Fluid coupling element and fluid coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid coupling element and a fluid coupling. A fluid coupling member (100) includes a body (102) defining an inner conduit (V100) configured to receive a mating end piece (10). The body comprises a proximal end portion (110) and a distal end portion (140), the proximal end portion being one-piece and defining the proximal end portion of the inner catheter (V100), and the distal end portion being one-piece and defining the proximal end portion of the inner catheter (V100) and fitting into the proximal end portion in an assembled configuration of the body. The proximal end portion includes an inner groove (130) and the distal end portion includes an outer groove (150) that at least partially radially faces the inner groove when the body is in the assembled configuration. The fluid coupling element further includes an elastically deformable barrier (190), and in the assembled configuration of the body, the barrier is partially received in the outer groove (150) and the inner groove (130) to prevent separation of the distal and proximal portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid coupling element configured to be assembled to a mating end component, and a fluid coupling including such a coupling element and a mating end component. Background Art

[0002] A fluid coupling is a fluid coupling device comprising a fluid coupling element and an associated mating end member, which form a concave element and a convex element of the fluid coupling, respectively. Each of the fluid coupling element and the end member comprises an internal passage, and when the coupling is in a coupled configuration, the corresponding internal passage fluid is connected. The fluid coupling element comprises a locking device, which can automatically engage when the mating end member is engaged with the coupling element, so as to maintain the coupling in the coupled configuration. Such fluid couplings are sometimes referred to as automatic couplings. An unlocking device, typically a ring, is provided to release the locking device and allow the fluid coupling element to be disconnected from the mating end member.

[0003] Generally, it is preferred to have a fluid coupling that is as compact as possible.In addition, in certain applications, such as cooling pipes for computer servers, it is important that the fluid coupling element is closed, such as by means of a closing device, when the fluid coupling is in the disconnected configuration.

[0004] EP-2 674 658-A1 describes, for example, a fluid coupling comprising a locking ring which, when coupled, is moved by an actuating ball having a diameter greater than that of the locking ball. The fluid coupling element is only partially described. No details of the body structure are given and no closure means are present.

[0005] DE 302 3377-A1 describes an automatic fluid coupling with a fluid coupling element, which comprises a body provided with an elongated housing 17, which is intended to accommodate an actuating ball 17'. The actuating ball 17' is then held in place by a locking ring, which cooperates with a cover 18 and an elastic ring 19, which are mounted through the front of the fluid coupling element. The cover and the elastic ring are exposed to impacts and may be damaged prematurely. In addition, this structure requires the fluid coupling element to be lengthened forwards in order to leave enough radial space for the cover 18, which makes this structure not a very compact solution. In addition, the cover is an additional part. No closure device is described.

[0006] US-4 949 745-A describes a connecting element consisting of several elements stacked together and held in place by elastic rings and washers. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is these problems that the present invention more particularly seeks to remedy by proposing a quick fluid coupling that is at the same time leaktight, compact and simple in the disconnected configuration.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a fluid coupling element, which is configured to be coupled to a mating end component, the fluid coupling element comprising:

[0009] - a body defining an internal conduit extending along a central axis and configured to receive a mating end piece through a front mouth of the body,

[0010] - at least one locking ball, each of which is housed in a respective first housing in the body and is radially movable between:

[0011] A locked position in which the or each locking ball projects into the internal conduit and tends to retain the mating end piece in the body, with the

[0012] a released position in which the or each locking ball does not prevent removal of the mating end member from the body,

[0013] - a locking ring mounted around the body and comprising a locking surface facing the central axis,

[0014] The locking ring is capable of longitudinal movement relative to the body between the following positions:

[0015] An advanced holding position in which the locking surfaces hold each locking ball in a locked position, with

[0016] a retracted unlocked position in which each locking ball is free to move towards a released position,

[0017] - a locking spring which pushes the locking ring back into the forward holding position,

[0018] According to the present invention, the body comprises:

[0019] a proximal portion defining the proximal portion of the inner conduit and a rear end portion intended for coupling to a tubing, and

[0020] - a distal portion, the distal portion being in one piece and defining:

[0021] The distal portion and anterior mouth of the inner catheter, and

[0022] The first shell,

[0023] wherein the proximal portion is configured to be assembled to the distal portion by dispensing the distal portion into the proximal portion in an assembled configuration of the body, wherein in the assembled configuration of the body, no surface of the proximal portion faces longitudinally rearwardly toward a surface of the distal portion,

[0024] The fluid coupling element further comprises a piston, a valve and a valve spring, the piston, the valve and the valve spring being housed in the inner conduit, the piston comprising a proximal collar flange longitudinally interposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion, wherein the valve is movable relative to the piston between the following positions:

[0025] - a front closed position, in which the valve closes the internal duct, and

[0026] a rear open position in which the valve allows fluid to enter the internal conduit and the valve spring pushes the valve back towards the front closed position,

[0027] The proximal portion includes an inner groove and the distal portion includes an outer groove, the outer groove at least partially radially facing the inner groove when the body is in the assembled configuration,

[0028] The fluid coupling element further includes an elastically deformable obstacle, and when the body is in an assembled configuration, the obstacle is partially accommodated in the outer groove of the distal portion and the inner groove of the proximal portion, and the obstacle is configured to cooperate with the distal axial wall of the inner groove and the proximal axial wall of the outer groove to prevent the distal portion and the proximal portion from separating.

[0029] By means of the present invention, the assembly of the two proximal and distal parts of the body is completed by means of an elastically deformable section / obstacle, and the body of the coupling element, and the associated fluid coupling, is radially compact, more particularly more compact than when the proximal and distal parts are screwed to each other. The elastic obstacle is partially accommodated in the external groove of the distal part and partially accommodated in the internal groove of the proximal part, and is protected from external impacts, so that the coupling element and the associated fluid coupling are more durable. The piston and the valve seal the fluid coupling element in the disconnection configuration.

[0030] According to an advantageous but not mandatory aspect of the invention, such a fluid coupling element may incorporate one or more of the following features, either alone or in any technically permissible combination:

[0031] - the fluid coupling element comprises at least one actuating ball, each of which is housed in a second housing in the distal portion and is susceptible to being pushed back into the respective second housing by the mating piece during the coupling of the fluid coupling element and the mating end part, so that the locking ring opposes the locking spring:

[0032] from an advanced holding position in which the locking ring limits the movement of each actuating ball to a position in which each actuating ball projects radially on either side of the body and the locking ring abuts forwardly against at least one actuating ball or against the body, the front surface of the locking ring being oriented towards the front of the body facing longitudinally towards the or each actuating ball,

[0033] · Longitudinal movement toward the retracted unlocked position.

[0034] Each second housing has an elongated shape parallel to the central axis, so that each actuating ball can move in the respective second housing during coupling of the fluid coupling element and the mating end piece after a movement comprising a longitudinal component and a radial component relative to the central axis.

[0035] - In the free state, the obstacle has a greater outer maximum radial dimension than in the assembled configuration of the body.

[0036] -Obstacles are easily and completely accommodated in the external grooves.

[0037] - when the obstacle is in contact with the distal axial wall of the inner groove, the obstacle is in contact only externally with the cylindrical bottom surface of the inner groove,

[0038] Therein, in the assembled configuration of the body, the proximal collar flange of the piston is configured to limit the approach of the distal and proximal portions to a configuration in which the obstruction contacts only the exterior of the cylindrical bottom surface of the internal recess.

[0039] The obstacle is a ring, the longitudinal dimension of which is strictly greater than the radial thickness of the ring in the free state, preferably at least three times greater.

[0040] -The obstacle is a split ring.

[0041] - No surface of the locking ring faces longitudinally rearwardly toward the surface of the distal portion. In the advanced holding position, the locking ring directly or indirectly abuts the body at the front. When the locking ring is in the advanced holding position, the distal wall of the external groove is displaced rearwardly relative to the rear end surface of the locking ring.

[0042] The fluid coupling element comprises a first seal radially interposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion.

[0043] Therein, the obstacle is arranged forwardly relative to the first connecting member in the assembled configuration of the body.

[0044] - Fluid coupling components include:

[0045] a spacer ring which is longitudinally interposed between the distal part and the proximal collar flange of the piston and which engages in the distal part with reduced radial play,

[0046] a second seal which cooperates with the valve in the closed position,

[0047] and the second seal is housed in a second seal housing defined by:

[0048] o the distal wall of the distal portion,

[0049] o the bottom surface of the distal portion, and

[0050] o The front axial end surface of the spacer ring.

[0051] the piston comprises, in addition to the proximal collar flange, a distal head diametrically opposite the valve in the front closed position, a third seal interposed radially between the distal head and the valve in the front closed position,

[0052] Among them, the piston is one-piece.

[0053] And the minimum inner radial dimension of the valve is greater than the maximum outer radial dimension of the distal head.

[0054] - The distal portion comprises at least:

[0055] a first outer radial surface at which the first housing opens, and

[0056] a second outer radial surface in which the outer groove is formed, the second outer radial surface being located behind the first outer radial surface and having a diameter which is strictly smaller than the diameter of the first outer radial surface,

[0057] Therein, in the assembled configuration of the body, the largest outer dimension of the obstacle is strictly smaller than the diameter of the first outer radial surface.

