Quick-release bushing and associated quick-release coupling

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a female quick-connect element, as well as a quick-connect comprising such a female element and a complementary male element.

[0002] Quick couplings are fluid connection devices comprising a female and a corresponding male element, such as a butt fitting. Each male and female element has an internal passage; these internal passages are in fluidic communication when the coupling is in the mated configuration. The female element most often includes a locking mechanism that engages automatically when the male and female elements are connected, thus maintaining the coupling in the mated configuration, hence the name quick coupling.

[0003] In many industrial sectors, equipment requires temperature control, which is achieved by supplying heat transfer fluids such as cold water, hot water, glycol water, or other fluids. For example, in the plastics industry, an injection molding machine includes components, particularly molds, that require temperature control via a water circuit that circulates through thermal convection zones within these components. Connecting the water circuit pipes necessitates a quick-connect fitting solution, where the male and female components must be easy to connect and disconnect securely.

[0004] It is known to use an end piece and a female element containing balls which come into contact with the outer surface of the end piece and which enter a groove in the end piece to lock the quick coupling in the mated configuration.

[0005] FR2901860A1 describes, for example, a female fluidic fitting element comprising an element body 21 with inclined radial recesses 40b that accommodate locking fingers, which are pushed back by a plunger 31 driven forward by a spring 32. The female element can be unlocked by the action of an operating ring 30 that acts directly on the locking fingers via a mechanical linkage formed by two lugs 40g and a rod 40j. This solution has the disadvantage of making the shapes of the operating ring and each locking finger more complex, which poses a problem in terms of manufacturing, industrialization cost, and overall size.

[0006] FR3096109A1 describes a quick-connect fitting with angled fingers and an operating ring that also includes a sleeve with an internal wall allowing the locking fingers to return by lifting upon disconnection. This solution also has the drawback of increasing the radial size of the female element to perform the function, which poses a problem in terms of space, weight, and manufacturing cost.

[0007] CN-208 565 907-U, CN-218 063 864-U, CN-211 951 821-U, and US-3 104 088-A each describe a quick-connect female element comprising locking balls, each of which is received in a housing arranged radially to a longitudinal axis of the female element. Inserts made of magnetic material are provided to attract the balls to a position radially away from the longitudinal axis and to allow removal of the male element.

[0008] It is these problems that the invention aims to address in particular, by proposing a female quick-connect element that is both secure, simple to manufacture and compact.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a female quick-connect element according to claim 1.

[0010] The female element is intended for the removable connection of pressurized fluid pipelines, said female element being capable of being coupled with a complementary male element, the female element comprising: a hollow female body defining an insertion channel, the insertion channel defining a central axis of the female body and opening from the female body by means of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece defining a front side of the female element, at least one locking member, which is received in a respective housing formed in the thickness of the female body: each housing being inclined with respect to the central axis of the female body and opening into the insertion channel, each locking member being movable in its housing between a distal position, in which the locking member protrudes into the insertion channel, and a proximal position, in which the locking member does not protrude into the insertion channel;a pusher: which includes a wall oriented towards each housing, and which is movable between a forward position, in which the wall of the pusher maintains each locking member in its distal position, and a rear position, in which each locking member is in its proximal position; an operating ring, which surrounds the female body and which is movable relative to the female body along the central axis between an advanced position and a rearward position, the operating ring being configured to drive the pusher from the forward position to the rearward position when the operating ring is moved from the advanced position to the rearward position; and a first return member, configured to return the operating ring to the forward position.

[0011] According to the invention: Each locking member and the pusher are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, and the pusher is capable of magnetically driving each locking member towards its proximal position when the pusher is moved towards its rear position.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, when the quick-connect fitting is coupled, the pusher wall pushes the locking elements onto the male element, thus securing the connection. When the fitting is uncoupled, the male element is unlocked simply by moving the pusher wall to its rear position, without the need for any additional mechanical parts other than the pusher. The female element according to the invention is therefore particularly simple to manufacture. The absence of a mechanical link between the pusher and the locking elements allows for minimal thickness in the design of the female element, which remains compact.

[0013] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a female element may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: The pusher is integral with the operating ring. The pusher is a return ring, centered on the central axis of the female element, which is translationally movable relative to the operating ring and radially interposed between the operating ring and the female body. The operating ring includes an axial stop, while the female element includes a second return member, configured to push the return ring back into its advanced position against the axial stop. The locking member is a ball. The locking member is a pin, which extends along a guide axis of the housing. At least one element among, on the one hand, each locking member and, on the other hand, the pusher, is magnetic and is capable of magnetically attracting the pusher or each locking member, respectively. Each locking member and the pusher are made of a ferromagnetic material or are coated with a layer of ferromagnetic material.The pusher or each locking member includes a ferromagnetic insert oriented towards each locking member or the pusher, respectively. The female body comprises a front section, in which each housing is formed, while the front section is made of a non-magnetic material. The female element includes an elastic sleeve, which is axially arranged and extends continuously between the body and the operating ring and which deforms elastically when the operating ring is moved between the forward and rearward positions. The wall of the pusher extends along a cone of revolution centered on the central axis, the cone being open at the front and having, with respect to the central axis, an apex angle preferably of 40°. The female element includes a valve for closing the insertion channel, the valve being movable along the central axis of the female element.The pusher includes a radial wall, which is configured to magnetically attract the locking member and which extends parallel to the central axis for a length greater than or equal to the stroke of the operating ring between its advanced and retracted positions, less an axial displacement of the locking member between its distal and proximal positions. The operating ring return member includes a spring, which is interposed radially between the female body and the operating ring.

[0014] The invention also relates to a quick-connect fitting designed for joining pressurized fluid pipelines, the quick-connect fitting comprising: a female element as defined above, and a male element complementary to the female element, the male element being configured to be coupled with the female element in a coupled configuration of the fitting, in which: The male element comprises a male body, which is suitable for being received in the insertion channel of the female body and which extends along a principal axis, the principal axis of the male element and the central axis of the female element being coaxial when the male body is received in the insertion channel of the female element, the male body comprises a first surface, which is suitable for pushing the locking organs into their proximal position when the male body is inserted into the insertion channel, and the first surface is inclined, relative to the principal axis, at an angle between 20° and 40°, for example equal to 30°.

[0015] Advantageously: The male body includes a second surface, which is adapted to cooperate with the locking elements when the locking elements are in a distal position so as to prevent axial withdrawal of the male body. The second surface is inclined relative to the main axis and forms an angle with the main axis between 30 and 60°, for example, 45°. The male element includes a protective cover, which is configured to bear against an annular wall of the operating ring in the coupled configuration of the quick-connect fitting.

