Fluid coupling device

Abstract

A fluid coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') comprising a male coupling (50, 50'') and a female coupling (10, 10', 10'', 10''', 10' ''), the female coupling comprising: - a valve assembly (20) comprising a valve body (21) inside which a valve seat (26) is provided and a valve (25) mounted in the valve body so as to be movable between an open position in which the valve is disengaged from the valve seat and a closed position in which the valve is in sealing contact with the valve seat; - a connection body (30, 30', 30'', 30''', 30' '') for connecting the female coupling to a fluid conveying pipe, said connection body being mounted on a first end portion (21.1) of the valve body; and - a receiving body (40, 40' '') for receiving the male coupling into the female coupling, said receiving body being mounted on a second end portion (21.2) of the valve body, said first and second end portions comprising first means (21.5, 23) for fastening the connection body to the valve body and second means (21.7) for fastening the receiving body to the valve body, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid transport circuits, and more particularly to coupling devices. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that a first pipe of a fluid delivery circuit is connected to a second fluid delivery circuit via a coupling device, the coupling device comprising a female coupler connected to the first pipe and a male coupler connected to the second pipe and intended to engage with the female coupler.

[0003] A female coupler typically includes a tubular body axially divided into a section for connection to a first conduit, a section for receiving an anti-drip valve to limit any fluid overflow when the female and male couplers are disconnected, and a section for receiving the male coupler, which may be equipped with means for holding the male coupler in the female coupler.

[0004] The construction of each main section depends in particular on the nature of the first conduit, the presence of a device for holding the male coupler, and the architecture of the male coupler; the result is the development of a female coupler specific to the first conduit and the male coupler. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a fluid coupling device that at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] To this end, a coupling device is proposed, comprising a female coupler and a male coupler intended to be mated to the female coupler. The female coupler includes: - A valve assembly including a tubular valve body having a first valve seat inside; and a first valve mounted in the valve body for axial movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the first valve is disengaged from the first valve seat, and in the closed position the first valve is in sealing contact with the first valve seat and the first valve is returned to the closed position by a first spring. - A connector for connecting a female coupler to a fluid delivery pipeline, the connector being mounted on a first end portion of the valve body; and - A receiver for receiving the male coupler into the female coupler, the receiver being mounted on a second end portion of the valve body opposite to the first end portion.

[0007] According to the present invention, the first end portion and the second end portion of the valve body respectively include a first means for fastening the connector to the valve body and a second means for fastening the receiver to the valve body.

[0008] This coupling device is modular, thus meeting the need for standardization of valve assemblies, while also allowing the female coupler to be adapted to fluid delivery pipelines and the male coupler.

[0009] Depending on certain characteristics, the receiver includes means for holding the male coupler in the female coupler.

[0010] Specifically, the means for holding the male coupler in the female coupler includes a locking ring mounted to be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupler receiver. In the unlocked position, the locking ring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and in the locked position, the locking ring is eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis, and the locking ring is returned to the locked position by a third spring.

[0011] Specifically, the locking ring is fixed to the support plate that forms the unlocking pressing member, and the third spring abuts against the support plate.

[0012] According to another specific feature, the first means for fastening the connector to the valve body includes an open locking ring received in an annular groove disposed in the valve body.

[0013] According to another specific feature, the second means for fastening the receiver to the valve body includes an external annular groove disposed in the valve body and receiving an external protrusion disposed at the free end of the receiver.

[0014] According to another specific feature, the male coupler includes a tubular body having a second valve seat and a second valve, the second valve being mounted in the body to be axially movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the second valve is disengaged from the second valve seat, and in the closed position the second valve is in sealing contact with the second valve seat and the second valve is returned to the closed position by a second spring.