[0058] The proximal portion defines at least a first inner radial surface at which the inner groove is formed, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the inner radial surface in front of the inner groove is greater than a length of the outer groove.

[0059] - The locking ring is arranged partially around the proximal portion of the body; wherein the spring of the locking ring is interposed between the proximal portion and the locking ring.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a fluid connector, comprising:

[0061] a fluid coupling element, such as the one described above, and

[0062] - additional end pieces,

[0063] Wherein, the mating end parts include:

[0064] - A locking groove adapted to receive each locking ball in a locked position in the coupled configuration of the fluid coupling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The invention will be better understood and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of two embodiments of a fluid coupling element and a fluid coupling, according to the principles of the invention, which description is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] - Figure 1 In five illustrations (a) to (e) are shown various views or details of a fluid coupling according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustration (a) being a broken section of a fluid coupling shown in a disconnected configuration, the fluid coupling comprising a fluid coupling element and a mating end component;

[0067] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A broken away section of a fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in a first intermediate configuration during a coupling sequence of a fluid coupling element and a mating end component;

[0068] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A broken away section of the fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in a second intermediate configuration during a mating sequence;

[0069] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A broken away section of the fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in a coupled configuration;

[0070] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A broken away section of a fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in an unlocked configuration during a disconnect sequence of the quick coupler;

[0071] - Figure 6 The two illustrations a) and b) show Figure 1 A side view and a longitudinal section of a fluid coupling element and a tool for assembling a fluid coupling element shown in , the fluid coupling element being shown in an intermediate configuration during assembly of the coupling element;

[0072] - Figure 7 The two illustrations a) and b) show Figure 1 A broken section and detail of a fluid coupling element shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid coupling element being in an abutting configuration;

[0073] - Figure 8 is a broken section of a fluid coupling element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] - Fig. 9 is a broken section of a fluid coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the fluid coupling comprising Figure 8 The fluid coupling element shown in and is shown in an intermediate configuration during a coupling sequence;

[0075] - Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A broken section of the fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in another intermediate configuration;

[0076] - Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A broken away section of the fluid coupling shown in , which is shown in a coupled configuration;

[0077] - Fig.12 The three illustrations a) to c) respectively show a cross-section of a fluid coupling element belonging to a fluid coupling according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a part of the fluid coupling element and an enlarged detail of illustration a);

[0078] - Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A broken section of a fluid coupling element and a tool for assembling the fluid coupling element shown in , the fluid coupling element being shown in an intermediate configuration during assembly of the fluid coupling element, and

[0079] - Fig.14 The two illustrations a) and b) respectively show a broken section of a fluid coupling according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and an enlarged detail of illustration a), the fluid coupling being shown in the coupled configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Reference Figures 1 to 7 A fluid coupling R1 according to a first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The fluid coupling R1 comprises a fluid coupling element 100 located on the right hand side of the illustration a) and a mating end part 10 located on the left hand side of the illustration a). The fluid coupling element 100, also referred to as the female element, is configured according to the reference Figures 2 to 4 The coupling sequence of the described fluid coupling R1 is coupled to the mating end component 10, also referred to as the male element. At the end of the coupling sequence, the fluid coupling R1 is in the coupled configuration, such as Figure 4 as shown in .

[0081] Reference Figure 1In a), the fluid coupling element 100 includes a front side portion oriented toward the mating end component 10 at the beginning of the connection, and a rear side portion positioned opposite to the front side portion. The front side portion of the fluid coupling element 100 is also the distal side portion of the fluid coupling element 100, and the rear side portion is the proximal side portion of the fluid coupling element 100. The front surface of the fluid coupling member 100 is oriented toward the front side portion, and the rear surface of the fluid coupling element 100 is oriented toward the rear side portion. Symmetrically, the mating end component 10 includes a front side portion oriented toward the fluid coupling element 100 at the beginning of the connection, and a rear side portion positioned opposite to the front side portion. The front side portion of the mating end component 10 is also the distal side portion of the mating end component 10, and the rear side portion is the proximal side portion of the mating end component 10.

[0082] First, the mating end member 10 will be described.

[0083] The mating end component 10 generally has a shape that is rotated around the axis A10. Unless otherwise specified, in the following description, the concepts of "radial" or "axial" for the surface belonging to the mating end component 10 are given with reference to the main axis A10. Generally, the so-called "axial" surface relative to a given axis is a surface whose normal is parallel to the axis at every point. In other words, the axial surface is a planar surface geometrically supported by a plane orthogonal to the axis. A radial surface is a surface whose normal axis is at any point that is radial to the axis, in other words, a cylindrical surface with a circular cross-section centered on the axis.

[0084] The mating end piece 10 comprises a male body 12 having a tubular shape defining an internal passage V10 extending along a main axis A10. The internal passage V10 opens on the front side via a mouth 14. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the mouth 14 is closed by a movable non-return valve 16 . The main axis A10 defines the inside of the mating end piece 10 .

[0085] On the rear side, the male body 12 comprises a rear end 18, to which the internal passage V10 leads. The rear end 18, which is provided for assembling the mating end component 10 to a support (not shown), is threaded in this context. In a variant, the rear end 18 can be connected to a pipe. In the illustrated example, the male body 12 comprises, on the outer side of the male body 12 and from front to back: a front end axial surface 20 extending in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A10; a first generally cylindrical portion having an outer radial end surface 22; an actuating collar flange 24 protruding relative to the outer radial end surface 22; an outer locking groove 26; a second collar flange 28; and finally the rear end 18.

[0086] The outer locking groove 26 has a bottom surface 26A which has a cylindrical shape in this context, with a circular cross section centered on the main axis A10. The outer locking groove 26 is defined by an actuation collar flange 24 on the front or distal side of the bottom surface 26A and by a second collar flange 28 on the rear or proximal side of the bottom surface 26A.

[0087] The actuation collar flange 24 comprises, from front to back in this document: a frustoconical front surface 25A, centered on the main axis A10 and diverging toward the rear of the male body 12; a cylindrical intermediate surface 25B, centered on the main axis A10; an outer frustoconical portion 25C, centered on the main axis A10 and converging toward the rear of the male body 12; and an inner axial portion 25D, which has the shape of a ring located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A10. The frustoconical outer portion 25C and the inner axial portion 25D together form a proximal wall 25E of the actuation collar flange 24. The proximal wall 25E thus delimits an outer locking groove 26 on the distal side.

[0088] The second collar flange 28 has here a rear face 30A which extends radially relative to the main axis A10 and is arranged around the rear end 18. A front groove 32 is recessed in the rear face 30A, which accommodates a seal 34 for sealingly mounting the rear end 18 on a support. The second collar flange 28 has on the front side a proximal wall 36 which is here inclined and delimits the outer locking groove 26 on the proximal side.

[0089] The mating end component 10 further includes an inner ring 40, a circlip 42, and a spring 44. The inner ring 40 is installed in the internal passage V10 of the male body 12 and is locked by the circlip 42 at the rear of the male body 12. The spring 44 is interposed between the check valve 16 and the inner ring 40 so as to push the inner ring 40 backward to abut against the circlip 42 and push the check valve 16 toward the front of the mating end component 10. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the non-return valve 16 is pushed forward to abut against the narrow section of the mouth 14 , the non-return valve 16 being in the closed position.

[0090] The non-return valve 16 is housed in the internal passage V10 and is movable in translation along the main axis A10 relative to the male body 12 between a closed position in which it seals the internal passage V10 and a retracted open position. To this end, the mating end piece 10 advantageously comprises a seal 17A housed in a radial groove formed in the non-return valve 16. Thus, in the closed position, the seal 17A is radially interposed between the male body 12 and the non-return valve 16.

[0091] In other words, in the closed position of the internal passage V10, the check valve 16 abuts the male body 12 at the front and cooperates with the male body 12 in a sealed manner. When the check valve 16 is pushed back toward the rear of the male body 12 against the spring 44 and no longer prevents the fluid from entering the internal passage V10, the check valve 16 is in the so-called retracted open position. When the check valve 16 is in the closed position, the front axial end surface 16A of the check valve 16 and the front axial end surface 20 of the male body 12 are aligned, i.e., are geometrically supported by substantially the same plane, which is herein orthogonal to the main axis A10.

[0092] Preferably, the mating end component 10 complies with the so-called UQD specification, which is an abbreviation for "Universal Quick Disconnect" established by Intel Corporation.

[0093] The fluid coupling element 100 will now be described.

[0094] The fluid coupling element 100 generally has a shape that is rotated about a central axis A100. Unless otherwise specified, in the following description, for surfaces belonging to the fluid coupling element 100, the concepts of "radial", "axial" or "longitudinal" are made with reference to the central axis A100. Therefore, the central axis A100 is the longitudinal axis of the fluid coupling element 100. The direction or "inside" of the fluid coupling element 100 is rotated toward the central axis A100, and the concepts of "outside" and "outward" are made with reference to the radial direction moving away from the central axis A100.

