Female element of fluid connection device and fluid connection device comprising such element

Abstract

The invention relates to a female element (7) of a connecting device (1). The female element (7) comprises an end piece (3) comprising a recess (3c) arranged on one side of its distal opening (3b), and a flexible ring (4) intended to occupy the recess (3c) in the end piece (3). The flexible ring (4) comprises a first snap-fit member (4a) for the end piece (3) and a second snap-fit member (4b) for a collar (2a) of the tubular connector (2). The first snap-fit member (4a) is different from the second snap-fit member (4b). The invention also relates to the connecting device (1) formed by the female element (7) and the tubular connector (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid connection device. This type of device is of particular interest in the field of motor vehicles, and more specifically in the field of braking, for simply connecting a conduit of a compressed air distribution network to a piece of equipment in an air braking system. Background Technology

[0002] Many types of vehicles are equipped with air braking systems. In such systems, air is compressed by a compressor and delivered to the vehicle's brakes via a network of distribution ducts to apply or release the brakes. The network can also connect to other devices in the system, such as tanks, distributors, control or fluid regulation devices. To facilitate the installation and maintenance of this duct network, it is common practice to use so-called "quick" connectors to connect the ducts to the system equipment. Such connectors typically include an end piece that attaches to an orifice in the equipment via a threaded portion, into which a tubular connector associated with one end of the duct snaps.

[0003] Document US20160025252 illustrates an example of a quick connector. According to this document, the connector consists of an end piece and a flexible ring. The flexible ring is inserted into the proximal opening of the end piece (i.e., the end piece opening through which the tubular connector engages) to occupy a first cavity disposed on one side of the proximal opening. The ring holds a set of sealing elements (gaskets, spacers) in a second cavity disposed on the distal opening side of the end piece. The ring carries a flexible tab, which is designed both to retain the flexible ring in the end piece and to lock the tubular connector in the end piece.

[0004] Document US6095570 illustrates another example of a quick connector. This connector consists of an end piece and a movable ring disposed on one side of a distal opening in the end piece, the distal opening being the end piece opening through which the end of the tubular connector disengages from the end piece after passing through it. The ring is fitted with two locking washers, which serve both as sliding stops for the movable ring in the end piece and as elements for retaining the tubular connector.

[0005] Purpose of the invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection device that differs from existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve this objective, the subject of this invention provides a female element for a connecting device, the female element comprising:

[0008] - An end piece, which has:

[0009] • A fastening head, disposed on one side near the opening, wherein a tubular connector with at least one collar is intended to engage in the fastening head, and

[0010] • A fastening member, arranged on the side of the distal opening opposite the proximal opening, is configured to secure the end piece to an opening of a device.

[0011] • A recessed portion, which is arranged on one side of the distal opening;

[0012] - A flexible ring, the flexible ring including a peripheral portion having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the peripheral portion being fixedly held in a recess of an end piece by a first snap-fit ​​member disposed on the outer peripheral surface, the flexible ring also including a second snap-fit ​​member different from the first snap-fit ​​member, the second snap-fit ​​member including a plurality of ribs oriented toward the inner peripheral surface, the ribs being intended to engage behind the collar of the tubular connector when the tubular connector is engaged in the end piece.

[0013] Other advantageous non-limiting features according to the invention (alone or in any technically feasible combination):

[0014] -The distal opening is defined by the inner edge of the inner shoulder of the recess;

[0015] - The first snap-fit ​​component includes at least one notch carried by an outer peripheral surface, the notch being designed to receive an inner shoulder of a recess in the end piece;

[0016] - The first snap-fit ​​component includes two notches, which are respectively arranged on two diameter-opposite first annular portions of the peripheral portion.

[0017] - Each first annular portion is formed by an annular wall that retracts from the outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring, the retraction exposing the supporting surface;

[0018] - The first snap-fit ​​component includes a plurality of flexible tongues having an end portion designed to engage in an inner shoulder portion of a recess in the end piece;

[0019] - At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface is inclined to form a ramp for engaging the flexible ring into the end piece;

[0020] - The ribs of the plurality of ribs are respectively arranged on the second annular portion of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion;

[0021] - The second annular portion has an inclined inner surface to form a ramp for snapping the tubular connector into the flexible ring;

[0022] - The two second annular sections are each covered by two disassembly extensions;

[0023] - The ribs in the multiple ribs are respectively arranged on multiple flexible arms extending from the peripheral portion;

[0024] - The flexible ring includes components arranged on its inner peripheral surface for guiding the tubular connector;

[0025] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a connecting device comprising: a tubular connector having at least one collar, and the female element just described.

