Coupling element and method for producing such coupling element

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting a fluid line (C2; the invention relates to a quick coupling element (2) for a single-piece body (2, D2), comprising a body (6) and a pusher (14) captured and movable within the single-piece body. The body (6) is provided with at least one inner radial guide surface (644, 646). The pusher (14) is provided with at least one outer radial guide surface (144, 146) which cooperates with the inner radial guide surface. The maximum size (D67, D60) of the cross-section of the proximal opening (67) and the distal mouth (63) of the body (6) is smaller than the radial size (L14, D14) of the pusher (14). The pusher is movable in the internal volume (V6) of the body to a reference position in which the outer radial guide surface (144, 146) of the pusher (V6) is disengaged from any inner radial guide surface (644, 646) of the body (6) and vice versa. The invention also relates to a method for producing the quick coupling element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling element for connecting fluid lines and a method for producing such a quick coupling element. Background Art

[0002] In the field of quick couplings for connecting fluid pipes, it is known to mount different parts in the body of the coupling element, some of which slide longitudinally relative to the body. In order to be able to accommodate one of the parts inside another, it is often necessary to arrange the body in multiple parts, since the holes provided at the proximal and distal ends of the body have small transverse dimensions, which are not compatible with the assembly of the sliding parts inside the body.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known from WO 2012 / 166546 A2 to apply additive manufacturing technology to the field of fluid couplings. This technology can be used to produce external coupling bodies, even with angled configurations. In this type of material, the gasket can be made of a different material at the same time as the body. There is no part that slides inside the body, which limits the application of this technology to certain types of coupling elements. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention more particularly seeks to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new quick-connect element for connecting fluid lines, which is compatible with additive manufacturing and which may include a sliding element.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a quick-connect element for connecting fluid lines, the coupling element comprising a monolithic body defining a passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the coupling element between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured to be connected to a fluid conduit and defining a proximal opening for a fluid passage or a channel for fluid flow therethrough, and the distal end having a distal mouth for receiving a mating coupling element.

[0006] According to the present invention,

[0007] - the coupling element comprises a pusher mounted in the body and movable along the longitudinal axis between a forward position on the side of the distal end and a rearward position on the side of the proximal end,

[0008] - the body is provided with at least one inner radial guide surface;

[0009] - the pusher is provided with at least one outer radial guide surface configured to engage the inner radial guide surface to guide the pusher during its longitudinal axial movement between its forward position and its rearward position;

[0010] - the pusher has a radial size defined by its greatest radial dimension,

[0011] - the maximum dimension of the cross section of the proximal opening transverse to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the radial dimension of the pusher;

[0012] - the maximum dimension of the cross section of the distal mouth transverse to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the radial dimension of the pusher;

[0013] - the pusher is captively mounted in the internal volume of the body; and

[0014] The pusher is movable in the internal volume of the body up to a reference position in which the or each external radial guide surface of the pusher is disengaged from any internal radial guide surface of the body, and vice versa.

[0015] By means of the invention, the ability to move the pusher into the reference position allows the body and the pusher to be made by additive manufacturing in a configuration in which the pusher is in the reference position, without hampering the production of the inner or outer radial guide surfaces, which can be defined with good precision. The pusher does not need to be inserted into the body at a later stage of the manufacturing process, which simplifies the process.

[0016] According to an advantageous but not mandatory aspect of the invention, such a coupling element may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken alone or according to any technically permissible combination.

[0017] -When the pusher is in the reference position, the radial thickness of the gap between the surface of the pusher and the inner radial guide surface of the main body facing the pusher surface is strictly greater than the radial thickness of the guide gap between the outer radial guide surface of the pusher and the inner radial guide surface of the main body, and the outer radial guide surface of the pusher and the inner radial guide surface of the main body are engaged one inside the other.

[0018] -The pusher is provided with two outer radial guide surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, and the main body is provided with two inner radial guide surfaces, each of the inner radial guide surfaces being configured to engage with the inner radial guide surface to guide the pusher during movement of the pusher between its forward position and rearward position along the longitudinal axis, and when the pusher is in the reference position, the two outer radial guide surfaces are disengaged from the two inner radial guide surfaces of the main body.

[0019] The outer radial guide surface is inscribed in a first cylinder with a circular base, the radial inner guide surface is inscribed in a second cylinder with a circular base, and the diameter of the first cylinder is equal to the diameter of the second cylinder within the guide gap.

[0020] - A clearance groove is provided in the inner radial guide surface.

[0021] - A clearance groove is provided in the outer radial guide surface.

[0022] -The outer radial guide surface has a first length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, the inner radial guide surface has a second length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the second length is greater than or equal to the sum of the first length and a stroke of the pusher between its forward position and rearward position, or the first length is greater than or equal to the sum of the second length and the stroke of the pusher between its forward position and rearward position.

[0023] - the coupling element comprises: a hollow channel defining a passage for a fluid and extending along the longitudinal axis of the coupling element between a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion being configured to be fitted to a hose and the rear portion being intended to be coupled to a fluid conduit; a monolithic body extending around the hollow channel along the longitudinal axis and fixed to the hollow channel and defining an access opening to the front portion of the hollow channel; a first jaw rotatably movable about a first rotation axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and offset relative to the longitudinal axis, between a clamping position and a retracted position;

[0024] o in the clamped position, the first jaw presses the hose against a front portion of the hollow passage in a region radially of the longitudinal axis, included between the longitudinal axis and the first rotational axis and bounded along the longitudinal axis by a boundary plane, the boundary plane being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and spaced a first distance from the first rotational axis, the first distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first distance being non-zero, and

[0025] o In the retracted position, the first jaw does not press the hose against the front portion of the hollow passage,

[0026] A manipulation member accessible from the outside of the body for moving the first jaw between its clamped position and its released position, the elastic return member of the pusher towards its forward position while the pusher is trapped in the internal volume of the body, a first support surface is arranged around the hollow channel and abuts against the first jaw, the first support surface of the pusher is configured to exert a force on the first jaw to move the first jaw from its released position to its clamped position, the first support surface is arranged opposite to the first rotation axis relative to the longitudinal axis, and when the first jaw is in its clamped position, the first support surface abuts against the first jaw, and a first radial gap measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the first rotation axis and the contact point of the force receiving surface of the first jaw and the first support surface has a value greater than the first distance value.

