Fluid connection element and fluid coupler comprising such fluid coupling element

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid connection element and a fluid coupler comprising such a fluid coupling element. The fluid coupling element includes a body. The body includes an inner receiver volume and a plurality of housings. In each housing, the locking element is movable between an inner locking position in which the locking element protrudes into the inner receiver volume and an outer unlocking position. The fluid coupling element further includes a locking ring tending to radially mate with the locking element and movable relative to the body between an advanced locking position and a retracted unlocking position, a piston disposed around the body and around the locking ring and longitudinally movable relative to the body and relative to the locking ring, and a first spring disposed between the locking ring and the piston. The first spring urges the piston toward a position where the piston abuts the body.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid coupling element and a fluid coupler including such a fluid coupling element. Background Art

[0002] In the field of air circuits, and more particularly in air circuits designed to connect a pantograph to a catenary using air at a pressure of approximately 1.5 bar, it is known to connect different elements of the air circuit by means of a fluid coupling in order to establish a fluid coupling between them and enable the circulation of air in the air circuit.

[0003] Known fluid couplers include at least one first fluid coupling element, such as a concave element, and at least one complementary second fluid coupling element, such as a convex element, which are arranged to be coupled to the first fluid coupling element.

[0004] However, due to the vibrations that a fluid coupler may be subject to in the coupled configuration, the first fluid coupling element and the second complementary element may become decoupled inopportunely.

[0005] It is known from EP3790758 to use a locking device that engages by means of a projection in a groove in the body of the first fluid coupling element. However, EP3790758 does not provide any other technical details on how the locking is achieved.

[0006] It is also known from GB1002565 that, in order to lock a second fluid coupling element in a first fluid coupling element, movable segments are used that are radially movable in a locking housing of the second fluid coupling element and are covered by the covering surface of a locking ring in the coupled configuration of the fluid coupler. However, the locking segments prevent the second fluid coupling element from being removed from the first fluid coupling element, but do not allow the second fluid coupling element to be locked without a longitudinal clearance.

[0007] It is also known from US2017 / 336005 that an outer sleeve is provided around the locking ring and the locking ring in the advanced locking position abuts against the outer sleeve, for example against the body, so that in the event of an emergency decoupling, the outer sleeve and the unlocking ring are driven backwards together to release the locking balls. This configuration is not ergonomic, especially for the locking action. This configuration does not protect the inner surface of the locking ring from dust contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a fluid coupling element that requires only one locking action, is ergonomic, reliable under demanding operating conditions, and compact.

[0009] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a fluid coupling element, which comprises:

[0010] - A body centered on the vertical axis, the body comprising:

[0011] ■ An inner receiver volume for a mating fluid coupling element, the inner receiver volume emerging from the body via a nozzle in the forward direction, and

[0012] ■ A plurality of housings, each housing extending through the body and leading radially inwards to the inner receiver volume;

[0013] - A locking element in each housing, which is movable in the housing between the following positions:

[0014] o An inner locking position, in which the locking element projects into the inner receiver volume and tends to engage with an outer locking throat of a mating fluid coupling element inserted into the inner receiver volume to prevent the mating fluid coupling element from being removed from the fluid coupling element, and

[0015] o An outer unlocking position, in which the locking element does not prevent the mating fluid coupling element (3) from being removed from the fluid coupling element; and

[0016] - A locking ring, which is slidably mounted around the body and includes an inner locking surface, the inner locking surface including:

[0017] o At least one flared surface, which diverges in the forward direction, and

[0018] o A cylindrical covering surface, which is continuously arranged with the flared surface in the backward direction opposite to the forward direction, and the locking ring is longitudinally movable relative to the body of the fluid coupling element between the following positions:

[0019] o A forward locking position, in which the locking ring abuts against the body forwardly, and the covering surface radially surrounds the locking element and holds it in the inner locking position, and

[0020] o A retracted unlocking position, in which the locking ring does not prevent the locking element in the corresponding housing from moving to its outer unlocking position,

[0021] while the flared surface tends to radially cooperate with the locking element between the forward locking position and the retracted unlocking position of the locking ring.

[0022] According to the present invention, the fluid coupling element further comprises:

[0023] - A piston, which is arranged around the body and around the locking ring and is longitudinally movable relative to the body and relative to the locking ring,

[0024] - A first spring, which pushes the piston in the forward direction of the fluid coupling element to a position where the piston abuts against the body in the forward direction.

[0025] As defined by the present invention, the flared surface is inclined to cooperate radially with the locking element between the forward locking position and the retracted unlocking position of the locking ring, which means that the cooperation between the flared surface and the locking element can occur during all or part of the travel of the locking ring between the two aforementioned positions. More particularly, near and / or at the locking position, the flared surface may not cooperate with the locking element during part of its travel.

[0026] By the present invention, more particularly by the piston and the locking ring, the coupling between the fluid coupling element and the mating fluid coupling element is facilitated because such coupling only requires operating the locking ring between the forward position and the retracted position relative to the body and arranging the piston around the locking ring to protect the locking ring and limit the entry of dust at the flared surface, the cylindrical covering surface and the housing. Additionally, in the coupling configuration of the fluid coupling element and the mating fluid coupling element, the cylindrical covering surface holds the locking element in an internal position such that the locking element does not exert a longitudinal force on the locking ring.

[0027] According to other advantageous aspects of the present invention, the fluid coupling element includes one or more of the following features, individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0028] - The locking element has an elongate section with an inner end in the form of a part-sphere and an outer end in the form of a part-sphere, the inner end and the outer end being disposed on opposite sides of a cylindrical intermediate portion that mates with the associated housing, and each housing extends in a respective direction that is radial with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0029] - For each locking element, a lateral pin that fits rigidly to the locking element protrudes from the outer surface of the locking element. For each housing, at least one lateral groove extends transversely into the housing and radially out on the outer radial face of the body, and the lateral pin engages in the lateral groove such that when the locking element moves from its inner locked position to its outer unlocked position, or vice versa, the lateral pin moves into the lateral groove and the bottom of the lateral groove forms a stop on the lateral pin that limits the movement of the locking element in the housing towards the inner receiving volume, and the longitudinal axis of the lateral pin is inclined with respect to a radial plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and with respect to a longitudinal plane extending through the longitudinal axis.

[0030] - At least one second spring exerts a force on the locking ring that resists the movement of the locking ring towards its retracted unlocking position, at least when the locking ring is in the forward locking position.