[0016] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent, in the light of the following description of several embodiments of a female quick-connect fitting and a quick-connect fitting, conforming to its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a quick-connect fitting, according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in a first configuration referred to as disconnected; Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , shown in a first intermediate configuration, during a coupling movement of the quick coupling; [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , represented in a second intermediate configuration during the coupling movement; [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , represented in a third intermediate configuration, during a coupling movement of the quick coupling [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , represented in a final configuration of the coupling movement, called the coupled configuration; [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , represented in a fourth intermediate configuration, intermediate unlocking site configuration, during a decoupling movement, [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 1 , represented in a fifth intermediate configuration called the unlocked configuration, during the decoupling movement; [ Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is a longitudinal section of a quick-connect fitting, according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the coupled configuration; [ Fig 9 ] there figure 9 is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of the figure 8 , represented in the intermediate unlocking configuration; [ Fig 10 ] there figure 10 a longitudinal section of the quick-release coupling figure 8 , represented in the unlocked configuration; [ Fig 11 ] there figure 11 is a longitudinal section of a quick-connect fitting, according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the coupled configuration; [ Fig 12 ] there figure 12 a longitudinal section of the quick-release coupling figure 11 , represented in the intermediate unlocking configuration; [ Fig 13 ] there figure 13 is a longitudinal section of a quick coupling, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the mated configuration, and [ Fig 14 ] there figure 14 a longitudinal section of the quick-release coupling figure 13 , represented in the intermediate unlocking configuration.

[0017] There figure 1 represents a quick-connect fitting R according to a first embodiment of the invention. The quick-connect fitting R, also referred to simply as fitting R hereafter, comprises a male element 10, on the top of the figure 1 , and an associated female element 100, on the bottom of the figure 1 On the figure 1 The R fitting is shown in a disconnected configuration, in which the male element 10 and the female element 100 are separated from each other. When connecting the male element 10 to the female element 100, the male element is positioned opposite the female element 100. One front side of the male element 10 is thus oriented towards the female element 100, i.e., to the right in the figures, while one rear side of the male element 10 is oriented opposite to the front side of the male element 10, i.e., to the left in the figures. Symmetrically, one front side of the female element 100 is oriented towards the male element 10, i.e., to the left in the figures, while one rear side of the female element 100 is oriented opposite to the front side of the female element 100, i.e., to the right in the figures.

[0018] For each of the male 10 or female 100 elements of the R fitting, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are equivalent to the terms "front" and "back" associated with the corresponding male 10 or female 100 element. For example, for the female element 100, a proximal component or a proximal position refers to a component or position located on the rear side of the female element 100, and a proximal surface refers to a surface facing the rear of the female element 100. For a given axis, a radial direction to that axis is a direction orthogonal to that axis. A plane transverse to that axis is a plane orthogonal to that axis. A radial plane to that axis is a plane that carries that axis. An orthoradial direction to that axis is a direction orthogonal to a radial plane to that axis, without, however, intersecting that axis.

[0019] We first describe the male element 10.

[0020] The male element 10 is here an end fitting, comprising a tubular male body 12 having an overall shape of revolution about a central axis A10. The male body 12 delimits a conduit V10 for fluid circulation. By extension, the conduit V10 defines an inner side of the male element 10, the male element 10 separating the inner side from an outer side of the male element 10. The outer side of the male element 10 is here a surface of revolution, oriented centrifugally to the central axis A10.

[0021] The male body 12 includes a rear portion 14, which is threaded and configured to be fluidly connected to a pipe. The pipe is not shown. The rear portion 14 has, on its external side, a gripping surface 15. The gripping surface 15 is here a cylindrical surface, for example with a hexagonal cross-section.

[0022] The male body 12 includes a front portion, called the distal portion 16, which is designed to be fitted into the female element 100 in the coupled configuration of the fitting R. The rear part 14 and the front portion 16 are here made in one piece.

[0023] The internal conduit V10 opens from the distal portion 16 through an opening 18, which is oriented towards the front of the male element 10, in other words the opening 18 of the male element 10 is oriented towards the female element 100 in a configuration disconnected from the fitting R.

[0024] On the external side of the male element 10, the distal portion 16 comprises, as one moves away from the mouth 18 towards the rear of the male element 10, an annular wall 20, an extremal chamfer 21, a first cylindrical portion 22, a collar 24, and a second cylindrical portion 26.

[0025] The annular wall 20 extends here orthogonally to the main axis A10. The annular wall 20 forms support means for the male element 10, which are configured to cooperate with certain organs of the female element 100, this aspect being described later.

[0026] The extreme chamfer 21 has a surface inclined with respect to the main axis A10. The extreme chamfer 21 is here geometrically supported by a cone diverging towards the rear of the male element 10.

[0027] The first cylindrical portion 22 has a circular cross-section centered on the principal axis A10 and includes an external cylindrical surface with a constant external radius R22. The second cylindrical portion 26 has a circular cross-section centered on the principal axis A10 and has a constant external radius R26.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the external radius R22 of the first cylindrical portion 22 is different from the external radius R26 of the second cylindrical portion 26. Preferably, the external radius R22 of the first cylindrical portion 22 is strictly greater than the external radius R26 of the second cylindrical portion 26. In an alternative not shown, the external radii R22 and R26 are equal.

[0029] The collar 24 connects the first cylindrical portion 22 to the second cylindrical portion 26. The collar 22 extends radially in projection both with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22 and the second cylindrical portion 26.

[0030] The collar 22 is here formed of a front ramp, called first surface 30, a central part 32 and a rear ramp, called second surface 34.

[0031] The central part 32 is here a portion of a cylindrical section with a circular cross-section centered on the main axis A10. The central part 32 of the collar 24 has a radius R32, which is greater than the radii R22 and R26 of the first and second cylindrical portions 22 and 26.

[0032] The first surface 30 connects the first cylindrical portion 22 to the central part 32. The first surface 30 is a frustoconical surface, centered on the principal axis A10 and diverging towards the rear of the male element 10. The first surface 30 is inclined, with respect to the principal axis A10, at an angle preferably between 20° and 40°, for example equal to 30°, as in the example of the figure 1 .

[0033] The second surface 34 connects the central part 32 to the second cylindrical portion 26. The second surface 30 is a frustoconical surface centered on the principal axis A10 and converging towards the rear of the male element 10. The second surface 34 is inclined, with respect to the principal axis A10, at an angle preferably between 30° and 60°, for example 45°, as in the example of the figure 1 .

[0034] The distal portion 16 also includes, on the external side of the male element 10, a third surface 36, which is connected to the second surface 34 via the second cylindrical portion 26. The third surface 36 is a frustoconical surface, centered on the principal axis A10 and diverging towards the rear of the male element 10. In the illustrated example, the third surface 36 is inclined at an angle of 45° to the principal axis A10. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the third surface 36 to the principal axis A10 is equal, in absolute value, to the angle of inclination of the second surface 34 to the principal axis A10.

[0035] The second surface 34, the second cylindrical portion 26 and the third surface 36 together form a groove 40, located at the rear of the collar 24, the second cylindrical portion 26 forming a bottom of this groove 40, while the second surface 34 forms a distal surface of this groove 40, and the third surface 36 forms a proximal surface of this groove 40.

[0036] From front to back of the male element 10, the third surface 36 is here connected to the gripping surface 15 by a third cylindrical portion 42 and by a shoulder 44.