[0095] The fluid coupling element 100 includes a body 102 defining an internal conduit V100 extending along a central axis A100 and configured to receive the mating end component 10 via a front opening 104 of the body 102. The internal conduit V100 is therefore also a volume for receiving the mating end component 10. The body 102 is also referred to as a "female body". When the mating end component 10 is received in the fluid coupling element 100 in a coupled configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the central axis A100 is aligned with the main axis A10 , and the internal channel V10 of the mating end piece 10 is fluidly connected to the internal conduit V100 of the fluid coupling element 100 .

[0096] The body 102 in this document comprises two parts assembled together. Thus, the body 102 comprises a proximal portion 110, which defines the proximal portion of the internal conduit V100, and which has a rear end portion 112 intended to be connected to the pipe C1 in this document. The pipe C1 is not part of the R1 fluid coupling, but is used in a specified use environment. The proximal portion 110 is one-piece. The body 102 also comprises a distal portion 140, which is one-piece and defines the distal portion of the internal conduit V100, which is open to the front via a front mouth 104 for accommodating the mating end component 10. In other words, the front portion of the body 102 is formed only by the distal portion 140, while the rear portion of the body 102 is formed only by the proximal portion 110, and the proximal portion of the distal portion 140 and the distal portion of the proximal portion 110 overlap radially for assembly of the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140.

[0097] The proximal portion 110 is configured to be assembled to the distal portion 140 by fitting the distal portion 140 with the proximal portion 110, and more specifically, in the proximal portion 110, in the assembled configuration of the body 102, the assembly of the proximal portion 110 with the distal portion 140 is locked by an elastically deformable obstacle. In the first embodiment, the obstacle is a split ring 190, such as Figure 1 A split ring means that the ring includes a radial thickness throughout the ring and a groove through the ring throughout the length of the ring, so that when the body 102 is in the assembled configuration, the split is discontinuous around the axis X100.

[0098] On the front side, the proximal portion 110 has a front end axial surface 114, which has the shape of a ring and extends in a plane orthogonal to the central axis A100. The proximal portion 110 includes an inner surface, which is oriented toward the central axis A100 and extends from the front axial end surface 114. Therefore, the inner surface of the proximal portion 110 includes, from front to back, a first inner radial surface 121, a second inner radial surface 122, a third inner radial surface 123 and a fourth inner radial surface 124.

[0099] The first, second, third and fourth inner radial surfaces 121 to 124 are connected in pairs by chamfers and / or axial surfaces, ie surfaces parallel to a plane orthogonal to the central axis A100 . The fourth inner radial surface 124 is herein provided at the rear end 112 of the proximal portion 110 .

[0100] Each of the first, second, third and fourth inner radial surfaces 121 to 124 is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section centered on the central axis A100. The second inner radial surface 122 is positioned rearward relative to the first inner radial surface 121, and its inner diameter is smaller than the diameter of the first inner radial surface 121. The third inner radial surface 123 is positioned rearward relative to the second inner radial surface 122, and its inner diameter is smaller than the diameter of the second inner radial surface 122. The fourth inner radial surface 124 is positioned rearward relative to the third inner radial surface 123, and its inner diameter is smaller than the diameter of the third inner radial surface 123.

[0101] The fourth inner radial surface 124 is connected to the third inner radial surface 123 by means of a front axial stop 125 .

[0102] On the outer side, the proximal portion 110 includes a first outer radial surface 126, which is a cylindrical surface opened forward on the front axial end surface 114 of the proximal portion 110, and an axial abutment surface 128, which is arranged at the rear of the first outer radial surface 126. In other words, the axial abutment surface 128 is set rearward from the front axial end surface 114.

[0103] The proximal portion 110 includes a first inner groove 130 that is disposed recessed at the first inner radial surface 121. Figure 1 e), the first internal groove 130 comprises a bottom surface 131A which is cylindrical with a circular cross section. Towards the front, the first internal groove 130 is radially delimited by a front play 131B, the radial dimension of which is greater than the diameter of the bottom surface 131A. Towards the rear, the bottom surface 131A of the first internal groove 130 is connected to the first internal radial surface 121 by a chamfer 131C. The front play 131B is connected to the first internal radial surface 121 by a distal axial wall 131D, which partially extends radially outwards, i.e. centrifugally to the central axis A100, beyond the bottom surface 131A. The chamfer 131C faces longitudinally the distal axial wall 131D, wherein the obstacle 190 is interposed between the chamfer 131C and the distal axial wall 131D.

[0104] The proximal portion 110 further includes a second inner groove 132 which is provided recessed in the first inner radial surface 121 and which is arranged rearward from the first inner groove 130. The second inner groove 132 includes a bottom wall 132A which forms the inner radial surface of the proximal portion 110 and is delimited at the rear by an axial wall 132B.

[0105] The distal portion 140 comprises a skirt 142 on the front side and a sleeve 144 on the rear side. The skirt 142 has a tubular shape and comprises an inner surface 145 and an outer surface, the inner surface 145 being oriented toward the central axis A100 and delimiting the internal duct V100, and the outer surface being oriented opposite to the inner surface and forming a first outer radial surface 146 of the distal portion 140. The skirt 142 comprises a front end surface 147A oriented forward and connecting the inner surface 145 to the first outer radial surface 146. The sleeve 144 comprises a rear axial end surface 147B oriented opposite to the front end surface 147A of the skirt 142.

[0106] The sleeve 144 comprises an outer surface located rearwardly from the first outer radial surface 146, which has a cylindrical shape of circular cross section and forms a second outer radial surface 148 of the distal portion 140. The second outer radial surface 148, whose diameter is smaller than that of the first outer radial surface 146, is here connected to the first outer radial surface 146 by a chamfer 149. The chamfer 149 is thus a frustoconical surface centered on the central axis A100 and diverging towards the front of the fluid coupling element 100.

[0107] The distal end portion 140 includes an outer groove 150 disposed recessed into the second outer radial surface 148. Figure 1 In e), the outer groove 150 includes a bottom 152A and is longitudinally delimited by a proximal axial wall 152B and a distal axial wall 152C. The proximal axial wall 152B longitudinally faces the distal axial wall 152C, wherein the obstacle 190 is interposed between the proximal axial wall 152B and the distal axial wall 152C. Rearwardly from the second outer radial surface 148 and the outer groove 150, the distal portion 140 has a terminal outer radial surface 154, whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the second outer radial surface 148. The second outer radial surface 148 and the terminal outer radial surface 154 are connected by a rear wall 155. The terminal outer radial surface 154 is herein a cylindrical surface with a circular cross section, which is longitudinally open on a rear end surface 156 of the distal portion 140. The rear end surface 156 is a generally frustoconical chamfer, which connects the outer radial end surface 154 to the axial rear end surface 147B.

[0108] The distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 are assembled together without screwing, without gluing, and without welding, but with the aid of a split ring 190. The split ring 190 is Figure 1 c) is shown in a free configuration or in a free state, that is, no external force is exerted on the split ring 190 except gravity, and the split ring 190 is not installed in the distal part 140 and the proximal part 110. Figure 1In e), the split ring 190 is housed in the first internal groove 130, the inner diameter of which is slightly smaller than the outer diameter D190 of the split ring 190 in the free configuration. Therefore, the split ring 190 is slightly compressed and therefore tends to remain in abutment with the outside of the bottom surface 131A of the first internal groove 130 by elastic recovery. Therefore, the inner diameter of the first internal groove 130 is smaller than the outer diameter D190 of the split ring 190 in the free configuration, for example by about 2%. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the first groove 130 is equal to 18.61 mm, while the outer diameter D190 of the split ring 190 is equal to 18.97 mm.

[0109] Preferably, the compression spring 190 is made of a metallic material, more particularly of stainless steel. In a variant (not shown), the split ring 190 is made of a polymer material. The split ring 190 has a section taken in a longitudinal plane that is rectangular and constant over its perimeter, the length of the rectangle defining the longitudinal dimension L190 of the split ring 190, whereby the width of the rectangle defines the radial thickness E190 of the ring 190. The longitudinal dimension L190 is strictly greater than the radial thickness E190 of the split ring 190 in the free state, preferably at least three times greater. In the example shown, the length L190 is equal to 2.24 mm, while the radial thickness E190 is equal to 0.61 mm.

[0110] The radial thickness E190 is greater than the depth of the first inner groove 130 of the proximal portion 110. The depth of the first inner groove 130 is equal to the difference between the radius of the bottom surface 131A and the radius of the first inner radial surface 121. Therefore, when the split ring 190 is received in the first inner groove 130, the split ring 190 bears against the bottom surface 131A externally and protrudes inwardly from the first inner radial surface 121.

[0111] In the assembled configuration of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110, the outer groove 150 at least partially faces the inner groove 130 in a radial direction relative to the central axis A100. In other words, the outer groove 150 radially opens into the inner groove 130. The split ring 190 is partially accommodated in the outer groove 150 of the distal portion 140 and partially accommodated in the first inner groove 130 of the proximal portion 110. Therefore, when the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 tend to separate from each other in the longitudinal direction, the split ring 190 cooperates with the distal wall 131D of the first inner groove 130 and the proximal axial wall 152B of the outer groove 150 so as to resist the separation movement. The front recess 131B of the inner groove 130 ensures the surface cooperation between the split ring 190 and the distal wall 131D of the first inner groove 130.