[0031] - The second spring is interposed between the locking ring and the body of the fluid coupling element and pushes the locking ring back to its forward locking position, and in the non-coupled configuration of the fluid coupling element, the locking ring is in the forward locking position;

[0032] - A bayonet coupler is formed between the body of the fluid coupling element and the locking ring by the cooperation of at least one pin and a helical groove. The groove has a notch forming the first end of the groove. When the locking ring is in the advanced locking position, the pin cooperates with the notch of the groove, and each second spring resists the movement of the pin out of the notch. And when the pin cooperates with the second end of the groove opposite to the first end, the locking ring is in the retracted unlocking position;

[0033] - The piston includes a front base and a rear skirt mounted around the locking ring. The front base is in clearance fit with the reduced radial surface of the outer radial surface of the body. At all positions of the locking ring relative to the body between the retracted unlocking position and the advanced locking position, the locking ring is radially covered by the rear skirt of the piston with a reduced radial clearance;

[0034] - At least in the configuration decoupled from the fluid coupling element, the piston protrudes from the body in the forward direction;

[0035] - The locking ring includes an inner chamfer diverging in the forward direction. In the retracted position for unlocking the locking ring, the locking ring abuts against the body at the rear, and the inner chamfer longitudinally faces the locking element. And in the retracted position for unlocking the locking ring, the piston radially abuts against the outside of the locking element;

[0036] - The body of the fluid coupling element includes an outer circumferential throat having a distal surface. The outer circumferential throat is not covered by the locking ring in the advanced locking position and is radially covered by the locking ring in the retracted unlocking position. And when the distal surface of the outer circumferential throat of the body is in the same radial plane as the rear end face of the locking ring, the covering surface of the locking ring holds the locking element in the inner locking position;

[0037] - The locking ring has an operating throat, and the body of the fluid coupling element has an operating throat. The operating throat of the locking ring and the operating throat of the body are configured to accommodate a tool for longitudinally moving the locking ring relative to the body. And at least when the locking ring is longitudinally in the intermediate position between the advanced locking position and the retracted unlocking position and the advanced locking position, the operating throat on the body is exposed by the locking ring.

[0038] Another subject of the present invention is a fluid coupler, which includes the fluid coupling element as described above and a mating fluid coupling element. The mating fluid coupling element includes a mating body forming an outer locking throat.

[0039] According to other advantageous aspects of the present invention, the fluid coupler includes one or more of the following features individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0040] - The bracket is longitudinally attached to the mating body and includes a front face disposed around the mating fluid coupling element. In the coupling configuration of the fluid coupler, the fluid coupler is configured such that

[0041] o The locking element is incorporated in the outer locking throat and is in contact with the inclined distal surface of the throat,

[0042] o The front of the piston abuts longitudinally against the front of the support, and

[0043] o The piston is offset in the backward direction relative to its position of front abutment against the body.

[0044] - The ratio between the following angles is in the range of 7 to 12, preferably greater than 10:

[0045] o The angle defined between the inclined distal surface of the outer locking throat and the longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element,

[0046] o And the angle defined between the flared face and the longitudinal axis of the fluid coupling element.

[0047] - The mating body includes a stepped radial outer surface, and the body of the fluid coupling element has a stepped radial inner surface defining an inner receiver volume, the stepped radial outer surface and the stepped radial inner surface being configured to mate by complementary shapes during coupling of the fluid coupler. Description of the Drawings

[0048] The present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description given by way of example only (but not limited thereto) and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a fluid coupler according to a first embodiment, the present invention including a fluid coupling element according to the present invention and a mating fluid coupling element, the coupling elements being shown in an uncoupled configuration.

[0050] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the larger cross-section of the coupling element shown along Figure 1 section II-II shown.

[0051] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 the partial longitudinal section of the fluid coupler shown along Figure 4 section III-III shown.

[0052] Figure 4 is the larger view of box IV Figure 1 without the piston and without the locking ring.

[0053] Figure 5 is Figures 1 to 4 the longitudinal half-section of the fluid coupling element shown, the coupling element being shown in an uncoupled configuration.

[0054] Figure 6 is Figures 1 to 5Longitudinal section of the fluid coupler shown, with the coupling elements shown in an intermediate configuration during coupling.

[0055] Figure 7 is in Figure 6 configuration, Figures 1 to 6 the fluid coupler shown along Figure 6 the larger cross-section of section VII-VII shown.

[0056] Figure 8 is in Figure 6 configuration, Figures 1 to 7 the fluid coupler shown along Figure 6 the larger cross-section of section VIII-VIII shown.

[0057] Figure 9 is Figures 1 to 8 the longitudinal section of the fluid coupler shown, compared with Figure 6 the fluid coupler is shown in a coupled configuration.

[0058] Figure 10 is in Figure 9 configuration, Figures 1 to 9 the fluid coupler shown along Figure 9 the larger cross-section of section X-X shown.

[0059] Figure 11 is the longitudinal section of a fluid coupler according to a second embodiment of the present invention, including a fluid coupling element and a mating fluid coupling element, with the coupling elements shown in an uncoupled configuration.

[0060] Figure 12 is Figure 11 the longitudinal section of the fluid coupler shown, with the fluid coupler shown in a coupled configuration.

[0061] Figure 13 is Figure 11 and Figure 12 the larger cross-section of the coupling elements shown along Figure 12 section XIII-XIII shown.

[0062] Figure 14 is Figures 11 to 13 the larger cross-section of the fluid coupler shown along Figure 12 section XIV-XIV shown.

[0063] Figure 15 is Figures 11 to 14 the larger side view of the fluid coupler in the coupled configuration shown. Detailed Description

[0064] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the fluid coupler 1 is in Figures 1 to 10Shown and included therein is a fluid coupling element 50 (herein a concave fluid coupling element) and a mating fluid coupling element 3 (herein a convex coupling element) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 9 it, in a coupling configuration of the fluid coupler 1, the coupling element 50 receives the mating fluid coupling element 3 as a fitting to form a detachable connection of two tubes or conduits.

[0065] Generally speaking, for each of the coupling elements 3 and 50, a front side facing the other element at the start of assembly and a rear side opposite the other element at the start of assembly are defined. The forward direction of the coupling element is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element and towards the front of the coupling element. On the other hand, the backward direction of the coupling element is parallel to the longitudinal axis and towards the rear of the element. For the constituent elements of the coupling element, the adjective "inner" refers to radially towards the longitudinal axis of the coupling element, and the adjective "outer" refers to radially opposite to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element.

[0066] X1 represents the longitudinal axis of the fluid coupler 1.

[0067] X50 represents the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 50, and X3 represents the longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element 3. During assembly and in the coupling configuration of the coupling elements 3 and 50, the longitudinal axes X3 and X50 coincide and are aligned with the longitudinal axis X1.

[0068] The mating fluid coupling element 3 includes a mating body 5, herein a convex body. The mating body 5 is tubular and is traversed exactly by a mating inner channel 7 centered on the longitudinal axis X3. The mating body 5 includes an outer radial surface 9 forming an outer locking throat 11, a front end 13 arranged forward relative to the outer locking throat 11, and a threaded rear end 15 arranged rearward relative to the outer locking throat 11. The front end 13 is longitudinally bounded by a distal surface 12, which is connected to the outer radial surface 9 by a chamfer 14.

[0069] The outer locking throat 11 is bounded at the front by a frustoconical distal inclined surface 17. The distal surface 17 is inclined at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis X3, and the angle α is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably in the range of 40° to 60°, and herein equals 50°. The angle α is taken from the front side of the distal surface 17 and diverges forward in the forward direction A1 of the mating coupling element 3. The outer locking throat 11 is also bounded by a cylindrical bottom 19, which is continuous with the rearwardly inclined distal surface 17 along the backward direction A2 of the mating coupling element 3.

[0070] For the present specification, terms such as "axial", "radial", and "longitudinal" are defined with respect to the longitudinal axes X1, X3, or X50 of the respective coupling elements. For example, for the mating body 5, the axial surface of the mating body 5 extends perpendicular to the axis X3, and the radial surface of the mating body 5 extends parallel to and around the axis X3. Terms such as "forward" and "distal" refer to the forward direction A1 when referring to the mating coupling element 3. Terms such as "rear" and "proximal" refer to the rearward direction A2 opposite to the forward direction A1 when referring to the mating coupling element 3. The "front surface" is oriented in the forward direction A1, and the "rear surface" is oriented along the rearward direction A2.