[0037] We now describe the female element 100 of the quick coupling R.

[0038] The female element 100 comprises a female body 102, which has a generally circular shape around a central axis A100. The female body 102 is hollow and defines a conduit V100 for fluid circulation. The conduit V100 defines an inner side of the female element 100, which separates the inner side from an outer side of the female element 100. When the quick-connect fitting R is in the coupled configuration, the conduit V10 of the male element 10 is fluidly connected to the conduit V100 of the female element 100, with the main axis A10 and the central axis A100 being coaxial. The central axis A100 is also called the insertion axis.

[0039] The female body 102 comprises a rear body 104 and a front body 106, which are two hollow bodies of revolution assembled here to each other by screwing. In this embodiment, the female element 100 includes a support ring 108, which is axially interposed between the rear body 104 and the front body 106. The support ring 108 advantageously houses a distal sealing gasket 110, which contributes to sealing the screw connection of the rear body 104 to the front body 106. The support ring 108 has a shape of revolution about the central axis A100 and includes a chamfered wall 112, which is oriented towards the central axis A100 and towards the rear of the female element 100. In other words, the support ring 108 is chamfered on an inner diameter.

[0040] On the internal side, the front body 106 defines an insertion channel V106 for the male element 10. The insertion channel V106 is a portion of the conduit V100 of the female element 100. The front body 106 includes an insertion portion 114, which has an annular shape centered on the central axis A100 and defines a front chamber V114 configured to receive and guide the male element 10 during the fitting—or insertion—of the male element 10 into the female element 100, and a proximal portion 116, which has an annular shape centered on the central axis A100, which is located behind the insertion portion 114 and defines a proximal space V116. The front chamber V114 and the proximal space V116 are portions of the insertion channel V106. The front enclosure V114 opens towards the front of the female body 102 through an opening 118.

[0041] The proximal space V116 is configured to receive the male element 10, in particular to receive the first cylindrical portion 22 of the male element 10. The proximal portion 116 includes guide surfaces 119, which are configured to guide the male element 10, and a groove 120, which is hollowed out in the proximal portion 116 and which houses an annular seal 122. The annular seal 122 is configured to ensure a seal between the male element 10 and the female element 100 when the male element 10 is received in the proximal space V116. Thus, an internal diameter of the annular joint 122 is slightly less than an external diameter of the first cylindrical portion 22, the annular joint 122 being elastically deformable to accommodate the passage of the male element 10. In the illustrated example, the proximal portion 116 includes two guiding surfaces 119, which are located on either side of the groove 120.

[0042] The front body 106 comprises several housings 130, here a non-limiting number of six, which are formed within the thickness of the female body 100, here through the front body 106. Preferably, the housings 130 are distributed around the periphery of the front body 106 around the central axis A100. Each housing 130 is configured to receive a respective locking member. In the first embodiment, the locking members are advantageously balls 132, which are widely available and inexpensive.

[0043] Each housing 130 opens into the insertion channel V106, specifically into the front chamber V114. Each housing 130 is machined, specifically drilled, so that a bottom 134 of the drilled hole forms a stop, which partially closes each housing 130 to prevent the ball 132 received in the housing 130 from passing completely into the insertion channel V106. In other words, each housing 130 is open to the insertion channel V106. The shape of the bottom 134 of each housing 130 is not limited. In an alternative (not shown), the bottom 134 of the drilled hole is dimensionally adapted, notably by reducing or increasing the size of the opening onto the insertion channel V106, while still maintaining a stop, here formed by the bottom 134, which prevents the balls 132 from passing completely into the insertion channel V106.

[0044] For each housing 130 receiving a ball 132, when this ball 132 rests against the bottom 134 of the corresponding housing, this ball 132 is in a distal position, in which it protrudes into the insertion channel V106. Each housing 130 has an elongated shape along a guide axis A130, so that each ball 132 is mobile between the distal position and a proximal position, in which the ball 132 does not protrude into the insertion channel V106. As detailed later, each housing 130 is inclined, so the distal position of each ball 132 is an anterior position, while the proximal position is a posterior position. In other words, the ball 132 reaches, in its proximal position, a radial position further from the central axis A100 than in the distal position.In particular, in the proximal position of the ball 132, a male element 10 previously inserted into the insertion channel V106 can be freely removed from the insertion channel V106.

[0045] On the external side of the female element 100, each housing 130 opens completely onto the outside of the female body 102, that is to say that each housing has an opening sufficient to allow the insertion of the corresponding ball 132 during the manufacture and assembly of the female element 100.

[0046] Each housing 130 extends along a guide axis A130 inclined relative to the central axis A100. By inclined, we mean that each guide axis A130 forms an angle of 0° to 80° with the central axis A100, preferably 20° to 70°, and even more preferably 30° to 50°. The guide axes A130 are geometrically supported by a cone centered on the central axis A100 and diverging towards the rear of the female element A100. Each guide axis A130 forms a guide angle α130 with the central axis A100, which is here equal to 40°, this value not being limiting. In other words, the housings 130 are inclined, towards the rear of the female element 130, at 40° with respect to the central axis A100.

[0047] Each ball 132 is received in the corresponding housing 130 with a dimensional clearance, so as not to hinder the translational movements of the ball 132 along the guide axis 130. Each ball 132 is thus guided in translation along the guide axis A130 associated with this housing 130.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the 132 beads are "magnetic," meaning they exhibit permanent magnetization. In other words, the 132 beads possess magnetic remanence properties and are thus capable of attracting another element made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic 132 beads are made of a material with high magnetic susceptibility, for example, neodymium. The 132 beads exhibit a magnetic remanence on the order of 1.3 Tesla.

[0049] The front body 106, in which the recesses 130 are drilled, is made of a non-magnetic material, that is, a material that is not susceptible to being attracted or repelled by a magnet. A material is considered non-magnetic if its magnetic susceptibility is low, for example, less than 10⁻³. In the illustrated example, the front body 106 is made of brass. Thus, the balls 132 are not attracted to the front body 106.

[0050] Similarly, the male body 12 is made of a non-magnetic material. The balls 132 are not attracted to the male body 10. In the illustrated example, the male body 12 is made of brass.

[0051] The female element 100 also includes a valve 140, which is received in the conduit V100 of the female element 100. The valve 140 is guided in translation along the central axis A100 between a distal position, in which the valve 140 closes the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100, and a proximal position, in which the valve 140 does not prevent the passage of fluid into the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100.

[0052] In the example of the figure 1 The valve 140 comprises a central mushroom-shaped body, with a head 142 and a stem 144. In the illustrated example, the head 142 of the valve 140 is seen in section and has an overall triangular, in particular conical shape, while the stem 144 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section aligned on the central axis A100.

[0053] The valve 140 also includes an external cylindrical casing 146, which extends from the head 142 opposite and at a distance from the stem 144. The cylindrical casing 146 has a circular cross-section centered on the central axis A100 when the female element 100 is assembled, as shown in the figures. The cylindrical casing 146 includes a rear end, by which the cylindrical casing 146 is connected to the head 142, and a front end, opposite the rear end.