[0027] - the body comprises an inner part and an outer part, the inner part being provided with an orifice opening into the mouth, the outer part being mounted around the inner part and being movable in translation relative to the inner part along the longitudinal axis, the coupling element comprising

[0028] o a locking member movable in the aperture of the interior portion of the body between a locked position, in which the locking member projects into the aperture, and a disengaged position, in which the locking member does not project into the aperture,

[0029] o means for elastically returning the pusher towards its forward position;

[0030] The outer part of the body is movable relative to the inner part of the body between a first position and a second position, in which the outer part of the body holds the locking member in its locked position, and in which the outer part of the body allows the locking member to return to its disengaged position, and the pusher is radially mounted between the inner and outer parts of the body and exerts a return force on the locking member toward its locked position.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coupling element as mentioned above, comprising a step a) consisting in producing simultaneously by additive manufacturing the monolithic body and at least a portion of the pusher, when the pusher is in its reference position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be better understood and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of four embodiments of quick-connect elements and methods of making the same according to the principles of the invention, which description is given by way of example only and is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 The four illustrations A), B), C) and D) show two elevation views and two cross sections of a coupling element according to the invention in two different configurations. Illustration B) shows the Figure 2 Inset A) shows the cross section of plane 1B-1B. Inset D) shows the cross section along Figure 2 Inset B) Cross-section of plane 1D-1D visible on the left.

[0034] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 The two illustrations A) and B) show two longitudinal sections of the coupling element, one along the Figure 1 The illustrations A) and C) are taken at plane 2A-2A and plane 2B-2B.

[0035] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 The two illustrations A) and B) show two longitudinal sections of the same coupling element, one along the Figure 1 Illustrations B) and D) are taken on plane 3A-3A and plane 3B-3B.

[0036] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 The two illustrations A) and B) show two longitudinal sections of the same coupling element, one along the Figure 1 Illustrations B) and D) are taken on plane 4A-4A and plane 4B-4B.

[0037] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 The two illustrations A) and B) show the coupling element in perspective and exploded view, and also the pusher belonging to the coupling element in perspective view.

[0038] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 The three illustrations A), B) and C) show the Figures 1 to 5 Elevation and cross-section of the main body and the pusher of the coupling element, as well as an inset D) showing a longitudinal perspective section of the main body on a smaller scale;

[0039] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 The two illustrations A and B show two longitudinal sections of the body and the pusher, which are respectively along Figure 6 Inset A) at plane 7A-7A and Figure 7 Intercepted at line 7B-7B at center inset A);

[0040] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 In the illustrations A), B), C), D) and E) the Figure 6 and Figure 7 The main body and the pushing member of the coupling element according to the second embodiment of the present invention are similar.

[0041] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 The two illustrations A) and B) respectively show a longitudinal section through the body and the pusher of a coupling element according to a third embodiment of the invention during manufacture, and a longitudinal section through a coupling element ready for use;

[0042] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 The three illustrations A), B) and C) show a coupling element according to a fourth embodiment, more precisely illustration A) shows a longitudinal section of the coupling element and two longitudinal cuts of the outer part of the body of the coupling element and the pusher during two steps of manufacturing the coupling element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figures 1 to 5The quick-connect element 2 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to be connected to the pipe C2 on the one hand and to the hose D2 on the other hand. For the sake of clarity of the drawings, the pipe C2 is only shown in FIG. Figure 2 The hose D2 is shown in dashed lines only. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . A hose is a special type of pipe for fluid flow, which has the characteristics of flexibility and can be radially expanded. The hose D2 forms a coupling element that cooperates with the coupling element 2.

[0044] The fluid passing through the pipe C2 and the hose D2 may be liquid or gas, in particular having a relatively high pressure, for example greater than or equal to 1 MPa.

[0045] The front side of the coupling element 2 is defined as the side that is oriented towards the hose D2 during assembly of the coupling element 2 and the hose D2 or when said elements are connected. Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment, the front side of the coupling element 2 is oriented to the left and the rear side is oriented to the right. The coupling element 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A2 between its front side and rear side.

[0046] Figure 1 The elevational view shown in FIG. 2 is taken from the rear of the coupling element 2 .

[0047] The coupling element comprises a hollow channel 4 extending along the longitudinal axis A2 and having a chamfered front portion 42 and a tapered rear portion 44. The hollow channel 4 defines a channel C4 for the passage of a fluid between the front portion 42 and the rear portion 44 thereof.

[0048] D4 indicates the outer diameter of the hollow channel 4 over most of its length, between its front and rear parts. D42 indicates the outer diameter of the front part 42, which is smaller than the outer diameter D4. The surface area of ​​the flow cross section of the channel C4 at the front part 42 is smaller than its surface area in the middle part and at the rear part 44.

[0049] The front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4 is provided with two circumferential ribs 46 forming reliefs for retaining the hose D2 on said portion.

[0050] The front portion 42 has a chamfer 48 that converges towards the front and whose function is to facilitate the insertion of the hollow passage 4 into the hose D2 .

[0051] The rear portion 44 is provided with internal tappings 49 for mounting the pipe C2.

[0052] In the example of the figures, the hollow channel 4 is in one piece. In a variant (not shown), the hollow channel 4 may consist of a plurality of parts assembled to each other in a leakproof manner.

[0053] Adjacent its rear portion 44 , the hollow passage 4 comprises a collar flange 45 and an external thread 47 .

[0054] The coupling element 2 also comprises a body 6 which is in one piece and which extends along the longitudinal axis A2 between a front end 62 and a rear end 64. The rear end 64 is the proximal end of the body 6 and the front end 62 is the distal end thereof, seen from the conduit C2.

[0055] At its front or distal end 62, the body 6 defines a mouth 63 centered on the longitudinal axis A2 and through which the front portion 42 of the hollow passage 4 protrudes towards the front of the coupling element 2. The mouth 63 provides access to the front portion 42 of the hollow passage.

[0056] The diameter of the mouth 63 is indicated by D63.

[0057] The internal volume of the body 6 is indicated by V6. Apart from the part of the front portion 42 that protrudes through the mouth 63, the majority of the hollow passage is received in the internal volume V6.

[0058] At the rear end 64 of the body 4, the body 4 is provided with a tap 67 which cooperates with the thread 47 of the hollow passage 4 to screw the hollow passage 4 into the body 6 until the collar flange 45 abuts against the rear or proximal end 64, which fixes the elements 4 and 6 and positions the hollow passage 4 relative to the body 6 along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0059] The diameter of the tapping 67 is indicated by D67. The tapping defines a proximal opening for passage through the hollow passage 4 of the body 6.

[0060] 66 indicates an intermediate portion of the body 6 defined along the axis A2 between its front end 62 and rear end 64. At the intermediate portion 66, the body 62 has an external geometry substantially in the form of a cylinder truncated by two planes parallel to the Figures 2 to 4 plane, and defines two lateral surfaces S6 and S'6, which are arranged at Figure 2 614 and 615 indicate respectively substantially flat lateral walls of the body 6 which define on the outside surfaces S6 and S′6.

[0061] The body 6 also defines a concave outer surface S"6, Figures 1 to 4 , which is located between surfaces S6 and S′6 , at the lower part of the body 6 .

[0062] Between the surfaces S6, S'6 and S"6, the body 6 has an external serration 65 facilitating its grip.

[0063] On the sides of the concave surface S″ 6 and on the front thereof, the body 6 defines an opening O6 having a generally rectangular shape and through which the housing 8 is engaged in the internal volume V6 of the body 6 .