[0071] Advantageously, the outer radial surface 9 is stepped between the locking throat 11 and the distal face 12, i.e., the outer radial surface has a plurality of outer diameters, in this example, a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2 smaller than D1, and the outer diameters decrease along the forward direction A1.

[0072] The fluid coupler 1 also preferably includes a bracket 25 that defines a housing 27, an axial front face 28, and an inner conduit 29, which in this context is the inner conduit of the pantograph slider. Advantageously, but not mandatorily, the bracket 25 is multi-part. The housing 27 is for receiving the rear end 15. The mating coupling element 3 is designed to be fastened with the bracket 25 to couple to the inner conduit 29, such that the front face 28 of the bracket 25 is disposed around the mating fluid coupling element 3. The mating body 5 protrudes from the front portion of the bracket 25 along the forward direction A1. More particularly, the front end 13 and the outer locking throat 11 are disposed in front of the front face 28 of the bracket 25 along the forward direction A1.

[0073] The fluid coupler 1 also includes a nut 31 and a lock nut 33 that is screwed onto the thread of the rear end 15 that is incorporated in the housing 27 to rigidly attach the mating body 5 to the bracket 25 along the longitudinal axis X3 in a fixed configuration, wherein the mating coupling element 3 is fastened with the bracket 25. In the fixed configuration, the mating inner channel 7 is fluidly connected to the inner conduit 29. In the fixed configuration, the bracket 25 is mounted around the mating body 5. The front face 28 of the bracket 25 is longitudinally fixed relative to the mating body 5 along the axis X3. In the following of the specification, the mating body 5 and the bracket 25 are considered in the fixed configuration.

[0074] The fluid coupler 1 also includes a front seal 35 and an O-ring 37. The front seal 35 is received in the proximal face 39 of the rear end 15 to provide a sealed contact between the proximal face 39 and the inner surface 41 of the bracket 25. The seal ring 37 is received in a radial groove 43 of the outer radial surface 9, and the outer radial surface is longitudinally disposed between the outer locking throat 11 and the distal face 12.

[0075] The fluid coupling element 50 includes a body 51, a locking ring 53, a plurality of locking elements 55, a piston 57, a first spring 59 and (advantageously) a second spring 61. The body 51 is tubular and centered on a longitudinal axis X50.

[0076] Advantageously, the components 53, 57, 59 and 61 are also centered on the longitudinal axis X50.

[0077] The body 51 consists of a front part 63 forming a front outer radial face 62 and a mouth 64 and a rear part 65 forming a rear outer radial face 60, the front and rear parts being configured to be coupled to a rigid tube 66 or a flexible hose, for example to a compressed air source. The front part 63 and the rear part 65 are threadedly connected to each other. The coupling element 50 also includes a seal 67 interposed between the front part 63 and the rear part 65.

[0078] For the sake of clarity of the drawings, the tube 66 is only shown Figure 1 in an external view.

[0079] Terms such as "forward" and "distal" when referring to the coupling element 50 refer to a forward direction B1 opposite to the forward direction A1. Terms such as "rear" and "proximal" when referring to the coupling element 50 refer to a backward direction B2 opposite to the forward direction B1. The "front surface" is oriented in the forward direction B1 and the "rear surface" is oriented along the backward direction B2.

[0080] The body 51 is exactly traversed by an inner channel 69 which opens out of the body 51 at the mouth 64 and forms an inner receiver volume 71 of the mating body 5 of the mating coupling element 3 in the front part 63. The inner receiver volume 71 projects out of the body 51 through the mouth 64 in the forward direction B1. The inner receiver volume 71 is delimited by an inner radial face 73 of the front part 63 which is advantageously stepped, i.e. has a plurality of inner diameters, in this example a first inner diameter D1', a second inner diameter D2' and a third inner diameter D3'. The third inner diameter D3' must be smaller than the second inner diameter D2', and the second inner diameter must be smaller than the first inner diameter D1'. The inner diameters D1', D2' and D3' decrease along the backward direction B2.

[0081] The inner channel 69 has no check valve or closing device.

[0082] The rear part 65 has an outer circumferential throat 68 and an outer operating throat 70 delimited by an outer surface for supporting a tool 139. The outer circumferential throat 68 is arranged in front of the operating throat 70 in the direction B1. The outer circumferential throat 68 has a distal surface 72.

[0083] The body 51 includes an outer gasket 75 on the front portion 63. The gasket 75 projects radially from the front outer radial face 62 and is radially delimited by the outer radial face 77. The gasket 75 delimits a plurality of housings 79 for receiving the locking elements 55. The locking elements 55 are received in each housing 79. Here, there are six identical housings 79.

[0084] In a variant, the number of housings 79 is equal to the number of locking elements 55, not six, but still greater than or equal to 2.

[0085] In the following description of the specification, it is considered that the locking elements 55 are installed in the corresponding housings 79.

[0086] The housings 79 are advantageously cylindrical and are each centered along a direction R79 that is radial to the longitudinal axis X50. The housings 79 pass through the gasket 75, i.e., open towards the interior of the front portion 63 into the inner receiver volume 71 and open towards the exterior of the front portion 63 at the outer radial face 77 of the gasket 75. As Figure 2 shown, the housings 79 are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X50.

[0087] Advantageously, in each housing 79, the gasket 75 has two lateral grooves 81 that are hollowed out from the outer radial face 77 of the gasket 75, face each other, and extend into the housing 79 in a transverse direction that is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the radial R79 of the housing 79. For each housing 79, the two associated lateral grooves 81 are preferably exactly opposite each other along the radial R79 of the housing 79. The lateral grooves 81 do not extend into the inner receiver volume 71, and the bottom 83 of each lateral groove 81 forms an inner stop for the locking element 55.

[0088] The locking elements 55 (six in the present case) are identical elongate rotary parts and include an outer surface 85. A55 denotes the central axis of the locking element 55. When the locking element 55 is mounted in the housing 79, each central axis A55 is aligned radially R79. The outer diameter D55 of each locking element 55 taken exactly along the central axis A55 is substantially the same as the inner diameter D79 of the associated housing 79 taken exactly along the radial R79. Advantageously, the locking element 55 is an elongate section including an inner end 87 shaped as a part of a sphere (more particularly a hemispherical part) and an outer end 89 shaped as a part of a sphere (more particularly a hemispherical part), the inner and outer ends being arranged on either side of a cylindrical intermediate part 91. As shown, the dimension taken exactly along the central axis A55 of each of the inner end 87 and the outer end 89 is less than or equal to the diameter D55, and the diameter of the parts of the sphere forming the inner and outer ends is preferably equal to the diameter D55. The geometry of the locking element 55 in the form of an elongate section arranged radially R79 together with a sphere of the same radial size and an inner receiver volume 71 of equal diameter is used to reduce the longitudinal size of the body 51 of the fluid coupling element 50 and to place more locking elements 55 around the longitudinal axis X50.

[0089] Each locking element 55 is received in an associated housing 79, and the shape of the intermediate part 91 with an outer diameter D55 matches the shape of the housing 79 with an inner diameter D79. Each locking element 55 can be translated along the radial R79 within its corresponding housing 79 between an inner locked position and an outer unlocked position.