[0054] The valve 140 also includes an external collar 147A, which is here formed radially in projection on the cylindrical envelope 146 near the front end of the cylindrical envelope 146. The collar 147A is received in a counterbore 147B formed in the front part 106, so as to guide the valve 140 in translation relative to the female body 102 along the central axis A100. The counterbore 147B is machined here in the front part 106 of the female body 102. On the front side, the counterbore 147B has a bottom which forms a front stop for the collar 147A, while on the rear side, the counterbore 147B opens onto a front face of the support ring 108. The female element 100 also includes a return member, here a return spring 147C, which is received in the counterbore 147B between the cylindrical casing 146 and the front body 106.The return spring 147C bears, on the one hand, on a rear side of the collar 147A and, on the other hand, on the front face of the support ring 108, driving the flap 140 towards the front of the female element 100, i.e. driving the flap 140 towards its distal position.

[0055] The head 142 of the valve 140 includes an annular external groove, which receives a valve seal 150. The valve seal 150 has a diameter larger than an internal diameter of the support ring 108, so that the chamfered wall 112 of the support ring 108 forms a sealing seat for the valve seal 150. When the valve 140 is in the distal position, the valve seal 150 bears tightly against the chamfered wall 112, preventing any fluid passage between the head 142 of the valve 140 and the support ring 108, thus sealing the conduit V100 of the female element 100. If, for any reason, the valve seal 150 is ejected from the groove in the head 142, for example, in the event of a rupture of the seal flap 150, the collar 147A is configured to stop the flap 140 towards the front of the female element 100, the collar 147A coming against the bottom of the counterbore 147B.

[0056] The cylindrical envelope 146 includes at least one recess 152, here three recesses 152, which form passages for the fluid through the valve 140 when the valve 140 is not in a distal position.

[0057] It is understood that in the absence of external force, the return spring 147C pushes the valve back into its distal position, sealing the conduit V100. When an axial force, parallel to the central axis A100 and directed towards the rear of the female element 100, is exerted on the valve 140, this effect being exerted, for example, on the front end of the cylindrical casing 146 or on the stem 144, this force tends to move the valve towards its proximal position against the return spring 147C, allowing fluid to pass through the conduit V100 of the female element 100.

[0058] The female element 100 also includes an operating ring 160. The operating ring 160 has a revolution shape around the central axis A100 and is arranged around the female body 102. The operating ring 160 is guided in translation along the central axis A100; in other words, it is movable in translation relative to the female body 102 along the central axis A100, between an advanced position and a rearward position. On the figures 1 And 2 , the operating ring 160 is shown in the advanced position.

[0059] The female element 100 also includes a return mechanism, here a locking spring 162, which pushes the operating ring 160 from its rearward position to its forward position. The locking spring 162 is received in a radial housing 164 formed between the female body 102 and the operating ring 160. The operating ring 160 includes an inclined wall 169, which belongs to a pusher 170. In the first embodiment, the pusher 170 is a portion of the operating ring 160. The wall 169 of the pusher 170 is geometrically supported by a cone that diverges forward from the female element 100. The wall 169 of the pusher 170 has a frustoconical profile, which is inclined with respect to the central axis A100. The wall 169 of pusher 170 is inclined with respect to the central axis A100 at an angle which is here equal to 50°.Alternatively, another angle could be used; for example, the inclined wall 169 of the pusher 170 could be inclined at an angle of 40° to the central axis A100. Preferably, the guide axis A130 of each housing 130 is orthogonal to the wall 169 of the pusher 170, as in the illustrated example. Alternatively, the guide axis A130 of each housing 130 is inclined to the wall 169 of the pusher 170.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the pusher 170 is integral with the operating ring 160, meaning that the movements of the pusher 170 are identical to the movements of the operating ring 160. When the operating ring 160 is in the forward position, the pusher 170 is in a forward position, while when the operating ring 160 is in the rearward position, the pusher 170 is in a rearward position. In other words, the operating ring 160 is configured to drive the pusher 170 from the forward position to the rearward position when the operating ring 160 is moved from the forward position to the rearward position, without any additional mechanical component.

[0061] In the uncoupled configuration illustrated in the figure 1 The operating ring 160 is pushed by the locking spring 162 towards its forward position, pushing each ball 132 towards its distal position. By extension, the pusher 170 holds each ball 132 in its distal position. Preferably, a minimum dimensional clearance is provided between each ball 132 and the pusher 170, so as to relieve the stresses exerted on the balls 132 or on the other parts of the female element 100.

[0062] In an unillustrated variant, in a configuration uncoupled from the fitting R, the pusher 170 is supported against the balls 132 via the wall 169, each ball 132 being abutted against the bottom 134 of the corresponding housing 130.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the operating ring 160 is made of a ferromagnetic material, that is, a material capable of being attracted to the balls 132, here made of neodymium. In other words, each ball 132—and more generally each locking element—and the pusher 170 are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other. In the first embodiment of the invention, the operating ring 160 is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel.

[0064] Schematically, each ball 132 moves along its corresponding guide axis A130, while the pusher 170 moves parallel to the central axis A100. It is understood that when the female element 100 is in the configuration of the figure 1 If a user moves the operating ring 160 to its rearward position against the locking spring 162, that is, towards the rear of the female element 100, then each ball 132, attracted by the operating ring 160, is drawn from its distal to its proximal position. In other words, the pusher 170 is capable of magnetically drawing each ball 132 towards its proximal position when the pusher 170 is moved to its rearward position. By extension, when the pusher 170 is in the rearward position, each ball 132 is in its proximal position. The fact that the wall 169 is inclined with respect to the main axis A100 and perpendicular to the guide axis A130 of the housings 130 facilitates the magnetic cooperation of the wall 169 with the balls 132, which promotes the guidance of the balls 132 from their distal position to their proximal position.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the pusher 170 advantageously comprises a radial wall 172, which extends parallel to the central axis A100 on the front side of the wall 169 of the pusher 170, the radial wall 172 being oriented towards the central axis A100. As shown in the figure 7 The radial wall 172 serves to maintain contact between the balls 132 and the operating ring 160, so as to keep each ball 132 in its proximal position even when the operating ring 160 is moved to its rearward position. More generally, the radial wall 172 is configured to magnetically attract each ball 132.

[0066] Preferably, the radial wall 172 of the pusher 170 extends parallel to the central axis by a length greater than or equal to a stroke of the operating ring 160 between its advanced and retracted positions, less a value of an axial displacement of each ball 132 with respect to the central axis A100, between its distal and proximal positions, so as to maintain contact between the balls 132 and the operating ring 160 regardless of the position of the operating ring 160. The stroke of the operating ring 160 and the value of the axial displacement of each ball 132 are measured parallel to the central axis A100.

[0067] The operation of the quick-connect fitting R is now described, in particular a coupling sequence of the male element 10 and the female element 100, with reference to figures 1 à 5 .