[0112] The radial thickness E190 is less than the depth of the outer groove 150 of the distal portion 140, which is equal to the difference between the radius of the bottom 152A and the radius of the second outer radial surface 148, so that the proximal portion 110 can be assembled to the distal portion 140, as described below.

[0113] The fluid coupling element 100 comprises a first seal 191 which is inserted radially backwards from the split ring 190 between the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110. More precisely, the first seal 191 is housed in a first seal housing 191A which is delimited on the one hand by the second internal groove 132 of the proximal portion 110 and on the other hand by the rear wall 155 of the distal portion 140 and the terminal outer radial surface 154 of the distal portion 140. Thus, the first housing 191A forms an "open groove". In the assembled configuration of the body 102, the split ring 190 is arranged at the front relative to the first seal 191.

[0114] The distal portion 140 comprises a first shell, the first shell being a radial shell 158 in this context, and a second shell being an elongated shell 159 in a first embodiment of the invention. The radial shell 158 and the elongated shell 159 are arranged radially relative to the central axis A100 through the skirt 142 and are open on the inner surface 145 and the first outer radial surface 146 of the distal portion 140. The radial shell 158 has a circular cross section in this context, while the elongated shell 159 has an elliptical cross section arranged parallel to the main axis A100 in this context. Each elongated shell 159 is longitudinally delimited by a distal wall and a proximal wall, which are substantially aligned in a direction parallel to the central axis A100 and limit the longitudinal movement of the actuating ball 162 relative to the body 102. Preferably, the radial shells 158 and the elongated shells 159 are regularly distributed around the central axis A100, preferably alternately distributed, so as to reduce the risk of blocking the fluid coupling R1.

[0115] The fluid coupling element 100 comprises at least one locking ball 160, each of which is housed in a corresponding radial housing 158. As shown in the figures, when the fluid coupling element 100 is assembled, each locking ball 160 is captured in the associated radial housing 158, each radial housing 158 here opening to the inner surface 145 via a narrowed opening having a minimum opening size that is smaller than the diameter of the associated locking ball 160. The fluid coupling element 100 comprises a locking ring 170, which is one-piece and is arranged around the body 102, more particularly partially around the first outer radial surface 146 and the second outer radial surface 148 of the distal portion 140 and around the first outer radial surface 126 of the proximal portion 110, so as to limit the radial movement of the locking ball 160 on one side of the first outer radial surface 146. The locking ring 170, which is here partially arranged around the proximal portion 110 of the body 102, is described below.

[0116] Therefore, each locking ball 160 is capable of radially moving relative to the body 102 between an inner radial locking position, in which the locking ball 160 in question protrudes into the inner conduit V100 of the fluid coupling element 100 and is easy to retain the mating end component 10 accommodated in the inner conduit V100 by engaging in the outer locking groove 26, and an outer radial release position, in which the locking ball 160 in question prevents the mating end component 10 from withdrawing to the outside of the inner conduit V100. Preferably, in the outer radial release position, the locking ball 160 does not protrude into the inner conduit V100.

[0117] The fluid coupling element 100 comprises at least one actuation ball 162, each actuation ball 162 being housed in a corresponding elongated housing 159. As shown in the figures, when the fluid coupling element 100 is assembled, each actuation ball 162 is captured in the associated elongated housing 159, each elongated housing 159 opening here to the inner surface 145 via a narrowed opening having a minimum opening dimension that is smaller than the diameter of the associated actuation ball 162. In the assembled configuration of the body 102, on the side of the first outer radial surface 146, the radial movement of the actuation ball 162 towards the outside is limited by the locking ring 170.

[0118] Thus, each actuation ball 162 housed in an associated elongated housing 159 moves relative to the body 102 , radially and longitudinally relative to the central axis A100 .

[0119] The radial housing 158 and the elongated housing 159 hold the associated locking spherical member 160 or actuating spherical member 162 in its radial movement toward the central longitudinal axis A100. Advantageously, the locking spherical members 160 are identical to one another and the actuating spherical members 162 are identical to one another. Preferably, the actuating spherical member 162 has a diameter strictly greater than the diameter of the locking spherical member 160.

[0120] The locking ring 170 will now be described.

[0121] The locking ring 170 has a shape that rotates around the central axis A100 and cooperates with the body 102 so that the locking ring 170 can move translationally along the central axis A100 relative to the body 102 and in particular relative to the distal portion 140. The fluid coupling element 100 also includes a locking spring 171, which is interposed between the locking ring 170 and the front axial end surface 114 of the proximal portion 110 of the body 102 in this article, so as to push the locking ring 170 towards the front of the body 102. More precisely, the locking spring 171 bears against a rear abutment surface 172 of the locking ring 170, which is an axial surface oriented toward the rear. This arrangement limits the radial size of the fluid coupling element 100.

[0122] From rear to front, rear abutment surface 172 connects to an inner radial surface 173 that is positioned radially opposite second outer radial surface 148 of distal portion 140 and helps guide locking ring 170 in translation along body 102 .

[0123] The inner radial surface 173 is connected towards the front to an inclined surface 174 which is here a frustoconical surface centred on the central axis A100 and which diverges towards the front of the fluid coupling element 100 .

[0124] The inclined surface 174 is connected toward the front to a locking surface 175 , which is here a cylindrical surface with a circular cross section centered on the central axis A100 .

[0125] On the front side of the locking surface 175, the locking ring 170 includes a groove 176 that is concavely arranged relative to the locking surface 175. The groove 176 herein includes: a bottom 177A, which has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section centered on the central axis A100; and a front surface 177B, which connects the locking surface 175 to the bottom 177A of the groove 176. The front surface 177B is inclined relative to the radial direction and the longitudinal direction of the body 102 and delimits the groove 176 at the rear. The front surface 177B is a frustoconical surface herein, which is centered on the central axis 100 and diverges toward the front of the fluid coupling element 100.

[0126] In the assembled configuration of the body 102, on the same side as the inner surface 145, the inward radial movement of the actuating ball 162 is limited by the narrowing opening of the elongated housing 159 to a configuration in which the front surface 177B is positioned longitudinally facing the actuating ball 162. The front surface 177B is configured to abut against the body 102 indirectly at the front in the advanced holding position, i.e., by means of the actuating ball or a plurality of actuating balls 162, which therefore abut at the front against the distal wall of the elongated housing 159 of the distal portion 140, thereby limiting the forward translational movement of the locking ring 170 relative to the body 102. The locking ring 170 is then in the so-called "advanced" holding position, as shown. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 . The inclined surface 174 is then positioned radially opposite the chamfer 149 of the distal portion 140. Therefore, the locking spring 171 tends to push the locking ring 170 to the advanced holding position. When the locking ring 170 is in the advanced holding position, the actuating ball 162 protrudes radially on either side of the distal portion 140 of the body. More precisely, the actuating ball 162 protrudes radially on either side of the skirt 142 of the distal portion 140. In other words, the actuating ball 162 is partially arranged in the accommodation volume V100 and partially arranged in the groove 176 of the locking ring 170. The locking surface 175 radially covers the locking ball 160 and holds it in the locked position.

[0127] The locking ring 170 can be moved backward from the advanced holding position, for example, by an operator's action directly causing the locking ring 170 to move backward against the locking spring 171, for example, to disconnect the fluid connector R1. Figure 5 In the example illustrated in , the rearward movement of the locking ring 170 is limited by the rearward abutment of the axial rearward end surface 177C of the locking ring 170 against the axial abutment surface 128 formed on the proximal portion 110. In other words, the rearward axial end surface 177C forms the rearward abutment surface of the locking ring 170. Figure 5As can be seen in FIG, when the locking ring 170 contacts the axial abutment surface 128, the locking ring 170 radially covers the actuating ball 162 so that the actuating ball 162 cannot be completely withdrawn from the elongated housing 159. It should be understood that during the longitudinal movement of the locking ring 170 from the rearward advanced holding position, the locking surface 175 is gradually displaced relative to the locking ball 160 until the locking surface 175 no longer covers the locking ball 160, and then the radial movement of the centrifugal locking ball 160 at the central axis A100 is no longer blocked by the locking ring 170. In other words, the locking ring 170 allows the locking ball 160 to move to the release position, and the locking ring 170 is in the retracted unlocked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in .

[0128] In the unlocked position, the groove 176 is then radially aligned with the locking ball 160 and is configured to partially receive the locking ball 160 in the released position.

[0129] The fluid coupling element 100 further comprises a spacer ring 178 housed in the internal volume V100 and interposed longitudinally between the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110. The spacer ring 178 is engaged here in the distal portion 140 and in the proximal portion 110 with reduced radial play.

[0130] The spacer ring 178 has an overall tubular shape with an inner portion 178A of an overall cylindrical shape oriented toward the main axis A100, an outer portion 178B oriented opposite to the inner portion 178A, and a rear axial end surface 178C oriented rearwardly and connecting the inner portion 178A to the outer portion 178B.

[0131] The spacer ring 178 comprises at the front end a projection 178D which forms an annular protrusion relative to the inner side 178A and forms a front end axial surface 178E of the spacer 178. The front end axial surface 178E has here the shape of a ring oriented towards the front.