[0026] Advantageously, the tubular connector has at least one groove to receive at least one auxiliary seal. Advantageously, the tubular connector also has multiple collars. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] [ Figure 1 ]

[0029] [ Figure 2 ]

[0030] [ Figure 1 ]and[ Figure 2 The exploded view and overall view of the connecting device in the locked position are shown respectively;

[0031] [ Figure 3 ]

[0032] [ Figure 4a ]

[0033] [ Figure 4b ]

[0034] [ Figure 3 ]as well as Figure 4a and Figure 4b The components are shown respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The end piece and flexible ring of the mother element shown in the specific implementation method;

[0035] [ Figure 5 ]

[0036] [ Figure 5 [This illustrates another example of a tubular connector for a connecting device according to the present invention;]

[0037] [ Figure 6 ]

[0038] [ Figure 6 This illustrates a second method according to the invention using a flexible ring with a mother element;

[0039] [ Figure 7a ]

[0040] [ Figure 7b ]

[0041] Figure 7a and Figure 7b The operation of the connecting device according to the invention is illustrated by two longitudinal sections perpendicular to each other;

[0042] [ Figure 8a ]

[0043] [ Figure 8a A flexible ring according to another embodiment is shown;

[0044] [ Figure 8b ]

[0045] [ Figure 8b [This shows the use of] Figure 8a The connecting device for the flexible ring shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] General description of the connecting device

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Exploded and overall views of one embodiment of the connecting device 1 are shown. Generally, the connecting device 1 includes a tubular connector 2 that forms one end of a conduit (not shown) to be connected. The connecting device 1 also includes a female element 7, which includes an end piece 3 and a flexible ring 4. The end piece has an opening 3a, referred to as the "proximal side" (where the tubular connector 2 is intended to engage), and a distal opening 3b opposite the proximal opening 3a. The end piece defines a channel between these two openings 3a, 3b into which the tubular connector 2 can be inserted. The tubular connector 2 is fitted with a collar 2a at its connecting end, which is intended to engage within the female element 7 such that it can snap onto the female end piece 7, as will be described in detail later in this specification, to lock the two elements together.

[0048] In order to fluidly connect the tubular connector 2 to the female element 7, the connecting end of the tubular connector 2 is inserted through the proximal opening 3a of the end piece 3 to assemble the collar 2a onto the snap-fit ​​member provided on the female element 7.

[0049] In a very conventional manner, the female element 7 can be attached to the orifice of the device via an externally threaded portion arranged on the end piece 3 on one side of its distal opening 3b. Of course, the end piece 3 can be fitted with any component that secures it to the device; the thread shown in the figure is merely a specific example of such a fastening component. The end piece 3 has a fastening head 3d on one side of its proximal opening 3a, in which case the clamping head has a shape that allows it to be manipulated by a tool, such as a wrench, to fasten the end piece 3 to a threaded orifice in a device.

[0050] In this example, the seal 6a is also positioned around the end piece 3 below the fastening head 3d to seal the connection between the female element 7 and the device.

[0051] tubular connector

[0052] As already stated, the tubular connector 2 forms one end of the conduit to be connected. The tubular connector 2 may be made of plastic.

[0053] The connector 2 can be assembled to the conduit via, for example, an assembly mechanism 2d of the "Christmas tree outline" type, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, these figures illustrate two implementations of the connector 2.

[0054] The tubular connector 2 is fitted with at least one collar 2a on its connecting end, allowing it to snap onto the female end 7. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular connector 2 is equipped with two collars 2a and 2a'. Regardless of the number of collars, they advantageously have a chamfered side on one side of the connecting end of the tubular connector 2 and a straight side on the opposite side. As the tubular connector 2 is gradually inserted into the female element 7, the chamfered sides press against the snap-fit ​​members provided on the element, causing them to elastically deform. When the tubular connector 2 has been fully advanced into the female element, the snap-fit ​​members close behind the collar 2a on one side of their straight sides, thereby preventing any possibility of the tubular connector 2 loosening.