[0068] On the figure 1 The R fitting is in the uncoupled configuration. The female element 100 keeps the internal conduit V100 closed by means of the valve 140, which is pushed back into the distal position by the return spring 147C. The valve seal 150 bears tightly against the chamfered wall 112 of the support ring 108. The operating ring 160 is held in the forward position by the locking spring 162, the pusher 170 pushing each ball 132 into the distal position. The balls 132 protrude into the insertion channel V106.

[0069] With reference to the figure 2 An operator presents the male element 10 facing the female element 100, with the main axis A10 aligned with the central axis A100, and the front side of the male element 10 opposite the front side of the female element 100. The operator then brings the male element 10 towards the female element 100 in an insertion movement, which is a translational movement parallel to the central axis A100. The male element 10 is thus inserted into the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100. The balls 132 bear against the extreme chamfer 21 of the male body 12. The fitting R is then in the configuration of the figure 2 .

[0070] As the insertion movement continues, the extreme chamfer 21 slightly pushes each ball 132 back into its respective recess 130, which also pushes the plunger 170 back. In other words, the male element 10 pushes each ball 132 from the distal—or front—position to the proximal position, each ball 132 exerting a force on the wall 169 of the plunger 170 and pushing the plunger 170 back from its front position to its rear position. In the first embodiment, this also has the effect of slightly pushing the operating ring 160 rearward, against the locking spring 162. It is understood that if, for any reason, the plunger 170 or the operating ring 160 is blocked, then the insertion movement of the male element 10 is prevented, thus providing safety in case of a malfunction of the female element 100.

[0071] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 bear against the first cylindrical portion 22, the movement continuing until the flange 24 of the male element 10 comes into contact with the balls 132. In particular, the first surface 30 comes into contact with the balls 132. The quick-connect fitting R is then in the configuration of the figure 3 The valve 140 is still in a distal position, while the annular seal 122 already provides a seal between the female element 100 and the male element 10.

[0072] Based on the configuration of the figure 3 As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 are automatically repelled by the first surface 30 of the male element 10, that is, without any additional manual action other than inserting the male element 10 into the female element 100, and in particular without any axial action on the operating ring 160. The valve 140 is held closed. The balls 132 repel the pusher 170, and thus in this case, repel the operating ring 160, against the locking spring 162. It is understood that the force required to continue the insertion movement depends, in particular, on the stiffness of the locking spring 162, the angle of inclination of the first surface 30, and the angle of inclination of the inclined surface forming the pusher 170.

[0073] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 reach the top of the first surface 30 of the flange 24, and then the balls 132 rest against the central part 32 of the flange 24. The balls 132 are then in a position furthest from the central axis A100. The annular wall 20 of the male body 10 comes into contact with the valve 140, more precisely with the front end of the cylindrical shell 146 of the valve 140. As the insertion movement continues, the male element 10 axially pushes the valve 140 from its distal position to its proximal position, so that the fluidic connection is established between the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and the conduit V100 of the female element 100. The quick-connect fitting R is then in the configuration of the figure 4 .

[0074] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 bear against the second surface 34 of the flange 24 of the male element 10 and move towards the second cylindrical portion 26, until they come into contact with the second cylindrical portion 26, between the second surface 34 and the third surface 36 of the male element 10. The balls are then engaged in the groove 40. During this movement, the operating ring 160 returns to its forward position. This operation constitutes an automatic quick-connect coupling, for which no further action is required other than the manual insertion of the male element 10 into the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100.

[0075] The quick coupling R is then in the coupled configuration, as shown on the figure 5 The V10 conduit of the male element 10 and the V100 conduit of the female element 100 are in fluidic communication with each other, the seal between the male element 10 and the female element 100 being maintained by the annular seal 122. The balls 132 are then in their distal position and are held in this distal position by the second and third surfaces 34 and 36, which are arranged opposite each other and are inclined here at ±45°. The groove 40 has a trapezoidal profile.

[0076] It is understood that when the quick-connect fitting R is in the coupled configuration and a pressurized fluid flows through the conduits V10 and V100 of the coupled male 10 and female 100 elements, the pressure of this fluid tends to push the male 10 element away from the female 100 element. The balls 132 are then in contact with a wall of the housing 130, here inclined at 50° towards the rear of the female 100 element, and against the second surface 34 of the male 10 element, here inclined at 45° towards the rear of the male 10 element. Thus, as shown in cross-section on the figure 7 Each ball 132 rests between two surfaces that are not parallel, but which form a non-zero "pinching angle" α132, so that this ball 132 is pushed towards its distal position, in other words towards the groove 40 of the male element 10. The pinching angle α132 is here equal to 5°. The balls 132, held in the groove 40 of the male element 10, limit the axial movements of the male element 10 parallel to the central axis A100. The groove 40 is thus a locking groove.

[0077] Preferably, when the quick coupling R is in coupled configuration, the operating ring 160 is in front stop against the female body 102, so that a dimensional clearance is provided between each ball 132 and the opposite pusher 170, in particular between each ball and the wall 169 of the pusher 170.

[0078] In an alternative not shown, when the quick coupling R is in coupled configuration, the pusher 170 is in contact with the balls 132, in other words the locking ring 160 exerts a centripetal force on the locking balls 132.

[0079] We now describe a sequence for uncoupling the quick coupling R, with reference to figures 5 à 7 .

[0080] While the quick-connect fitting R is in the coupled configuration, as shown on the figure 5 Initially, the operator slightly moves the female element 100 closer to the male element 10, so as to relieve the balls 132 of the pressure action of the collar 24 of the male element 10, this pressure action being due to the pinch angle between each housing 130 and the second surface 34 of the collar 24. This initial movement is only possible if the fluid flowing in the quick coupling R is not under pressure, which prevents an operator from uncoupling the quick coupling R under pressure and thus adds safety when using the coupling R.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the female element 100 is brought closer to the male element 10 until the front body 106 of the female element 100 abuts against the shoulder 44 of the male body 10. The operator then moves the operating ring 160 in a recoil motion, that is, from the forward position to the recoil position, against the force of the locking spring 162. The balls 132, which are magnetic in this case, are magnetically attracted to the operating ring 160, made here of stainless steel, and remain in contact with the wall 169 of the pusher 170. The male body 12 and the front body 106 are made of non-magnetic materials, here brass, so that the male body 12 and the front body 106 do not disrupt the attractive force between the balls 132 and the pusher 170.

[0082] The balls 132 are thus displaced, each in its respective housing 130, from the distal to the proximal position. As the recoil movement of the operating ring 160 continues, the balls 132, still in contact with the wall 169 of the pusher 170, also come into contact with the radial wall 172 of the pusher 170. The quick-release coupling R is then in an intermediate unlocked configuration, as shown in the figure 6 The operating ring 160 is in an intermediate unlocked position.

[0083] The balls 132 are then in the proximal position, in which the balls 132 are free from the locking groove 40 of the male element 10, and no longer prevent axial movements of the male element 10 relative to the female element 100.