[0090] When in the inner locked position, the locking element 55 projects into the inner receiver volume 71. When in the outer unlocked position, the locking element 55 does not project into the inner receiver volume 71.

[0091] As Figure 3 shown, each locking element 55 is advantageously traversed by a transverse pin 93 which projects from the outer surface 85 of the locking element 55 at two points which are preferably diametrically opposite when considering the central axis A55. Each transverse pin 93 is mounted in the housing by being clamped by the locking element 55 and is thus rigidly attached to the associated locking element 55. Each transverse pin 93 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section. When the associated locking element 55 is received in the associated housing 79, the two ends of the transverse pin 93 rigidly attached to the locking element engage in lateral slots 81 of the housing 79.

[0092] When the locking element 55 moves from its inner locked position to its outer unlocked position within the associated housing 79, or vice versa, its lateral pin 93 moves within the lateral slot 81 of the housing. The bottom 83 restricts the movement of the lateral pin 93 towards the longitudinal axis X50, thereby restricting the radial movement of the locking element 55 within the housing 79 towards the longitudinal axis X50. In other words, when moving towards the longitudinal axis X50, the bottom 83 forms an inner stop for the locking element 55.

[0093] Advantageously, each lateral pin 93 extends along a lateral axis T93 which extends in a plane P1 that is orthogonally radial to the longitudinal axis X50. As Figure 4 shown, each lateral axis T93 also extends along a respective inclined direction D with respect to the longitudinal plane P2 (which extends through the central axis A55 of the associated locking element 55) and with respect to the radial plane P3 (which extends through the central axis A55 of the associated locking element 55) that is radial to the longitudinal axis X50. In the configuration in which the locking element 55 is mounted in the associated housing 79, the longitudinal plane P2 and the radial plane P3 include a straight line that is aligned with the radius R79 of the housing 79. The inclination angle β of each inclined direction D with respect to the associated longitudinal plane P2 is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably equal to 45. The inclination angle γ of each inclined direction D with respect to the associated radial plane P3 is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably equal to 45. The inclination of each inclined direction D reduces the longitudinal size of the spacer ring 75 and thus reduces the longitudinal size of the body 51, such that more locking elements 55 can be provided around the longitudinal axis X50.

[0094] The locking ring 53 is a hollow rotary part that forms an inner radial face 95 and an outer surface 96, and the inner radial face defines the inner volume 97 of the locking ring 53. The locking ring 55 has a front skirt 99, a rear skirt 101, and an inner spacer ring 103 that projects radially from the inner radial face 95. The front skirt 99 and the rear skirt 101 extend longitudinally on both sides of the inner spacer ring 103.

[0095] The front skirt 99 is defined by a distal surface 104 that faces forward, and the distal surface includes an inner chamfer 106 that diverges forward with respect to the longitudinal axis X50 by an angle preferably equal to 45°.

[0096] The front skirt 99 forms an inner locking face 105, and the inner locking face forms a part of the inner radial face 95 and includes a frustoconical flared face 107 and an overlapping face 109.

[0097] The overlapping face 109 is cylindrical, i.e., has a constant overlapping diameter D109, and is centered on the longitudinal axis X50.

[0098] The coverage surface 109 is arranged behind and in continuation with the flared surface 107 along the direction B2. The flared surface 107 diverges forward along the direction B1. The flared surface 107 is advantageously inclined at an angle δ in the inner volume 97 with respect to the longitudinal axis X50, the angle δ being in the range of 2° to 12°, preferably in the range of 2° to 7°, and being equal to 5° herein. Through the continuation of the overlapping surface 109 and the flared surface 107, the overlapping diameter D109 corresponds to the minimum diameter of the flared surface 107.

[0099] On the outer surface 96 that is radially continuous with the inner liner 103, the front skirt 99 also has a front circumferential throat 111.

[0100] The rear skirt 101 is defined by the rear end face 108 facing backward. On the inner radial surface 95, the rear skirt 101 has a rear circumferential throat 113. On the outer surface 96, the rear skirt 101 also includes another outer operating throat 115 defined by the outer surface of the support of the tool 139, and this outer operating throat is arranged behind the front circumferential throat 111 along the direction B2.

[0101] When assembling the coupling element 50, the O-ring 117 is inserted into the rear circumferential throat 113, and the seal 118 is inserted into the front circumferential throat 111. The locking ring 53 is mounted around the body 51, and the body 51 is received in the inner volume 97.

[0102] In the following of the specification, the body 51 and the locking ring 53 are considered to be assembled together.

[0103] The locking ring 53 can slide longitudinally relative to the body 51 between a forward locking position and a retracted unlocking position. The inner radial surface 120 of the inner liner 103 tends to cooperate with the front outer radial surface 62 with a reduced radial clearance, thereby guiding the sliding movement of the locking ring 53 relative to the body 51 between the forward locking position and the retracted unlocking position, and accurately positioning the locking ring 53 around the body 51 in the coupled configuration.

[0104] In this specification, the concept of a reduced radial clearance encompasses the fact that the parts are mounted around each other in such a way that they can slide but it is not possible to have a significant radial displacement relative to each other.

[0105] In the uncoupled configuration, that is, when the operator does not act on the locking ring 53, the locking ring 53 is in the forward locking position.

[0106] When the locking ring 53 is in the forward locking position, as Figure 1 or Figure 9As shown, the overlapping surface 109 of the inner locking surface 105 radially surrounds the locking element 55 and holds it in the inner locking position. Then, the front surface 119 of the inner liner 103 abuts against the rear axial surface 121 of the liner 75. The O-ring 117 contacts the rear outer radial surface 60 and forms a barrier, more particularly a dust barrier, between the outside and the inner volume 97 of the fluid coupler 1 at the rear of the locking ring 53.

[0107] When the locking ring 53 is in the retracted unlocked position, as Figure 5 shown, the locking ring 53 does not prevent the locking element 55 from moving to its outer unlocked position within its respective housing 79. Then, the rear surface 123 of the inner liner 103 abuts against the rear portion 65.

[0108] Advantageously, the second spring 61 is a compression spring and is inserted into the inner volume 97 around the body 51 during assembly and abuts against the rear portion 65 of the body 51 and the inner liner 103 of the locking ring 53. The spring 61 exerts an elastic force on the locking ring 53 that pushes the locking ring 53 towards its advanced locking position and prevents the locking ring 53 from moving towards its retracted position. More particularly, when the longitudinal axis X50 is vertical and the mouth 64 of the body 51 of the fluid coupling element 50 faces upwards, the magnitude of the elastic force of the second spring 61 can maintain the locking ring 53 in the advanced locking position in the uncoupled configuration.

[0109] The piston 57 is a hollow rotating part, consisting of a rear skirt 125 and a front base 127 arranged in front of the rear skirt 125 along the direction B1. The front base 127 has a front surface 129 and an inner radial surface 131. The front surface 129 forms the end face of the piston 57 along the forward direction B1.

[0110] A front seal 132, such as a flat seal, is mounted on the front surface 129 of the piston and is configured to contact the front surface 28 of the mating body 5 with the rigid fitting of the bracket 25 during the coupling of the coupling elements 3 and 50.

[0111] As Figure 1 、 5 、6 and 9 show, when assembling the fluid coupling element 50, the piston 57 is mounted around the body 51 and around the locking ring 53. In other words, the piston 57 is mounted outside the inner receiver volume 71 and outside the inner channel 69. The rear skirt 125 of the piston 57 is mounted around the front skirt 99 of the locking ring 53, and the front base 127 is partially mounted around the body 51. The front base 127 protrudes from the body 51 beyond the mouth 64 at least in the uncoupled configuration.

