Circuit breaker and pressurized fluid treatment device comprising such circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit breaker and a fluid treatment device comprising the circuit breaker. In a coupled configuration of a male element (100) and a female element (200) of a circuit breaker (10), the first and second radial passages (126, 226) are in fluid communication, and a proximal seal (132) and a distal seal (134) are arranged on either side of the radial passages. The first valve (110) includes a distal rod (110C) that slides in the male body (102). In the intermediate coupling position, the proximal and distal seals are disposed on either side of the radial passage. The proximal and distal seals are received in a proximal outer peripheral groove (136) and a distal outer peripheral groove (138) of the male body (102), respectively. A first longitudinal distance (d138) measured between the distal outer peripheral groove and an intermediate radial plane (P126) of the first radial channel is strictly greater than a second longitudinal distance (d136) measured between the proximal outer peripheral groove and the intermediate radial plane.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a "safety" shut-off for a pressurized fluid handling device, such as for example a vehicle tank filling device filled with pressurized hydrogen. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to prevent the filling time of a vehicle tank with pressurized hydrogen from being too long, it is known to use a filling pressure that is considerable, greater than 300 bars and up to 900 bars. Given this level of pressure, the connection between the hydrogen source and the vehicle tank must be airtight.

[0003] Furthermore, during the filling, the possibility of accidental displacement of the vehicle tank cannot be ruled out, this displacement possibly being due to poor braking of the vehicle or a mistake on the part of the user. This displacement should not lead to the pipe connecting the pressurized hydrogen source to the vehicle tank being altered or vented.

[0004] To solve this problem, EP3457016B1 discloses a shut-off that locks the male element in the female element by a ball that elastically returns to the locked position. In this device, the full internal valve of the male element is operated by an actuation stem that is different from this valve, overall providing satisfactory results. The female element also comprises a valve. During the disconnection of the male element and the female element of the shut-off, a certain volume of fluid, called dead volume, is trapped downstream of the valve when it is closed. When the fluid is under pressure, in particular a pressure higher than 300 bars, this dead volume deforms the part of the seal that is outside the respective receiving grooves, installed between the body of the male element and the female element, thus altering the seal, even causing it to be ejected from these grooves. EP3457016B1 therefore proposes that the distal and proximal seals are chosen to have a larger toric diameter relative to their internal diameter. This leads to a relatively large radial and longitudinal volume of the shut-off, which is not compatible with certain high-pressure filling applications, which require optimal compactness. Indeed, given the pressure, the relatively large diameter of the male element and the female element of the shut-off generates a higher pressure with the fluid present inside the shut-off.

[0005] Similar problems also arise in other pressurized fluid handling devices, in particular in filling devices for filling vehicle tanks with pressurized natural gas. SUMMARY

[0006] There is therefore a need for a shut-off with better radial and / or axial compactness.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a shut-off for connecting two pipe sections of a pressurized fluid handling device, the shut-off comprising a male element and a female element for cooperating with each other according to an insertion axis,

[0008] The male element comprises:

[0009] a female body centered on an insertion axis and comprising:

[0010] a first internal passage for circulating a pressurized fluid;

[0011] at least one first radial passage connecting the first internal passage to an external peripheral surface of the female body; and

[0012] an external locking notch,

[0013] a first valve movable in the first internal passage according to the insertion axis between an advanced closed position of the first internal passage and a retracted open position of the first internal passage, and comprising a sealing zone longitudinally abutting the female body in the closed position of the first valve,

[0014] a spring urging the first valve towards the advanced closed position;

[0015] the female element comprising:

[0016] a female body comprising a second internal passage for circulating a pressurized fluid, and at least one second radial passage connecting the second internal passage to an internal receiving volume receiving the male body in the female body;

[0017] a second valve movable in the second internal passage;

[0018] at least one locking member received in a locking housing and configured to move from a first locking position, in which the locking member engages in the external locking notch to prevent the male body from axially exiting the female body in a coupled configuration of the male element and the female element, to a second release position in which the male body can axially exit the female body.

[0019] in the coupled configuration of the male element and the female element:

[0020] the first radial passage and the second radial passage are in fluid communication;

[0021] the locking portion or each locking portion is in the first locking position;

[0022] the first valve is in the retracted open position;

[0023] the proximal seal and the distal seal are arranged along the insertion axis on both sides of the first radial passage and

[0024] of the second radial passage and respectively cooperate radially with a radial inner surface of the female body delimiting the internal volume and with the external peripheral surface of the male body to fluidically isolate the first radial passage and the second radial passage from the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0025] According to the invention:

[0026] The first valve further comprises a distal stem slidably mounted in the housing of the male body between an advanced closed position and a retracted open position and passing through the distal end of the male body;

[0027] The first radial seal of the stem cooperates radially with the distal stem and radially with the distal end of the male body;

[0028] The female element comprises a bearing surface configured to contact the first valve during insertion of the male element and the female element and to displace the first valve from the advanced closed position to the retracted open position;

[0029] In the intermediate coupled position of the male element and the female element:

[0030] The first valve is in the advanced closed position and in contact with the bearing surface of the female element;

[0031] Each locking portion is not in the first locking position;

[0032] The proximal seal and the distal seal are arranged on both sides of the first radial passage and of the second radial passage along the insertion axis and fluidically isolate the first radial passage and the second radial passage from the outside of the circuit breaker;

[0033] The proximal seal and the distal seal are respectively received in a proximal external peripheral groove and in a distal external peripheral groove of an external peripheral surface of the male body;

[0034] A first longitudinal distance measured parallel to the insertion axis between the distal external peripheral groove and an intermediate radial plane of the first radial passage is strictly greater than a second longitudinal distance measured parallel to the insertion axis between the proximal external peripheral groove and the intermediate radial plane.

[0035] With the invention, the fact that the first valve further comprises a distal stem, in other words the fact that the distal stem is integral with the rest of the first valve, allows reliable operation of the valve. Furthermore, the positioning of the proximal seal and of the distal seal in the external grooves of the male body allows limiting the ejection of the seals from the external grooves under the effect of fluid pressure during decoupling of the male element and of the female element of the circuit breaker. The fact that the first longitudinal distance is greater than the second longitudinal distance ensures optimal positioning of the proximal seal and of the distal seal relative to the second or each radial passage during coupling of the male element and of the female element of the circuit breaker. In summary, the circuit breaker of the invention has improved radial and axial compactness and passage cross sections and flow rates comparable to those of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the number of seals used between the male element and the female element of the circuit breaker remains low, only the proximal seal and the distal seal. Their friction length is advantageously limited during coupling or decoupling of the male element and of the female element of the circuit breaker.

[0036] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the application, such a circuit breaker can incorporate one or more of the following features, presented in any technically acceptable combination:

[0037] The ratio between the first longitudinal distance and the second longitudinal distance is greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 1.75.

[0038] The female body comprises at least one first vent radially passing through the female body and fluidly connecting the internal volume in front of the second radial passage and the outside of the circuit breaker, and at least one second vent radially passing through the female body and fluidly connecting the internal volume of the female body behind the second radial passage and the outside of the circuit breaker, wherein, in the coupled configuration of the male element and the female element and in the intermediate coupling position, the first radial passage and the second radial passage are respectively isolated from the first vent and the second vent by the proximal seal and the distal seal.

[0039] During the disconnection of the male element and the female element from the coupled configuration, the distal seal faces radially the second radial passage when the proximal seal faces radially the first vent.

[0040] The first vent and the second passage each open on a radially inner surface of the female body at the level of a recessed pocket that partially surrounds the insertion axis from this radially inner surface.

[0041] The first vent comprises a cylindrical portion inclined with respect to the insertion axis, the rear end of the cylindrical portion opening on a radially outer surface of the female body and being arranged behind the front end of the cylindrical portion.

[0042] The circuit breaker comprises a plurality of locking members, each locking member being a ball movable in a locking housing radially passing through the female body, the female element comprising a locking ring slidably mounted around the female body and encircling the locking members, the locking ring elastically returning towards the rear, in the coupled configuration of the male element and the female element, the locking ring being in contact at the rear with the balls by an internal covering surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis and diverging towards the rear of the female body.

[0043] The locking member is a locking spring housed in a locking housing formed by an internal peripheral groove of the female body and configured to elastically deform between its first locking position and its second release position.

[0044] Each second radial passage is delimited in the longitudinal direction by a first portion of the female body and by a second portion distinct from the first portion, the second portion and the first portion being firmly joined so as to be longitudinally contiguous with each other, and in the coupled configuration and in the intermediate coupled configuration, the proximal seal cooperates radially with a radially inner surface belonging to the first portion and the distal seal cooperates radially with a radially inner surface belonging to the second portion.

[0045] The cross section of each first radial passage and of each second radial passage is oblong, the largest dimension of which being parallel to the axis of insertion.

[0046] The first valve comprises a proximal stem sliding in the housing of the male body between an advanced closed position and a retracted open position, a second stem seal being interposed radially, the first stem seal being mounted in an internal peripheral groove of the male body and the second stem seal being mounted in an external peripheral groove of the proximal stem, and the ratio between the diameter of the proximal stem on the one hand and the diameter of the distal stem on the other hand is between 0.95 and 1.

