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

Abstract

The invention relates to a female element (7) of a connection device (1). The female element (7) comprises an end piece (3) comprising a recess (3c) arranged on the side of the distal opening (3b) thereof and a flexible ring (4) intended to occupy the recess (3c) in the end piece (3). The flexible ring (4) comprises first snap-fitting means (4a) for the end piece (3) and second snap-fitting means (4b) for a collar (2a) of a tubular connector (2). The first snap-fitting means (4a) are distinct from the second snap-fitting means (4b). The invention also relates to the connection device (1) formed of the female element (7) and of the tubular connector (2).

Description

Female element of a fluid connection device and fluid connection device comprising such an element FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid connection device. This type of device is particularly useful in the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly in the field of braking, for simply connecting a conduit of a compressed air distribution network to equipment of an air braking system. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many types of vehicles are equipped with air brake systems. In such a system, air is compressed by a compressor and delivered to the vehicle's brakes, to apply or release them, via a network of distribution lines. The network may also connect other system equipment such as reservoirs, distributors, fluid control or regulation equipment. To facilitate the installation and maintenance of this network of lines, it is common to connect the lines to the system equipment via so-called "quick-connectors". Such a connector typically comprises an end piece, secured to a port in the equipment via a thread, into which a tubular connector associated with one end of the line can be connected, by snap-fitting.

[0003] Document US20160025252 illustrates an example of a quick connector. According to this document, the connector is formed from a tip and a flexible ring. The flexible ring is inserted into a proximal opening of the tip, i.e. the opening of the tip through which the tubular connector engages, to occupy a first cavity arranged on the side of the proximal opening. The ring makes it possible to retain a set of sealing elements (seals, spacers) in a second cavity arranged on the side of the distal opening of the tip. The ring carries flexible tabs intended both to retain the flexible ring in the tip and to lock the tubular connector in the tip.

[0004] Document US6095570 proposes another example of a quick connector. This connector is composed of a tip and a movable ring arranged on the side of the distal opening of the tip, that is to say the opening of the tip through which the end of the tubular connector is released from the tip, after it has passed through it. The ring is provided with two stop washers forming both sliding stops for the movable ring in the tip and retaining elements for the tubular connector. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An aim of the invention is to propose a connection device which differs from the state of the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In order to achieve this aim, the subject of the invention proposes a female element of a connection device comprising: a tip having: a fixing head arranged on the side of a proximal opening in which a tubular connector provided with at least one collar is intended to engage, and a fixing means arranged on the side of a distal opening, opposite the proximal opening, configured to secure the tip to an orifice of a piece of equipment, a recess arranged on the side of the distal opening;a flexible ring comprising a peripheral portion having an internal peripheral surface and an external peripheral surface, the peripheral portion being fixedly retained in the recess of the end piece by first snap-fastening means arranged on the external peripheral surface, the flexible ring also comprising second snap-fastening means, distinct from the first snap-fastening means, comprising a plurality of ribs oriented towards the internal peripheral surface, the ribs being intended to be placed behind the collar of the tubular connector when the latter is engaged in the end piece / ;

[0007] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: the distal opening is delimited by an internal crown defining an internal shoulder of the recess; the first latching means comprise at least one fillet carried by the external peripheral surface, the fillet being intended to receive the internal shoulder of the recess of the tip; the first latching means comprise two fillets respectively arranged on two first annular portions of the peripheral portion, diametrically opposite one another. each first annular portion is formed of an annular wall arranged set back from the external peripheral surface of the flexible ring, this set back releasing a support surface;the first snap-fastening means comprise a plurality of flexible tabs, the flexible tabs having ends intended to engage in the internal shoulder of the recess of the end piece; at least part of the external peripheral surface is inclined in order to form a ramp for snapping the flexible ring into the end piece; the ribs of the plurality of ribs are respectively arranged on second annular portions of the internal peripheral surface of the peripheral portion; the second annular portions have inclined internal faces in order to form a ramp for snapping the tubular connector into the flexible ring; the two second annular portions are respectively surmounted by two disassembly extensions; the ribs of the plurality of ribs are respectively arranged on a plurality of flexible arms extending from the peripheral portion;the flexible ring comprises, arranged on an internal peripheral surface, means for guiding the tubular connector;

[0008] According to another aspect, the subject of the invention provides a connection device comprising a tubular connector provided with at least one collar and a female element as just described.