[0064] The housing 8 comprises a front face 82 which, in the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6, is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and in which a circular hole 83 is provided which in said configuration is aligned with the mouth 63. The hole 83 is intended for the passage of the front portion 42 of the hollow passage 4 and of the hose D2.

[0065] The housing 8 comprises two lateral walls 84 and 85 extending parallel to each other from the cover 86. In the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6, the cover 86 closes the opening O6 and defines a recessed surface S'8 which, in this configuration, is flush with the surface S"6 of the body 6.

[0066] A notch 87 is provided in the cover 86 and is open on the rear side of the housing 8 .

[0067] In the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6, the lateral walls 84 and 85 extend parallel to the lateral walls 614 and 615, and therefore parallel to the surfaces S6 and S'6. Preferably, the lateral walls 84 and 85 extend into the internal volume V6 along the lateral walls 614 and 615, respectively, and therefore on the inside of the lateral walls 614 and 615.

[0068] The lateral wall 84 is pierced by a through hole 842 arranged at the thickened portion of the lateral wall 84 and defining a horizontal height centered on the axis A84, the axis A84 being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and being spaced apart from the longitudinal axis A2 by a distance D84, measured perpendicularly to the axes A2 and A84, which is non-zero. In the same way, the lateral wall 85 is pierced by a through hole 852 arranged at the thickened portion of the wall 85. The through hole 852 defines a horizontal height centered on the axis A85. The axis A85 is perpendicular to the axis A2 and is located at a non-zero distance d85 from the axis A2, which is measured perpendicularly to the axes A2 and A85.

[0069] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the axes A84 and A85 are parallel and the distances d84 and d85 are equal. Thus, in a transverse plane of the coupling element 2, ie a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2, the axes A84 and A85 are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A2. However, the above is not mandatory.

[0070] The body 6 is provided at its surfaces 614 and 615 with two seats 624 and 625 which are aligned with the through holes 842 and 852 respectively and are centred on the axes A84 and A85 in the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6 .

[0071] The coupling element 2 further comprises a first jaw 10 and a second jaw 12 .

[0072] The first jaw 10 is hinged about the axis A84 on the body 6 equipped with the housing 8. To this end, a first partially threaded screw 94 is inserted in a bearing formed by a through hole 842, extends through the seat 624 and is screwed into the jaw 10. The head 942 of the screw 94 is received in the seat 624, while its shaft 944 extends through the hole 842 and is screwed into the tapped hole 102 of the jaw 10 by means of a threaded portion 946.

[0073] In a similar manner, the second jaw 12 is hinged about the axis A85 by means of a partially threaded screw 95 , the head 952 of which is received in the seat 625 , the shaft 954 of which extends through the hole 852 and is screwed into the tapped hole 122 of the jaw 12 via the threaded portion 956 .

[0074] Each of the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 12 is movable about the axis A84 or the axis A85, respectively, relative to the body 6 equipped with the housing 8 between a clamping position and a retracted position (in other words, a release position). The axis A84 is therefore the first axis of rotation of the first jaw 10, while the axis A85 is the second axis of rotation of the second jaw 12. In its clamping position, if the hose D2 is fitted onto the hollow channel 4, the jaw 10 or 12 presses the hose against the outer radial surface S42 of the front portion 42 of the hollow channel. In its retracted position, the jaw 10 or 12 does not press the hose against the outer radial surface of the front portion of the hollow channel.

[0075] The clamping position of the jaws 10 and 12 is Figure 1 Figures A) and B) and Figures 2 to 4 The illustration A) shows that Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustration A), the hose is shown on the outside of the coupling element 2. The retracted position of the jaws 10 and 12 is Figure 1 Illustration D) and Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustration B) of Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the illustration B) of FIG. 4 , the hose D2 is shown in a loosened position on the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4 .

[0076] When the first jaw 10 is in its clamping position and when the hose is fitted onto the hollow passage, the first jaw 10 defines a support surface S10 on the hose D2. When the second jaw 12 is in its clamping position and when the hose is fitted onto the hollow passage, the second jaw S12 also defines a support surface S12 against the hose D2.

[0077] Each support surface S10 or S12 has a progressive profile relative to the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4, so that when the jaws 10 or 12 are in the clamping position, the distance between the longitudinal axis A2 and the orthogonal projection of the support surface S10 or S12 on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is less than half of the outer diameter Φ2 of the free hose D2 assembled to the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4, and when the jaws 10 or 12 are in the retracted position, the distance between the longitudinal axis A2 and the projection of the support surface S10 or S12 on the same vertical plane is greater than half of the outer diameter Φ2.

[0078] The area defined by the support surface S10, in which, in the clamping position of the first jaw, the first jaw 10 presses on the hose D2 against the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4, is included between the longitudinal axis and the first rotation axis A84 in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis A2. In the clamping position, the area in which the first jaw 10 presses on the hose D2 is limited towards the rear, i.e. away from the first rotation axis A84 along the longitudinal axis A2, by a boundary plane P10, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and passes through the point on the support surface S10 that is farthest from the first rotation axis A84 in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis. d10 indicates the distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 between the first rotation axis A84 and the boundary plane P10.

[0079] The distance D10 is the maximum lever arm of the resisting force exerted by the hose D2 on the first jaw 10 in the clamped position when the hose is fitted onto the hollow channel 4 .

[0080] The area defined by the support surface S12, in which, in the clamped position of the second jaw, the second jaw 12 presses on the hose D2 against the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4, is included radially between the longitudinal axis A2 and the second rotation axis A85. In the clamped position, the area in which the second jaw 12 presses on the hose D2 is limited towards the rear, i.e. away from the second rotation axis A85 along the longitudinal axis A2, by a boundary plane P12, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and passes through the point on the support surface S12 that is farthest from the second rotation axis A85 in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis. d12 indicates the distance measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 between the second rotation axis A85 and the boundary plane P12.

[0081] The distance d12 is the maximum lever arm of the resisting force exerted by the hose D2 on the second jaw 12 in the clamped position when the hose is fitted onto the hollow channel 4 .

[0082] In the example in the figures, the axes of rotation A84 and A85 are arranged at the same level along the longitudinal axis A2, as are the boundary planes P10 and P12. Thus, the distances D10 and D12 are equal.

[0083] However, this is not mandatory and other spatial distributions of the first and second rotation axes A84 and A85 and of the first and second boundary planes P10 and P12 are conceivable.

[0084] The first jaw 10 includes a lateral arm 104 extending radially of the first rotation axis A84 and defining a surface S'10 for receiving force. The force receiving surface S'10 is formed on the rear portion of the lateral arm 104 and is opposite to the first rotation axis A84 with respect to the longitudinal axis A2. In other words, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and perpendicular to the first rotation axis A84, the first rotation axis A84 and the force receiving surface S'10 are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis A2, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 as shown in .

[0085] The second jaw 12 further includes a lateral arm 125 extending radially of the second rotation axis A85 and defining a force receiving surface S'12. The force receiving surface S'12 is disposed on a rear portion of the lateral arm 125. Figure 3 As shown in , in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and perpendicular to the second rotation axis A85, the second rotation axis A85 and the force receiving surface S′12 are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis A2.