[0047] The housing of the male body receiving the proximal stem is formed in an intermediate portion of the male body mounted in sealed longitudinal contact with a proximal end portion of the male body configured to be connected with a pressurized fluid pipe section and in sealed longitudinal contact with a distal end portion of the male body carrying the proximal seal and the distal seal.

[0048] In the coupled configuration of the male element and of the female element, the diameter of the radially inner surface of the female body cooperating radially with the proximal seal is equal to the diameter of the radially inner surface of the female body cooperating radially with the distal seal, and the diameter of the external peripheral surface of the male body cooperating radially with the proximal seal is equal to the diameter of the external peripheral surface of the male body cooperating radially with the distal seal.

[0049] A bearing surface configured to be in contact with the first valve is formed on the female body.

[0050] The second valve comprises a distal stem slidably mounted in the through housing of the female body in a sealed manner, wherein the male body forms a bearing surface configured to be in contact with the second valve during the insertion of the male element and of the female element and to displace it from the advanced closed position towards the retracted open position. The contact zone between the bearing surface of the male body and the second valve is radially mutually offset from the contact zone between the bearing surface of the female body and the first valve.

[0051] According to a second aspect, the present application relates to a pressurized fluid handling device comprising a pressurized fluid source and a first part of a connector for coupling with a second part of the connector which fits to a storage or use volume of the fluid, the first part of the connector being fluidly connected to the source by a duct, characterized in that the shut-off according to the above is fluidly connected to the source by a first section of the duct and to the first part of the connector by a second section of the duct.

[0052] Thanks to the compactness of the shut-off, this device is easier to handle than prior art devices and its reliability is also improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] The application will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more clearly apparent from the following description, given by way of example, of four embodiments of a shut-off and of a device according to the principles thereof, with reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0054] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a pressurized fluid handling device comprising, among others, a shut-off according to a first embodiment of the application, the male element and the female element of which are illustrated in longitudinal section in a disconnected configuration;

[0055] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of detail II and illustrates, on section B), a partial section according to line B-B of section A); Figure 1

[0056] [ Figure 3 ] is Figure 1 and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shut-off of

[0057] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is illustrated on section A) in a first intermediate coupling position of the shut-off of Figures 1 to 3 the male element and the female element of the shut-off of

[0058] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is illustrated on section A) in a second intermediate coupling position of the male element and the female element of the shut-off and on section B) in a third intermediate coupling position of the male element and the female element of the shut-off;

[0059] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 ​In longitudinal section, the male and female elements of the circuit breaker in the coupled configuration are illustrated, for part A) in the same section as Figure 1 and Figure 5 for part B) in a transverse section according to the vertical plane illustrated by line B-B on part A) ;

[0060] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a circuit breaker according to the second embodiment, in longitudinal section with its male and female elements in the first intermediate coupled position;

[0061] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 In part A) is illustrated in longitudinal section the circuit breaker of Figure 7 in the second intermediate coupled position, and in part B) is illustrated a transverse section according to line B-B on part A) ;

[0062] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 In part A) is illustrated in longitudinal section the circuit breaker of Figure 7 and Figure 8 in the coupled configuration, and in parts B) and C) are respectively illustrated transverse sections according to lines B-B and C-C on part A) ;

[0063] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 In longitudinal section are illustrated in parts A) and B) the circuit breaker according to the third embodiment of the application, respectively in the intermediate coupled position and in the coupled configuration;

[0064] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 In parts A), B) and C) are respectively illustrated the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment of the application, respectively in the intermediate coupled position in longitudinal section, in the coupled configuration and in a partially exploded perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 A pressurized fluid handling device 2 is illustrated. It comprises a terminal 4 forming a source of pressurized fluid, in this example the fluid is liquid hydrogen at a pressure of between 300 and 900 bars. The device 2 further comprises a nozzle 62 which constitutes a first part of a connector 6, a complementary second part 64 being mounted on a vehicle 8 comprising an on-board tank 82 for the pressurized fluid. The second part 64 can be coupled to the nozzle 62 when it is necessary to fill the tank 82 with pressurized fluid.

[0066] A pipe 9 connects the terminal 4 to the nozzle 62. According to the invention, a safety circuit breaker 10 is interposed along the pipe 9 and divides the pipe 9 between a first upstream section 92, extending between the terminal 4 and the circuit breaker 10, and a second downstream section 94, extending between the circuit breaker 10 and the nozzle 62.

[0067] For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 In the figures, only the elements 4, 6 and 9 of the device 2 are illustrated.

[0068] The circuit breaker 10 comprises male elements 100 and female elements 200.

[0069] For each male element 100 and female element 200, the front of the element is defined as the side of the element oriented towards the other element of the circuit breaker 10 when these male and female elements are aligned and ready to be assembled to each other. The rear of one element of the circuit breaker is defined as the side opposite to its front, oriented towards the section 92 or 94 of the pipe 9 with which it is connected.

[0070] For each of the male elements 100 and female elements 200, the adjective "proximal" modifies the parts, surfaces and volumes located closer to the rear of the element (compared to the parts, surfaces or volumes modified as distal). Conversely, the adjective "distal" modifies the parts, surfaces and volumes located closer to the front of one of the male elements 100 and female elements 200 (compared to the parts, surfaces or volumes modified as proximal).

[0071] In Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the front or distal side of the element 100 is oriented to the right, while its rear or proximal side is oriented to the left, and the front or distal side of the female element 200 is oriented to the left, while its rear or proximal side is oriented to the right.

[0072] In the following, the adjectives "axial" and "radial" are used to modify the position or orientation of a surface according to the longitudinal axis of the relevant part or subassembly. A surface is axial when it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; it is radial when it is perpendicular to any normal to the longitudinal axis. In particular, a radial surface is a circular peripheral surface centered on and extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0073] The adjectives "internal" and "external" are used to modify the orientation of a surface according to the central longitudinal axis of the relevant part or subassembly. A surface is internal when it faces the central longitudinal axis, and external when it faces away from the central longitudinal axis.

[0074] The circuit breaker 10 is for detachably connecting segments 92 and 94, the male element 100 and the female element 200 being connected to the segments 92 and 94.

[0075] The male element 100 extends along a longitudinal axis X100 and comprises a tubular male body 102 which is centred on the longitudinal axis X100 and which is composed of a proximal portion 102A, an intermediate portion 102B and a distal portion 102C.

[0076] The male body 102 is crossed by a first internal passage 104 for circulating pressurized fluid, which is connected to the upstream segment 92 in the use configuration of the circuit breaker 10. The male body 102 comprises the first internal passage 104.

[0077] The proximal portion 102A and the distal portion 102C are screwed together by means of a thread provided on the radial outer surface of the proximal portion 102A and a tapped thread provided on the radial inner surface of the distal portion 102C. The proximal portion 102A and the distal portion 102C sandwich the intermediate portion 102B in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X100.

[0078] The rear side of the distal portion 102C is in direct contact with the intermediate portion 102B. A front seal 106 is interposed between the axial rear surface of the distal portion 102C and the axial front surface of the intermediate portion 102B, ensuring the sealing of the internal passage 104 at the interface between the distal portion 102C and the intermediate portion 102B.

[0079] The front side of the proximal portion 102A is in direct contact with the intermediate portion 102B. A front seal 108 is located between the axial front surface of the proximal portion 102A and the axial rear surface of the intermediate portion 102B, ensuring the sealing of the internal passage 104 at the interface between the proximal portion 102A and the intermediate portion 102B.

[0080] The front seals 106 and 108 are not subjected to forces prevailing in the male body 102 which tend to expel them from their respective housings.

[0081] Three passage channels pass through the intermediate portion 102B according to the longitudinal axis X100 from one end to the other and are part of the internal passage 104. Figure 1 Only one of the passage channels is shown in the figure, designated by reference 102H. Figure 3 The three channels in question are shown.

[0082] The valve 110 of the male element 100 is movable in the internal passage 104 between an advanced closed position of the passage and a retracted open position of the passage, the advanced closed position being in the intermediate portion 102B. Figure 1is clearly illustrated, and in this position the valve abuts against a seat 112 formed on the distal portion 102C of the male body, this retracted open position being Figure 6 is clearly illustrated, in this position the valve is offset from the seat 112 and opens the internal passage 104 of the female element 100.

[0083] A seal 114 is mounted on the valve 110 and cooperates radially with the distal portion 102C of the male body 102 in the advanced closed position of the valve to ensure the sealed closure of the internal passage 104. In the retracted open position of the valve 110, the seal 114 is not in contact with the male body 102.

[0084] The valve 110 is monolithic and comprises a valve head 110A which carries the seal 114 and which abuts against the seat 112, in other words in the advanced closed position of the valve, the valve head 110A is longitudinally contiguous in front or towards the front with the seat 112. The valve head 110A constitutes a selective closure section of the internal passage 104. The valve 110 also comprises a proximal stem 110B and a distal stem 110C which are formed integrally with the valve head 110A.