[0009] Advantageously, the tubular connector has at least one groove for receiving at least one secondary seal. Also advantageously, the tubular connector has a plurality of collars. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0011]

[0012]

[0013] Laet larepresent, respectively, an exploded view and an overall view, in the locked position, of a method of implementing a connection device;

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017] 1a, 4b represent, respectively, a tip and a flexible ring composing a female element of the embodiment of figures 1 and 2;

[0018]

[0019] The figure represents another example of a tubular connector of a connection device according to the invention;

[0020]

[0021] La represents a second mode of implementation of a flexible ring of a female element in accordance with the invention;

[0022]

[0023]

[0024] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate the operation of a connection device according to the invention according to two longitudinal and mutually perpendicular sections;

[0025]

[0026] It represents a flexible ring conforming to another mode of implementation;

[0027]

[0028] Illustrates a connection device using the flexible ring shown in the. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] General description of the connection device

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 represent, respectively, an exploded view and an overall view of an embodiment of a connection device 1. In general, this connection device 1 comprises a tubular connector 2 which forms one end of a conduit to be connected (not shown). The connection device 1 also comprises a female element 7 comprising a tip 3 and a flexible ring 4. The tip has a so-called “proximal” opening 3a in which the tubular connector 2 is intended to engage and a distal opening 3b opposite the proximal opening 3a. The tip defines a passage between these two openings 3a, 3b in which the tubular connector 2 can be inserted.The tubular connector 2 is provided, at its connection end intended to engage in the female element 7, with a collar 2a allowing it to be snapped onto the female end piece 7, as will be detailed in the remainder of this description, in order to lock these two elements together.

[0031] To carry out the fluid connection of the tubular connector 2 in the female element 7, the connection end of the tubular connector 2 is therefore introduced through the proximal opening 3a of the end piece 3 to fit the collar 2a onto snap-fastening means with which the female element 7 is provided.

[0032] In a very conventional manner, the female element 7 can be secured to an orifice of a piece of equipment by means of an external thread provided on the end piece 3 on the side of its distal opening 3b. Of course, the end piece 3 can be provided with any means allowing it to be secured to the equipment, the thread shown in the figures forming only a particular example of such a fixing means. The end piece 3 has a fixing head 3d on the side of its proximal opening 3a, here a clamping head having a shape allowing its manipulation by a tool, for example by means of a wrench for screwing the end piece 3 onto a threaded orifice of a piece of equipment.

[0033] In this example, a sealing gasket 6a is also provided around the end piece 3, under the fixing head 3d, in order to seal the connection between the female element 7 and the equipment. Tubular connector

[0034] As already stated, the tubular connector 2 forms one end of a conduit to be connected. The tubular connector 2 may be made of a plastic material.

[0035] This connector 2 can be assembled to the conduit by an assembly mechanism 2d, for example of the “fir tree tail” type as shown in figures 1 and 5, which represent two modes of implementation of this connector 2.

[0036] The tubular connector 2 is provided, on the side of its connection end, with at least one collar 2a allowing it to be snapped onto the female end piece 7. In the embodiment of the, the tubular connector 2 is provided with two collars 2a, 2a'. Whatever the number of collars provided, it (they) advantageously has (have) a chamfered flank on the side of the connection end of the tubular connector 2 and a straight flank on the opposite side. When the tubular connector 2 is gradually inserted into the female element 7, the chamfered flank bears on the snap-fastening means with which this element is provided, in order to deform them elastically. When the tubular connector 2 has progressed sufficiently into the female element, the snap-fastening means close behind the collar 2a, on the side of its straight flank, which prevents any possibility of extraction of the tubular connector 2.