[0084] The recoil movement of the operating ring 160 continues until the operating ring 160 reaches its rear position, as shown in the figure 7 where the quick coupling R is in an unlocked configuration. The recoil movement of the operating ring 160 between the intermediate unlocked position and the rear position corresponds to an overtravel movement, also called simply overtravel, of the operating ring 160.

[0085] During the overtravel movement of the operating ring 160, the balls 132 remain in contact with the radial wall 172 of the pusher 170. The magnetic attraction is thus maintained between the balls 132 and the radial wall 172. The balls 132 are thus maintained in the proximal position.

[0086] It is understood that as long as the operating ring 160 is held in the intermediate unlocking position, or in the rear position, or in any other intermediate position between these two positions, the user can move the male element 10 away from the female element 100 in a decoupling movement, opposite to the insertion movement.

[0087] During this decoupling movement, the valve 140 gradually returns to its distal position, closing the conduit V100 of the female element 100. The valve 140 contributes, thanks to the return spring 147C, to expelling the male element 10 at the disconnection, which prevents the return of the balls 132 to the distal position and prevents uncoupling difficulties.

[0088] We now describe, with reference to figures 8 à 14 , quick-connect fittings R conforming to the second, third, and fourth embodiments of the invention. For each newly described embodiment, the elements analogous to those of the preceding embodiment(s) bear the same reference numerals and function in the same way. The following primarily describes the differences between each embodiment and the preceding one(s).

[0089] With reference to figures 8 à 10 The quick-connect fitting R, according to the second embodiment of the invention, comprises a male element 10 and a female element 200. On the figure 8 The quick-connect coupling R is shown in the coupled configuration, while on the figure 9 The quick-release coupling R is shown in the intermediate unlocking configuration, and that on the figure 10 The R quick coupler is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0090] One of the main differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the female element 200 includes locking elements which are pins 232, instead of the balls 132 in the first embodiment. The pins 232 are made of a magnetic material, while the operating ring 160 is made of a ferromagnetic material, in this case stainless steel.

[0091] Each pin 232 has a shape of revolution around an axis of revolution A232, which coincides with the guide axis A130 when the pin 232 is received in the corresponding housing 130. The pins 232 are preferably identical to one another. The shape of the pins 232 is not limited. In an alternative not shown, the locking elements are locking fingers.

[0092] Each pin 232 is generally cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and centered on the axis of revolution A232. Each pin 232 has two ends 234, which extend orthogonally to the axis of revolution A232. The lower end 234A is the end of the two ends 234 that is closest to the central axis A100, and the upper end 234B is the other end of the two ends 234. The upper end 234B is therefore located on the side of the pusher 170.

[0093] For each housing 130, the guide axis 130 is orthogonal to the wall 169 of the pusher 170, so that when the pin 232 is received in this housing 130, the axis of revolution 232 is orthogonal to the wall 169 of the pusher 170, so as to promote contact between each pin 232 and the wall 169 of the pusher 170, thus maximizing the force of attraction between each pin 232 and the pusher 170.

[0094] The ends 234 are chamfered, forming chamfered walls 235, which are frustoconical surfaces centered on the axis of revolution A232. The chamfered walls are arranged so that a generating line of the chamfered wall 235 makes contact with the operating ring 160 in the proximal position, as shown in the figures 9 And 10 In other words, when the pin 232 is in the proximal position, the pin 232 is in linear contact against the ring 160. More precisely, the chamfered wall 235 of each pin 232 is in linear contact against the radial wall 172 of the pusher 170, here made in one piece with the operating ring 160.

[0095] By comparison, in the first embodiment, each ball 132 is in point contact with the surfaces of the male element 10 or the operating ring 160 – and therefore also with the surfaces of the pusher 170 –. When the pins 232 are in linear contact with the pusher 170, the attractive force between each pin 232 and the pusher 170 is greater than the attractive force between the balls 131 and the pusher 170.

[0096] Each pin 232 also includes a circumferential V-groove 236, which is recessed and has a flared V-shaped profile. The V-groove 236 is located midway between the two ends 234 of the pin 232, the two arms of the V forming two frustoconical surfaces, comprising a first frustoconical surface 236A and a second frustoconical surface 236B. When the pin 232 is received in the corresponding housing 130, the first frustoconical surface 236A is generally closer to the central axis A100 than the second frustoconical surface 236B. Advantageously, the female element 100 of the quick-connect fitting R is suitable for mating with a male element 10 with a low flange 24 relative to the front portion 16.

[0097] When the quick-connect fitting R is in the coupled configuration, the first frustoconical surface 236A is configured to bear linearly on the second surface 36 of the flange 24 of the male element 10, which allows for better retention of the male element 10. In other words, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of the figures 8 And 9 The first frustoconical surface 236A is able to cooperate parallel to the distal edge of the groove 40, the distal edge here being the second surface 34 of the collar 24. In the illustrated example, the V-groove 236 has an opening angle of 170°. Each of the first frustoconical surface 236A and second frustoconical surface 236B is therefore inclined at an angle of 5° with respect to the axis of revolution A232.

[0098] With reference to figures 11 And 12 The quick-connect fitting R, according to the third embodiment of the invention, comprises a male element 10 and a female element 300. On the figure 11 The quick-connect coupling R is shown in the coupled configuration, while on the figure 12 The R quick coupler is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0099] Whereas in previous embodiments the pusher 170 came from the material with the operating ring 160, in the third embodiment the female element 300 includes an operating ring 360 with a pusher 370 attached to the rest of the operating ring.

[0100] The pusher 370 is formed here by an insert 371, which is manufactured separately from the rest of the operating ring 360 and is then secured to the rest of the operating ring 360. The insert 371 is inserted into a front counterbore 361 of the operating ring 360, for example, press-fitted or shrink-fitted. As in the previous configurations, once secured to the operating ring 360, the pusher 370 defines an internal wall, oriented towards the central axis A100. This internal wall includes the inclined wall 169 and the radial wall 172, forming contact surfaces for the balls 132. The wall 169 of the pusher 370 has a frustoconical shape and is inclined at 45° and oriented towards the front of the female element 100. As before, the radial wall 172 is parallel to the central axis A100.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the reported pusher 370 is made of a magnetic material, while the female element 300 includes balls 332, forming locking members, which are made of ferromagnetic material, so that each locking member - here the balls 332 - and the pusher 370 are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other.

[0102] Advantageously, the rest of the operating ring 360, i.e. not including the magnetic insert 371, is made of a non-magnetic material, for example brass, which is easy and economical.

[0103] According to a mirror image variant not shown, the balls 332 are magnetic, while the pusher 370, formed by the insert 371 fixed to the rest of the operating ring 360, is made of a ferromagnetic material. This variant is analogous to the first embodiment.

[0104] According to another variant not shown, the balls 332 are replaced by pawns, analogous to the pawns 232 of the second embodiment. According to yet another variant, when both the pusher 370 and the locking elements – balls or pawns – are magnetic, the north / south magnetic poles are arranged so that each locking element is magnetically attracted to the pusher.