[0085] The distal end of the male body 102 formed by the distal end of the distal portion 102C is denoted 102D. The distal stem 110C passes through the distal end 102D while being housed in a through housing 116 which extends through the distal end 102D along the longitudinal axis X100. A first stem seal 118 is mounted in an internal peripheral groove of the distal end 102D which opens into the through housing 116. The first stem seal 118 cooperates radially with the distal end 102D and with the distal stem 110C and can slide along the radial outer surface of the distal stem 110C when the distal stem 110C is axially displaced relative to the male body 102.

[0086] The proximal stem 110B is engaged in a housing 120 centred on the longitudinal axis X100 and arranged in the intermediate portion 102B. A second stem seal 122 is mounted in an external peripheral groove of the proximal stem 110B and cooperates radially with the proximal stem 110B and with the radial inner surface delimiting the housing 120. The second stem seal 122 slides along the radial inner surface delimiting the housing 120 when the proximal stem is axially moved relative to the male body 102.

[0087] Between the intermediate portion 102B and the head 110A, a spring 124 is interposed inside the internal passage 104 around the proximal stem 110B. By default, the spring 124 exerts an elastic thrust on the valve 110 towards its advanced closed position.

[0088] The diameter of the radially outer surface of the proximal stem 110B is denoted Φ1, on which surface an external peripheral groove is formed which accommodates the second stem seal 122. The diameter of the radially outer surface of the distal stem 110C is denoted Φ2, which defines the sealing diameter between the first stem seal 118 and the peripheral surface of the distal stem 110C. The diameter of the external peripheral groove bottom of the second stem seal 122 is denoted Φ1', which defines the sealing diameter between the second stem seal 122 and the proximal stem 110B. The diameters Φ1 and Φ2 are substantially equal. In fact, the ratio Φ1 / Φ2 is between 0.95 and 1, while preferably strictly less than 1. Thus, when the first stem seal 118 is installed in the bore and the second stem seal 100 is installed on the stem, the sealing diameter Φ1' of the stem seal 122 with the valve 110 is strictly less than the sealing diameter Φ2, with the effect that the pressure of the fluid accommodated in the internal passage 104 does not exert an opening force on the valve in the coupled configuration. In fact, when the diameter Φ1' is strictly less than the diameter Φ2, the pressure of the fluid accommodated in the internal passage tends to return the valve 110 to its advanced closed position. This difference between the diameters Φ1' and Φ2 contributes to the safe closing of the valve 110 and therefore also to the emergency unlocking, since the spring 124 does not have to be excessively large to guarantee the closing of the valve 110.

[0089] In Figure 1 the disconnection configuration shown, the distal stem 110C protrudes forward with respect to the axial front surface of the end 102E of the distal end 102D, and therefore also protrudes forward from the female body 102.

[0090] The distal portion 102C of the female body 102 forms a plurality of first radial passages 126, in this case six first radial passages, which are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X100 and which preferably exhibit an elongated section parallel to this axis, which can be seen in Figure 3 Fig. 3. The female body 102 comprises the first radial passages 126. Advantageously, the length of each first radial passage 126 (the largest dimension of this radial passage and measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X100) is strictly greater than the width of this first radial passage (measured according to the orthogonal radial direction to the longitudinal axis X100). Each radial passage 126 is a cylindrical volume whose base section is elongated and whose cylindrical axis is radial to the longitudinal axis X100.

[0091] The number of radial passages 126 can not be six. In fact, according to the respective dimensions of the distal portion 102C and of the radial passages 126, this number is chosen to be greater than or equal to one, preferably between one and ten.

[0092] Each radial passage 126 connects the internal channel 104 and an external peripheral surface 102F of the distal portion 102C, in a front portion 102F1 of which the section is circular and has a rectilinear generatrix.

[0093] The distal portion 102C also forms an external locking notch 128, in other words an external peripheral locking notch, which is provided in the external peripheral surface 102F, axially offset rearwardly with respect to the first radial passage 126. The female body 102 comprises the external locking notch 128.

[0094] The front portion 102F1 of the external peripheral surface 102F carries two annular seals arranged on either side of the first radial passage 126 along the longitudinal axis X100, namely a proximal seal 132 and a distal seal 134. The proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 are respectively received in an external peripheral groove of the external peripheral surface 102F, namely in a proximal external peripheral groove 136 and in a distal external peripheral groove 138.

[0095] Advantageously, the proximal external peripheral groove 136 and the distal external peripheral groove 138 are identical.

[0096] The median radial plane of the first radial passage 126 is denoted P126.

[0097] The distance measured between the median radial plane P126 and the edge of the groove 136 closest to the first radial passage 126 is denoted d136. The axial distance measured between the median radial plane P126 and the edge of the groove 138 closest to the first radial passage 126 is denoted d138. The axial distances d136 and d138 are measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X100.

[0098] The distance d138 is strictly greater than the distance d136.

[0099] In other words, the proximal seal 132 is closer to the first radial passage 126 than the distal seal 134.

[0100] Advantageously, the distance d138 is at least 1.5 times, and preferably 1.75 times, the distance d136. In other words, the ratio d138 / d136 is greater than or equal to 1.5, and preferably 1.75.

[0101] The relationship is:

[0102] d138 / d136≥1.5 (Equation 1)

[0103] Preferably, d138 / d136≥1.75 (Equation 2)

[0104] Advantageously, the proximal and distal seals 132 and 134 are identical.

[0105] The inner diameter of the seal 132 is denoted d132. and the inner diameter of the seal 134 is denoted d134. The toroidal diameter of the seal 132 is denoted D132. and the toroidal diameter of the seal 134 is denoted D134.

[0106] Advantageously, the toroidal diameter of each seal is much smaller than its inner diameter, preferably at most 1 / 5 of the inner diameter, more preferably at most 1 / 10 of the inner diameter.

[0107] The relationship is:

[0108]

[0109] Preferably,

[0110]

[0111] Preferably,

[0112] The external locking notch 128 is longitudinally delimited by a distal inclined surface S128 located in front of the notch and by a proximal inclined surface S'128 located behind the locking notch.

[0113] The distal inclined surface S128 extends in the direction of the distal end 102D of the male body 102, by a radial surface S101 parallel to the longitudinal axis X100, then by an external inclined surface S102 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X100, the external inclined surface S102 being the one of the two surfaces S102 and S128 closest to the distal end 102D.

[0114] In practice, the surfaces S128, S'128 and S102 are advantageously frustoconical in shape, while the surface S101 is advantageously cylindrical with a rectilinear generatrix and a circular base.

[0115] The distal inclined surface S128 diverges forward, in other words, along the longitudinal axis X100, towards the distal end 102D, while the proximal inclined surface S'128 and the external inclined surface S102 converge forward, along the longitudinal axis X100, towards the distal end 102D.

[0116] The angle of inclination of the proximal inclined surface S'128 with respect to the longitudinal axis X100 is denoted by a'. Advantageously, the angle a' is between 40° and 50°, preferably equal to about 45°.

[0117] The angle of inclination of the external inclined surface S102 relative to the longitudinal axis X100 is denoted by β. Advantageously, the angle β is between 12° and 20°, preferably equal to about 15°.

[0118] The female body 102 also comprises external radial teeth 140 extending from the external peripheral surface 102F in the vicinity of the rear end of the distal portion 102C. According to the orthogonal radial direction to the longitudinal axis X100, each tooth 140 is delimited by two faces 142 parallel to a longitudinal plane passing midway between the tooth 140 in question, equidistant from these faces, and containing the longitudinal axis X100. The external radial teeth 140 are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X100 at the rear end of the distal portion 102C and are angularly arranged relative to the first radial passage 126 in a precise and predetermined manner.

[0119] In the example in the figures, the number of teeth 140 is equal to six. Alternatively, it can be different, but still greater than or equal to 1.

[0120] The housing 120 of the intermediate portion 102B of the female body 102 is connected to the outside of the female element 100 at the rear of the proximal stem 110B, in all positions of the valve 110 relative to the female body 100, and in particular when this valve is in the advanced closed position and in the retracted open position. To this end, a vent 144 is provided in the intermediate portion 102B and extends radially to the longitudinal axis X100 between the housing 120 and the external peripheral surface 102G of the intermediate portion 102B. The vent 144 communicates through a radial hole 146 provided in the proximal portion 102A, then through a radial space 147 provided between the proximal portion 102A and the distal portion 102C, this space being unsealed. Thus, air from the housing 120 can be expelled to the outside of the female element 100 through the vent 144, the radial hole 146 and the radial space. The vent 144 is isolated from the internal passage 104 by the front seals 106 and 108 and by the second stem seal 122, so that the fluid passing through the circuit breaker in the coupled configuration of the female element 100 and the male element 200 is not at risk of being expelled from the circuit breaker through the vent 144.

[0121] The female element 200 extends along a longitudinal axis X200 and comprises a tubular female body 202 centred on the longitudinal axis X200 and composed of a proximal portion 202A, an intermediate portion 202B and a distal portion 202C.