[0037] In the example of the, the tubular connector 2 is gradually inserted into the female element to successively close the latching means behind the first then behind the second collar 2a, 2a'. When the latching means are closed on the first collar 2a, the tubular connector can be retained on the female element 7 in a pre-assembly or delivery position, which is not necessarily sealed. To connect the tubular connector 2 to the female element 7 in a sealed manner, it is sufficient to insert the tubular connector 2 more deeply so as to pass the latching means behind the second collar 2a'.

[0038] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the tubular connector 2 is advantageously provided with a base 2b. This base 2b is configured to come into abutment with the female element 7 when the tubular connector 2 is sufficiently engaged in this element, that is to say when the latching means are closed behind the collar 2a, 2a' ensuring the sealed connection between these two parts of the connection device 1. To allow this stop function, the base 2b has a transverse dimension (in a plane perpendicular to the direction of engagement of the tubular connector 2 in the female element 7) greater than the section of the passage defined by the female element 7.

[0039] In the examples shown, the tubular connector 2 also carries a plurality of collars 2c, arranged between the base 2b and the flange 2a. This plurality of collars 2c defines at least one groove 2e for receiving at least one secondary seal 6b (two collars 2c and two seals in the example of 1a). These collars 2c have a transverse dimension substantially equal to the section of the passage defined by the female element 7, so as to be able to reside in this section when the tubular connector 2 is introduced therein. The secondary seals 6b present in the grooves 2e, between the collars 2c, are crushed against the internal walls of the passage defined by the female element 7, and thus form a sealed connection between the tubular connector 2 and this element 7. Female element

[0040] Laet larepresent, respectively, a section of the end piece 3 and a view of the flexible ring 4 constituting a female element 7 according to the invention. The end piece 3 can be produced in the form of a metal or plastic part, and the flexible ring 4 in the form of a monolithic part made of a plastic or metal material.

[0041] The end piece 3 defines a passage between the proximal 3a and distal 3b openings. A first part 3e of this passage, cylindrical and arranged on the side of the proximal opening 3a, has a cross-section of which one dimension (the diameter) is adjusted to that of the tubular connector 2, as explained in the previous section of this description. The secondary sealing gasket(s) 6b can be made to reside in the first part of the passage 3e and the sealing of the connection between the end piece 3 and the tubular connector 2 can be ensured by pressing this / these gasket(s) 6b against the internal wall of the first part of the passage 3e.

[0042] The tip 3 also comprises a recess 3c arranged on the side of its distal opening 3b, in the continuity of the first part of the passage 3e. This recess 3c defines a housing intended to receive, at least in part, the flexible ring 4. It has a cross-section whose dimension is greater than that of the first part of the passage 3e, and sufficient to accommodate the flexible ring 4. Advantageously, the recess 3c has a truncated cone shape, the large base corresponding to the distal opening 3b, and the small base to the first part 3e of the passage. The distal opening 3b is delimited by an internal crown 3f defining an internal shoulder 3g of the recess 3c.

[0043] The flexible ring 4, two embodiments of which are shown in Figures 4a, 4b and 6, is intended to be placed, at least in part, in the recess of the end piece 3. The flexible ring 4 has a top B1 on the side intended to be housed at the bottom of the recess 3c and a base B2 on its opposite side. The top B1 has a dimension slightly smaller than that of the internal crown 3f of the end piece 3. The flexible ring 4 therefore comprises a crown, or peripheral portion SP, which extends between its base B2 and its top B1. This peripheral portion SP is intended to be engaged in the recess of the end piece.

[0044] The flexible ring 4 comprises first latching means 4a of the end piece 3, carried by, or formed in, an external peripheral surface, that is to say the face of the peripheral portion SP facing outwards. These first latching means 4a make it possible to firmly retain a part of the flexible ring 4 in the recess 3c of the end piece 3.