[0055] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the tubular connector 2 is gradually inserted into the female element to sequentially close the snap-fit ​​member behind the first collar 2a and then behind the second collar 2a'. When the snap-fit ​​member is closed on the first collar 2a, the tubular connector can be held on the female element 7 in a pre-assembled or delivery position, which is not necessarily sealed. To seal the tubular connector 2 to the female element 7, it is sufficient to insert the tubular connector 2 deeper so that the snap-fit ​​member is located behind the second collar 2a'.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the tubular connector 2 is advantageously fitted with a base 2b. This base 2b is configured to abut the female element 7 when the tubular connector 2 is fully engaged, i.e., when the snap-fit ​​members close behind the collars 2a and 2a', thereby providing a sealed connection between the two parts of the connecting device 1. To achieve this stopping function, the lateral dimension of the base 2b (in a plane perpendicular to the engagement direction of the tubular connector 2 in the female element 7) is greater than the cross-section of the channel defined by the female element 7.

[0057] In the example shown, the tubular connector 2 also carries a plurality of platforms 2c arranged between the base 2b and the collar 2a. These platforms 2c are defined for receiving at least one auxiliary seal 6b (in […]). Figure 1 In the example, there are at least one groove 2e (two platforms 2c and two seals). The lateral dimension of these platforms 2c is substantially equal to the cross-section of the channel defined by the female element 7, so that the tubular connector 2 can reside in that cross-section when inserted therein. The second seal 6b, present in the groove 2e and between the platforms 2c, is pressed against the inner wall of the channel defined by the female element 7, and thus a tight connection is formed between the tubular connector 2 and the element 7.

[0058] mother component

[0059] [ Figure 3 ]and[ Figure 4a The images show a cross-section of the end piece 3 according to the invention and a view of the flexible ring 4 constituting the mother element 7. The end piece 3 can be made of metal or plastic, and the flexible ring 4 can be made of plastic or metal as a single integral part.

[0060] End piece 3 defines a channel between proximal opening 3a and distal opening 3b. The first portion 3e of this channel is cylindrical and positioned on one side of proximal opening 3a, with one dimension (diameter) of its cross-section adjusted to the size of tubular connector 2, as explained in the preceding section of this specification. By pressing these / these seals 6b against the inner wall of the first portion of channel 3e, auxiliary seals 6b can be retained within the first portion of channel 3e and seal the connection between end piece 3 and tubular connector 2.

[0061] The end member 3 also includes a recess 3c located on one side of its distal opening 3b, which is continuous with the first portion of the channel 3e. The recess 3c defines a housing designed to at least partially accommodate the flexible ring 4. Its cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the first portion of the channel 3e and sufficient to accommodate the flexible ring 4. Advantageously, the recess 3c has a truncated conical shape, with a larger base corresponding to the distal opening 3b and a smaller base corresponding to the first channel portion 3e. The distal opening 3b is defined by the inner edge 3f of the inner shoulder 3g defining the recess 3c.

[0062] like Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 6As shown, the flexible ring 4, used in two different ways, is intended to be placed at least partially in the recess of the end member 3. The flexible ring 4 has a top B1 on one side intended to be received at the deepest part of the recess 3c, and a bottom B2 on its opposite side. The top B1 is slightly smaller than the inner edge 3f of the end member 3. Therefore, the flexible ring 4 includes an edge or peripheral portion SP extending between its bottom B2 and its top B1. This peripheral portion SP is intended to engage in the recess of the end member.

[0063] The flexible ring 4 includes a first snap-fit ​​member 4a for the end piece 3, which is supported by or formed in an outer peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface being the outwardly pointing surface of the peripheral portion SP. These first snap-fit ​​members 4a securely hold a portion of the flexible ring 4 within the recess 3c of the end piece 3.

[0064] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the arrangement shown, the first snap-fit ​​member 4a is formed by two notches, which are respectively arranged on two first annular portions P1, P1' carried by the peripheral portion of the flexible ring 4. When the flexible ring 4 is received in the recess 3c, these notches are intended to receive the inner shoulder 3g of the recess 3c of the end member 3. The two first annular portions P1, P1' are advantageously opposite each other diametrically.