[0122] The female body 202 is crossed by a second internal passage 204 for circulating pressurised fluid, which is connected to the downstream section 94 in the use configuration of the circuit breaker 10. The female body 202 comprises the second internal passage 204.

[0123] During the coupling of the male and female elements 100 and 200, and in the coupled configuration of these elements, the longitudinal axes X100 and X200 coincide and are aligned with the insertion axis X10 of the circuit breaker 10.

[0124] The intermediate portion 202B and the distal portion 202C jointly delimit an internal volume V200 of the female element 200, which is configured to receive a portion of the male element 100 during the coupling and in the coupled configuration of the male and female elements 100 and 200.

[0125] The intermediate portion 202B forms a bearing surface 202D which longitudinally delimits the internal volume V200 at the rear. The bearing surface 202D is an axially inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis X200.

[0126] The proximal portion 202A and the distal portion 202C are screwed together by means of a thread provided on the radial outer surface of the distal portion 202C and a tapped thread provided on the radial inner surface of the proximal portion 202A. The proximal portion 202A and the distal portion 202C sandwich the intermediate portion 202B therebetween in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X200.

[0127] The radial seal 206 is arranged radially between the intermediate portion 202B and the distal portion 202C. The seal 206 is housed in an external peripheral groove 207 provided on the radial outer surface 202E of the intermediate portion 202B.

[0128] The front seal 208 is interposed between the intermediate portion 202B and the proximal portion 202A at a contact zone where axial surface contact occurs between the portions 202A and 202B.

[0129] Over a length which exceeds one third of the length of the intermediate portion 202B measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X200, the radial outer surface 202E cooperates with the radial inner surface 202F of the distal portion 202C with a reduced play. This play-reduced cooperation of the surfaces 202E and 202F ensures a good coaxiality of the intermediate portion 202B and the distal portion 202C of the female body 202.

[0130] The internal passage 204 comprises a rear portion 204A which is centred on the longitudinal axis X200 and in which a single valve 210 of the female element 200 is housed.

[0131] The valve 210 is movable in the rear portion 204A of the internal passage 204 between an advanced closed position of the passage and a retracted open position, the advanced closed position being in the rear portion 204A of the internal passage 204. Figure 1is clearly illustrated, and in this position the head 210A of the valve abuts in front of the seat 212 formed on the intermediate portion 202B of the female body, the retracted open position being Figure 6 is clearly illustrated, and in this position the valve is offset from its seat 212 and opens the internal passage 204 of the female element 200. The valve head 210A constitutes a selectively sealing zone of the internal passage 204.

[0132] A seal 214 is mounted on the valve 210 and cooperates radially with the intermediate portion 202B of the male body in the advanced closed position of the valve. In the retracted open position of the valve 210, the seal is not in contact with the female body 202.

[0133] A spring 224 interposed between the proximal portion 202A and the valve 210 pushes the valve 210 by default towards its advanced closed position, abutting against the seat 212.

[0134] The internal passage 204 also comprises an intermediate portion 204B arranged radially around the intermediate portion 202B inside the distal portion 202C.

[0135] The inclined passages 216 pass through the intermediate portion 202B and extend from the intermediate portion 204B of the internal passage 204 towards the rear portion 204A of the internal passage in front of the seat 212. In fact, the inclined passages 216 are part of the internal passage 204 and connect the intermediate portion 204B and the rear portion 204A thereof.

[0136] For example, the inclined passages 216 are six in number and have the same inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis X200. The inclined passages 216 diverge in the forward direction of the female element 200. The angle of inclination of the inclined passages 216 with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 is denoted by γ. The value of the angle γ is advantageously between 40° and 50°, preferably around 45°.

[0137] In an alternative, not illustrated, of the application, the number of inclined passages 216 is not six, greater than or equal to one.

[0138] The second radial passages 226 connect the intermediate portion 204B of the internal passage 204 and the first radial inner surface 202G of the intermediate portion 202B, the latter participating in the radial delimitation of the volume V200. The second radial passages 226 thus connect the intermediate portion 204B of the internal passage 204 with the volume V200 by radially passing through the intermediate portion 202B of the female body 202.

[0139] The second radial passages 226 are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X200. In the example in the figures, their number is six.

[0140] Alternatively, the number of radial passages 226 can also be different, provided it is greater than or equal to 1, and preferably regularly distributed around the axis X200 if it is greater than or equal to 2, whatever the number.

[0141] Advantageously, the number of second radial passages 226 is identical to the number of first radial passages 126.

[0142] The second radial passages 226 are delimited by notches provided on the front edge 202J of the intermediate portion 202B and, at the front, by the axial rear surface 202H of the distal portion 202C. At the rear, and according to the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X200, the second radial passages 226 are delimited by the material of the intermediate portion 202B. Since the intermediate portion 202B is sandwiched between the proximal portion 202A and the distal portion 202C of the female body 202, the front edge 202J of the intermediate portion 202B remains in surface contact with the axial rear surface 202H of the distal portion 202C. This implementation of the second radial passages 226 provides a good axial compactness for the circuit breaker of the application.

[0143] Each of the second radial passages 226 has a section plane taken on a radial plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X200 which is substantially identical to the section plane taken on a radial plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X100 of the first radial passages 126. Thus, the section plane of the second radial passages 226 is elongated, that is to say, its length (measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X200) is strictly greater than its width (measured in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis X200). The elongated shape of the first and second radial passages 126 and 226 allows to obtain a maximum fluid flow inside the circuit breaker 10 in the coupled configuration of the male element 100 and the female element 200, while improving the radial compactness thereof and minimizing the pressure loss of the circuit breaker 10 when the pressurized fluid flows in the coupled configuration of the male element 100 and the female element 200.

[0144] At the front of the second radial passages 226, locking housings 230 with a circular base cylindrical section plane pass radially through the distal portion 202C. These locking housings 230 open at the inner surface 202K of the distal portion 202C which also radially delimits the internal receiving volume V200. More precisely, the locking housings 230 open at a second radial inner surface 202K2 of the distal portion 202C which is anterior to the inner surface 202K. Indeed, the volume V200 is radially delimited by the first radial inner surface 202G at the axial level of the intermediate portion 202B and by the inner surface 202K at the axial level of the distal portion 202C with respect to the axis X200. Although the surfaces 202G and 202K are formed respectively in different portions 202B and 202C of the body 202, they jointly form the internal peripheral surface of the female body.

[0145] The diameter of the first radial surface 202G is constant over its axial length, while the diameter of the inner surface 202K increases close to the opening 200A of the female element 200, through which the male body 102 enters the female body 202 during the insertion of the male element 100 and the female element 200. Thus, the inner surface 202K comprises, along the longitudinal axis X200, in front of the first radial inner surface 202G, a third radial inner surface 202K1 having a constant diameter equal to that of the first radial inner surface 202G. The inner surface 202K further comprises a second radial inner surface 202K2, which radially delimits the opening 200A, having a constant diameter strictly greater than that of the first radial inner surface 202G. A frustoconical portion 202K3 of the inner surface 202K connects its portions 202K1 and 202K2 and diverges towards the opening 200A. In summary, the inner surface 202K is formed by the surfaces 202K1, 202K2 and 202K3 in combination.

[0146] Each locking housing 230 receives a locking ball 232 and presents, radially inside it, a reduced diameter strictly smaller than that of the ball 232, which allows each ball 232 to be retained inside the housing 230 without falling completely into the inner receiving volume V200.

[0147] Each ball 232 constitutes a locking member and is movable within its locking housing 230 between:

[0148] a first, inner radial locking position, in which the ball projects radially into the receiving volume V200 of the male body 102 and prevents the male body 102, if engaged in the outer locking notch 128 of the male body 102, from axially exiting the female element 200, and

[0149] a second, outer radial release position, in which the male body 102 can axially exit the female element 200.

[0150] The geometry of the locking housing 230 and of the locking ball 232 is such that each ball is movable in its housing 230 only in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis X200.

[0151] Each second radial passage 226 is constituted by a cylindrical main portion 226A, the base of which has an oblong cross section, with its cylindrical axis A226 radial to the longitudinal axis X200, and by a pocket 226B, which is provided as a recess on the radial inner surface 202G. The pockets 226B are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X200. A portion of the first radial inner surface 202G extends circumferentially between two pockets 226B with respect to the longitudinal axis X200. In other words, the pockets 226B are provided as recesses on the radial inner surface 202G, which are locally surrounding the longitudinal axis X200.

[0152] The outer geometry of the head 210A is identical to that of the head 110A of the valve 110 of the male element 100. In particular, the frustoconical surfaces of the heads 110A and 210A, which are in contact with their respective seats 112, 212 in the closed position, have the same inclination, their grooves, in which the seals 114 and 214 are housed, have the same radial and axial geometry, and the seals 114 and 214 are advantageously identical.