[0045] In the embodiment of figures 4a and 4b, the first snap-fastening means 4a are produced by two fillets respectively arranged on two first annular portions P1, P1' carried by the peripheral portion of the flexible ring 4. These fillets are intended to receive the internal shoulder 3g of the recess 3c of the end piece 3, when the flexible ring 4 is housed in the recess 3c. The two first annular portions P1, P1' are advantageously diametrically opposite one another.

[0046] Each annular portion P1, P1' is formed of an annular wall P arranged on the peripheral portion SP, set back from the external peripheral surface of the ring 4, this setback releasing a support surface S. The support surface S and the annular wall P define the fillet constituting the first snap-fastening means 4a. When the flexible ring 4 is housed in the recess 3c, the support surfaces S of the first two annular portions P1, P1' bear against the internal shoulder 3g of the recess 3c.

[0047] The first two annular portions P1, P1' are separated from each other by a distance greater than the external diameter of the tubular connector 2, taken at the level of the collar 2a. In this way, these annular portions P1, P1' do not interfere with the tubular connector 2 when the end thereof is inserted into the proximal opening 3a of the tip 3 and progresses through the flexible ring to disengage from the distal opening 3b.

[0048] The outer peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, at each first annular portion P1, P1', is inclined. This inclination is such that the ring conforms, at each first annular portion P1, P1', to the wall of the frustoconical recess 3c when the ring is housed in the end piece 3. This inclination forms a ramp for snapping the flexible ring 4 into the end piece 3, when this ring is inserted by force through the distal opening 3b. Thus, to insert the flexible ring 4 into the end piece 3, the apex B1 of the flexible ring 4 can be positioned inside this recess 3c. By applying insertion pressure to the flexible ring 3, it is forcefully inserted into the recess 3c of the end piece 3 by sliding on the snap-in ramps and, thanks to its flexible nature, deforming to penetrate and occupy the recess 3c.

[0049] In the embodiment of the flexible ring 4 shown in the, the peripheral portion SP is provided with notches defining a plurality of flexible tabs 4a on the external peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, constituting the first snap-fastening means 4a. The flexible tabs 4a have ends intended to engage in the internal shoulder 3g of the recess 3c of the end piece 3. The external peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, and therefore the flexible tabs, is also inclined, just as in the previous embodiment, in order to form a ramp for snapping the flexible ring 4 into the end piece 3. This inclination is preferably chosen to conform to the wall of the frustoconical recess 3c, when the flexible ring 4 is housed in the end piece 3. In the example shown in the, the flexible tabs 4a are distributed over the entire external peripheral surface of the flexible ring, in a uniform manner.In this mode of implementation, the flexible ring 4 rests on the entire periphery of the internal shoulder 3g, which ensures its maintenance and stability in the recess 3c, even in the case where some of the flexible tabs break or are damaged.

[0050] This uniform distribution of the flexible tabs does not form an essential characteristic and other ways of positioning these tabs on the external peripheral surface of the flexible ring are of course possible.

[0051] Returning to the general description of a flexible ring 4 of a female element 7 according to the invention, the latter also comprises second latching means 4b. These second latching means 4b are distinct from the first latching means 4a. They aim to retain the collar 2a, 2a' of the tubular connector 2 to the flexible ring 4, when this tubular connector 2 is engaged in the end piece 3. In the examples of figures 4a, 4b and 6, these second means are produced by two ribs R (visible on the) formed on an internal peripheral surface of the flexible ring 3, that is to say on the face of the peripheral portion SP facing inwards.

[0052] The ribs R are respectively arranged on two second annular portions P2, P2' of the flexible ring 4. The ribs R are intended to be placed behind the collar 2a, 2a' of the tubular connector 2 when the latter is sufficiently engaged in the end piece 3. A different number of ribs R could naturally be provided.