[0015] Specifically, the front surface of the male coupler body is arranged such that when the male coupler is engaged in the female coupler, an axial force is applied to the first valve to move the first valve from a closed position to an open position. Furthermore, the front surface of the first valve seat is arranged such that when the male coupler is engaged in the female coupler, an axial force is applied to the second valve to move the second valve from a closed position to an open position. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will be better understood by reading the following purely illustrative and non-limiting description and by referring to the illustrations in the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fluid coupling device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention before coupling; [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the female coupler of the coupling device shown; [ Figure 3A ] Figure 3A yes Figure 1The coupling device shown is an axial cross-sectional view before coupling; [ Figure 3B ] Figure 3B It is similar to Figure 3A The view during coupling; [ Figure 3C ] Figure 3C It is similar to Figure 3A The view after coupling; [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3A The view shows Figure 1 The first variation of the coupling device shown; [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 3A The view shows Figure 1 The second variation of the coupling device shown; [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 3A The view shows Figure 1 The third variation of the coupling device shown; [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 3A The view shows Figure 1 The fourth variation of the coupling device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] refer to Figure 1 The rapid coupling device according to the invention (generally represented by 1) is intended here to allow a first flexible pipe 100 forming a first fluid delivery conduit to be connected to a second fluid delivery conduit formed by a second flexible pipe 200. Figures 3A-3C ).

[0018] The coupling device 1 includes a female coupler 10 and a male coupler 50 designed to engage with the female coupler 10. Figure 3C The female coupler 10 defines a first fluid flow passage C1 and, in this case, fits into the free end of the first tube 100. The male coupler 50 defines a second fluid flow passage C2 and screws into the free end of the second tube 200.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the female coupler 10 includes a valve assembly 20 on which: - A connector 30 for connecting the female coupler 10 to the end of the first tube 100; and - Receiver 40 for receiving the male coupler 50.

[0020] refer to Figure 3A The valve assembly 20 includes a body 21; the body is generally tubular in shape, extends along a longitudinal axis X, and defines a central portion of a first fluid flow passage C1. The body 21 includes a first end portion 21.1 and a second end portion 21.2 on the opposite side, the second end portion extending coaxially with the first end portion 21.1. The first end portion 21.1 and the second end portion 21.2 are defined by an external flange 21.3 disposed on the body 21.

[0021] The first part 21.1 externally includes a shoulder 21.4, to which an O-ring 22 is applied against; and an annular groove 21.5 in which an open locking ring 23 is received. The groove 21.5 is provided between the shoulder 21.4 and the flange 22.

[0022] The locking ring 23 is generally triangular in shape, with a rounded profile having three vertices 23.1 (one of which is located at...). Figure 2 (See below). Vertex 23.1 protrudes radially from groove 21.5 to form a first means for fastening connector 30 to a first portion 21.1 of valve body 21, as described below, such that connector 30 is substantially fixed in place relative to valve body 21.

[0023] The second part 21.2 includes an inner annular groove 21.6 in which an O-ring 24 is received, and an outer annular groove 21.7 to form a second means for fastening the receiver 40 to the second part 21.2 of the valve body 21 as described below, such that the receiver 40 is substantially fixed in place relative to the valve body 21.

[0024] Valve assembly 20 also includes a first anti-drip valve 25, which is in sealing contact with valve seat 26 in the rest position.

[0025] The valve seat 26 extends axially within the valve body 21 and includes a rod 26.1 connected by fins 26.2 to a ring 26.3 for securing the valve seat 26 within the valve body 21. The rod 26.1 includes a first enlarged free end or rod head 26.4 having an outer periphery with an annular groove therein receiving an O-ring seal 27; and a second end on the opposite side from which the fins 26.2 project radially to connect the rod 26.1 to the fastening ring 26.3. The fins 26.2 are uniformly distributed around an axis X and, together with the fastening ring 26.3, define a first fluid passage. The fastening ring 26.3 includes an annular groove 26.5 receiving an annular protrusion internally disposed at the free end of a first portion 21.1 of the valve body 21 to retain the valve seat 26 in position within the valve body 21; the valve seat 26 is fixed in place relative to the valve body 21.