[0153] The valve 210 is crossed by a passage 234, which allows the fluid passing through the circuit breaker 10 to flow between the rear portion 204A of the internal channel 204 and the downstream section 94 of the pipe 9. The valve 210 functions as a one-way valve. The valve is configured to be displaced from its advanced closed position to its retracted open position, so as to lift the valve 210 from its seat 212 and release the passage for the pressurized fluid, when the latter, present in the intermediate portion 204B of the internal channel 204, exerts an axial force on the rear portion of the female body, then the fluid flows along the passage 234 and the pipe 9, and then through the downstream section 94 of the pipe 9. Figure 6 The flow arrows E shown flow through the circuit breaker in the direction indicated.

[0154] A longitudinal notch 240 is formed at the front end of the distal portion 202C, the geometry of which is complementary to that of the radial tooth 140 of the male body 102.

[0155] A first vent 244 is formed in the distal portion 202C of the female body 202 and puts in fluid communication the internal volume V200 in front of the second radial passage 226 with the outside of the female element 200. The first vent 244 passes through the female body 202 in a radial direction. The first vent 244 opens onto the inner surface 202K at the level of its third radial inner surface 202K1. Each vent 244 comprises a cylindrical bore 244A aligned with an axis A244 and a pocket 244B arranged as a recess on the inner surface 202K. The pockets 244B are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X200. A portion of the third radial inner surface 202K1 extends in a circumferential direction between two pockets 244B with respect to the longitudinal axis X200. In other words, the pockets 244B are arranged as recesses on the third radial inner surface 202K1 which are locally circumferential around the longitudinal axis X200.

[0156] Each axis A244 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 and diverges towards the rear of the female body 202. The angle of inclination of the axis A244 with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 is denoted by δ. Advantageously, the angle δ is between 40 and 50°, preferably around 45°.

[0157] Advantageously, the rear end of each cylindrical sector 244A opens onto the radial outer surface of the female body 202 and is arranged behind the front end of the cylindrical sector 244A.

[0158] Advantageously, in the coupled configuration, the first vent 244 is isolated from the internal passage 104 by the proximal seal 132.

[0159] When the female body 202 is arranged in an upright position with its distal portion 202C oriented upwards, which is the usual position in a circuit breaker, the chosen inclination of the axes A244 prevents the entry of moisture, in particular droplets, from the outside of the female body 202.

[0160] The radial inner surface 202F of the distal portion 202C is provided with a first front internal radial recess 245 and a second rear internal radial recess 246. The recesses 245 and 246 are connected by a peripheral volume 247. In the assembled configuration of the female body 202, the first recess 245 is arranged in a radial direction facing the second radial passage 226, while the second rear recess 246 is arranged in a radial direction facing the most front end of the inclined passage 216. Thus, according to the radial and centrifugal directions with respect to the longitudinal axis X200, the first recess 245 constitutes a collector of fluid passing through the second radial passage 226, while the second rear recess 246 constitutes a distributor of fluid towards the inclined passage 216, the peripheral volume 247 connecting the collector and the distributor.

[0161] A second vent 248 is formed in the female body 202 and radially passes through the female body 202. Each second vent 248 comprises a curved bore 248A, a pocket 248B and a passage 248C. The curved bore 248A and the pocket 248B are provided in the middle portion 202B, while the passage 248C is provided in the middle portion 202B and the distal portion 202C. The pocket 248B is provided as a recess in a bearing surface 202D. The second vent 248 opens onto this bearing surface. The second vent 248 fluidically connects the internal volume V200 behind the second radial passage 226 with the exterior of the female element 200. The second vent 248 opens on the outside of the female element 202, in an internal volume delimited between the radially outer surface of the proximal portion 202A and the radially inner surface of the proximal portion 202C, which is in fluid communication with the exterior of the female element 202, isolated from the internal passage 104 by the radial seal 206, the front seal 208 and the distal seal 134 in the coupled configuration.

[0162] The indicating pin 250 extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 and is interposed between the middle portion 202B and the distal portion 202C of the female body 202. The indicating pin 250 obstructs the relative rotation of the middle portion 202B and the distal portion 202C, which allows the angular indication of the middle portion 202B and the distal portion 202C with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis X200, which allows the constitution of the second vent 248 by the radial alignment of the portions 248A and 248C of the second vent 248. This angular indication of the portions 202B and 202C also allows the angular orientation of the second radial passage 226 of the female body with respect to the first radial passage 126, thanks to the cooperation of the teeth 140 and the longitudinal notches 240.

[0163] Advantageously, the pin 250 is tightly mounted in a non-through radial housing 252 of the middle portion 202B and has a longitudinal play J250 in an orifice 254 radially passing through the distal portion 202C. In the sectional view A) of figure 2, this longitudinal play J250 is illustrated as distributed on both sides of the pin 250. This allows the longitudinal abutment positioning of the middle portion 202D and the distal portion 202C without obstruction, with the axial front surface 202J of the middle portion 202B abutting the axial rear surface 202H of the distal portion 202C. The pin 250 is radially covered by the proximal portion of the body 202A. Figure 2

[0164] ​The female element 200 also comprises a locking ring 260, which is segmented and is slidably mounted around the distal end portion 202C of the female body. The locking ring 260 comprises an outer sleeve 262, a central portion 264 and a sleeve 266. The central portion 264 and the sleeve 266, advantageously of metallic material, are screwed into longitudinal abutment with each other, the outer sleeve 262, advantageously made of elastically deformable polymeric material, being placed around the screwed-together central portion 264 and sleeve 266.

[0165] The locking ring 260, and in particular the central portion 264 thereof, forms an internal covering surface 268, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 and diverges towards the rear of the female body 202. The angle of inclination of the covering surface 268 with respect to the longitudinal axis X200 is indicated with Θ. Advantageously, the angle Θ is between 40 and 50°, preferably equal to about 45°. Preferably, the value of the angle of inclination Θ is the same as the value of the angle of inclination a of the distal surface S128 of the outer locking notch 128 of the male body 102. Therefore, in the coupled configuration of the male element 100 and the female element 200 of the circuit breaker 10, the internal covering surface 268 is substantially parallel to the distal surface S128.

[0166] A spring 270 is interposed longitudinally between the front face 260A of the locking ring 260 and the rear face 202L of the distal end portion 202C. By default, the spring 270 elastically pushes the locking ring 260 towards the rear of the female body 202, thus maintaining the contact between the internal covering surface 268 and the ball 232, which it elastically pushes towards its first locking position.

[0167] By means of the locking ring 260 and the spring 270, it is achieved that, in the coupled position of the male element 100 and the female element 200, the contact of the male body 102 with the female body 202 in the direction of insertion is elastically maintained, in which the flow rate inside the circuit breaker 10 reaches a maximum. The elastic return function of the locking ring can be adjusted by suitably choosing the dimensions of the spring 270.

[0168] In all positions with respect to the female body 202, the locking ring 260 is radially offset from the outer end of the first vent 244, more particularly from the outer end of the inclined bore 244A provided on the radially outer surface of the female body 202. The ring 260 does not obstruct these vents 244. In particular, an internal radial notch 266A is advantageously provided as a recess on the radially inner surface of the sleeve 266, so as to leave the outlet passage of the first vent 244 unobstructed.

[0169] When the male element 100 and the female element 200 need to be coupled, they are aligned on the insertion axis X10, so that the longitudinal axes X100 and X200 coincide with this insertion axis. During the subsequent coupling of the male element 100 and the female element 200 and in the coupled configuration of these elements, the axes X10, X100 and X200 remain coincident.

[0170] The coupling is performed by approaching the male element 100 and the female element 200 to each other along the insertion axis X10. This approach can be done manually or, alternatively, by means of specific tools (not illustrated).

[0171] Before insertion, the radial teeth 140 are aligned longitudinally with the longitudinal notches 240 by angularly orienting the male body 102 with respect to the female body 202 around the axis X10, and then the male element 100 and the female element 200 are approached to each other by engaging the radial teeth 140 in the longitudinal notches 240, which allows the angular indication of the male body 102 and of the female body 202.

[0172] By continuing the insertion movement of the male element and of the female element, the ball 232 is pushed by the external inclined surface S102 to its external radial release position, the locking ring 260 is displaced with respect to the ball 232 in the female body 202 forward direction against the action of the spring 270, the internal covering surface 268 of the locking ring 260 remains in contact with the ball 232 under the action of the spring 270, as Figure 4 illustrated.

[0173] In the second coupling position illustrated in the partial view A) of Figure 5 , the proximal seal 132 radially cooperates on its entire periphery with the third radial inner surface 202K1 of the distal portion 202C, this cooperation occurring between the opening of the first vent 244 formed by the pocket 244B and the opening of the second radial passage 226 formed by the pocket 226B, while the distal seal 134 radially cooperates on its entire periphery with the first radial inner surface 202G of the intermediate portion 202B between the radial passage 226 and the second vent 248. The ball 232 is still in abutment with the external inclined surface S102. The proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 thus fluidically isolate the first and second radial passages 126, 226 from the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0174] In this second coupling position, the distal stem 110C of the valve 110 is in abutment with the bearing surface 202D.