[0112] The piston 57 can translate longitudinally relative to the locking ring 53 and relative to the body 51. The inner radial face 131 and the front outer radial face 62 are mounted with a reduced radial clearance so as to guide the sliding movement of the piston 57 relative to the body 51 of the coupling element 50. The rear skirt 125 of the piston 57 is also mounted with a reduced radial clearance around the locking ring 53 so as to guide the sliding movement of the locking ring 53 relative to the piston 57 between the advanced position and the retracted position.

[0113] The body 51 includes a stop ring 133 which is fastened to the front portion 63 of the body 51 after the piston 57 is mounted around the body 51. The stop section 133 is longitudinally rigidly fitted to the front portion 63 of the body 51. The stop section 133 is disposed in front of the gasket 75. The stop section forms the rear surface of the body 51 which is adapted to cooperate with the front surface of the piston 57 to form a front stop which limits the longitudinal translation of the piston 57 relative to the body 51 in the forward direction B1. The cooperation of the piston 57 with the stop section 133 of the body 51 allows for the precise longitudinal placement of the front face 129 of the piston 57 relative to the housing 79 of the body 51. The piston 57 abuts against the front of the body 51 in the uncoupled configuration.

[0114] By way of example and not limitation, the stop section can be a snap ring mounted in a circumferential throat on the outer periphery of the front portion 63.

[0115] In the following of the specification, it is considered that the piston 57 is mounted around the body 51 and the locking ring 53, and that the stop section 133 is fastened to the body 51.

[0116] The first spring 59 is a compression spring. During the assembly of the fluid coupling element 50, the first spring 59 is interposed between the piston 57 and the body 51. More precisely, the first spring 59 abuts against the rear of the front axial face 135 of the gasket 75 and abuts against the front of the rear face 137 of the front base 127. The first spring 59 exerts an elastic force of 80 to 250 daN on the piston 57, preferably approximately 250 daN, and pushes the piston 57 in the direction B1 towards the front of the body 51. The elastic force of the first spring 59 on the piston is at least 50 times greater, preferably at least 100 times greater, than the elastic force of the second spring 61 on the locking ring 53.

[0117] As Figure 1As shown, in the configuration at the start of coupling the fluid coupling element 50 and the mating fluid coupling element 3, the fluid coupling element 50 and the mating fluid coupling element 3 are aligned by the operator, i.e., the longitudinal axes X50 and X3 of the fluid coupling element 50 and the mating fluid coupling element 3 are aligned along the longitudinal axis X1. The front 28 faces the front 129 along the longitudinal axis X1. More particularly, the longitudinal axis X1 is vertical, and the front end 13 of the mating fluid coupling element 3 points downward while the rear end 15 points upward. The locking ring 53 is in the advanced locking position, and the locking element 55 is in the inner locking position and protrudes into the inner receiver volume 71.

[0118] Then the locking ring 53 is retracted by the operator to the retracted unlocking position to achieve Figure 5 the first intermediate coupling configuration shown. The locking element 55 moves freely in its housing 79. The inner chamfer 106 faces the locking element 55 longitudinally but does not radially cooperate with the locking element 55. The piston 57 forms a radial abutment against the outside of the locking element 55.

[0119] Then the operator brings the fluid coupling element 50 and the mating fluid coupling element 3 together, so that the mating body 5 is incorporated into the inner receiver volume 71. Then the locking ring 53 covers the circumferential throat 68 and the operating throat 70 on the outer periphery of the rear part 65 of the body 51, which enables the operator to see that the fluid coupler 1 is not in the coupling configuration.

[0120] Then the locking element 55 is gradually pushed by the mating body 5 along the direction B2 towards the rear part of the coupling element 50 to the outer unlocking position, where the locking element 55 does not prevent the mating body 5 from entering the inner receiver volume 71. The chamfer 14 facilitates the movement of the locking element 55 to the outer unlocking position. The mating body 5 is incorporated into the inner receiver volume 71 without jamming through the mating of the stepped outer radial surface 9 and the stepped inner radial surface 73. The seal 37 supported by the mating body 5 contacts the inner radial surface 73 of the body 51, so that the inner channel 69 of the fluid coupling element 50 and the mating inner channel 7 of the mating fluid coupling element 5 are in fluid communication in a leak - proof manner. Fluid (such as air) can thus flow from the inner channel 69 to the mating inner channel 7, or vice versa.

[0121] The mating body 5 is incorporated into the inner receiver volume 71 until the inclined distal surface 17 of the outer locking throat 11 is radially opposite to the locking element 55. The locking ring 53, released by the operator and pushed back by the second spring 61, pushes the locking element 55 into the outer locking throat 11 by the radial cooperation of the flared surface 107 with the locking element 55 to contact the inclined distal surface 17. The inner chamfer 106 of the front skirt 99 of the locking ring 53 facilitates the movement of the locking element 55 towards its corresponding inner locking position.

[0122] At the same time, when the inclined distal surface 17 of the outer locking throat 11 is radially opposite to the locking element 55, the front seal 132 supported by the piston 57 contacts the front surface 28 of the bracket 25 of the mating coupling element 3.

[0123] Then, the locking ring 53 in the second coupling configuration visible in Figure 6 is longitudinally disposed along the axis X1 at an intermediate position between the advanced locking position and the retracted unlocking position. Then the operating throat 70 is exposed by the locking ring 53.

[0124] Due to the high elastic force of the first spring 59, it is no longer necessary to manually further advance the mating body 5 in the body 51. Due to the elastic force of the second spring 61, the locking ring 53 is maintained at the intermediate position of the second coupling configuration, more particularly when the longitudinal axis X50 is vertical and the mouth 64 of the body 51 of the fluid coupling element 50 is upward, and the mating body 5 and the body 51 are still hooked together, the locking element 55 resists the removal of the mating body 5 from the fluid coupling element 50 under the sole gravity of the fluid coupling element 50.

[0125] Then Figure 6 、 7 and the tool 139 visible in 8 is assembled in the operating throat 70 of the rear part 65 and the operating throat 115 of the locking ring 53. The tool 139 is, for example, a pair of pliers with parallel jaws, and the jaws 140a and 140b respectively incorporated in the operating throat 70 of the rear part 65 and the operating throat 115 of the locking ring 53 can move closer to or away from each other along the longitudinal axis X. The tool 139 is used to longitudinally move the operating throat 70 and the operating throat 115 apart, so that the locking ring 53 moves towards its advanced position relative to the body 51 of the fluid coupling element 50. The flaring surface 107 moves into radial contact with the outer end 89 of the locking element 55. The forward movement of the locking ring 53 exerts a radially inward movement on the locking element 55 in contact with the flaring surface 107, so that the mating body 5 (front abutting against the piston 57 through the bracket 25) is displaced towards the rear of the body 51 along the direction B2 against the elastic force exerted by the first spring 59.