[0026] Valve 25 includes a closing ring 25.1 that extends coaxially about stem 26.1. The closing ring 25.1 is mounted in valve body 21 to be axially sliding between the following positions: - Closed position, in which the closing ring 25.1 is radially opposite to the stem head 26.4 and compresses the seals 24, 27 to ensure sealing contact on the one hand between the closing ring 25.1 and the stem head 26.4 and on the other hand between the closing ring 25.1 and the valve body 21. Figure 3A );as well as - Open position, in which the closing ring 25.1 disengages from the rod head 26.4 and, together with the rod head 26.4, defines a fluid passage ( Figure 3C ).

[0027] The closing ring 25.1 is returned to the closed position by a helical spring 28, which includes a first end abutting against the side of the fin 26.2 and a second end abutting against the rear surface of the closing ring 25.1 on the opposite side. It should be noted that the closing ring 25.1 includes an outer shoulder that interacts with an inner shoulder of the valve body 21 in the closed position; these shoulders form a stop for the movement of the closing ring 25.1.

[0028] The connector 30 for connecting the female coupler 10 to the end of the first tube 100 is generally tubular in shape and includes a first portion 30.1 and a second portion 30.2, the second portion extending coaxially with the first portion 30.1.

[0029] The first portion 30.1 of the body 30 defines a borehole and includes a Christmas tree-shaped protrusion 30.3 on the outside. The borehole forms a first end portion of the first fluid flow channel C1. These protrusions form means for anchoring the portion in the free end of the first tube 100.

[0030] The second portion 30.2 of the body 30 extends coaxially around the first portion 21.1 of the valve body 21 and includes an annular groove 30.4 inside, in which the apex 23.1 of the locking ring 23 carried by the valve body 21 is received, such that the connector 30 is held in place on the valve body 21 by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The groove 30.4 is defined by the inner shoulder 30.5 of the second portion 30.2 and Christmas tree-shaped protrusions 30.6 evenly distributed around the axis X at the free end of the second portion 30.2.

[0031] The second portion 30.2 of the body 30 also includes a borehole, against which the seal 22 is compressed to provide a sealing contact between the first portion 21.1 of the valve body 21 and the second portion 30.2 of the body 30.

[0032] The body 40, which receives the male coupler 50 onto the second portion 21.2 of the valve body 21, is generally tubular in shape and includes a first portion 40.1 and a second portion 40.2, the second portion extending coaxially with the first portion 40.1. The first portion 40.1 and the second portion 40.2 are defined by an inner flange 40.3 disposed in the body 40.

[0033] The first portion 40.1 of the body 40 defines a borehole and includes a Christmas tree-shaped protrusion 40.4 inside, which forms the second end portion of the first fluid flow channel C1 and a space for receiving the male coupler 50. The protrusion 40.4 projects axially from the flange 40.3 and is evenly distributed around the axis X to form a guide ramp for centering the male coupler 50 in the valve body 21.

[0034] The receiver 40 also includes a mechanism 41 for locking the male coupler 50 in the female coupler 10. The locking mechanism 41 includes a locking ring 41.1 with a support plate 41.2 at its upper part, the support plate forming an unlocking pressing member by a spring 41.3. It should be understood that the support plate 41.2 is fixed in place relative to the locking ring 41.1.

[0035] A locking ring 41.1 is received in a generally U-shaped recess in a bore in the first portion 40.1 of the body 40. The locking ring 41.1 is mounted movable between an unlocked position and a locked position along an axis perpendicular to axis X. In the unlocked position, the locking ring 41.1 is coaxial with the bore in the first portion 40.1, and in the locked position, the locking ring 41.1 is eccentric relative to the bore in the first portion 40.1, with its crescent-shaped lower portion protruding radially from the bore. The locking ring 41.1 is returned to the locked position by a spring 41.3, the first end of which abuts against the underside of a support plate 41.2 and the second end, opposite to the first end, abuts against the upper surface of the first portion 40.1 of the body 40.