[0175] The effect of the continued axial insertion movement is that the bearing surface 202D pushes the distal stem 110C back into the through housing 116 of the distal end 102D of the male body 102 in the rearward direction of the insertion axis X10. Due to the sealing effect provided by the first stem seal 118, the distal stem 110C remains in sealed contact with the distal end 102D of the male body 102 throughout its displacement stroke.

[0176] The effect of this additional axial movement is that the valve 110 of the male element is displaced towards its retracted open position of the first internal passage 104 and reaches Figure 5 the third insertion position, which is illustrated in part B) of Fig. 10, in which the ball 232 is in the outer radial release position and releases the passage of the male body 102 through the female body 202, but has not yet tilted into the locking housing 230.

[0177] During this axial insertion movement, the air trapped in the internal receiving volume V200 between the distal end 102D of the distal portion 102C of the male body 102 and the bearing surface 202D of the female body 202 is expelled outside the circuit breaker through the second vent 248. The air trapped inside the housing 120 of the male body behind the proximal stem 110B is expelled through the vent 144.

[0178] Continuing this insertion movement allows to reach Figure 6 the coupled configuration, in which the ball 232 is pushed back into its inner radial locking position by the covering surface 268 of the locking ring 260, in which position the ball 232 is engaged in and retained in the outer locking notch 128 under the action of the locking ring 260 and the spring 270. The ball 232 then forms an obstacle preventing the male body 102 from being withdrawn from the female body 202.

[0179] In this coupled configuration, the first radial passages 126 of the male body 102 are each aligned with one of the second radial passages 226 of the female body 202 according to the radial direction of the insertion axis X10. Furthermore, in this position, the proximal and distal seals 132, 134 fluidically isolate the first and second radial passages 126, 226 from the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0180] When the fluid passage is established between the male element 100 and the complementary female element 200, as explained above, the valve 210 of the female element is displaced by the pressure of the fluid present in the first channel 104 against the elastic force exerted by the spring 224. In fact, in the coupled configuration of the male element 100 and the female element 200, the pressurized fluid present in the channel 104 flows through the first and second radial channels 106 and 126, which are aligned, then into the collector formed by the first front recess 245, into the peripheral volume 247, into the distributor formed by the second rear recess 246, and into the inclined passage 216, which exerts on the valve 210 an axial thrust toward the rear of the female body 202, which is greater in intensity than the elastic force exerted by the spring 224.

[0181] In particular, in the coupled configuration of the male element and the female element, the inner covering surface 268 of the locking ring 260 is in contact at the front with the balls 232 and keeps these balls in longitudinal contact with the distal surface S128 of the outer locking notch 128, which tends to elastically push the male body 102 toward the support surface 202D. The fact that the angles a and Θ have the same value contributes to the stability of the circuit breaker 10 in this configuration.

[0182] In the uncoupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200 and in the coupled configuration of these elements, the front end of the distal rod 110C extends beyond the front surface of the end 102E. In particular, in the coupled configuration, there is a non-zero axial play J10 between the axial surfaces 102E and 202D.

[0183] It can be noted that the diameter of the third radial inner surface 202K1 of the peripheral surface 202K is equal to the diameter of the first radial inner surface 202G, wherein, in the coupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200, the proximal seal 132 radially cooperates with the third radial inner surface 202K1 over its entire periphery, and, in the coupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200, the distal seal 134 radially cooperates with the first radial inner surface 202G over its entire periphery. Furthermore, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the male body 102, located in the bottom of the proximal outer peripheral groove 136, with which the proximal seal 132 radially cooperates in the coupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200, is equal to the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 102F of the male body 102, located in the bottom of the distal outer peripheral groove 134, with which the distal seal 134 radially cooperates in the coupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200. Thus, in the coupled configuration of the male element and the female element, the connection between the male body 102 and the female body 202 is balanced in that the proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 radially cooperate with the male body 102 and the female body 202, respectively, with the same sealing diameter. In view of this geometry of the male element 100 and the female element 200, the pressure inside the male body 102 and the female body 202 does not exert a force tending to separate these bodies along the insertion axis X10. In these circumstances, the locking force exerted by the locking ring 260 and the balls 232 must be chosen to withstand only the standard separation force (according to the ISO 19880-3 or CSA / ANSI HGV 4.4-2017 standard in force to date), which is generally between 300 and 660 Newton (Newtons). Thus, in the coupled configuration of the male element 100 and the female element 200, the safety of the locking is improved in that, in the coupled configuration, the pressure in the circuit breaker is balanced.

[0184] From the coupled configuration of the elements 100 and 200, if the vehicle 8 moves away from the filling terminal 4 so that the force exerted on the pipe 9 is greater than the standard separation force, the movement of the inclined distal surface S128 of the outer locking notch 128 with respect to the locking balls 232 in the rear direction of the male element 100 causes these balls to be displaced in the centrifugal direction with respect to the insertion axis X10 towards their outer radial release position, contrary to the action of the springs 270. This causes the male element and the female element of the circuit breaker 10 to be disconnected.

[0185] In the case of disconnection, during the withdrawal of the male body 102 from the internal receiving volume V200, the valves 110 and 210 are closed respectively by the pushing of the springs 124 and 224 associated with them. The valve 110 is in sealing contact with the male body 102 while the distal seal 134 is still interposed between the radial passages 126, 226 and the second vent 248 and the proximal seal 132 is still interposed between the radial passages 126, 226 and the first vent 244, the distal seal 134 and the proximal seal 132 fluidically isolating the radial passages 126, 226 from the outside of the circuit breaker. The closure of the pressurized fluid passage in the internal passage of the circuit breaker 10, formed by the combination of the internal passages 104 and 204, causes the closure of the valve 210 of the female element, which, when no longer subjected to fluid pressure, is returned to the closed position by the spring 224.

[0186] The distances d136 and d138 are such that, during the disconnection of the male element and the female element, the proximal seal 132 is radially facing the second radial passage 226 when the distal seal 134 is radially facing the first vent 244. This causes the sealing of the distal seal 134 and the proximal seal 132 to lose sealing substantially simultaneously, which allows the purging of the fluid trapped between the two valve heads 210A and 110A in the female body 202 and the male body 102 at the level of the two distal seals 134 and proximal seals 132.

[0187] Furthermore, the presence of the pockets 226B and 244B allows to maintain the position of the proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 during the purging at disconnection, by the partial cooperation of the third radial inner surface 202K1 with the proximal seal 132 and the partial cooperation of the first radial inner surface 202G with the distal seal 134.

[0188] The pressurized fluid trapped in the portion of the internal passage 104 of the male body 102 arranged in front of the valve 110 and in the portion of the internal passage 204 of the female body 202 arranged in front of the valve 210 of the female element can be rapidly purged towards the outside of the circuit breaker via the first vent 244 and the second vent 248 respectively, since the seal between the distal seal 134 and the female body 202 is interrupted at the level of the second radial passage 226, while at the same time the seal between the proximal seal 132 and the female body 202 is interrupted at the level of the first vent 244. In other words, the first proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 lose the seal with the female body simultaneously.

[0189] In Figures 7 to 11The elements similar to those of the first embodiment in the second, third and fourth embodiments shown bear the same reference numerals. In the following, if a reference numeral is mentioned in the description without being shown in the figures, or is shown in the figures without being mentioned in the description, it corresponds to the element of the first embodiment bearing the same reference numeral. The main differences between the first, second and third embodiments and the first embodiment will be described below.

[0190] In the second embodiment shown, the female body 102 is composed of two parts, a proximal part 102A and a distal part 102C, which are screwed to each other without an intermediate part being interposed. A part of the proximal part 102A constitutes a housing 120, which is similar to the housing 120 of the first embodiment, and in which the proximal stem 110B of the valve 110 of the male element is engaged. Figures 7 to 9 The valve 210 is mounted in the body 202 of the female element 200, which, as in the first embodiment, is composed of a proximal part 202A, an intermediate part 202B and a distal part 202C.

[0191] As in the first embodiment, the proximal seal 132 and the distal seal 134 are mounted on either side of the first radial passage 126, in the recesses 136 and 138 respectively, which are positioned at different axial distances di36 and di38 from each other with respect to the median plane P126 of the first radial passage. The distance di38 is strictly greater than the distance di36, and the ratio di38 / di36 can take the values mentioned above in the first embodiment.

[0192] The second radial passage 226 opens radially outwards into a peripheral volume 247, which extends to the inclined passage 216, which is similar to those of the first embodiment. In other words, in the second embodiment, the collector or the distributor of the first embodiment are not used.

[0193] The female body 202 comprises, in addition to the proximal part 202A, the intermediate part 202B and the distal part 202C, a sleeve 202M, which is screwed onto the outside of the distal part 202C and forms a cylindrical surface 202N, which has a circular cross-section around the longitudinal axis X200, for guiding the male body 102 during its insertion into the female body 202.