[0105] With reference to figures 13 And 14 The quick-connect fitting R, according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, comprises a 10' male element and a 400 female element. On the figure 13 The quick-connect coupling R is shown in the coupled configuration, while on the figure 14 The R quick coupler is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0106] One of the main differences of the fourth embodiment with the previous embodiments is that in the fourth embodiment, the female element 400 includes an operating ring 460 and a pusher 470 which are not fixed to each other.

[0107] The pusher 470 is here formed by a return ring 471, which is interposed, radially to the central axis A100, between the operating ring 460 and the female body 102. As in the third embodiment, the pusher 470 is here made of a magnetic material, while the balls 332 are made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0108] The pusher 470 has a shape of revolution around the central axis A100. The pusher 470 is axially mobile along the central axis A100. The pusher 470 preserves the inclined wall 169, which is configured to push the balls 332 into a distal position when the pusher 470 is in the forward position, and which is capable of magnetically driving each ball 332 towards its proximal position when the pusher 470 is moved towards its rear position.

[0109] The operating ring 460 includes a washer 461, against which the locking spring 162 bears, pushing the operating ring 460 back to its forward position. In the illustrated example, the female element 400 also includes an additional return element, here a pusher spring 472, which is axially interposed between the washer 461 and the pusher 470, so as to push the pusher 470 back to its forward position. In other words, the pusher spring 472 acts as a return element for the return ring 471 back to its forward position.

[0110] In an alternative not shown, the pusher spring 472 bears against the rear body 104 and constitutes a return element for the operating ring 460 towards the advanced position.

[0111] On the front side, the relative movements of the pusher 470 with respect to the operating ring 460 are limited by an axial stop formed by a shoulder 462, provided in an internal surface of the operating ring 460.

[0112] On the rear side, the relative movements of the pusher 470 with respect to the operating ring 460 are limited by a stop formed by a ring 463, which is received here in a groove made in the internal surface of the operating ring 460.

[0113] Despite the relative complexity of the female element 400 of the fourth embodiment compared to the other embodiments, the return ring 471 is removable and can thus be replaced, during maintenance of the female element 400, for example if the return ring 471 is damaged or if its magnetic remanence falls below a predetermined level.

[0114] In an alternative not shown, the pusher spring 472 is omitted, the pusher 470 being pushed forward by the ring 463 of the operating ring 460.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, the male element 10' includes a groove 40' which, unlike the trapezoidal locking groove 40 of the previous embodiments, has a rounded profile. The profile of the grooves 40 or 40' is not limited. Similarly, the male element 10' includes a locking collar 24' with a rounded profile. The profiles of the collars 24 or 24' of the male element 10 or 10' are not limited.

[0116] In the fourth embodiment, the rear part 14 and the front portion 16 of the male body 12 are two separate pieces, which are assembled to each other in a watertight manner, here by screwing.

[0117] The male element 10' here includes a shut-off valve 80, which is received in the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and is axially movable along the main axis A10 between a forward position, in which the valve 80 seals the conduit V10 tightly, and a rear position, in which the valve 80 does not seal the conduit V10. The valve 80 is pushed back towards its forward position by means of a closing spring 82, which is received in the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and bears against the male body 10.

[0118] The female element 400 here includes two annular seals 122, which are arranged in the front enclosure V114 and which are configured to ensure sealing with the male element 10' when the male element 10' is inserted into the front enclosure V114.

[0119] The female element 400 includes a valve 440, which comprises a central piston 441, fixed relative to the female body 102, and a spool 442, arranged around the central piston 441. The spool 442 is axially movable along the central axis A100, between a closed position, in which the spool 442 cooperates with the central piston 441 to close the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100, and an open position, in which the insertion channel V106 is not closed, as shown in the figures 13 And 14 The drawer 442 is pushed back towards its closing position by a closing spring 443, which here bears against the female body 102.

[0120] The male element 10' advantageously includes a cover 50, which is configured to bear against an annular wall 465 of the operating ring 460, in the coupled configuration of the quick-connect fitting R. The cover 50 serves to limit internal contamination. In the illustrated example, the cover 50 is made of an elastically deformable material, preferably an elastomer. The cover 50 forms a sleeve extending from the rear portion 16 of the male element 10' towards the front of the male element 10'. The cover 50 has a rear end 54, which is fixed in a groove in the rear portion 14, and a front end 52, which is opposite the rear end 54 and is configured to bear against a front end of the operating ring 460, in particular against the annular wall 465 of the operating ring 460.

[0121] The annular wall 465 of the operating ring 460 has a frustoconical shape centered on the central axis A100. When the operating ring 460 is in the advanced position, the annular wall 465 extends forward of the female element 400 beyond the front body 106, so that when the quick coupling R is in the locked configuration, the cover 50 is in contact with the annular wall 465, preventing the intrusion of foreign bodies, for example dust, into the mechanism of the quick coupling R.

[0122] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, thanks to the pusher spring 472 interposed axially between the washer 461 and the return ring 471, the position of the return ring 471 remains independent of the position of the operating ring 460 to guarantee an advanced position of the pusher 470. It is thus possible to guarantee that the balls 332 are maintained in the distal position, while reducing the amplitude of the forward movement of the operating ring 460, which ensures the sealing of the fitting R by cooperation with the cap 50.

[0123] The female element 400 also includes an elastic sleeve 474, which is arranged axially between the female body 102 and the operating ring 460. In the illustrated example, the elastic sleeve 474 extends continuously from the rear body 104 to the operating ring 460, the elastic sleeve 474 deforming elastically when the operating ring 460 is moved between the forward and rearward positions. The elastic sleeve 474 prevents the intrusion of foreign bodies, dust, or liquids between the operating ring 460 and the rear body 104 of the female body 102. In other words, the elastic sleeve 474 seals an annular space between the female body 102 and the operating ring 460.

[0124] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, it is understood that each locking member - ball or pin - and the pusher are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, so that the pusher is able to magnetically drive each locking member towards its proximal position when the pusher is moved towards its rear position.

[0125] Thus, at least one of the elements among the pusher wall and the locking members is made of a material that stores magnetic energy, while the other element among the locking members and the pusher wall has a capacity to conduct magnetic flux / possesses magnetic permeability.

[0126] In an alternative not shown, both the pusher wall and the locking members have a magnetizing capacity or store magnetic energy. In this case, the north / south magnetic poles of the pusher wall and the locking members are arranged so that each locking member and the pusher are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0127] Generally, magnetically permeable materials that react to a magnet are based on the elements Fe, Ni, Cobalt, and Gadolinium. Martensitic or ferritic stainless steel is magnetic, which is not the case for all types of stainless steel.

[0128] Non-magnetic materials that do not react have low permeability, for example, austenitic stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. They can also be described as paramagnetic materials when they exhibit only a weak attraction to a magnet. Alternatively, the male body 12 and the front body 116 could be made of paramagnetic material.

[0129] There are also magnetized ferrite powders that can be used as a coating layer for the pushrod wall and that possess the magnetizing capacity of a ferromagnetic ball. These magnetized powders are, for example, incorporated into a binder and applied like magnetic paint.