[0126] The locking element 55 is held in contact with the flared surface 107 by the high elastic force of the first spring 59. Advantageously, the ratio between the angle α and the angle δ is in the range of 4 to 12, preferably in the range of 7 to 12, equal to 10 herein, and preferably greater than 10, which reduces the stroke of the locking ring 53. Then the movement of the locking ring 53 in contact with the locking element 55 results in a movement of the outer locking throat 11 in contact with the locking element 55 that is at least 5 times less, preferably at least 15 times less, and preferably at least 20 times less. The ratio between the angle α and the angle δ also limits the stroke of the piston 57 between the uncoupled configuration and the coupled configuration against the first spring 59 and thus limits the coupling force. Accordingly, the first spring 59 pushes the piston 57 back in the forward direction B1 so that the front face 129 of the piston 57 abuts longitudinally against the front face 28 of the bracket 25.

[0127] The overlapping surface 109 radially surrounds the locking element 55 and the locking element 55 has reached its corresponding inner locking position. Accordingly, the locking element 55 radially mates with the flared surface 107 over a portion of the stroke of the locking ring 53 between the retracted unlocked position and the advanced locked position and then radially mates with the overlapping surface 109 over another portion of the stroke of the locking ring 53 between the retracted unlocked position and the advanced locked position.

[0128] The mating body 5 stops moving forward towards the front of the body 51. The locking element 55 is held in the inner locking position by the overlapping surface 109, in which the locking element engages in the outer locking throat 11 and prevents the mating body 5 from being removed from the fluid coupling element 50.

[0129] The locking ring 53 is pushed forward along the direction B1 until its advanced locked position, in which the front surface 119 of the inner lining ring 103 abuts against the rear axial face 121 of the lining ring 75 of the body 51, and the overlapping surface 109 overlaps with the outer end 89 of the locking element 55. The locking element 55 is in the inner position, but the transverse pin 93 does not abut against the bottom 83 of the lateral groove 81 internally, thus not hindering locking.

[0130] In the advanced position of the locking ring 53, the coupled configuration is achieved, as Figure 9 shown. The locking ring 53 exposes the outer circumferential throat 68, and the distal surface 72 of the outer circumferential throat 68 of the body 51 lies in the same radial plane as the rear end surface 108 of the locking ring 53 or is offset forward relative to the rear end surface 108 of the locking ring 53, which enables the operator to see that the fluid coupler 1 is in the coupled configuration. The tool 139 can be removed. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the elastic pin 141 is elastically deformed by the operator and engages in the outer circumferential throat 68 to abut against the backward movement of the locking ring 53 along the direction B2 and hold the locking ring 53 in the advanced locked position.

[0131] The resilient pin 141 will only be tensioned when the locking ring 53 is pulled backward, because the restoring force exerted by the first spring 59 on the locking ring 53 is not transmitted to the locking ring 53 due to the cylindrical contact between the locking element 55 and the overlapping surface 109, and no longitudinal force is generated.

[0132] In the coupling configuration of the fluid coupler 1, the mating body 5 abuts longitudinally against the front face 129 of the piston 57 via the bracket 25 and the front seal 132. The longitudinal abutment between the front face 28 and the front face 129 is generated by the front seal 132 and is thus a sealed contact. The bracket 25 has pushed the piston 57 back against the first spring 59 by approximately 1 mm, so that the piston 57 no longer abuts against the front of the stop ring 133, and the piston covers the seal 118 supported by the front circumferential throat 111 of the locking ring 53 even more than in the uncoupled configuration to better prevent contamination. The piston 57 does not abut against the locking ring 53 at the back. Then the piston 57 is offset in the backward direction B2 relative to its position where it abuts against the front of the body 51. The locking ring 53 is in the advanced position. The rear end of the rear skirt 101 of the locking ring 53 is in sealed cooperation with the body 51 via the O-ring 117. Thus, the inner spaces radially defined between the body 51 and the piston 57, between the body 51 and the locking ring 53, and between the piston 57 and the locking ring 53 are protected from external dust, and in the case of failure of the seal 37, the seals 132, 117, 118 form a secondary sealing barrier on the one hand between the mating inner channel 7 and the inner channel 69 and on the other hand outside the fluid coupler 1.

[0133] During coupling, the longitudinal separating force of the operating throat 70 and the operating throat 115 must only resist the elastic force of the first spring 59 when the bracket 25 bears the front joint 132, i.e., only on the last part of the stroke of the locking ring 53 from the retracted unlocked position to the advanced locked position.

[0134] In the coupling configuration, due to the first spring 59, the longitudinal position of the piston 57 relative to the body 51 adapts to the longitudinal position of the front face 28 relative to the distal surface 17 of the outer locking throat 11.

[0135] If the fluid coupler 1 is vibrated in the coupling configuration, the first spring 59 pushes the inclined surface 17 into contact with the locking element 55 and limits the small movement between the mating body 5 and the body 51.

[0136] In the coupling configuration, the tube 66 is in fluid communication with the inner conduit 29 via the mating inner channel 7 and the inner channel 69.

[0137] Therefore, the coupling element 50 is configured to connect the tube 66 to the inner conduit 29 of the bracket 25.

[0138] To decouple the fluid coupler 1, the operator must remove the spring pin 141 and move the locking ring 53 to its retracted unlocked position. This movement is effected by means of a tool 139 after the operator has removed the pin 141, the tool being engaged in the operating throat 70 of the rear part 65 and the operating throat 115 of the locking ring 53, with the aim of bringing the operating throat 70 and the operating throat 115 closer together longitudinally. In the retracted unlocked position of the locking ring 53, the locking element 55 is free to move towards its respective outer unlocked position and releases the passage in the inner receiver volume 71 for the mating body 5, in order to prepare for the removal of the mating body 5 from the body 51 of the fluid coupling element 50 and the removal of the entire mating fluid coupling element 3 from the fluid coupling element 50. When the mating body 5 is disengaged from the fluid coupling element 50 and the tool 139 is released or any action of the operator on the locking ring 53 is released, the locking ring 53 returns to its advanced locking position by means of a second spring 61, the flared face 107 pushing the locking element 55 towards its inner locking position and the transverse pin 81 abutting against the bottom 83. When the mating body 5 is moved out of the body 51, the bracket 25 moves away from the piston 57, and the piston 57 is pushed back by a first spring 59 to abut against the front of the stop ring 133 and thus against the front of the body 51.

[0139] The coupling element is ready for a new coupling.

[0140] Thus, the coupling process of the fluid coupler 1 only requires the operation of the locking ring 53 between the advanced locking position and the retracted unlocked position relative to the body 51, which facilitates coupling.

[0141] In a variant (not shown), the front part 63 and the rear part 65 of the body 51 can be integral, i.e. formed from the same part.

[0142] Figures 11 to 15 There is shown a fluid coupler 1001 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which, apart from the features described below, is identical to the coupling assembly 1 of the first embodiment. The reference numerals of the fluid coupling device 1001 correspond to the reference numerals of the fluid coupling device 1 when the reference elements are identical. When referring to similar but modified elements in the coupling device 1001, the reference numerals are increased by 1000. If reference numerals are mentioned in the following description without being shown in Figures 11 to 15 or if a reference numeral is shown in one of the said drawings without being mentioned in the description, then the reference numeral refers to the same element as the element having the same reference numeral in the first embodiment.

[0143] The fluid coupling element 1050 includes a body 1051 which consists of a front part 1063, a rear part 1065 and an intermediate part 1138. The front part 1063 forms a nozzle 64. The front part 1063 is longitudinally held between the rear part 1065 for connection to a tube 66 and the intermediate part 1138 screwed onto the rear part 1065. The tube 66 is only shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 in an external view. A housing 79 is formed in the front part 1063.