[0132] The spacer ring 178 comprises a protrusion 179 protruding from the outer side 178B. The protrusion 179 forms a third outer radial surface 179A and an axial abutment surface 179B directed forward. The third outer radial surface 179A, which is a generally cylindrical surface with a circular cross section in this context, is bounded at the front by the axial abutment surface 179B. The protrusion 179 is displaced rearwardly relative to the distal part 140 in the assembled configuration of the distal part and the proximal part, so that the third outer radial surface 179A is positioned radially opposite to the second inner radial surface 122 of the proximal part 110, and the axial abutment surface 179B is positioned opposite to the rear axial end surface 147B of the distal part 140. Therefore, in the assembled configuration of the distal part 140 and the proximal part 110, the axial abutment surface 179B is easy to abut against the axial rear end surface 147B of the distal part 140 at the front.

[0133] The fluid coupling element 100 further includes a piston 180 accommodated in the internal conduit V100 , a valve 182 having a tubular shape and being movable around the piston 180 , and a valve spring 184 .

[0134] The piston 180 is one-piece and includes a distal head 181A, an intermediate rod 181B and a proximal collar flange 181C. The piston 180 extends into the internal conduit V100 along the central axis A100. The proximal collar 181C radially protrudes from the intermediate rod 181B and is pierced by multiple channels of the fluid in the internal conduit V100. In the assembled configuration of the fluid coupling element 100, the proximal collar 181C is radially oppositely accommodated with the third inner radial surface 123 of the proximal portion 110.

[0135] The valve 182 has an overall shape of a ring and is arranged around the distal head 181A and the intermediate rod 181B. The valve 182 includes an inner radial surface 183A oriented toward the central axis A100, an outer radial surface 183B oriented opposite to the inner radial surface 183A, and a front end surface 183C connecting the inner radial surface 183A to the outer radial surface 183B and oriented forward.

[0136] The valve 182 is movable around the piston 180 between a front closed position, in which the valve 182 closes the internal conduit V100, and a rear open position, in which the valve 182 allows fluid to pass through the internal conduit V100. More precisely, in the front closed position, the outer radial surface 183B of the valve 182 cooperates with the body 102 in a sealing manner via the second seal 192, while the inner radial surface 183A of the valve 182 cooperates with the distal head 181A of the piston in a sealing manner via the third seal 193, which is accommodated in the distal head 181 of the piston 180 and is radially interposed between the distal head 181A and the valve 182. In the front closed position, the valve 182 is radially opposite to the distal head 181.

[0137] The valve 182 has a minimum inner radial dimension R182 that is greater than a maximum outer radial dimension R181A of the distal head 181A, such that the distal head 181A does not interfere with the translational movement of the valve 182 relative to the piston 180 along the central axis A100.

[0138] Valve 182 Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown in the front closed position and in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 is shown in the rear open position.

[0139] In the first embodiment, the second seal 192 is accommodated in a second seal housing 192A, which is defined on the one hand by the front axial end surface 178E of the spacer 178 and on the other hand by a counterbore formed on the inner side of the distal portion 140, which forms the bottom surface 192B and the distal wall 192C of the second seal housing 192A. Thus, the front axial end surface 178E forms the proximal wall of the groove 192A. Thus, the second seal housing 192A accommodating the second seal 192 is an "open groove".

[0140] In the rear open position, the valve 182 is longitudinally displaced from the distal head 181A and from the second seal 192 and the third seal 193, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the internal conduit V100. The second seal 192 and the third seal 193 are arranged substantially at the same level along the central axis A100, in other words, the second seal 192 and the third seal 193 are aligned along a plane orthogonal to the central axis A100.

[0141] A valve spring 184 is interposed between the valve 182 and the proximal collar flange 181C of the piston 180, and the valve spring 184 tends to push the valve 182 to the forward closed position by elastic return. Figure 1As illustrated in a) in FIG. 1 , in the disconnected configuration of the fluid coupling element 100, the valve 182 is pushed back into the closed position by the valve spring 184. In the closed position, the valve 182 abuts against the spacer ring 178 at the front. More precisely, the valve 182 abuts against the protrusion 178D of the spacer ring 178 and pushes the spacer ring 178 back to abut against the distal portion 140 at the front. In other words, the valve 182 does not abut against the piston 180 at the front, but indirectly abuts against the distal portion 140 at the front.

[0142] Preferably, the front end surface of the piston 180 is aligned with the front end surface of the valve 182 when the valve 182 is in the closed position.

[0143] In the assembled configuration of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 of the body 102, the proximal collar 181C of the piston 180 is longitudinally interposed between the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140, as long as the proximal collar 181C faces longitudinally rearward at the front axial stop 125 of the proximal portion 110 and faces longitudinally forward at the surface axial rear end 178C of the spacer ring 178, the spacer ring 178 faces longitudinally forward at the axial rear end surface 147B of the distal portion 140, which limits the longitudinal position of the proximal collar flange 181C and the spacer ring 178 in the body 102. The longitudinal position of the piston 180 in the body 102 is thus limited.

[0144] The axial abutment surface 128 for the locking ring 170 formed on the proximal portion 110 is arranged at the front of the proximal axial wall 152B of the outer groove 150. Regardless of the relative longitudinal positions of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 of the body 102, the spacer ring 178 is easy to cooperate only with the axial surface of the distal portion 140 and the axial surface of the proximal portion 110 due to the limited longitudinal clearance between the proximal collar flange 181C, the spacer ring 178, the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140. Advantageously, none of the surfaces of the proximal portion 110 and the locking ring 170 face the surface of the distal portion 140 longitudinally in the rearward direction, which enables the locking ring 170 and the proximal portion 110 to be assembled around the distal portion 140 from the rear of the distal portion 140, as will be described below with reference to Figure 6 as described.

[0145] To assemble the body 102, a front subassembly 194A including the distal portion 140 and a rear subassembly 194B including the proximal portion 110 are formed. The assembly of the front subassembly 194A and the rear subassembly 194B forms the fluid coupling element 100.

[0146] Thus, the front subassembly 194A includes, in addition to the distal portion 140, the locking ring 170, the locking ball 160 and the actuating ball 162, the locking spring 171, and the split ring 190. The locking ball 160 and the actuating ball 162 are positioned in their respective housings 158 and 159 at the first outer radial surface 146, and then the locking ring 170 and the locking spring are positioned around the distal portion 140 from the rear thereof.

[0147] The split ring 190 is received in the outer groove 150 of the distal portion 140, and is held in the outer groove in a radially compressed manner by means of a tool 195, so that the thus compressed split ring 190 is completely received in the outer groove 150. The tool 195 is not a part of the fluid coupling R1, but is used to explain the use environment, more particularly the assembly environment, of the coupling.

[0148] In the example illustrated, the tool 195 comprises a plurality of plates that are simply cut out. Thus, the tool 195 comprises a first tool formed by two half-shells 196A and 196B, each of which has a semicircular cutout with an inner radius substantially equal to the outer radius of the compressed split ring 190, preferably equal to the outer radius of the second outer radial surface 148. In a variant (not shown), the first tool comprises a plate with a U-shaped cutout.

[0149] The two half shells 196A and 196B are configured to move radially away from / close to the central axis A100 and cooperate with each other to compress the split ring 190 in the outer groove 150 so that the split ring 190 is completely accommodated in the outer groove 150. To this end, the maximum radial dimension of the split ring 190 in the compressed configuration is less than or equal to the diameter of the second outer radial surface 148 of the distal portion 140. Compressing the split ring 190 in the outer groove 150 also has the advantage of centering the split ring 190 relative to the distal portion 140.

[0150] Advantageously, in order to ensure a good distribution of forces on the split ring 190, the two half-shells 196A / 196B radially cover the split ring 190 over at least one third of the length L190 of the split ring 190. Thus, when the locking ring 170 is in the advanced holding position, the rear axial end surface 177C of the locking ring 170 must be moved forwardly away relative to the distal wall 152C of the external groove 150 so that the fitting of the tool 195 can be performed. In other words, when the locking ring 170 is in the advanced holding position, the distal wall 152C of the external groove 150 is displaced rearwardly relative to the rear end surface 177C of the locking ring 170. Preferably, when the locking ring 170 is in the advanced holding position, the distance between the rear axial end surface 177C of the locking ring 170 and the distal wall 152C of the external groove 150 is at least equal to the length L190 of the split ring 190.

[0151] The tool 195 also comprises a second plate 197 forming an axial stop for the locking spring 171 .

[0152] The second seal 192 is inserted into the distal portion 140 through the rear of the distal portion 140. The spacer ring 178 is partially inserted into the distal portion 140 until it abuts at the front against the rear axial end surface 147B of the distal portion 140. The front axial end surface 178E of the spacer ring 178 then forms the proximal wall of a seal housing 192A that accommodates the second seal 192, while the bottom surface 192B and the distal wall 192C of the seal housing 192A are formed on the distal portion 140. The valve 182 is then engaged by the rear of the spacer ring 178 until the valve 182 abuts against the spacer ring 178.

[0153] The valve spring 184 engages in the front subassembly 194A, precisely in the spacing ring 178 in contact with the valve 182 .

[0154] A rear subassembly 194B is also formed, which includes the proximal portion 110, the first seal 191 fitted in the second inner groove 132 of the proximal portion 110, and the piston 180 equipped with the third seal 193, and the first seal 191 and the piston 180 are inserted through the front side of the proximal portion 110. The one-piece structure of the piston 180 facilitates the fitting of the sliding valve 182 and the piston 180 into the subassemblies 194A and 194B.