[0130] In the third and fourth embodiments, the insert 371 or the return ring 471 are advantageously made entirely of a magnetic material. The use of a single material simplifies the production of a magnetic pusher. In other words, the pusher 370 or 470 has an annular magnetic wall.

[0131] In an alternative not shown, the magnetic wall of the pusher is not annular but only portions opposite the housings 130 are magnetic, so that the pusher is angularly indexed around the central axis A100 for the correspondence of the magnetic portions with the housings.

[0132] According to another variant not shown, when the material of the pusher is made magnetic by a surface treatment, for example with a magnetic surface coating such as paint, only portions of the annular surface of the pusher are treated.

[0133] In the first and second embodiments, each of the locking elements, ball 132 or pawl 232, is magnetic, this configuration being preferred. In an alternative not shown, only some of the locking elements, or even just one of the locking elements, is magnetic.

[0134] In an unrepresented variant, the housing axes A130 of two respective housing units 130 are not inclined at the same angle with respect to the central axis A100.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiments, when the locking members, ball 132 or pin 232, are in the distal position, the locking members protrude sufficiently into the insertion channel V106 so that the locking members 132 / 232 make contact with the cylindrical portion 22 of the male element 10 received in the proximal space V116, as illustrated in the figure 2 , in particular with chamfer 21.

[0136] In an alternative design not shown, the locking elements in the distal position protrude less into the insertion channel V106 than in the illustrated embodiments, so that the female element is no longer configured for the locking elements to contact the cylindrical portion 22 (or chamfer 21) of the male element 10 received in the proximal space V116, but only the flange 24. This configuration is advantageous because it prevents the locking elements from repeatedly contacting the cylindrical portion 22 of the male element 10, thus limiting marking or degradation of this cylindrical portion 22, which is essential for sealing the connection with the annular seal 122 in the mated configuration. Consequently, the risk of degradation of the annular seal 122 is also reduced. This, in turn, reduces the risk of leakage from the fitting R in the mated configuration.

Claims

1. A female element (100; 200; 300; 400) of a quick connector (R) intended for the removable connection of pressurized fluid pipes, said female element being able to be coupled with a complementary male element (10; 10') and comprising: - a hollow female body (102) defining an insertion channel (V106), the insertion channel defining a central axis (A100) of the female body and opening out from the female body by a mouth (118), the mouth defining a front side of the female element, - at least one locking member (132; 232; 332), which is received in a respective housing (130) arranged in the thickness of the female body, each housing opening into the insertion channel, each housing being inclined relative to the central axis of the female body so that each locking member is movable in its housing between a distal position, which designates a position located on the front side of the female element and in which the locking member projects into the insertion channel, and a proximal position, which designates a component or position located on the rear side of the female element and in which the locking member does not project into the insertion channel; - a plunger (170; 370; 470): • which comprises a wall (169) oriented toward each housing (130), and • which is movable between a front position, in which the wall of the plunger maintains each locking member in its distal position, and a rear position, in which each locking member is in its proximal position, - an operating ring (160; 360; 460), which surrounds the female body (102) and is movable relative to the female body along the central axis (A100) between an advanced position and a retracted position, the operating ring being configured to drive the plunger (170; 370; 470) from the front position toward the rear position when the operating ring is displaced from the advanced position toward the retracted position, and - a first return member (162), configured to return the operating ring toward the advanced position, wherein: - each locking member (132; 232; 332) and the plunger (170; 370; 470) are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, and - the plunger is able to magnetically drive each locking member toward its proximal position when the plunger is displaced toward its rear position.

2. The female element (100; 200; 300) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plunger (170; 370) is integral with the operating ring (160; 360).

3. The female element (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plunger (470) is a return ring (471), which is centered on the central axis (A100) of the female element, which is movable in translation relative to the operating ring (460), and which is interposed radially between the operating ring and the female body (102).

4. The female element (400) according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the operating ring (460) comprises an axial stop (462), and - the female element comprises a second return member (472), which is configured to push the return ring (471) back into its advanced position against the axial stop (462).

5. The female element (100; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member (132; 332) is a ball.

6. The female element (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member (232) is a pin, which extends according to a guide axis (A130) of the housing (130).

7. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one element from among, on the one hand, each locking member (132; 232; 332) and, on the other hand, the plunger (170; 370; 470), is magnetic and is able to magnetically attract respectively the plunger or each locking member.

8. The female element (300) according to claim 7, characterized in that each locking member (332) and the plunger (370) are made of a ferromagnetic material or are coated with a layer of ferromagnetic material.

9. The female element (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plunger (370) or each locking member comprises a ferromagnetic insert (371) oriented toward each locking member (332) or the plunger (370) respectively.

10. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that - the female body (102) comprises a front body (106), wherein each housing (130) is formed, - the front body (106) is made of a non-magnetic material.

11. The female element (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the female element comprises an elastic sleeve (474), which is axially arranged and extends continuously between the body (102) and the operating ring (460), and which elastically deforms when the operating ring is displaced between the advanced and retracted positions.

12. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wall (169) of the plunger (170; 370; 470) extends according to a cone of revolution centered on the central axis (A100), the cone being open toward the front and presenting, relative to the central axis, an angle at the apex preferably equal to 40°.

13. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the female element comprises a valve (140; 440) for closing the insertion channel (V106), the valve being movable along the central axis (A100) of the female element.

14. The female element (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the plunger (170; 370) comprises a radial wall (172), which is configured to magnetically attract the locking member (132; 232 ; 332) and which extends parallel to the central axis (A100) according to a length greater than or equal to a stroke of the operating ring (160; 360) between its advanced position and its retracted position, minus an amount of axial displacement of the locking member between its distal position and its proximal position.

15. The female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the return member (162) of the operating ring (160; 360; 460) comprises a spring, which is radially interposed between the female body (102) and the operating ring (160; 360; 460).

16. A quick connector (R) designed for the connection of pressurized fluid pipes, the quick connector comprising: - a female element (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and - a male member (10; 10') complementary to the female member, the male member being configured to couple with the female member in a coupled configuration of the connector, wherein: - the male element (10; 10') comprises a male body (12), which is able to be received in the insertion channel (V106) of the female body and which extends according to a main axis (A10), the main axis of the male element and the central axis of the female element being coaxial when the male body is received in the insertion channel of the female element, - the male body comprises a first surface (30), which is able to push the locking members (132; 232; 332) into their proximal position when the male body is inserted into the insertion channel, and - the first surface is inclined, relative to the main axis (A10), at an angle of between 20° and 40°, for example 30°.

17. A quick connector (R) according to claim 16, characterized in that the male body (12) comprises a second surface (34), which is able to cooperate with the locking members (132; 232; 332) while the locking members are in a distal position so as to prevent axial withdrawal of the male body, the second surface being inclined relative to the main axis (A10) and forming with the main axis an angle of between 30° and 60°, for example equal to 45°.

18. The quick connector (R) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the male element (10') comprises a protective cover (50), which is configured to press on an annular wall (465) of the operating ring (460), in the coupled configuration of the quick connector.