[0144] The intermediate part 1138 is configured to penetrate into a mating inner channel 7 of a mating body 5 when a mating coupling element 3 is assembled into the body 1051. The inner receiver volume 71 of the mating body 5 is defined by the inner radial face of the front part 1063 and the outer radial face of the intermediate part 1138.

[0145] The locking ring 1053 consists of an inner part 1140 and an outer part 1142, the outer part being mounted around the inner part 1140 and rigidly fitting to the inner part 1140 with a seal inserted in between. As Figure 15 shown, the inner part 1140 includes three helical grooves 1143 radially passing through the inner part 1140. Each groove 1143 has boundaries, i.e., it does not extend at a first end 1145 and a second end 1147. The first end 1145 includes a notch 1149. The outer part 1142 protects the three grooves 1143 from external contamination.

[0146] The inner locking face 1105 supported by the inner part 1140 includes a covering face 1109 and a flared face 1107, and also includes a distal radial face 1155. The flared face 1107 is longitudinally disposed between the overlapping face 1109 and the distal radial face 1155. The distal radial face 1155 is not a continuation of the flared face 1107. In fact, the inner locking face 1105 has a shoulder 1157 in the form of an inner chamfer between the flared face 1107 and the distal radial face 1155.

[0147] As Figure 11 shown, when the locking ring 1053 is in a retracted unlocked position, the distal radial face 1155 radially overlaps with a locking element 55 at an outer unlocked position. The distal radial face 1155 forms an outer abutment of the locking element 55 and holds it in the housing 79. The function of the distal radial face 1155 is the same as the function performed by the piston 57 in the first embodiment.

[0148] The outer part 1142 has an inner radial face 1144 which includes a throat 1146. A seal 1148 is received in the rear part 1146. Preferably, the seal 1148 cooperates with the tube 66 to form a dust barrier between the inner volume of the locking ring 1053 and the exterior of the subsequent fluid coupling element 1050 in an uncoupled configuration.

[0149] The fluid coupling element 1050 includes three fingers 1150, which are respectively received in an elongate housing 1152 defined by a body 1051. Each finger 1150 can be translated along the longitudinal axis A1150 of the elongate housing 1152 that receives it. The three elongate housings 1152 are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X1050 of the fluid coupling element 1050, and the axes A1150 and X1050 are parallel, as Figure 11 , 12 and shown in FIG. 14.

[0150] The fluid coupling element 1050 advantageously includes three studs 1151. The studs 1151 are screwed onto the body 1051 without any possibility of movement. Each stud 1151 includes a head 1153, which, when the fluid coupling element 1050 is assembled, engages in an associated groove 1143 to form a bayonet coupling between the body 1051 and the locking ring 1053.

[0151] In the following of the specification, the coupling element 1050 is considered to be assembled.

[0152] Due to the bayonet coupling between the body 1051 and the locking ring 1053, the movement of the locking ring 1053 relative to the body 1051 is a combination of a rotational movement around the body 1051 and a longitudinal sliding movement relative to the body 1051. When the stud 1151 mates with the first end 1145 or the rear end of the groove 1143, the locking ring 1053 is in the advanced locked position. When the stud 1151 mates with the second end 1147 or the front end of the groove 1143, the locking ring 1053 is in the retracted unlocked position. The ends 1145 and 1147 of each groove 1143 face each other.

[0153] When the locking ring 1053 moves longitudinally relative to the body 1051 between its advanced locked position and its retracted unlocked position, the bayonet coupling between the body 1051 and the locking ring 1053 can reduce the force applied to the locking ring 1053, thereby obtaining the movement of the mating body 5 against the first spring 59 to reach the coupling configuration from the second intermediate coupling configuration. Through the bayonet coupling, in order to achieve the coupling configuration from the second intermediate coupling configuration, it is not necessary or even not required to use a tool such as the tool 139 described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0154] The front seal 1132 supported by the front face 129 of the piston 57 is an O-ring.

[0155] The fluid coupler 1001 includes three second springs 1061 that are respectively received in the elongate housings 1152 and are interposed between the body 1051 and the locking ring 1053 by the fingers 1150.

[0156] For each finger portion 1150, the rear end 1159 opposite the associated second spring 1061 is held by the associated second spring 1061 in rear abutment with the exterior 1142 of the locking ring 1053, resiliently urging the locking ring 1053 towards the retracted unlocked position.

[0157] When the locking ring 1053 is in the advanced locked position, as Figure 12 and Figure 15 shown, the elastic force of the second spring 1061 pushes the pin 1151 back into contact with the notch 1149 of the slot 1143. Due to the geometry of the notch 1149, rotation of the stud 1151 is prevented as long as the stud 1151 is not pushed back towards the rear of the locking ring 1053. In other words, the second spring 1061 prevents the stud 1151 from moving out of the notch 1149, which prevents untimely rotation of the locking ring 1053 towards the retracted unlocked position.

[0158] The coupling step of the coupler 1001 is similar to the coupling step of the coupler 1 of the first embodiment, except that there is no intermediate configuration, such as Figure 6 shown, in which the locking ring 1053 of the fluid coupling element 1050 is in the retracted unlocked position in the uncoupled configuration, nor is a tool 139 used to reach the coupled configuration from the second intermediate coupled configuration.

[0159] In the coupled configuration, sealing between the body 1051 and the mating body 5 is ensured by an O-ring 1161 that is received in the circumferential throat 1163 on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 1138 of the body 1051 and mates with the inner surface of the mating body 5 that defines the mating inner channel 7.

[0160] In the coupled configuration of the fluid coupling element 1050 and the mating fluid coupling element 3, sealing between the rear portion 1065 of the body 1051 and the locking ring 1053 is achieved by a seal 1148 that contacts the rear portion 1065 when the locking ring is in the advanced locked position, as Figure 12 shown.

[0161] The second embodiment has described the stud 1151 formed on the body 1051 and the slot 1143 formed on the locking ring 1053. In a variant (not shown), the slot is formed on the body 1051 and the stud is formed on the locking ring 1053.

[0162] Any feature described above for one embodiment or one variant is applicable to the other embodiments and variants described above as long as technically feasible.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling element (50; 1050), comprising: - A body (51; 1051) centered on a longitudinal axis (X50; X1050), said body (51; 1051) comprising: ■ An inner receiver volume (71) for mating with a fluid coupling element (3), said inner receiver volume (71) opening outwards from said body (51; 1051) via a nozzle (64) in a forward direction (B1), and ■ A plurality of housings (79), each housing (79) extending through said body (51; 1051) and leading radially inwards to said inner receiver volume (71); - A locking element (55) in each housing (79), which is movable in said housing (79) between the following positions: ○ An inner locking position, in which the locking element (55) projects into the inner receiver volume (71) and tends to engage with an outer locking throat (11) of the mating fluid coupling element (3) inserted into the inner receiver volume (71) to prevent removal of the mating fluid coupling element (3) from the fluid coupling element (50; 1050), and ○ An outer unlocking position, in which the locking element (55) does not prevent removal of the mating fluid coupling element (3) from the fluid coupling element (50; 1050); and - A locking ring (53; 1053) slidably mounted around said body (51; 1051), including an inner locking surface (105; 1105), said inner locking surface comprising: ○ At least one flared surface (107; 1107) diverging in said forward direction (B1), and ○ A cylindrical overlapping surface (109; 1109) continuously provided along a backward direction (B2) opposite to said forward direction (B1) with said flared surface (107; 1107), The locking ring (53; 1053) is longitudinally movable relative to the body (51; 1051) of the fluid coupling element (50; 1050) between the following positions: ○ A forward locking position, in which the locking ring (53; 1053) abuts forwardly against the body (51; 1051), and the overlapping surface (109; 1109) radially surrounds the locking element (55) and holds it in the inner locking position, and ○ A retracted unlocking position, in which the locking ring (53; 1053) does not prevent the locking element (55) in the corresponding housing (79) from moving to its outer unlocking position, wherein the flared surface (107; 1107) tends to radially cooperate with the locking element (55) between the forward locking position and the retracted unlocking position of the locking ring (53; 1053), characterized in that the fluid coupling element (50; 1050) comprises: - A piston (57) disposed around said body (51; 1051) and around said locking ring (53; 1053), and longitudinally movable relative to said body (51; 1051) and relative to said locking ring (53; 1053), - A first spring (59) that pushes the piston (57) in the forward direction (B1) of the fluid coupling element (50; 1050) to a position where the piston (57) abuts against the body (51; 1051) in the forward direction (B1).

2. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1, characterized in that - The locking element (55) is an elongated section including an inner end (87) shaped as a part of a sphere and an outer end (89) shaped as a part of a sphere, the inner end and the outer end being disposed on both sides of a cylindrical intermediate portion (91) mating with an associated housing (79), and - Each housing (79) extends in a respective direction (R79) radial to the longitudinal axis (X50; X1050).

3. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, For each locking element (55), it includes a transverse pin (93) that is rigidly attached to the locking element (55) and protrudes from the outer surface (85) of the locking element (55), and for each housing (79), the body (51; 1051) includes at least one lateral groove (81) that extends transversely into the housing (79) and radially out on the outer radial face (77) of the body (51; 1051), the transverse pin (93) being engaged in the lateral groove (81) such that when the locking element (55) moves from its inner locked position to its outer unlocked position, or vice versa, the transverse pin (93) moves into the lateral groove (81), and the bottom (83) of the lateral groove (81) forms a stop on the transverse pin (93) that restricts the movement of the locking element (55) in the housing (79) towards the inner receiver volume (71), and wherein the longitudinal axis (T93) of the transverse pin (93) is inclined with respect to a radial plane (P3) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X50; X1050) and with respect to a longitudinal plane (P2) extending through the longitudinal axis (X50; X1050).

4. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Including at least one second spring (61; 1061) that applies a force to the locking ring (53; 1053), at least when the locking ring (53; 1053) is in the advanced locked position, the second spring resists the movement of the locking ring (53; 1053) towards its retracted unlocked position.

5. The fluid coupling element (50) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second spring (61) is interposed between the locking ring (53) and the body (51) of the fluid coupling element and pushes the locking ring (53) back to its advanced locked position, and in the uncoupled configuration of the fluid coupling element (50), the locking ring (53) is in the advanced locked position.

6. The fluid coupling element (1050) according to claim 4, characterized in that - A bayonet coupler is formed between the body (1051) of the fluid coupling element and the locking ring (1053) by the cooperation of at least one stud (1151) and a helical groove (1143). The groove (1143) has a notch (1149) forming the first end (1145) of the groove (1143). - When the locking ring (1053) is in the advanced locking position, the stud (1151) cooperates with the notch (1149) of the groove (1143), and each second spring (1061) resists the movement of the stud (1151) out of the notch (1149). And - When the stud (1151) cooperates with the second end (1147) of the groove (1143) opposite to the first end, the locking ring (1053) is in the retracted unlocking position.

7. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The piston (57) includes a front base (127) and a rear skirt (125) mounted around the locking ring (53; 1053). The front base is in clearance fit with the reduced radial clearance of the outer radial surface of the body (51; 1051). In all positions of the locking ring (53; 1053) relative to the body (51; 1051) between the retracted unlocking position and the advanced locking position, the locking ring (53; 1053) is radially covered by the rear skirt (125) of the piston (57) with a reduced radial clearance.

8. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least in a configuration decoupled from the fluid coupling element (50; 1050), the piston (57) protrudes from the body (51; 1051) along the forward direction (B1).

9. The fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - The locking ring (53; 1053) includes an inner chamfer (106) diverging along the forward direction (B1). - In the retracted unlocking position of the locking ring (53; 1053), the locking ring (53; 1053) abuts against the body (51; 1051) at the rear, and the inner chamfer (106) is longitudinally opposite to the locking element (55). And - In the retracted unlocking position of the locking ring (53; 1053), the piston (57) forms a radial stop outside the locking element (55).

10. The fluid coupling element (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - The body (51) of the fluid coupling element (50) includes an outer circumferential throat (68) having a distal surface (72). - The outer circumferential throat (68) is not covered by the locking ring (53) in the advanced locking position and is radially covered by the locking ring (53) in the retracted unlocking position. And - When the distal surface (72) of the outer circumferential throat of the body (51) is in the same radial plane as the rear end face (108) of the locking ring (53), the overlapping surface (109) of the locking ring (53) holds the locking element (55) in the inner locking position.

11. The fluid coupling element (50) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the locking ring (53) has an operating throat (115), - the body (51) of the fluid coupling element (50) has an operating throat (70), and the operating throat (115) of the locking ring (53) and the operating throat (70) of the body (51) are configured to receive a tool (139) for longitudinally moving the locking ring (53) relative to the body (51), and - at least when the locking ring is longitudinally between an intermediate position between the advanced locking position and the retracted unlocking position and the advanced locking position, the operating throat (70) provided on the body (51) is not covered by the locking ring (53).

12. Fluid coupling (1; 1001), characterized in that, The fluid coupler (1; 1001) comprises: - a fluid coupling element (50; 1050) according to any one of the preceding claims, and - a mating fluid coupling element (3), comprising a mating body (5) forming an outer locking throat (11).

13. The fluid coupler (1; 1001) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fluid coupler (1; 1001) comprises a bracket (25) which longitudinally abuts against the mating body (5) and comprises a front face (28) disposed around the mating fluid coupling element (3), and in the coupling configuration of the fluid coupler (1), the fluid coupler is configured such that ○ the locking ring (53) is in the advanced locking position, ○ the locking element (55) engages in the outer locking throat (11) and contacts the inclined distal surface (17) of the throat, ○ the front face (129) of the piston (57) longitudinally abuts against the front face (28) of the bracket (25), and ○ the piston (57) is offset in the backward direction (B2) relative to its position where it abuts against the front of the body (51; 1051).

14. The fluid coupler (1; 1001) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ratio between the following angles is in the range between 4 and 12: - the angle (α) defined between the inclined distal surface (17) of the outer locking throat (11) and the longitudinal axis (X3) of the mating coupling element (3), - the angle (δ) defined between the flared face (107; 1107) and the longitudinal axis (X50; X1050) of the fluid coupling element (50; 1050).

15. The fluid coupler (1; 1001) according to claim 12, characterized in that: - the mating body (5) comprises an outer radial face (9), and - the body (51; 1051) of the fluid coupling element (50; 1050) has a stepped inner radial face (73) defining an inner receiver volume (71), the stepped outer radial face (9) and the stepped inner radial face (73) are configured to mate by complementary shapes during coupling of the fluid coupler (1).

Images