[0065] Each annular portion P1, P1' is formed by an annular wall P that retracts from the outer peripheral surface of the ring 4 onto the peripheral portion SP, exposing the support surface S. The support surface S and the annular wall P define a notch that constitutes the first snap-fit ​​member 4a. When the flexible ring 4 is received in the recess 3c, the support surfaces S of the two first annular portions P1, P1' abut against the inner shoulder 3g of the recess 3c.

[0066] The distance between the two first annular portions P1, P1' is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular connector 2 at the collar 2a. In this way, when the end of the tubular connector 2 is inserted into the proximal opening 3a of the end piece 3 and advances through the flexible ring to disengage from the distal opening 3b, these annular portions P1, P1' do not interfere with the tubular connector.

[0067] The outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 is inclined at each of the first annular portions P1, P1'. This inclination causes the ring to conform to the wall of the truncated conical recess 3c at each of the first annular portions P1, P1' when it is received in the end piece 3. This inclination forms a ramp for snapping the ring into the end piece 3 when the flexible ring 4 is forced through the distal opening 3b. Therefore, in order to insert the flexible ring 4 into the end piece 3, the top B1 of the flexible ring 4 can be positioned within the recess 3c. Applying insertion pressure to the flexible ring 3 forces it into the recess 3c of the end piece 3, slides along the snap-fit ​​ramp, and deforms due to its flexible nature to penetrate and occupy the recess 3c.

[0068] exist[ Figure 6 In the embodiment of the flexible ring 4 shown, the peripheral portion SP is provided with a notch that defines a plurality of flexible tongues 4a on the outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, thereby forming a first snap-fit ​​member 4a. The flexible tongues 4a have ends intended to engage in the inner shoulder portion 3g of the recess 3c of the end member 3. As in the aforementioned embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, and therefore the flexible tongues, is also inclined to form a ramp for snap-fitting the flexible ring 4 into the end member 3. When the flexible ring 4 is received in the end member 3, this inclination is preferably selected to conform to the wall of the truncated conical recess 3c. Figure 6 In the example shown, the flexible tongues 4a are evenly distributed across the entire outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring. In this application, the flexible ring 4a rests against the entire periphery of the inner shoulder 3g, thereby ensuring that even if some of the flexible tongues break or are damaged, the flexible ring remains stable in the recess 3c.

[0069] This uniform distribution of the flexible tongues is by no means a necessary feature, and other ways of positioning these tongues on the outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring are certainly possible.

[0070] Returning to the general description of the flexible ring 4 of the mother element 7 according to the invention, this also includes second snap-fit ​​members 4b. These second snap-fit ​​members 4b differ from the first snap-fit ​​members 4a. They are designed to retain the collars 2a, 2a' of the tubular connector 2 to the flexible ring 4 when the tubular connector 2 is engaged in the end piece 3. Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 6 In the example shown, these second components are formed by two ribs R (visible in Figure [7a]), which are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the flexible ring 3, i.e. on the surface of the peripheral portion SP facing inward.

[0071] Ribs R are respectively arranged on the two second annular portions P2 and P2' of the flexible ring 4. When the tubular connector 2 is fully engaged in the end piece 3, the ribs R are intended to be positioned behind the collars 2a and 2a' of the tubular connector. Of course, different numbers of ribs R can be provided.

[0072] The two second annular portions P2, P2' preferentially face each other along their diameter. They also intersect with the first annular portions P1, P1', that is, the first annular portions P1, P1' do not face the second annular portions P2, P2', so that the two snap-fit ​​components 4a, 4b carried by the flexible ring 4 do not interfere with each other.

[0073] Advantageously, the inner peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 at the two second annular portions P2, P2' is inclined to form a ramp for snap-fitting the tubular connector 2 into the flexible ring 4. The outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 at the two second annular portions P2, P2' is straight, not inclined (see […]). Figure 7b This allows the two annular portions P2 and P2' to move away from each other when the flexible ring 4 is accommodated in the recess 3c, so as to release the tubular connector from the mother element.

[0074] In the two aforementioned applications of the flexible ring 4, the two second annular portions P2, P2' are each covered by two disassembly extensions E. When the flexible ring 4 is housed in the end piece 3, the disassembly extensions E pass through the distal opening 3b to protrude from the end piece 3.