[0036] The second portion 40.2 of the body 40 extends coaxially around the second portion 21.2 of the valve body 21 and includes a free end, which is provided internally with a Christmas tree-shaped protrusion 40.5 that is received in an annular groove 21.7 of the second portion 21.2 of the valve body 21, such that the body 40 is held in place on the valve body 21 by a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0037] The male coupler 50 includes a body 51, which is generally tubular in shape and defines a second fluid flow passage C2. The body 51 includes a first end and a second end on the opposite side. The first end is externally provided with threads 51.1, which form a means for sealingly connecting the body 51 to the free end of the second tube 200 via an O-ring seal 52, and the second end is internally provided with a second anti-drip valve 53.

[0038] In its resting position, the second valve 53 is in sealing contact with a valve seat formed by an inner flange 51.2 disposed at the second end of the body 51, and includes a slider 53.1, which is generally cylindrical in shape and extends axially within the body 51. The slider 53.1 includes a first end and a second end located on the opposite side. The first end is provided with an annular groove in which an O-ring seal 54 is received, and the second end includes legs 53.2 that interact with the inner circumferential surface of the body 51 to ensure axial movement of the slider 53.1 within the body 51. The legs 53.2, together with the inner circumferential surface, define axially open fluid passages on either side of the slider 53.1.

[0039] Valve 53 is mounted in body 51 to be axially movable between the following positions: - Closed position, in which the sliding member 53.1 is radially opposite to the flange 51.2 of the body 51, which compresses the seal 54 to ensure a sealing contact between the flange 51.2 and the sliding member 53.1. Figure 3A );as well as - Open position, in which the slider 53.1 is disengaged from the flange 51.2 and together with the flange 51.2 defines a fluid passage ( Figure 3C ).

[0040] The slider 53.1 is returned to the closed position by a coil spring 55, which includes a first end abutting the rear of the slider 53.1 and a second end abutting the front of a stop ring 56 fixedly mounted in the body 51 on the opposite side. It should be noted that the leg 53.2 includes a shoulder that interacts with the inner surface of the flange 51.2 in the closed position. These shoulders form a stop for the movement of the slider 53.1 within the body 51.

[0041] The body 51 also includes an outer annular step 51.3 having a rear end designed to interact with the rear end of a locking ring 41.1 of the receiver 40 when the male coupler 50 is properly engaged in the female coupler 10, the locking ring 41.1 then being in a locked position. It should be understood that the locking ring 41.1 and the annular step 51.3 form a means for holding the male coupler 50 in the female coupler 10 in a properly engaged manner.

[0042] The operation of coupling device 1 will now be explained.

[0043] To establish the connection between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, the operator holds the male coupler 50 through the body 51 and engages the body 51 of the male coupler 50 along the axis X into the receiver 40 of the female coupler 10 until the front 53.3 of the slider 53.1 contacts the front 26.6 of the rod head 26.4. Figure 3B ).

[0044] As the body 51 of the male coupler 50 continues to engage with the receiver 40 of the female coupler 10, until the step 51.3 contacts the locking ring 41.1 in the locked position: - The rod head 26.4 applies an axial force to the slider 53.1, causing the slider 53.1 to move from the closed position to the open position against the spring 55; - The front end 51.4 of the body 51 of the male coupler 50 applies an axial force to the front end 25.2 of the closing ring 25.1, causing the closing ring 25.1 to move from the closed position to the open position against the spring 28.