[0086] The lateral arm 125 is provided at its end opposite to the tapped hole 122 with a hook 127 which defines a concave recess 126. A force receiving surface S'12 is formed on the outer side of the hook 127, opposite to the concave recess 126.

[0087] In the assembled configuration of the coupling element 2 , the lateral arms 104 and 125 are adjacent to the lateral walls 84 and 85 of the housing 8 and are arranged on the inside of the walls, relative to which they can pivot about the axes of rotation A84 and A85 , respectively.

[0088] The first jaw also comprises a manipulating member formed by a lever 106 which projects from the body 6 and from the housing 8 through the notch 87. The lever 106 is in one piece with the portion of the first jaw 10 provided with the tapped hole 102, with the support surface S10 and with the lateral arm 104 and therefore with the force receiving surface S′10.

[0089] By pressing the lever 106 against the surfaces S"6 and S"8, the lever 106 can manipulate the first jaw 10 between its clamped position and its retracted position, which causes the first jaw 10 to pivot about the first rotation axis A84. Figure 2 The direction is counterclockwise. Figures 2 to 4The clamped position of the illustration A) is the default position that the jaws 10 adopt if the user of the coupling element 2 does not exert a force on the lever 106 .

[0090] The coupling element 2 also comprises a pusher 14 extending along a longitudinal axis A14 which, in the mounted configuration of the coupling element 2, coincides with the longitudinal axis A2.

[0091] The pusher 14 is mounted inside the body 6 around the hollow channel 4, in the internal volume V6, along the longitudinal axis A2, between its front portion 42 and its rear portion 44, under the action of an elastic member, in this example formed by a helical spring 16, which tends to push the pusher 14 forwards, i.e. towards the front end 62 of the body 6. Figures 2 to 4 The advanced position of the pusher 14 shown in the illustration A) is the default position of the pusher, which is assumed by the action of the coil spring 16 as long as the user does not fold the rod 106 toward the surfaces S" 6 and S" 8.

[0092] In a variant, the spring 16 may be replaced by another elastic member so as to return the pusher towards the front of the body 6 .

[0093] The pusher 14 is designed to move longitudinally, ie in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, relative to the body 6, the housing 8 and the jaws 10 and 12. The pusher thus forms a slide relative to the body 6, the housing 8 and the jaws 10 and 12.

[0094] The pusher 14 comprises an annular skirt 142 , centred on the axis A14 and provided at each of its ends with an outer radial guide surface, namely a front outer radial guide surface 144 and a rear outer radial guide surface 146 .

[0095] In practice, the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 have a circular cross section. They are therefore each inscribed in a cylinder having a circular base of diameter D14 or D16.

[0096] D14 and D16 indicate diameters thereof, which preferably have the same value.

[0097] In a variant of the invention (not shown), the diameters D14 and D16 have different values.

[0098] L14 denotes the axial length of the front outer radial guide surface 144 and L16 denotes the axial length of the rear outer radial guide surface 146 , the axial lengths being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A14 .

[0099] In the example, and according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the lengths L14 and L16 are equal.

[0100] In a variant of the invention (not shown), the lengths L14 and L16 may be different.

[0101] S15 denotes an outer radial guide surface of the skirt 142 which is located along the longitudinal axis A14 between the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 which are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis A2. The diameter of the surface S15 is indicated by D15.

[0102] Diameter D15 is strictly smaller than diameters D14 and D16. In other words, surface S15 defines a cylindrical interface surface whose diameter D15 is smaller than diameter D14 of front outer radial guide surface 144 and diameter D16 of rear outer radial guide surface 146.

[0103] The body 6 is provided with a front inner radial guide surface 644 and a rear inner radial guide surface 646, both of which are centered on the longitudinal axis A2. The front inner radial guide surface 644 is formed at the center of the inner circumferential rib 662 of the middle portion 66 of the body 6. The rear inner radial guide surface 644 is formed at the junction between the middle portion 66 and the rear portion 64 of the body 6.

[0104] L64 and L66 indicate the axial lengths of the front inner radial guide surface 644 and the rear inner radial guide surface 646 , respectively, the axial lengths being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 .

[0105] The front inner radial guide surface 644 is provided with a groove 648 extending over the entire length L64 thereof, whereas the rear inner radial guide surface 646 is provided with a groove 650 extending over the entire length L66 thereof.

[0106] In a radial plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2, the top of the ribs of the dividing groove 648 defines a circle inscribed in the front inner radial guide surface 644, the diameter of which is indicated by D64. Similarly, in a plane radial to the longitudinal axis A2, the top of the ribs of the dividing groove 650 defines a circle inscribed in the rear inner radial guide surface 646, the diameter of which is indicated by D66. Thus, the inner guide surfaces are each inscribed around a cylinder having a circular base of diameter D64 or D66.

[0107] Diameters D64 and D66 advantageously have the same value, as do diameters D14 and D16 advantageously.

[0108] In a variant of the invention (not shown), the diameters D64 and D66 have different values.

[0109] In any case, the diameters D14 , D64 , D16 and D66 are chosen so that the radial guide surfaces 144 and 644 on the one hand, and the radial guide surfaces 146 and 646 on the other hand, effectively guide the pusher 14 in translation along the axis A2 inside the body 6 during its sliding relative to the body 6 .

[0110] The ratio of the diameters D14 to D64 and the ratio of the diameters D16 to D66 are such that a guide gap J14 of relatively small radial thickness, for example of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, is provided between the outer and inner radial guide surfaces 144 and 644 on the one hand and 146 and 646 on the other hand. In other words, within the guide gap J14, the diameters D14, D16, D64 and D66 are equal.

[0111] C indicates the travel of the pusher 14 under the action of the spring 16. Figures 2 to 4 The route of passing from the position of illustration B) in one of the figures (which is the rear position of the push member 14 relative to the main body 6) to the position of illustration A) in the figure (which is the forward position of the push member 14 relative to the main body 6), or when moving from the position of illustration A) to the position of illustration B), or vice versa.

[0112] The length L64 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L14 and the stroke C. Similarly, the length L66 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L16 and the stroke C.

[0113] There are the following relations:

[0114] L64 ≥ L14 + C (Equation 1)

[0115] L66 ≥ L16 + C (Equation 2)

[0116] By means of the described relationship between lengths L14 and L64, L16 and L66 and stroke C, during operation of the connecting element 2, the front outer radial guide surface 144 remains opposite to the front inner radial guide surface 644, and the rear outer radial guide surface 146 remains opposite to the rear inner radial guide surface 646 along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0117] On the front side of the pusher 14, the pusher 14 defines a first support surface S14 which is perpendicular to the axis A14 and which, under the action of the return spring 16, abuts against the force receiving surface S′10 of the first jaw 10, as long as the rod 106 is not folded back towards the body 6, i.e. when the first jaw 10 is in its clamped position by default. In other words, by default, the elastic force of the spring 16 is transmitted to the pusher 14 which, via the first support surface 14 and on the force receiving surface S′10, exerts an axial force directed forwards, the effect of which is to return the first jaw 10 to its clamped position.