[0194]

[0195] ​Unlike the first embodiment, the circuit breaker 10 in the second embodiment does not comprise a locking ball, but a single locking member formed by a spring 233 with inclined coils housed with reduced longitudinal play in an internal peripheral recess 235 of the distal portion 202C of the female body 202. The spring can be of the "balspring" type marketed by the company Bal Seal Engineering, or any other equivalent type. Preferably, the spring 233 is shaped as a ring. In other words, the spring 233 is contained in a toric volume. Before being put into the internal peripheral recess 235, the spring 233 is welded on itself; the ring is then closed. Alternatively, the spring 233 is shaped as a ring from a piece of spring in the internal peripheral recess 235. In the latter case, the ring is open. Preferably, when the spring 233 is in place in the internal peripheral recess 235, it is stretched completely around the longitudinal axis X200. Upon insertion of the male element 100 and of the female element 200, the spring 233 is expected to elastically deform to engage with the external locking notch 128 on the external peripheral surface 102F of the male body 102. In particular, upon contact with the external peripheral surface 102F of varying diameter, a compression force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X200 is exerted on the coils of the spring 233. The spring 233 is thus configured to move from a first locking position, in which it engages with the external locking notch 128, preventing the male body 102 from axially exiting the female body 202 in the coupled configuration, to a second release position, in which the male body can axially exit the female body. In fact, in the second release position, the spring 233 is compressed in the internal peripheral recess 235 of the distal portion 202C and releases the passage of the male body 102 in the internal volume V200 of the female body 202. In the first locking position, the spring 233 hinders the passage of the male body 102 in the female body 202 in the direction of axial exit of the male body 102 from the female body 202.

[0196] A locking ring similar to the locking ring 260 in the first embodiment is not used in the second embodiment.

[0197] Since the locking spring 233 is hidden inside the female element 200, it is not accessible, which contributes to the safety and reliability of the operation of the circuit breaker 10. This also improves the radial compactness of the circuit breaker.

[0198] The inclined surface S102, here with the geometry of a portion of a sphere, serves to engage the spring 233 with the locking notch, as in the first embodiment.

[0199] The angle indication between the male body 102 and the female body 202 is made by Figure 9As seen in Figure B), the hexagonal shape is implemented in the first embodiment. After the valve 110 of the male element 100 moves from its forward closed position to its retracted open position, the male body 102 and the female body 202 engage because the distal rod 110C is adjacent to the support surface 202D formed by the female body 202.

[0200] More precisely, the hexagonal outer surface 102P of the distal portion 102C of the male component and the hexagonal inner surface 202P of the distal portion 202C of the female component together constitute the indicating tool of the male component 102 and the female component 202 around the insertion axis X10.

[0201] Furthermore, instead of the pin in the first embodiment, an indicator ball 251 is provided between the middle portion 202B and the distal portion 202C of the mother body. The indicator ball 251 is inserted into a housing disposed in one of these portions with reduced radial and axial clearance, and is inserted into another housing disposed in the other portion with reduced axial clearance.

[0202] Furthermore, a slow-leakage passage 210D is provided in the head 210A of the through valve 210, which allows fluid to flow through the valve 210 at a low and controllable rate, including when the valve 210 is adjacent to its seat 212, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The location shown.

[0203] exist Figure 9 In the connection configuration of the male and female components shown in the figure, the first radial passage 126 and the second radial passage 226 are axially aligned along the insertion axis X10 and radially aligned about the axis.

[0204] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagrams illustrate the first and second positions of the male component 100 and female component 200 during insertion. Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the connection configuration of these components. Apart from this, the operation of the circuit breaker 10 in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment.

[0205] exist Figure 10 In the third embodiment shown, located in the middle connection position of sub-Figure A) and the connection configuration of sub-Figure B), the valve 110 of the male element 100, as in the first embodiment, includes a head 110A, a proximal stem 110B and a distal stem 110C.

[0206] Here, the valve 210 of the mother element 200 also includes a head 210A, a proximal stem 210B, and a distal stem 210C protruding from the support surface 202D.

[0207] Valve 110 extends along a longitudinal axis X110 which is central to it. Valve 210 extends along a longitudinal axis X210 which is central to it. Axes X110 and X210 are parallel to the insertion axis.

[0208] Valve 110 is similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and is operated in the same way. Valve 210 is operated in a similar way to valve 110. Valve head 110A carries a seal similar to seal 114 of the first embodiment. Valve head 210A is free of a seal and abuts a seat similar to seat 212 in the first embodiment under the action of a return spring.

[0209] In a similar way to proximal stem 110B of valve 110 which engages in housing 120 of male body 102, proximal stem 210B engages in axial housing 220 delimited by female body 202, as in the first embodiment. Vent 222 connects housing 220 to the outside of the female body, as vent 144 connects housing 120 to the outside of the male body.

[0210] Proximal stem 210C of valve 210 of female element 200 is configured to abut front end surface 102E of male body 102, as in the first embodiment proximal stem 110C of valve 110 abuts support surface 202D formed by female body 202. In other words, front end surface 102E of the male body constitutes a support surface for proximal stem 210C of the valve.

[0211] This allows actuation of the valve 210 of the female element not to be carried out by fluid pressure in internal passage 104, but by male element 100 body 102. Double closure is thus achieved within disconnector 10, and the opening position of both valves 110 and 210 is precisely managed, which allows fluid flow to be maximised in the coupled configuration of male element 100 and female element 200.

[0212] This requires a radial offset to exist between the contact zone on the one hand (between male body 102 and valve 210) and the contact zone on the other hand (between female body 202 and valve 110) with respect to the insertion axis X10.

[0213] In the embodiment of Figure 10 In the embodiment of

[0214] In the embodiment of Figure 11In the fourth embodiment shown, each of the valves 110 of the male element 100 or 210 of the female element 200 is also operated open by the body of the other element.

[0215] In the fourth embodiment, the distal stems 110C and 210C of the valves 110 and 210, respectively belonging to the male element 100 and to the female element 200 of the disconnector 10, are coaxial and advantageously centred on the insertion axis X10.

[0216] The valve 110 of the male element 100 comprises a tip 110E fixed on its distal stem 110C and its front end face 110F is shaped as a portion of a circle, the front end face 110F being configured to come into contact with a bearing surface 202D of the female body 202 during the insertion process (as shown in Figure 11 A) or in the coupled configuration (as shown in B). These front end faces 110F correspond to a radial offset of the front end surface 102E of the male body, where the front end surface 102E is formed by the terminal rod of the male body and forms a bearing surface configured to come into contact with the front end of the proximal stem 210C of the valve 210 of the female element.

[0217] During coupling, the contact between the front end surface 102E and the valve 210 and the contact of the tip 110E with the bearing surface 202D take place simultaneously.

[0218] The tip is configured to protrude forward from the male body 102 through two openings provided on both sides of the terminal rod, these openings being visible in Figure 11 C). In Figure 11 C), the seals 114, 132 and 134 are not shown for the sake of clarity of the drawing.

[0219] The contact zone between the bearing surface 102E of the male body 102 and the valve 210 and the contact zone between the bearing surface 202D of the female body 202 and the valve 110 are radially offset with respect to the insertion axis X10 one with respect to the other. In particular, in the fourth embodiment, the contact zone between the bearing surface 202D of the female body 202 and the valve 110 encircles the contact zone between the bearing surface 102E of the male body 102 and the valve 210.

[0220] In the coupled configuration of the male element and of the female element, the tip 110E is received in a housing 117 provided inside the distal end 102D of the male body 102. The diameter of the housing 117 is greater than the sealing diameter between the distal stem 110 and the distal end 102D, this sealing diameter being defined by the first stem seal 118.

[0221] In the decoupled configuration or in the intermediate coupling position shown in Figure 11 A), the tip 110 protrudes forward of the end 102D, in particular from its front end surface 102E.

[0222] In the third and fourth embodiments, the head 210A of the valve 210 of the female element 200 is equipped with a slow leak passage 210D, which functions identically to the slow leak passage 210D in the second embodiment.

[0223] In the second, third and fourth embodiments, the use of the slow leak passage is optional.

[0224] According to an alternative not illustrated of the present application, the indication of the male body 102 and of the female body 202 around the insertion axis X10 can be associated with a keying mechanism which allows only a single type of male body to be coupled with a single type of female body.

[0225] In the third and fourth embodiments, it is also possible to define a distance similar to the distances d136 and d138 in the first two embodiments, i.e. a distance with respect to the median plane of the first radial passage 126. The distance related to the distal seal 134 is strictly greater than the distance related to the proximal seal 132, preferably at least 1.5 times greater, more preferably at least 1.75 times greater.

[0226] In all the embodiments, the locking member elastically returns towards its first locking position by the elastic force of the locking ring 260 on the ball 232 or by the elastic deformation of the spring 233 itself.

[0227] In all the embodiments, the external inclined surface S102 reduces the insertion force of the male element 100 and of the female element 200 and fixes the coupled configuration of these elements. In the case in which these elements are not fully coupled, the locking member 232 or 233 in contact with the external inclined surface S102 exerts a force which causes the male element to exit from the female element and returns these elements to the uncoupled configuration with their respective valves 110 and 210 closed.