[0155] The front subassembly 194A and the rear subassembly 194B approach each other parallel to the central axis A100. The valve spring 184 abuts the proximal collar flange 181C of the piston 180. The distal portion of the proximal portion 110 engages around the spacer ring 178 and then around the proximal portion of the distal portion 140. The first inner radial surface 121 engages around the second outer radial surface 148 and then around the outer groove 150, which accommodates the split ring 190 compressed by the tool 195. The longitudinal dimension L121 of the first inner radial surface 121 in front of the first inner groove 130 - which is greater than the length L150 of the outer groove 150 - allows the proximal portion 110 to remain centered on the distal portion 140 while the first inner radial surface 121 covers the outer groove 150. The front axial end surface 114 of the proximal portion 110 then longitudinally abuts the tool 195, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in the figure.

[0156] The tool 195 is then removed. By elastic return, the split ring 190 radially abuts the first inner surface 121 in front of the first inner groove 130. The first seal 191 is then compressed into its housing by placing the terminal outer radial surface 154 radially opposite the second inner groove 132. At the same time, the second inner radial surface 122 of the distal portion 140 cooperates with the third outer radial surface 179A of the spacer ring 178 with reduced radial play.

[0157] As the movement of the front subassembly 194A and the rear subassembly 194B towards each other continues, the proximal portion 110 advances towards the front of the distal portion 140 until the proximal portion 110 abuts against the piston 180, thereby abutting against the spacing ring 178 in the front, thereby abutting against the rear end surface 147B of the distal portion 140 in the front. In the abutment position, the entire length of the ring / obstruction 190 faces radially towards the first internal groove 130 and the split ring 190 is therefore free to deform elastically. Since the maximum diameter D190 of the split ring 190 in the free state is strictly smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical bottom surface 131A, the ring 190 deforms elastically until it abuts radially outwardly against the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the first internal groove 130. Therefore, the obstacle 190 has a maximum outer radial dimension corresponding to the maximum diameter D190 in the free state, which is greater than the maximum outer radial dimension in the assembled configuration of the body 102.

[0158] When all assembly actions stop on the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140, the valve spring 184 tends to push the piston 180 and the proximal portion 110 backward relative to the distal portion 140 and the spacer ring 178, and the valve 182 abuts against the spacer ring 178 at the front. This movement corresponds to the separation movement of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110, and the split ring 190 is interposed between the distal axial wall 131D of the first inner groove 130 and the proximal axial wall 152B of the outer groove 150, which blocks the separation movement.

[0159] The configuration of the split ring 190 and the geometry of the first inner groove 130 make the assembly between the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 non-removable. Figure 7 , the female element 100 is shown in an abutment configuration in which the proximal portion 110 is brought closer to the distal portion 140 against the valve spring 184 until the proximal portion 110 indirectly abuts against the distal portion 140. The assembly of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 is completed by an overtravel L1 for bringing the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 closer together, the overtravel L1 corresponding to the longitudinal distance between the distal axial wall 131B of the external groove 150 and the rear axial end surface 178C of the spacing ring 178 when the spacing ring 178 abuts against the distal portion 140 in the front, the longitudinal dimension of the proximal collar flange 181C of the piston 180, and the longitudinal distance between the distal wall 131D of the first internal groove 130 and the front axial stop 125 formed on the proximal portion 110 for the piston 180. The length L130 between the rear end of the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the first inner groove 130 and the distal end wall 131D of the first inner groove 130 is greater than the sum of the length L190 of the ring 190 and the near overtravel L1.

[0160] In the assembled configuration of the body 102 , the second outer radial surface 148 radially faces the first inner radial surface 121 .

[0161] The mounting of the locking ring 170 from the rear of the distal portion 140 and the mounting of the proximal portion 110 around the distal portion 140 results in maximum radial compactness and avoids additional components.

[0162] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 Describe the connection sequence of the fluid connector R1.

[0163] like Figure 1 As shown in a), when the fluid connector R1 is initially in the disconnected configuration, the main axis A10 of the mating end component 10 is aligned with the central axis A100 of the fluid coupling element 100, and then the mating end component 10 is closer to the fluid coupling element 100 along the central axis A100 and inserted into the internal volume V100 through the front opening 104.

[0164] Reference Figure 2 , the piston 180 is in contact with the check valve 16 and the male body 12 of the mating end piece 10 is in contact with the valve 182, the check valve 16 and the valve 182 are each pushed back toward their respective open positions as the coupling movement continues. The end outer radial surface 22 of the male body 12 is in contact with the second seal 192, which ensures the sealing of the male internal conduit V10 / female internal conduit V100 relative to the outside of the male body 12 and the outside of the body 102 of the fluid coupling element 100. The frustoconical front surface 25A of the actuating collar flange 24 is in contact with the actuating ball 162, which is thus pushed back into the elongated housing 159, while the frustoconical front surface 25A remains at a longitudinal distance from the locking ball 160. Since the actuating ball 162 is in contact with the front surface 177B, the movement of the actuating ball 162 is accompanied by the rearward movement of the locking ring 170. The locking ball 160 again contacts the frustoconical front surface 25A and moves radially outward in the groove 176 of the locking ring 170 , now radially facing the locking ball 160 , since the locking ring 170 has been displaced rearwardly by the actuating ball 162 .

[0165] The check valve 16 and the valve 182 continue their movement toward their retracted open position, and the actuating ball 162 then reaches the rear portion against the proximal end wall of its elongated housing 159, and then the actuating ball 162 moves radially outward in the groove 176 to leave a radial passage for the actuating collar flange 24. The actuating ball 162 has pushed the locking ring 170 back at least as far as the retracted unlocked position. The quick coupler R1 is then in Figure 3 In this configuration, the locking ball 160 can reach its release position in the groove 176 of the locking ring 170.

[0166] When the male body 12 and the female body 102 continue to move toward each other, the locking groove 26 is radially opposite to the locking ball 160, and the locking ball 160 can move radially inward to the locking position under the elastic force of the locking spring 171, and the locking spring 171 pushes the locking ring 170 back, and the locking ring 170 returns to the forward holding position. Then, the quick connector R1 is in the coupled configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In the coupled configuration, the locking ball 160 is radially covered by the locking surface 175 and is held in a locked position in which it cooperates with the frustoconical outer portion 25C of the actuating collar flange 24 to hold the mating end piece 10 in the distal end portion 140 of the female body 102. The locking ring 170 abuts at the front against the actuating ball 162, which has abutted against the distal end wall of the elongated housing 159 under the elastic force of the locking ring 170.

[0167] The internal passage V10 of the mating end component 10 and the internal conduit V100 of the fluid coupling element 100 are in fluid communication, and fluid can flow from one to the other. Only the portion of the internal conduit V100 arranged on the rear side of the second seal 192 can be in contact with the fluid passing through the coupling element 100. The locking of the coupling element 100 with the mating end component 10 is automatic because the only operation of bringing the coupling element 100 and the mating end component 10 closer together causes the locking. The fluid coupling R1 is referred to as "quick" because no tools are required to lock and unlock the fluid coupling element 100 and the mating end component 10.

[0168] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A sequence for disconnecting the fluid coupling R1 is described.

[0169] The fluid coupling R1 is initially in the coupled configuration. To disconnect the coupling, the locking ring 170 is moved by the operator at least as far back as its retracted unlocked position until the locking ring 170 abuts at the rear against the axial abutment surface 128 of the body 102 of the fluid coupling element 100. The groove 176 then radially faces the locking ball 160 and the actuating ball 162, which then frees a radial passage for the actuating collar flange 24 and thus for the mating end piece 10, which can be removed from the fluid coupling element 100 in a disengaging movement opposite to the approaching movement. The non-return valve 16 and the valve 182 each return to their front closed position, each being pushed back by the corresponding spring 44 or 184.

[0170] Once the mating end component 10 is disconnected from the internal conduit V100, when the locking ring 170 is released, the fluid coupling element 100 returns to its disconnected configuration, wherein the locking ring 170 is in an advanced holding position, abutting the actuating ball 162 at the front and thus abutting the distal wall of the elongated shell 159 at the front, and the locking ball 160 is pushed back to the internal locking position.

[0171] The quick connector R1 offers several advantages.

[0172] Due to the assembly by means of the elastically deformable segment / obstruction, in this case the split ring 190, the body 102 is radially compact, more particularly more compact than in the case where the proximal and distal parts are threadedly connected to each other. The split ring 190, which is partially housed in the outer groove 150 of the distal part 140 and partially housed in the first inner groove 130 of the proximal part 110, is protected from external impacts, whereby the fluid coupling element 100 lasts longer.

[0173] In the assembled configuration of the body 102, the proximal collar flange 181C of the piston 180 limits the approach of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 to a configuration in which the split ring 190 contacts only the outside of the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the internal groove 130. Regardless of the relative longitudinal position of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 permitted by assembly with the aid of the barrier 190, the split ring 190 only cooperates with the distal axial wall 131D forwardly, only cooperates with the proximal axial wall 152B rearwardly, and only cooperates with the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the first internal groove 130 outwardly, the split ring 190 cannot be deformed inwardly and the assembly of the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 cannot be disassembled, i.e., is fixed. The assembly is completed in a single operation, which is particularly fast and convenient. In contrast, if the proximal portion and the distal portion are threadedly coupled to each other, the assembly must also be locked to be fixed, for example, by bonding.