[0118] Therefore, the return spring 16 is a member for elastically returning the pusher 14 to its advanced position, and is also a member for returning the first jaw 10 to its clamping position.

[0119] The pusher 14 is oriented about the axis A2 so that its support surface S14 is located on the side of the longitudinal axis A2 opposite to the first rotation axis 84 in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis A84. The radial clearance measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A2 in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis A84 is indicated by e10; in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis A84, between the contact point P100 of the first rotation axis A84 with the force receiving surface S'10 and the surface S14 of the first jaw 10. In the example shown in the figures, the plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis A84 is Figure 4 The plane shown in , where the radial gap e10 is identified.

[0120] When the first jaw 10 is in its clamped position, the radial clearance e10 is the lever arm of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 relative to the axis of rotation A84. The value of the radial difference e10 is greater than the value of the first distance D10.

[0121] This is due in particular to the fact that the force receiving surface S′ 10 is provided on the edge of the protuberance 108 defined by the lateral arm 104 , opposite the tapped hole 102 with respect to a plane parallel to the first axis of rotation A84 and containing the longitudinal axis A2 .

[0122] Therefore, the lever arm of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 about the first axis of rotation A84 is greater than the maximum lever arm of the clamping force exerted on the hose 2 by the support surface S10 of the first jaw 10. Therefore, the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 is amplified by the ratio between the value of the radial clearance e10 and the value of the distance D10. It is thus ensured that the first jaw 10 is effectively maintained in the clamped position by the pusher 14 and the spring 16, despite the resistance exerted by the hose D2.

[0123] Advantageously, the ratio between the value of the first axial difference e10 and the value of the first distance D10 is between 1.5 and 10, preferably between 4 and 6 and more preferably equal to 5.

[0124] The pusher 14 also defines a second support surface S′ 14 which, in the example shown in the figures, is coplanar with the first support surface S 14 , even though this is not mandatory.

[0125] The second support surface S'14 is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A14 and is configured to abut against the force receiving surface S'12 of the second jaw 12, as in Figure 3 It can be seen in.

[0126] The radial clearance measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A12 and in a plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A85 shall be indicated by e12; between the contact point P120 of the second axis of rotation A85 with the force receiving surface S'12 and the surface S'14 of the second jaw 12. In the example shown in the drawings, the plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A85 is Figure 3 The plane shown in , where the distance e12 is identified.

[0127] Under the action of the spring 16 , the surface S′ 14 exerts a bearing force on the force-receiving surface S′ 12 which, by default, returns the second jaw to its clamped position.

[0128] The radial distance e12 is the lever arm of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 about the axis of rotation A85 when the second jaw 12 is in its clamping position. The value of the radial difference e12 is greater than the value of the distance D12.

[0129] Therefore, the lever arm of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'12 about the second axis of rotation A85 is greater than the maximum lever arm of the clamping force exerted on the hose 2 by the support surface S12 of the second jaw 12. The force transmitted between the surfaces S'14 and S'12 is thus amplified by the ratio between the radial clearance value e12 and the distance value D12. It is thus ensured that the second jaw 12 is effectively held in the clamped position by the pusher 14 and the spring 16, despite the resisting force exerted by the hose D2.

[0130] The pusher 14 also comprises a finger 148 which engages in the recess 126 of the second jaw 12. The finger 148 is a relief of the pusher 14 intended to interact with the second jaw 12. In a variant, the finger 148 can be replaced by another relief. Whether it is a finger or another relief, it exerts a force on the second jaw 12 to move the jaw from its clamping position to its retracted position, as explained below.

[0131] When the user applies a torque C106 on the lever 106 about the first axis of rotation A84, the effect is to move the lever and therefore the entire first jaw 10 from Figures 2 to 4 The position shown in illustration A) is changed to the position shown in illustration B), the arm 104 of the first jaw 10 fixed to the lever 106 exerts a force through its protrusion 108 which pushes the pusher 14 towards the rear end 64 of the body 6. In other words, the surface S'10 then forms a bearing surface against the surface S14, which receives the force exerted by the jaw 10, which has an axial component parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and directed backwards, which axial component opposes the elastic force of the spring 16.

[0132] If the applied torque C106 is strong enough, the pusher 14 moves backwards under the action of the force transmitted between the surfaces S'10 and S'14, which is compared Figures 2 to 4 The illustration B) and the illustration A) are visible. This enables the jaws 10 to be returned to Figures 2 to 4 Its retracted position is shown in the illustration B).

[0133] The finger 148 of the pusher 14 moves rearwardly with the rest of the pusher, which has the effect of exerting a force on the concave surface of the hook 127 in the recess 126, which serves to drive the jaw 12 towards the rear end 64 of the body 6. This causes the second jaw 12 to move toward Figures 2 to 4 Move to its retracted position shown in illustration B).

[0134] Thus, manipulation of the lever 106, including folding it downwards towards the surfaces S"6 and S"8, has the effect of moving the two jaws 10 and 12 from their clamped positions to their respective retracted positions.

[0135] Reaching such a retracted position makes it possible to insert the hose D2 onto the front portion 42 of the hollow passage 4 without being hindered by the jaws 10 and 12 .

[0136] The user can then release the rod 106, which then does not apply a torque on the first jaw about the first rotation axis A84, in such a way that the pusher 14 is acted upon by the spring 16 and effectively pushes the two jaws 10 and 12 to their respective clamping positions by means of the support surfaces S14 and S'14 acting on the force receiving surfaces S'10 and S'12.

[0137] Considering the ratio between the values ​​e10 / D10 and e12 / D12, the elastic force exerted by the spring 16 is amplified and effectively returns and then maintains the two jaws 10 and 12 in the clamped position despite the resisting force exerted by the outer radial guide surface of the hose D2 on the bearing surfaces s10 and S12.

[0138] l14 indicates the maximum width of the pusher 14 measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A14. The width defines the radial size of the pusher 14, ie the smallest diameter of a circle through which the pusher 14 can extend.

[0139] The width l14 is strictly greater than the diameters D63 and D67.

[0140] Therefore, the pusher cannot be inserted into the main body 6 or leave the main body 6 through the front end portion 62 and the rear end portion 64 thereof.

[0141] In order to optimize the manufacturing range of the coupling element 2, the parts 6 and 14 are produced simultaneously by additive manufacturing by binder jetting, sometimes referred to as "additive processing by binder jetting". The principle of additive processing by binder jetting is to deposit a thin layer of powder material and then apply a binder, which will cause the powder particles exposed to heat or light to agglomerate. The heat source or light source can be moved in a plane and may cause the particles corresponding to a piece of part to agglomerate. Therefore, the production of the part is carried out in successive pieces parallel to the initial laying plane. In the case where the main body 6 and the pusher 14 are processed simultaneously, the initial laying plane can be selected as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and located at the end of the rear end 64 of the main body. The main body 6 and the pusher 14 are made simultaneously piece by piece without providing a connection between the two parts. The part is held in place by the powder particles that have not yet agglomerated. Once the main body 6 and the pusher 14 are produced, the powder particles that have not yet agglomerated must be discharged.