[0045] As the male coupler 50 is further coupled into the female coupler 10 ( Figure 3C Step 51.3 applies a radial force to locking ring 41.1, causing locking ring 41.1 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position against spring 41.3. Once the male coupler 50 is fully engaged in the female coupler 10, i.e., when step 51.3 is downstream of locking ring 41.1, locking ring 41.1 returns to the locked position under the action of spring 41.3. Upon returning to the locked position, locking ring 41.1, under the action of spring 41.3 and against springs 28 and 55, holds male coupler 50 in female coupler 10, with springs 28 and 55 pushing step 51.3 against the surface of locking ring 41.1. It should be noted that upon returning to the locked position, locking ring 41.1 also holds closing ring 25.1 and slider 53.1 in their open positions (against springs 28 and 55, respectively), allowing fluid to pass through coupling device 1 via first and second fluid flow channels C1 and C2.

[0046] To disconnect the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, the operator grasps the female coupler 10 and applies pressure (e.g., using their thumb) to the support plate 41.2 of the female coupler 10, causing the locking ring 41.1 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby disengaging the male coupler 50 from the female coupler 10 under the action of springs 28 and 55. The closing ring 25.1 then moves from the open position to the closed position under the action of spring 28, and the slider 53.1 moves from the open position to the closed position under the action of spring 55.

[0047] When returning to its closed position, the closing ring 25.1 of the female coupler 10 and the sliding member 53.1 of the male coupler 50 prevent the fluid contained in the first tube 100 and the second tube 200 from leaving through the female coupler 10 and the male coupler 50, respectively.

[0048] Figure 4 Coupler 1' is shown, which constitutes a first variant of coupler 1. The difference between coupler 1' and coupler 1 is that the connecting body 30 for connecting the female coupler 10 to the end of the first tube 100 is replaced by body 30' so as to form female coupler 10' together with valve assembly 20 and receiver 40.

[0049] The body 30' differs from the body 30 in that the Christmas tree-shaped protrusion 30.3 has been replaced by an external thread 30.3' fitted to the free end of the body 30'. The thread 30.3' forms a means for connecting the female coupler 10' to the free end of the first tube 100.

[0050] Figure 5 Coupler 1'' is shown, which constitutes a second variant of coupler 1. The difference between coupler 1'' and coupler 1 is that the connecting body 30 for connecting the female coupler 10 to the end of the first tube 100 is replaced by body 30'' so as to form female coupler 10'' together with valve assembly 20 and receiver 40.

[0051] The body 30'' differs from the body 30 in that the Christmas tree-shaped protrusion 30.3 has been replaced by a seal 30.4'' and a resiliently deformable retaining ring 30.3'' installed in the body 30'', so that the free end of the first tube 100 can be sealed and secured in the free end of the body 30'' in a manner known per se. Compared to the protrusion 30.3, this retaining ring 30.3'' allows for a simplified connection between the first tube 100 and the female coupler 10''.

[0052] Figure 6 Coupler 1''' is shown, constituting a third variation of coupler 1. Coupler 1''' differs from coupler 1 in that the connecting body 30 for connecting the female coupler 10 to the end of the first pipe 100 is replaced by a body 30''', which defines a well portion 30.3''' in which the body 21 of valve 20 is fitted to form the female coupler 10''' together with valve assembly 20 and receiver 40. The body 21 of valve 20 is held in place within the body 30''' by a locking pin 33''', which is received in a groove 21.5 of valve body 21 instead of a locking ring 23, thus forming a retaining ring. As an example, the body 30''' could be the body of a hydraulic distribution tank, cooling plate, filter, etc.

[0053] Figure 7 Coupler 1'''' is shown, which constitutes a fourth variant of coupler 1. The difference between coupler 1'''' and coupler 1 is that the connector 30 and receiver 40 of the female coupler 10 are replaced by the body 30'''' and body 40'''' respectively, in order to form female coupler 10''''.

[0054] Body 30'''' is identical to body 30'. Body 40'''' differs from body 40 in that it includes a guide cone 40.4'''' for simplifying insertion of the male coupler 50'''' into the female coupler 10'''', and body 40'''' lacks any means for retaining the male coupler in the female coupler 10''''. The means for retaining the male coupler in the female coupler 10'''' is practically independent of the coupling device 1''''. For example, body 30''''' is fixed in place in the well section of a hydraulic distribution tank, and the male coupler engages with the end of the cooling circuit of a computer server mounted on a drawer section of a rack that can be locked in place.