[0174] Since the split ring 190 is simply deformed to enable assembly of the body 102, the production of the tool 195 is simple and economical, the tool 195 is easily fitted on the first subassembly 194A and then easily removed, which limits the processing required on the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 for assembly, which contributes to compactness and control of manufacturing costs. The split geometry of the barrier 190 enhances the deformation of the barrier 190. The deformation of the barrier 190 results in a radially compact assembly by reducing the outer diameter of the barrier 190 between the free state and the assembled state in the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140. Since the outer diameter of the barrier 190 remains smaller than the outer diameter of the distal portion at the first shell and the second shell, the body 102 is also compact in the radial direction.

[0175] Since the split ring 190 can be completely received in the outer groove 150 for installation, the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 can be installed with reduced radial play for greater radial compactness. Advantageously, during assembly, before the proximal portion 110 covers the split ring 190, the cooperation of the first inner radial surface 121 and the second outer radial surface 148 serves to center and guide the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 by preventing adhesion and friction of the split ring 190 on the proximal portion 110.

[0176] Positioning the first seal 191 rearward from the obstruction 190 allows the fluid coupling element 100 to be more compact in the axial direction.

[0177] The proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 may be made of different materials that do not have compatibility requirements, such as in the case of welded assemblies.

[0178] Split ring assembly 190 housed in outer and inner peripheral grooves 150 , 130 allows proximal and distal portions 110 , 140 to move relative to each other about central axis A100 , which makes it possible, for example, to accommodate possible movements and / or deformations of pipe C1 .

[0179] Fitting the first seal 191 and the second seal 192 in an open groove limits the risk of machining debris accumulating in the groove, which increases the service life of the seals housed in the open groove.

[0180] The elongated housing 159 for the actuating ball 162 allows the locking ball 160 to not need to be pushed back on the locking ring 170 during coupling, which reduces the risk of clogging during coupling of the fluid coupling R1 .

[0181] exist Figures 8 to 14 Alternative embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIG. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, elements similar to those of other embodiments have the same reference numerals and function in the same manner. The differences between each embodiment and the previous embodiment or the previous embodiments are described below.

[0182] exist Figures 8 to 11 FIG. 2 shows a fluid coupling R2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The fluid coupling R2 comprises a fluid coupling element 200. Figure 8 is shown separately in Figures 9 to 11 The fluid coupling element 200 and the mating end component 10 are shown in FIG. Figures 9 to 11 The diagram shows the coupling sequence of the fluid coupling element 200 and the mating end component 10. One of the main differences from the fluid coupling element 100 of the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the actuating ball 162 is housed in a second housing 259 which is not elongated but only radial. In addition, the fluid coupling element 200 of the second embodiment does not include the spacer ring 178.

[0183] In addition, the first seal 191 and the second seal 192 are respectively accommodated in the first seal housing 191A and the second seal housing 192A, which are not "open grooves" but "closed grooves" directly arranged in the distal part 140 and the proximal part 110, respectively, in this document. More precisely, the outer end radial surface 154 of the first seal housing 191A facing the distal part 140 is recessed in the second inner radial surface 122. In this embodiment, in the absence of a spacing ring, the outer end radial surface 154 forms a third outer radial surface of the distal part 140, which substantially matches the second inner radial surface 122 of the proximal part 110 and cooperates with the second inner radial surface 122 with reduced radial play in the assembled configuration of the body 102.

[0184] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve 182 in the closed position abuts the distal portion 140 of the body 102 directly in front.

[0185] Reference Fig. 9 During coupling, the actuation collar flange 24 radially pushes the actuation ball 162 , which contacts the front surface 177B of the locking ring 170 and pushes the locking ring 170 longitudinally rearward until the actuation collar flange 24 contacts the locking ball 160 and is inserted under the actuation ball 162 .

[0186] from Fig. 9 , although the coupling movement continues, the actuating collar flange 24 still pushes the locking ball 160 toward its release position with a radially outward movement, i.e., a centrifugal movement relative to the main axis A100. The radial movement causes the locking ball 160 to contact the front surface 177B and drive the locking ring 170 back toward the retracted unlocked position until the groove 176 allows the locking ball 160 to reach its release position. The actuating collar flange 24 is then inserted under the locking ball 160, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in the figure.

[0187] Although the coupling movement continues, the locking groove 26 reaches the level of the actuating ball 162, which freely engages in the locking groove 26. Then, when the locking groove 26 is at the level of the locking ball 160, the locking ball 160 engages in the locking groove 26. Then, the locking ring 170 is pushed back by the locking spring 171 toward the advanced holding position of the locking ring, and the locking surface 175 covers the locking ball 160 in the locked position, thereby locking the male body 12. The fluid coupling R2 is then in the coupled configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig.11In the second embodiment, in the decoupled configuration, when the locking ring 170 is in the advanced holding position, the locking ring 170 directly abuts against the body 102 at the front, thereby accurately abutting against the shoulder 142A of the distal portion 140 at the front, rather than abutting against the actuating ball 162 as in the first embodiment, which limits the forward movement of the locking ring 170 relative to the body 102.

[0188] To decouple fluid coupling R2 , the operator pulls locking ring 170 back against locking spring 171 to the retracted unlocked position, locking ball 160 and actuating ball 162 are free to move apart in groove 176 , thereby releasing the passage for male body 12 from female body 102 .

[0189] exist Fig.12 and Fig.13 Detailed Description of the Invention A fluid coupling element 300 belonging to a fluid coupling according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0190] Although in the first and second embodiments, the elastic obstacle for assembling the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 is the split ring 190, in the third embodiment, the elastic obstacle for assembling the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 is a ring 390 made of metal and including teeth that can be elastically deformed by bending.

[0191] Reference Fig.12 In the example shown in b), the ring 390 is manufactured, for example, by providing notches and counterbores in an initial cylindrical ring centered on the ring axis A390 so as to cut out teeth 391, each of the teeth 391 having a substantially parallelepiped shape and a cylindrical portion 392, the cylindrical portion 392 being formed herein by a series of T-shaped elements 393. Each tooth 391 is attached to the cylindrical portion 392 by a front side, while the rear side of each tooth 391 is away from the ring axis A390 so as to induce plastic deformation of the material at the junction between each tooth 391 and the cylindrical portion 392. As shown in FIG. Fig.12 As illustrated in c) in FIG. 8 , the shapes of the first inner groove 130 and the first outer groove 150 are modified accordingly to cooperate with the ring 390 .

[0192] In the illustrated example, during assembly of the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110 , the ring 390 is first positioned in the outer groove 150 before the subassembly including the distal portion 140 and the ring 390 is inserted into the subassembly including the proximal portion 110 .

[0193] exist Fig.12In b), the ring 390 is shown in a free configuration in which, where appropriate, no external forces are applied to the ring 390 except gravity. The toothing 391 is geometrically supported by a cone centered on the ring axis A390 and diverging towards the rear of the ring 390. In the free configuration of the ring 390, the cylindrical portion 392 and, therefore, the ring 390 has an inner diameter D392 equal to a minimum value. The minimum value of the inner diameter D392 is substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom 152A of the outer groove 150, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in c) in FIG.

[0194] It will be appreciated that the second outer radial surface 148 of the distal portion 140 has an outer diameter greater than the minimum value of the inner diameter D392 of the ring 390. Advantageously, the geometry of the ring 390 with regular notches distributed around the ring axis A390 makes it possible to widen the ring 390 by elastic deformation, in other words, the geometry serves to increase the inner diameter D392 so as to allow the ring 390 to be mounted in the outer groove 150 of the distal portion 140 from the rear of the body 102. Once the ring 390 is longitudinally aligned with the outer groove 150, the ring 390 returns to its free configuration by elastic return, the cylindrical portion 392 being substantially housed in the outer groove 150 and the teeth 391 protruding radially outwards from the outer groove 150. The ring axis A390 is then aligned with the central axis A100.

[0195] Then, when the proximal portion 110 is mounted around the distal portion 140, the first inner radial surface 121 of the proximal portion 110 elastically deforms the teeth 391 by bending toward the central axis A100. The ring 390 is then completely housed in the outer groove 150. Once the inner groove 130 is radially opposed to the entire length of the teeth 391 of the ring 390, the teeth 391 are redeployed by elastic return. The proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 are then in an assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 Unlike the previous embodiments, in the third embodiment, no tools are required for holding the obstacle in the external groove 150 during assembly of the body 102 .

[0196] In the assembled configuration of the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140, when a separation motion 140 is applied to the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion, the ring 390 cooperates with both the distal axial wall 131D of the inner groove 130 and the proximal axial wall 152B of the outer groove 150 to prevent separation. More precisely, the toothed portion 391 cooperates with the distal axial wall 131D, and the cylindrical portion 392 cooperates with the proximal axial wall 152B, which prevents the separation motion of the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140.

[0197] Ring 390 is also in contact with the outside of bottom surface 131A.