[0142] The body 6 and the pusher 14 are made of the same material. For example, the powder may be polyamide and the binder may be activated by heat.

[0143] Additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce in one operation a first hollow portion in which a second portion, such as the body 6 , is arranged, in which the pusher 14 is arranged, without restricting the assembly of the second portion inside the first hollow portion.

[0144] In order to make this additive manufacturing possible, the pusher 14 can be moved as far as Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the reference position shown in , in the reference position, the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 of the pusher 14 are disengaged from the inner radial guide surfaces 644 and 646 of the body 6. In other words, in the reference position, the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 are axially offset from the inner radial guide surfaces 644 and 646 along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0145] In the reference position, the rear portion of the skirt 142 is no longer engaged in the rear portion 64 of the body 6 and the front portion of the skirt 142 is further forward along the longitudinal axis A2 than the internal rib 662 .

[0146] In the reference position, the outer and inner radial guide surfaces 144, 146, 644 and 646 can be produced by locally applying a binder to the powder without risk of contact or premature adhesion between the surfaces, even if the guide gap J14 has a small radial thickness since they are axially offset from each other along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0147] In the reference position, the front inner radial guide surface 644 faces the interface surface S15, ie is axially aligned with the interface surface S15 along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0148] Therefore, there is a manufacturing gap J15 between the interface surface S15 and the inner radial guide surface 644. The radial thickness of the manufacturing gap J15 is strictly greater than the radial thickness of the guide gap J14.

[0149] For example, the manufacturing gap J15 may have a radial thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably equal to 1 mm.

[0150] In other words, in the reference position for additive manufacturing of elements 6 and 14 of coupling element 2 , there is a relatively large radial gap J15 between pusher 14 and rib 662 , which is thicker than the gap J14 for guiding the translation of pusher 14 relative to body 6 .

[0151] This facilitates the removal of powder particles that were not bound together by the binder near the guide surface during additive manufacturing.

[0152] In this regard, the presence of the groove 648 at the inner radial forward guide surface 644 facilitates the discharge of excess powder.

[0153] The presence of the groove 650 on the rear inner radial guide surface 646 also facilitates the discharge of excess powder, most particularly in a variant of the invention (not shown) in which, in the reference position of the pusher 14, a portion of a surface similar to surface S15 engages in the rear inner radial guide surface 646.

[0154] Once the body 6 and the pusher 14 have been obtained simultaneously by additive manufacturing, the assembly of the coupling element 2 comprises successive steps, which are carried out in the following order and which include:

[0155] - moving the pusher 14 to the rear stop position in the body 6 of the coupling element, i.e. moving the pusher 14 from Figure 6 and Figure 7 The reference position shown in the figure is moved to Figures 2 to 4 A position similar to the position of the illustration B in which the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 engage in the inner radial guide surfaces 644 and 646;

[0156] - pre-positioning of the two jaws 10 and 12 in the housing 8;

[0157] - engaging the housing 8 equipped with the jaws 10 and 12 in the body 6 through the opening O6, taking care that the lateral arm 105 of the second jaw 12 effectively cooperates with the finger 148 of the pusher 14, namely by ensuring that the finger 148 is correctly engaged in the recess 126 of the second jaw;

[0158] - Assemble and screw the screws 94 and 95 into the tapped holes 102 and 122 of the jaws 10 and 12 respectively;

[0159] - Fitting the return spring 16 of the pusher 14 in the internal volume of the body, bearing against the shoulder 141 of the pusher;

[0160] - The hollow channel 4 is assembled and screwed into the pusher 14 and the body 6 by means of the threads 47 and the tappings 67 , so that the spring 16 bears against the shoulder 41 of the hollow channel.

[0161] To couple this coupling element 2 and the hose D2, the user takes the body 6 in his / her hands and moves the rod 106 towards the surfaces S″6 and S″8 by applying a torque C106, which brings the jaws 12 and 14 into their respective retracted positions. It is then sufficient to align the hose D2 along the longitudinal axis A2 and move it towards the hollow channel 4, while keeping the rod 106 pressed against the body 6. This operation is facilitated by the fact that the front portion 42 of the hollow channel 4 projects from the body 6 and is provided with a chamfer 48.

[0162] In a first stage of the method, the hose D2 comes into contact with the front portion 42 of the hollow passage and slides along it. The method continues until the front face of the hose D2 abuts against the shoulder 43 of the hollow passage, which defines the rear end of the front portion 42. The hose then covers the circumferential rib 46. The jaws 10 and 12 are still held in the retracted position by the torque C106 that the user continues to exert on the rod 106. Therefore, the jaws do not hinder the assembly together.

[0163] By releasing the lever 106 , ie by ceasing to apply the torque C106 , the user allows the jaws to return to the clamped position under the action of the pusher 14 resiliently loaded by the spring 16 .

[0164] The hose D2 is then installed, fluidically connected to the coupling element 2 and securely held relative to the coupling element 2 .

[0165] To detach the hose D2 from the coupling element 2, it is sufficient to take the body 6 in hand and push the rod 106 towards the body by means of a torque C106, which will return the two jaws 10 and 12 to their respective retracted positions. The user can then grasp the hose and pull it parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 in a direction away from the hollow passage 4. Since the jaws remain in their retracted position, they do not hinder the removal of the hose D2.

[0166] exist Figure 8 In the second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention shown in the following figures (and seq.,), elements similar to those of the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. In the following, we mainly describe the differences between the embodiments and the first embodiment. Figure 8 In one of the following figures, reference numerals are given which are not mentioned in the description, or which are mentioned in the description but not in one of the figures, and which correspond to the same elements as those identified by the same reference numerals in the first embodiment.

[0167] exist Figure 8 In the second embodiment shown in , the inner radial guide surfaces 644 and 646 provided on the body 6 are smooth, ie, have no grooves, while the front outer radial guide surface 144 and the rear outer radial guide surface 146 of the pusher 14 are provided with grooves 149 and 151, respectively.

[0168] The outer diameter D14 of the outer radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 measured at the top of the partition rib, the grooves 149 and 151 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D64 of the inner radial guide surfaces 644 and 646, which makes it possible to create a guide gap similar to the guide gap J14 of the first embodiment between (on the one hand) surfaces 144 and 644 and (on the other hand) surfaces 146 and 646.

[0169] The interface surface S15 as defined in the first embodiment has a diameter D15 which is strictly smaller than the diameter D14 and is also provided with a groove 153 .

[0170] When the push member 14 is in Figure 8 When the reference position is shown in illustrations A) to D) of the drawings, there is a manufacturing gap J15 between the interface surface S15 and the front inner radial guide surface 644, and the reference position is defined as in the first embodiment.