[0075] By moving the disassembly extension E far enough away, the two ribs R move apart to allow the collar 2a of the tubular connector 2 to be released, thereby enabling the tubular connector to be pulled out of the female component. From this perspective, it is preferable that the ribs R are arranged on one side of the bottom B2 of the peripheral portion SP of the collar, rather than on one side of its top B1, closest to the free end of the disassembly extension E. This facilitates the unfolding of these ribs R by applying a reduced unfolding force to the disassembly extension E manually or by means of a tool. In this respect, the E extension can be made to carry any element that facilitates the insertion of a disassembly tool for applying the unfolding force. These can be housings configured to receive the end of disassembly clamps, such as […]. Figure 4a As can be seen in [the image].

[0076] It should be noted that this disassembly is possible because of the fact that at the second annular portions P2 and P2', the flexible ring 4 is not positioned against the wall of the recess 3c of the end piece 3, so that these portions of the bearing rib R can be effectively separated from each other, as previously described.

[0077] The flexible ring 4 may also include components for guiding the tubular connector. These guiding components may be carried by the inner peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 (i.e., the inwardly pointing surface of the peripheral portion SP). When the connector is inserted into the end piece, these guiding components allow the axis of the tubular connector 2 to be aligned with the central axis of the flexible ring. Therefore, in [ Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, a guide wall 4d is provided on the inner peripheral surface, thereby limiting the opening diameter of the flexible ring 4 to be substantially conformable to the size of the tubular connector. A guide rib 4c is also provided, which is arranged on the inner peripheral surface in accordance with the ribs R arranged on the second annular portions P2, P2'.

[0078] [ Figure 8a A flexible ring 4 according to another embodiment is shown. The ring or peripheral portion SP extending between the bottom B2 and top B1 of the flexible ring 4 is clearly visible in this embodiment. A first snap-fit ​​member is formed by a plurality of flexible tongues 4a, four in the example shown, which are carried by the peripheral portion SP and arranged on its outer peripheral surface. In this embodiment, the four flexible tongues 4a extend peripherally along the peripheral portion SP in four relatively narrow first annular portions and face each other in pairs. The flexible tongues 4a are configured such that their ends engage in the inner shoulders 3g of the recesses 3c of the end member 3. Their outer surfaces are sloped, and their inner surfaces retract from the peripheral portion SP so as not to interfere with the tubular connector 2 when it is inserted into the female element 7.

[0079] In this alternative embodiment, the second snap-fit ​​member 4b is formed by ribs R oriented toward the inner peripheral surface, as in other embodiments, but these ribs are not directly supported by the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion SP. Instead, a plurality of flexible arms 4e extending from the peripheral portion SP are provided, with the ribs arranged on one side of the free ends of these flexible arms 4a. In this embodiment, the four flexible arms 4e extend peripherally along the peripheral portion SP in four relatively wide second annular portions (compared to the first annular portions) and face each other in pairs. The flexible arms 4e extend away from the outer surface of the peripheral portion so as not to interfere with the inner edge 3f of the recess 3c of the end member. Figure 8b As can be seen, rib R is arranged outside the recessed portion and is located away from the peripheral portion SP by the flexible arm 4e. The flexible arm 4e is used to position rib R outside the recessed portion 3c.

[0080] like Figure 8a As can be seen, the flexible arm 4e and the flexible tongue 4a alternate on the peripheral portion SP. Advantageously, the rib R is flush with the free end of the flexible arm 4e.

[0081] Advantageously, the rib R does not extend across the entire width of the flexible arm 4e, and free space is maintained on either side of the rib, thereby exposing the end of the flexible arm. This free space can be used to insert a tool that radially presses open the end of the flexible arm 4e to release the tubular connector 2.

[0082] Figure 7a and Figure 7b The operation of the connecting device 1 according to the invention is shown in two longitudinal sections perpendicular to each other. Figure 7a In this section, the cross-section intersects with the two first annular portions P1 and P1', making one of the second annular portions P2 visible. Figure 7a The diagram shows the states of the connecting device 1 sequentially from left to right: before the tubular connector 2 engages in the female element 7, during the advancement of the connecting end of the tubular connector in the female element 7, and at the end of this advancement, in the locked position. Specifically, in this... Figure 7a As can be seen, the configuration of the flexible ring 4a allows the use of the second snap-fit ​​member 4b (here, rib R) without interfering with the first snap-fit ​​member 4a.