[0228] In the example in the figures, the circuit breaker 10 is configured for passing liquid hydrogen under pressure, between 300 and 900 bar. Alternatively, it is configured for passing another pressurized fluid, which is liquid or gaseous, for example natural gas.

[0229] In an alternative not illustrated, the axis of the cylinder forming each first radial passage 126 is inclined up to 45° with respect to the radial direction of the longitudinal axis X100. In this case, the median radial plane considered is the radial plane passing along the longitudinal axis X100 through the middle of the opening of the first radial passage at the external peripheral surface 102F of the male body 102.

[0230] In an alternative not illustrated, the axis A226 of the cylinder forming each second radial passage 226 is inclined up to 45° with respect to the radial direction of the longitudinal axis X200.

[0231] In an alternative, not shown, the seal 114 can cooperate longitudinally with the distal portion 102C of the male body 102. In the closed position of the first valve 110, the sealing zone of the valve head 110A is longitudinally contiguous with the male body via the seal 114. Similarly, the seal 214 can cooperate longitudinally with the intermediate portion 202B of the female body 202. In the closed position of the second valve 210, the sealing zone of the valve head 210A is longitudinally contiguous with the female body via the seal 214.

[0232] Any feature described above in relation to one embodiment or alternative thereof can be applied to other embodiments and alternatives thereof, as far as technically possible.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (10) for connecting two sections (92, 94) of a pipe (9) of a fluid handling device (2) under pressure, the circuit breaker comprising a male element (100) and a female element (200) for inserting into each other according to an insertion axis (X10), The public component includes: The male body (102), centered on the insertion axis (X10), includes: A first internal channel (104) is used for circulating pressurized fluid; At least one first radial passage (126) connecting the first internal channel (104) to the outer peripheral surface (102F) of the princess body; and External locking slot (128), A first valve (110) movable within the first internal channel (104) according to the insertion axis (X10) between a forward closed position and a retracted open position of the first internal channel (104), and including a closing region (110A) longitudinally adjacent to the male body in the closed position of the first valve; and A spring (124) pushes the first valve (110) toward the forward closed position; The mother component includes: The mother body (202) includes a second internal channel (204) for circulation of pressurized fluid, and at least one second radial passage (226) connecting the second internal channel to an internal volume (V200) for receiving the male body in the mother body; The second valve (210) is movable within the second internal passage; At least one locking member (232; 233) is received in a locking housing (230, 235) and configured to move from a first locked position to a second released position. In the first locked position, the locking member engages in the external locking slot (128) to prevent the male body (102) from axially retracting from the female body (202) in a coupling configuration of the male element (100) and the female element (200). In the second released position, the male body (102) is axially retractable from the female body (202). In the connection configuration of the male component and the female component, The first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226) are in fluid communication; The locking portion (232; 233) or each locking portion (232; 233) is in the first locking position; The first valve (110) is in the retracted open position; The proximal seal (132) and distal seal (134) are arranged along the insertion axis (X10) on both sides of the first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226), and respectively cooperate radially with the radially inner surface (202G, 202K1) of the mother body (202) defining the internal volume (V200) and the outer peripheral surface (102F) of the princess body, so as to isolate the first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226) from the external fluid of the circuit breaker. Its features are, The first valve (110) also includes a distal stem (110C) which is slidably mounted in the housing (116) of the male body (102) between the forward closed position and the retracted open position, and passes through the distal end (102D) of the female body; The first radial rod seal (118) cooperates radially with the distal rod (110C) and radially with the distal end (102D) of the princess body; The female element (200) includes a support surface (202D) configured to contact the first valve (110) during insertion of the male element and the female element and to displace the first valve from the forward closed position toward the retracted open position; At the intermediate connection position between the male component (100) and the female component (200): The first valve (110) is in the forward closed position and is in contact with the support surface (202D) of the mother element; Each locked section (232, 233) is not in the first locked position; The proximal seal (132) and the distal seal (134) are arranged along the insertion axis (X10) on both sides of the first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226), and isolate the first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226) from the external fluid of the circuit breaker. The proximal seal (132) and the distal seal (134) are respectively received in the proximal external peripheral groove (136) and the distal external peripheral groove (138) of the external peripheral surface (102F) of the male body (102); The first longitudinal distance (d138) measured parallel to the insertion axis (X10) between the distal outer peripheral groove (138) and the intermediate radial plane (P126) of the first radial passage (126) is significantly greater than the second longitudinal distance (d136) measured parallel to the insertion axis between the proximal outer peripheral groove (136) and the intermediate radial plane (P126).

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio (d138 / d136) between the first longitudinal distance (d138) and the second longitudinal distance (d136) is greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 1.

75.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein, The parent body (200) includes: At least one first vent (244) extends radially through the mother body and fluidly connects the internal volume (V200) in front of the second radial passage (226) and the outside of the circuit breaker; At least one second vent (248) extends radially through the mother body and fluidly connects the internal volume (V200) of the mother body behind the second radial channel to the outside of the circuit breaker. In the connection configuration of the male element (100) and the female element (200) and at the intermediate connection position, the first radial passage and the second radial passage (126, 226) are respectively isolated from the first vent and the second vent (244, 248) by the proximal seal (132) and the distal seal (134).

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein, During the disconnection of the male and female components from the coupling configuration, when the proximal seal (134) faces the first vent (244) radially, the distal seal (132) faces the second radial passage (226) radially.

5. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein, The first vent (244) and the second passage (226) each open at the level of the recess (244B, 226B) on the radial inner surface (202G, 202K1) of the mother body (202), the recess (244B, 226B) being configured to be partially recessed from the radial inner surface around the insertion axis (X10).

6. The circuit breaker according to any one of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first vent (244) includes a cylindrical section (244A) inclined relative to the insertion axis, the rear end of which opens onto the radial outer surface of the mother body (202) and is arranged behind the front end of the cylindrical section (244A).

7. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of locking members, wherein, Each locking member is a ball (232) movable within a locking housing (230) that extends radially through the female body. The female element includes a locking ring (260) slidably mounted around the female body (202) and surrounding the locking member. The locking ring resiliently returns rearward. In the connection configuration of the male element (100) and the female element (200), the locking ring contacts the ball at the rear via an inner covering surface (268) that is inclined relative to the insertion axis (X10) and diverges rearward toward the female body.

8. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking member is a locking spring (233), which is housed in a locking housing (235) formed by an internal peripheral groove (235) of the mother body (202), the locking spring being configured to elastically deform between its first locked position and its second released position.

9. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each second radial passage (226) is defined longitudinally by a first portion (202C) of the mother body and a second portion (202B) different from the first portion, the second portion (202B) and the first portion (202C) being fixed to be adjacent to each other longitudinally, and wherein, in the connection configuration and in the intermediate connection configuration, the proximal seal (132) cooperates radially with the radially inner surface (202K1) belonging to the first portion (202C), and the distal seal (134) cooperates radially with the radially inner surface (202G) belonging to the second portion (202B).

10. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each first radial passage (126) and each second radial channel (223) has an elongated profile with its maximum dimension parallel to the insertion axis (X10).

11. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first valve (110) includes a proximal rod (110B) that slides between the forward closed position and the retracted open position in the housing (120) of the male body (102), and a second rod seal (122) is radially inserted therein, wherein the first rod seal (118) is mounted in an inner peripheral groove of the male body, and the second rod seal (122) is received in an outer peripheral groove of the proximal rod, and wherein the ratio (Φ1 / Φ2) between the diameter (Φ1) of the proximal rod on one side and the diameter (Φ2) of the distal rod (110C) on the other side is between 0.95 and 1.

12. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the connection configuration of the male element (100) and the female element (200), The diameter of the radially inner surface (202K1) of the mother body (202) that cooperates radially with the proximal seal (132) is equal to the diameter of the radially inner surface (202G) of the mother body that cooperates radially with the distal seal (134); and The diameter of the outer peripheral surface (102F) of the male body (102) that cooperates radially with the proximal seal (132) is equal to the diameter of the outer peripheral surface (102F) of the female body that cooperates radially with the distal seal (134).

13. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The support surface (202D) configured to contact the first valve (110) is formed on the mother body (202).

14. The circuit breaker according to claim 13, wherein, The second valve (210) includes a distal rod (210C) that is slidably mounted in a sealing manner within a through housing of the female body (202), wherein the male body (102) forms a support surface (102E) configured to contact the second valve and displace it from a forward closed position toward a retracted open position during insertion of the male element (100) and the female element (200), and wherein the contact area between the support surface (102E) of the male body (102) and the second valve (210) is radially offset from the contact area between the support surface (202D) of the female body (202) and the first valve (110).

15. A fluid handling apparatus under pressure, comprising a source (4) of pressurized fluid and a first portion (62) of a connector (6) for connection to a second portion (64) of the connector, the second portion (64) being connected to a storage or use volume (82) of fluid, the first portion (62) of the connector being connected to the source fluid via a conduit (9), characterized in that, The circuit breaker (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is fluidly connected to the source (4) through a first section (92) of the conduit and fluidly connected to the first portion (62) of the connector (6) through a second section (94) of the conduit.

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