[0171] exist Fig. 9In the third embodiment of the invention shown in , the translational guidance between the pusher 14 and the body 6 is realized only at the rear outer radial guide surface 146 cooperating with the rear inner radial guide surface 646. On the outside, the skirt 142 of the pusher 14 has the same geometry over its entire length. More specifically, there is no interface surface with a smaller diameter than the surface S15 of the first and second embodiments.

[0172] On the other hand, the pusher 14 is provided with a radially inner front guide surface 145, the inner diameter of which is indicated by D'14. Said diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter D4 of the hollow passage 4 behind its shoulder 43, which makes it possible to guide the pusher 14 in axial translation along the hollow passage 4, with a clearance of smaller radial thickness than the clearance J14 of the first embodiment.

[0173] In the second and third embodiments, the single-piece body 6 and the push member 14 are made together by additive manufacturing, and then the push member is in a reference position, in which the (multiple) external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 or only 146 of the push member are not opposite to the corresponding internal radial guide surfaces 644 and 646 or only 646.

[0174] exist Fig.10 In the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in , the female quick-connect element 2 comprises a three-part body 6, which comprises a front or distal inner part 62, a rear or proximal inner part 64 screwed on top of the other part, and an annular outer part 61, which surrounds the inner parts 62 and 64 and is movable along the longitudinal axis A2 of the coupling element 2 relative to the front and rear inner parts 62, 64. The outer part 61 comprises radial protrusions 612, which make it possible to exert a force on the outer part parallel to the axis A2 and opposite to the elastic force exerted by the spring 17.

[0175] The rear inner portion 64 is provided with tappings 67 for screwing onto the pipe C2 .

[0176] The outer part 61 and the inner front part 62 define an opening 63 of the coupling element 2. The inner front part 62 is pierced by a plurality of longitudinal apertures 622, which are open to the mouth. The ball 70 engages in the apertures 622 and projects to a greater or lesser extent into the mouth 63, depending on whether the ball 70 is pushed towards the longitudinal axis A2 by the inner radial collar flange 614 of the outer part 61 of the body 6.

[0177] The balls 70 are designed to engage in outer circumferential grooves of the male end piece, cooperating with the coupling element 2, which is known per se and not shown. These balls form locking means for locking the male end piece in the female coupling element 2.

[0178] In a variant of the invention (not shown), locking members other than the ball 70 may be used.

[0179] The female coupling element 2 also comprises an O-ring seal 72 intended to bear against the male end part, and a valve disc 74 elastically loaded by a spring 76 in such a way that it by default closes the internal passage C4 defined by the valve disc 74 and by the body 6. A seat 77 is mounted in the body 6 and receives the valve disc 74 in abutment when the valve disc 74 is in a position closing the duct C4. An O-ring seal 78 is mounted between the body 6, the seat 77 and the valve disc 74. The spring 76 is fitted between the valve disc 74 and the seat 77.

[0180] The pusher 14 is mounted in the radial gap defined between the parts 61 and 62 of the body 6. The pusher is elastically loaded towards the front of the coupling element 2 by a spring 16, which is also arranged in the gap and which abuts both against the rear face 14B of the pusher 14 and against the internal rib 616 of the outer part 61 of the body 6.

[0181] 60 indicates the central opening of the outer part 61 of the body 6, which is defined by the flange 616, which is a proximal opening in the range where it is closer to the conduit C2 than the mouth 63 forming the distal opening of the body 6. When the female coupling element 2 and the mating end part (not shown) are connected, the fluid circulating in the quick coupling thus formed flows through the opening 60. D60 indicates the diameter of the opening 60, i.e., the inner diameter of the outer part 61 of the body 6 at the rib 616 on the proximal side.

[0182] The function of the pusher 14 is to bring the ball 70 back to a position towards the front of the slot 622, so that the ball 70 is aligned with the collar flange 614 by default along the longitudinal axis A2 and thus returns to the mouth 63. Here, the pusher 14 has the form of a ring and can also be called a "memory ring" or "slider" because, by sliding relative to the body 6, the pusher 14 ensures that the ball 70 returns to its default position.

[0183] In order to make it possible to pass the male end part in the direction in which the male and female parts of the quick coupling are assembled together, the ball 70 should be able to move to a disengaged position situated on the rear of the orifice 622, opposite the recessed area 618 defined in the external portion 61 of the body 6, according to the maximum size of the orifice 622. To this end, the ball 70 can exert an axial force on the front face 14A of the pusher 6, opposing the elastic force exerted by the spring 16, which has the effect of moving the pusher 14 back into the gap formed radially between the portions 61 and 62 of the body 6.

[0184] The pusher 14 is thus movable in axial translation relative to the body 6 and more particularly relative to the outer portion 61 of the body 6, along the longitudinal axis A2 and under the action of the spring 6 and the ball 70. To this end, the pusher 14 defines an outer radial guide surface 144 which cooperates with an inner radial guide surface 644 formed on the inside of the outer portion 61 of the body 6, beyond the area 618 recessed relative to the front face 2A of the coupling element 2.

[0185] L14 indicates the axial length of the outer radial guide surface 144 of the pusher 14. L64 indicates the axial length of the inner radial guide surface 644 of the body 6. The axial lengths L14 and L64 are measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0186] The length L64 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L14 and the displacement stroke C of the push member 14 relative to the body 6 between the position of the push member 14 returning the ball toward the front of the body 6 and the position of the push member allowing the ball to engage in the recessed area 618.

[0187] The following relationship holds:

[0188] L64 ≥ L14 + C (Equation 1a)

[0189] Thanks to this relationship between the lengths L14 and L64 and the stroke C, during operation of the coupling element 2 , the outer radial guide surface 144 of the pusher 14 remains opposite the inner radial guide surface 644 of the body 6 .

[0190] At the collar flange 614 , the inner diameter of the outer portion 61 of the body 6 defines a minimum value for the diameter D63 of the mouth 63 .

[0191] The outer radial guide surface 144 is indicated by D14. The diameter D14 defines the maximum size of the pusher 14 radially to the longitudinal axis A14 of the pusher 14. The diameter D14 is strictly greater than the diameters D60 and D63.

[0192] The pusher 14 can be brought to Fig.10 The reference position shown in illustration B) is characterized in that the outer radial guide surface 144 is disengaged from the inner radial guide surface 644 along the center axis A6 of the body 6, i.e., it is axially offset relative to the said surface, and the center axis A6 overlaps with the longitudinal axes A2 and A14 in the installation structure of the coupling element 2.

[0193] In this reference position, since the guide surfaces 144 and 644 are axially offset, they can be produced simultaneously by additive manufacturing, by locally adding a heat-activatable binder to a powder such as a polyamide powder, which makes it possible to manufacture the elements 61 and 14 nested one inside the other.

[0194] From this position, the pusher 14 can be brought into the working position by assembling the spring 16 between the rear face 14B of the pusher 14 and the rib 616, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 In this working position, the radial guide surfaces 144 and 644 face each other in a direction radial to the center axis A6, ie one engages inside the other.

