the tubular portion (52) in a sealing manner to close the front opening (522) of the tubular portion (52).

21. A connector (2) for connecting pressurized fluid pipelines (C8, C10), said connector comprising a convex connecting element (4) and a concave connecting element (6), characterized in that, At least one of the convex connecting element and the concave connecting element is a connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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