[0083] exist Figure 7b In the figure, the cross-section intersects with the two second annular portions P2 and P2', making one of the second annular portions P1 visible. The figure shows the states of the connecting device 1 sequentially from left to right: before the tubular connector 2 engages in the female element 7, during the advancement of the connecting end of the tubular connector in the female element 7, and at the end of this advancement, in the locked position. Specifically, the... Figure 7b This illustrates how the second snap-fit ​​component 4b is positioned behind the collar 2a of the tubular connector 2 to lock it in place.

[0084] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and alternative embodiments can be added without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0085] In this way, the flexible ring 4 according to the invention can have any number of first annular portions and second annular portions, rather than only two or four of these portions as shown in the selected embodiment.

[0086] It should also be noted that the connecting device conforming to the present invention is by no means limited to use in the field of air braking systems. More generally, such a device can be used as a quick connector for easily forming any fluid distribution network, whether the fluid is gas or liquid.

Claims

1. A mother element (7) of a connecting device (1), the mother element comprising: - End piece (3), the end piece having: • A fastening head, arranged on one side near the opening (3a), wherein a tubular connector (2) with at least one collar (2a, 2a') is intended to engage in the fastening head, and • A fastening member, arranged on the side of the distal opening (3b) opposite to the proximal opening (3a), the fastening member being configured to secure the end piece to an opening of a device. • Recess (3c), said recess is arranged on one side of said distal opening (3b); - A flexible ring (4) comprising a peripheral portion (SP) having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the peripheral portion being fixedly held in the recess (3c) of the end piece (3) by a first snap-fit ​​member (4a) disposed on the outer peripheral surface, the flexible ring (4) further comprising a second snap-fit ​​member (4b) different from the first snap-fit ​​member (4a), the second snap-fit ​​member comprising a plurality of ribs (R) oriented toward the inner peripheral surface, the ribs (R) being intended to engage behind the collar (2a, 2a') of the tubular connector when the tubular connector (2) is engaged in the end piece (3).

2. The mother element (7) according to claim 1, wherein the distal opening (3b) is defined by the inner edge (3f) of the inner shoulder (3g) defining the recess (3c).

3. The mother element (7) according to claim 2, wherein the first snap-fit ​​member (4a) includes at least one notch carried by the outer peripheral surface, the notch being intended to receive the inner shoulder (3g) of the recess (3c) of the end member (3).

4. The mother element (7) according to claim 3, wherein the first snap-fit ​​member (4a) includes two notches, the two notches being respectively arranged on two first annular portions (P1, P1') of the peripheral portion (SP), the two first annular portions being opposite each other along their diameter.

5. The mother element (7) according to claim 4, wherein each first annular portion (P1, P1') is formed by an annular wall (P) retracting from the outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring (4), the retraction exposing the support surface (S).

6. The mother element (7) according to claim 2, wherein the first snap-fit ​​member (4a) comprises a plurality of flexible tongues having an end portion for engaging the inner shoulder portion of the recess (3c) of the end piece (3).

7. The mother element (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface is inclined to form a ramp for snapping the flexible ring (4) into the end piece (3).

8. The mother element (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of ribs (R) are respectively arranged on the second annular portion (P2, P2') of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion (SP).

9. The mother element (7) according to claim 8, wherein the second annular portion (P2, P2') has an inclined inner surface to form a ramp for snapping the tubular connector (2) into the flexible ring (4).

10. The mother element (7) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the two second annular portions (P2, P2') are each covered by two detachable extensions (E).

11. The mother element (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of ribs (R) are respectively arranged on a plurality of flexible arms (4e) extending from the peripheral portion (SP).

12. The mother element (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible ring (4) includes components arranged on the inner peripheral surface for guiding (4c, 4d) the tubular connector (2).

13. A connecting device (1), the connecting device comprising: A tubular connector (2) having at least one collar (2ª, 2a') and a female element (7) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The connecting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tubular connector (2) has at least one groove (2e) for receiving at least one auxiliary seal (6c).

15. The connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the tubular connector has a plurality of collars (2ª, 2a').

Images