[0195] As long as it is technically feasible, any feature described above for one embodiment or one variation may be implemented in other embodiments and variations described above.

[0196] More specifically, in the first three embodiments, the reference position of the pusher is before the use position of the pusher during its movement in the stroke relative to the body 6, while in the fourth embodiment, the reference position of the pusher 6 is after the use position of the pusher along the stroke relative to the body 6. The opposite situation can be envisaged.

[0197] Additive processing techniques other than additive processing by binder jetting are capable of simultaneously producing the main body 6 and the pusher 14. For example, a multi-jet printing (MJP) additive processing technique implemented by a 3D printer can be used. The MJP printer is mainly composed of a print head, a platform and a UV lamp. Like any 3D printer, the process requires a 3D CAD file. The 3D printer then prints each layer of the UV-curable liquid plastic file on a flat platform. Support material made of wax is also sprayed to fill the void inside the part or the void between two nested parts produced at the same time. At the end of the processing of the main body 6 and the pusher 14, due to the characteristics of the present invention, the wax that allows the pusher to be retained is easily removed. Additive processing technology is used to produce the main body 6 and the pusher 14 with different materials.

Claims

1. A quick-connection element (2) for connecting a fluid pipeline (C2; D2), the quick-connection element comprising a monolithic body (6) defining a passage (C4) extending along the longitudinal axis (A2) of the quick-connect element between a proximal end (64) and a distal end (62), the proximal end being configured for connection to a fluid line (C2) and defining a proximal opening (67; 60) for a fluid passage or channel (4) for fluid flow therethrough, and the distal end having a distal mouth (63) for receiving a mating quick-connect element (D2), It is characterized in that - the quick-connect element (2) comprises a pusher (14) mounted in the monolithic body and movable along the longitudinal axis between a forward position on the side of the distal end and a rearward position on the side of the proximal end, - the monolithic body (6) is provided with at least one inner radial guide surface (644, 646); - the pusher (14) is provided with at least one outer radial guide surface (144, 146) configured to engage the inner radial guide surface (644, 646) to guide the pusher during its movement along the longitudinal axis between its forward position and its rearward position; - the pusher has a radial size defined by the maximum radial dimension (l14, D14) of the pusher, - the maximum dimension (D67, D60) of the cross section of the proximal opening (67; 60) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A2) is smaller than the radial dimension (l14, D14) of the pusher (14); - the maximum dimension (D63) of the cross section of the distal mouth (63) transverse to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the radial dimension of the pusher; - the pusher is captively mounted in the internal volume (V6) of the monolithic body (6); as well as - The pusher is capable of moving within the internal volume of the monolithic body to a reference position in which the or each external radial guide surface of the pusher is disengaged from any internal radial guide surface (644, 646) of the monolithic body (6), and vice versa.

2. The quick connection element according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the push member (14) is in the reference position, the radial thickness of the gap (J15) between the surface (S15) of the push member and the inner radial guide surface (644, 646) of the surface of the monolithic body (6) facing the push member is strictly greater than the radial thickness of the guide gap (J14) between the outer radial guide surface (144, 146) of the push member and the inner radial guide surface (644, 646) of the monolithic body that are engaged with each other.

3. A quick-connect element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the pusher (14) is provided with two outer radial guide surfaces (144, 146) spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (A2); - the monolithic body (6) is provided with two inner radial guide surfaces (644, 646); - each of the inner radial guide surfaces is configured to engage with an inner radial guide surface to guide the pusher during movement of the pusher along the longitudinal axis between its forward position and its rearward position; as well as - When the pusher (14) is in the reference position, the two outer radial guide surfaces (144, 146) of the pusher are out of engagement with the two inner radial guide surfaces (644, 646) of the monolithic body (6).

4. The quick-connect element according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that - said outer radial guide surface (144, 146) is inscribed in a first cylinder having a circular base; - said inner radial guide surface (644, 646) is inscribed in a second cylinder having a circular base; and - the diameter (D14, D16) of the first cylinder is equal to the diameter (D64, D66) of the second cylinder in the guide gap (J14).

5. The quick-connect element according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: A clearance groove (648, 650) is formed in the inner radial guide surface (644, 646).

6. The quick-connect element according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: A clearance groove (149, 151) is provided in the outer radial guide surface (144, 146).

7. The quick-connect element according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: - said outer radial guide surface (144, 146) has a first length (L14, L16) measured parallel to said longitudinal axis (A2); - the inner radial guide surface (644, 646) has a second length (L64, L66) measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; as well as - the second length (L64, L66) is greater than or equal to the sum of the first length (L14, L16) and the travel (C) of the pusher between its forward position and its rearward position, or - the first length (L14, L16) is greater than or equal to the sum of the second length (L64, L66) and the travel (C) of the pusher between its forward position and its rearward position.

8. The quick-connect element according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: The quick connection element comprises: a hollow channel (4) defining a passage for a fluid and extending along the longitudinal axis (A2) of the quick-connect element (2) between a front portion (42) configured to be fitted on a hose (D2) and a rear portion (44) to be coupled to the fluid line (C2); - the monolithic body (6) extends longitudinally around the hollow passage and is fixed to the hollow passage and defines a mouth (63) for accessing the front portion (42) of the hollow passage; - a first jaw (10) which is rotatably movable between a clamping position and a retracted position about a first rotation axis (A84), the first rotation axis (A84) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and offset (D84) relative to the longitudinal axis; wherein, o in the clamped position, the first jaw (10) presses the hose (D2) against the front portion (42) of the hollow channel (4) in a region radially of the longitudinal axis, included between the longitudinal axis and the first rotation axis and delimited along the longitudinal axis by a boundary plane (P10), the boundary plane (P10) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first rotation axis by a first distance (d10), the first distance (d10) being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first distance being non-zero, and o In the retracted position, the first jaw (10) does not press the hose against the front portion of the hollow channel, - a manipulator member (106) accessible from the outside of the monolithic body (6) for moving the first jaw between its clamping position and its release position; - means (16) for elastically returning the pusher (14) towards its forward position; wherein the pusher is captured in the internal volume (V6) of the monolithic body around the hollow channel (4) and is provided with a first support surface (S14) resting against the first jaw (10); wherein the first support surface (S14) of the pusher is configured to exert a force on the first jaw (10) for moving the first jaw from its release position to its clamping position; The first support surface (S14) is arranged opposite to the first rotation axis (A84) relative to the longitudinal axis (A2); And when the first jaw (10) is in its clamping position, the first supporting surface (S14) abuts against the first jaw, and the value of the first radial distance (e10) measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the first rotation axis (A84) and the contact point (P100) of the force receiving surface (S′10) of the first jaw (10) and the first supporting surface (S14) is greater than the value of the first distance (D10).

9. A method for manufacturing a quick-connect element for connecting fluid lines according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps a) producing the monolithic body (6) and at least a portion of the pusher (14) simultaneously by additive manufacturing when the pusher is in its reference position.

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