[0198] When a closer movement occurs within the limits given by assembling the piston 180 between the proximal part 110 and the distal part 140, a dimensional play 394 is provided between the ring 390 and the internal groove 130 so that the ring 390 is no longer deformed radially inwards. In the illustrated example, in the closer movement, the ring 390 simply fits with the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the internal groove 130. In a variant (not shown), in the assembled configuration of the proximal part 110 and the distal part 140, the tooth 391 does not contact the cylindrical bottom surface 131A of the first internal groove 130. In other words, in the free state of the ring 390, the maximum outer diameter D390 of the ring 390 obtained at the end of the tooth 391 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface 131A.

[0199] The coupling and disconnection of the fluid coupling element 300 and the mating end component 10 are the same as those in the previous embodiment.

[0200] exist Fig.14 2 shows a fluid coupling R4 in a coupled configuration according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The quick coupling R4 comprises a fluid coupling element 400 coupled to a mating end component 10 .

[0201] The fluid coupling element 400 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the fluid coupling element 100 of the first embodiment in that the actuating ball 162 is housed in the elongated housing 159, but is different from the fluid coupling element 100 of the first embodiment in that the fluid coupling element 400 does not include the spacer ring 178, and is therefore similar to the fluid coupling element 200 of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the first seal housing 191A and the second seal housing 192A housing the first seal 191 and the second seal 192 are "closed grooves", and the valve 182 in the closed position directly abuts the distal portion 140 at the front. The proximal collar flange 181C of the piston 180 is longitudinally interposed between the distal portion 140 and the proximal portion 110, as long as the proximal collar flange 181C faces rearwardly to the surface of the proximal portion 110 and forwardly to the surface of the distal portion 140.

[0202] In the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the proximal portion 110 is exclusively arranged around the distal portion 140. In other words, any surface of the proximal portion 110 is not arranged inside the distal portion 140.

[0203] The simplicity and compactness of the assembly of the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 140 of the body 102 by means of the deformable obstacle 190 or 390 can be advantageously realized in a fluid coupling element 100 whose locking with the mating end component 10 during coupling, in particular in a coupling that does not include an actuating ball, is not automatic. In this case, the operator must move the locking ring 170 from the advanced holding position to the retracted unlocking position in order to couple the fluid coupling element 100 and the mating end component 10. The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to produce new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400), the fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) being configured to be coupled to a mating end component (10), the fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising: a body (102) defining an internal conduit (V100) extending along a central axis (A100) and configured to receive the mating end piece (10) through a front mouth (104) of the body (102), At least one locking ball (160), each locking ball (160) is respectively received in a corresponding first housing (158) in the body (102) and is radially movable between the following positions: a locked position in which the or each locking ball (160) projects into the inner conduit (V100) and tends to retain the mating end piece (10) in the body (102), a release position in which the or each locking ball (160) does not prevent removal of the mating end component (10) from the body (102), a locking ring (170) mounted around the body (102) and comprising a locking surface (175) oriented toward the central axis (A100), the locking ring (170) being movable longitudinally relative to the body (102) between the following positions: an advanced holding position in which the locking surface (175) holds each locking ball (160) in the locked position, with the locking surface (175) a retracted unlocked position in which each locking ball (160) is free to move toward the release position, a locking spring (171), the locking spring (171) urging the locking ring (170) toward the advanced holding position, Wherein, the body (102) comprises: a proximal portion (110) defining a proximal portion of the inner conduit (V100) and a rear end portion (112) intended for connection to a conduit (C1), and A distal portion (140) which is in one piece and defines: the distal end portion of the inner conduit (V100) and the front mouth (104), and The first housing (158), Characterized in that the proximal portion (110) is configured to be connected to the distal portion (140) by assembling the distal portion (140) into the proximal portion (110) in an assembled configuration of the body (102), and in the assembled configuration of the body, no surface of the proximal portion (110) faces longitudinally rearwardly to a surface of the distal portion (140), the fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) also includes a piston (180), a valve (182) and a valve spring (184), the piston (180), the valve (182) and the valve spring (184) being accommodated in the inner conduit (V100), the piston (180) including a proximal collar flange (181C) longitudinally inserted between the distal portion (140) and the proximal portion (110), wherein the valve (182) is movable relative to the piston (180) between the following positions: a forward closed position in which the valve (182) closes the internal conduit (V100) and a rear open position in which the valve (182) allows fluid to enter the internal conduit (V100), the valve spring (184) pushing the valve (182) back toward the front closed position, The proximal portion (110) includes an inner groove (130), and the distal portion (140) includes an outer groove (150), when the body (102) is in the assembled configuration, the outer groove (150) at least partially radially facing the inner groove (130), Furthermore, the fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) also includes an obstacle (190; 390) that can be elastically deformed, and when the body (102) is in the assembled configuration, the obstacle (190; 390) is partially accommodated in the external groove (150) of the distal portion (140) and the internal groove (130) of the proximal portion (110), and the obstacle (190; 390) is configured to cooperate with the distal axial wall (131D) of the internal groove (130) and the proximal axial wall (152B) of the external groove (150) to prevent the distal portion (140) and the proximal portion (110) from separating.

2. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) comprises at least one actuating ball (162), each actuating ball (162) being housed in a second housing (159) arranged in the distal portion (140) and being susceptible to being pushed into the corresponding second housing (159) by the mating end part (10) during the coupling of the fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) and the mating end part (10) so as to allow the locking ring (170) to move longitudinally against the locking spring (171) between the following positions: from the advanced holding position in which the locking ring (170) limits the movement of each actuating ball (162) to a position in which each actuating ball (162) projects radially on either side of the body (102) and the locking ring (170) abuts forwardly against at least one actuating ball (162) or against the body (102), the front surface (177B) of the locking ring being oriented toward the front of the body (102) facing longitudinally toward the or each actuating ball, to the retracted unlocked position.

3. The coupling fluid element (100; 400) according to claim 2, wherein: Each second shell (159) has an elongated shape parallel to the central axis (A100), so that each actuating ball (162) can move in the corresponding second shell (159) during the connection of the fluid coupling element (100; 400) and the mating end component (10) after a movement including a longitudinal component and a radial component relative to the central axis (A100).

4. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In a free state, the obstacle (190; 390) has a larger outer maximum radial dimension (D190; D390) than in the assembled configuration of the body (102).

5. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The obstacle (190; 390) is easily received completely within the outer recess (150).

6. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the obstacle (190; 390) contacts the distal axial wall (131D) of the inner groove 130, the obstacle (190; 390) contacts only the outer portion of the cylindrical bottom surface (131A) of the inner groove (130), In the assembled configuration of the body (102), the proximal flange (181C) of the piston (180) is configured to limit the approach of the distal portion (140) and the proximal portion (110) to a configuration in which the obstacle (190; 390) contacts only the outside of the cylindrical bottom surface (131A) of the internal groove (130).

7. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The obstacle (190; 390) is a ring whose longitudinal dimension (L190) is strictly greater than the radial thickness (E190) of the ring in the free state.

8. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The obstacle (190) is a split ring.

9. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: No surface of the locking ring (170) faces longitudinally rearwardly from a surface of the distal portion (140), In the advanced holding position, the locking ring (170) directly or indirectly abuts the body (102) at the front, and When the locking ring is in the advanced retaining position, the distal end wall (152C) of the external groove (150) is displaced rearwardly relative to the rear end surface (177C) of the locking ring (170).

10. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fluid coupling member (100; 200; 300; 400) comprises a first seal (191) radially interposed between the distal portion (140) and the proximal portion (110), and The obstacle (190; 390) is arranged at the front relative to the first seal (191) in the assembled configuration of the body (102).

11. The fluid coupling element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fluid coupling element (100) comprises: a spacer ring (178) which is longitudinally interposed between the distal portion (140) and the proximal collar flange (181C) of the piston (180) and which engages in the distal portion (140) with reduced radial play, A second seal (192) cooperates with the valve (182) in a closed position and is housed in a second seal housing (192A) defined by: The distal wall (192C) of the distal portion (140), a bottom surface (192B) of the distal portion (140), and The front end axial surface (178E) of the spacer ring (178) 12. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The piston (180) includes, in addition to the proximal collar flange (181C), a distal head (181A) radially opposite to the valve (182) in the forward closed position, and a third seal (193) radially interposed between the distal head (181A) and the valve (182) in the forward closed position. The piston is one-piece, The minimum inner radial dimension (R182) of the valve (182) is greater than the maximum outer radial dimension (R181A) of the distal head (181A).

13. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The proximal portion (110) defines at least one first inner radial surface (121), the inner groove (130) being formed at the first inner radial surface, and wherein a longitudinal dimension (L121) of the inner radial surface (121) in front of the inner groove (130) is greater than a length (L150) of the outer groove (150).

14. The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The locking ring (170) is arranged partially around the proximal portion (110) of the body (102); and The locking ring spring (170) is interposed between the proximal portion (110) and the locking ring (170).

15. A fluid coupling (R1; R2; R4), comprising: The fluid coupling element (100; 200; 300； 400), and The mating end member (10) Wherein, the mating end component (10) comprises: A locking groove (26) is adapted to receive each locking ball (160) in a locked position in a coupled configuration of the fluid coupling.

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