[0055] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but covers any variations that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0056] The mechanism 41 for locking the male coupler 50 into the female coupler 10 is optional.

[0057] The protruding portion 40.5 of the body 40 and the locking ring 23 that fits into the valve body 21 can be replaced by any other means (clamping, snap-fit, screwing, etc.) to fasten the bodies 30 and 40 to the valve body 21.

[0058] The helical spring 28 can be replaced by any elastic return device or spring (e.g., a Bainckie washer) through which the closing ring 25.1 returns to the closed position. The helical spring 55 can be replaced by any elastic return device or spring (e.g., a Bainckie washer) through which the slider 53.1 returns to the closed position. The springs 28 and 55 are also sized based on the force required to insert the body 51 of the male coupler 50 into the body 40 of the female coupler 10 to connect the male coupler 50 and the female coupler 10.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') comprising a female coupler (10, 10', 10'', 10''', 10'''') and a male coupler (50, 50'''') intended to be coupled to the female coupler, said female coupler comprising: - A valve assembly (20) comprising a tubular valve body (21) and a first valve (25) having a first valve seat (26) inside the tubular valve body, the first valve being mounted in the valve body to be axially movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the first valve is disengaged from the first valve seat, and in the closed position the first valve is in sealing contact with the first valve seat and the first valve is returned to the closed position by a first spring (28); - A connector (30, 30', 30'', 30''', 30'''') for connecting the female coupler to the fluid delivery pipeline, the connector being mounted on the first end portion (21.1) of the valve body; as well as - A receiver (40, 40'''') for receiving the male coupler into the female coupler, the receiver being mounted on a second end portion (21.2) of the valve body opposite to the first end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion of the valve body each include a first means (21.5, 23) for fastening the connector to the valve body and a second means (21.7) for fastening the receiver to the valve body.

2. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''') according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver (40) includes means (41) for holding the male coupler in the female coupler (10, 10', 10'', 10''').

3. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''') according to claim 2, wherein, The device (41) for holding the male coupler (50) in the female coupler (10, 10', 10'', 10''') includes a locking ring (41.1) mounted to be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the coupler receiver (40), in which the locking ring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and in which the locking ring is eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis, the locking ring being returned to the locked position by a third spring (41.3).

4. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''') according to claim 3, wherein, The locking ring (41.1) is fixed to the support plate (41.2) that forms the unlocking pressing member, and the third spring (41.3) abuts against the support plate.

5. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1'''') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first device for fastening the connectors (30, 30', 30'', 30'''') to the valve body (21) includes an open locking ring (23) receiving in an annular groove (21.5) disposed in the valve body.

6. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second device (21.7) for securing the receiver (40, 40'''') to the valve body (21) includes an external annular groove (21.7) disposed in the valve body (21) and receiving an external protrusion (40.5) disposed at the free end of the receiver.

7. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The male coupler (50, 50'''') includes a tubular body (51) having a second valve seat (51.2) and a second valve (53), the second valve being mounted in the body to be axially movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the second valve is disengaged from the second valve seat, and in the closed position, the second valve is in sealing contact with the second valve seat and the second valve is returned to the closed position by a second spring (55).

8. The coupling device (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') according to claim 7, wherein: - The front (51.4) of the body (51) of the male coupler (50, 50'''') is arranged such that when the male coupler is engaged in the female coupler (10, 10', 10'', 10''', 10''''), it applies an axial force to the first valve (25) to move the first valve from the closed position to the open position; and - The front (26.6) of the first valve seat (26) is arranged to apply an axial force to the second valve (53) when the male coupler is engaged in the female coupler, so that the second valve moves from the closed position to the open position.

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