[0053] The two second annular portions P2, P2' are preferably diametrically opposite each other. They are also intersected with the first annular portions P1, P1', that is to say that a first annular portion P1, P1' does not face a second annular portion P2, P2' so that the two snap-fastening means 4a, 4b carried by the flexible ring 4 do not interfere.

[0054] Advantageously also, the internal peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 at the level of the two second annular portions P2, P2' is inclined in order to form a ramp for snapping the tubular connector 2 into the flexible ring 4. The external peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4 at the level of the two second annular portions P2, P2' is straight, not inclined (see 1a), in order to be able to separate the two annular portions P2, P2' from each other while the flexible ring 4 is housed in the recess 3c, in order to be able to release the tubular connector from the female element.

[0055] In the two embodiments which have just been presented of the flexible ring 4, the two second annular portions P2, P2' are respectively surmounted by two disassembly extensions E. The disassembly extensions E pass through the distal opening 3b to open out of the end piece 3, when the flexible ring 4 is housed in the end piece 3.

[0056] By sufficiently separating the disassembly extensions E from each other, the two ribs R are separated to allow the collar 2a of the tubular connector 2 to be released, which makes it possible to extract the tubular connector from the female element. From this point of view, it is preferable for the ribs R to be arranged on the side of the base B2 of the peripheral portion SP of the ring, rather than on the side of its apex B1, as close as possible to the free end of the disassembly extensions E. This promotes the separation of these ribs R by applying a reduced separation force to the disassembly extensions E, manually or using a tool. In this regard, it is possible to envisage having the extensions E carry any element facilitating the introduction of a disassembly tool allowing the separation forces to be applied. These may be housings configured to receive the ends of a disassembly clamp, as can be seen in the figure.

[0057] It is noted that this disassembly is made possible by the fact that, at the level of the second annular portions P2, P2', the flexible ring 4 is not positioned against the wall of the recess 3c of the end piece 3, so that these portions which carry the ribs R can actually move away from each other, as mentioned previously.

[0058] The flexible ring 4 may also comprise means for guiding the tubular connector. These guiding means may be carried by an internal peripheral surface of the flexible ring 4, i.e. the face facing the inside of the peripheral portion SP. These guiding means make it possible to align the axis of the tubular connector 2 with the central axis of the flexible ring when inserting the connector into the end piece. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the, provision has been made to provide the internal peripheral surface with guide walls 4d, restricting the opening diameter of the flexible ring 4 to conform it substantially to the dimension of the tubular connector. Guide ribs 4c have also been provided, arranged on the internal peripheral surface in line with the ribs R arranged on the second annular portions P2, P2'.

[0059] La represents a flexible ring 4 conforming to another embodiment. In this embodiment, we find the crown or peripheral portion SP which extends between a base B2 and a top B1 of the flexible ring 4. The first snap-fastening means are formed of a plurality of flexible tabs 4a, four of these tabs in the example shown, carried by the peripheral portion SP and arranged on the external peripheral surface of this portion. The four flexible tabs 4a of this embodiment extend peripherally on the peripheral portion SP according to four first annular portions, relatively narrow and facing each other two by two. The flexible tabs 4a are configured so that their ends engage in the internal shoulder 3g of the recess 3c of the end piece 3.Their external surfaces are inclined, and their internal surfaces are set back from the peripheral portion, SP so as not to interfere with the tubular connector 2, when the latter is inserted into the female element 7.

[0060] The second latching means 4b of this other embodiment are formed of ribs R oriented towards the inner peripheral surface, just as in the other embodiments, but these are not directly carried by the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion SP. Rather, a plurality of flexible arms 4e are provided extending from this peripheral portion SP, the ribs being arranged on the side of the free end of these flexible arms 4a. The four flexible arms 4e of this embodiment extend peripherally on the peripheral portion SP along four second annular portions that are relatively wide (in comparison with the first annular portions) and facing each other two by two. The flexible arms 4e extend back from the outer surface of the peripheral portion so as not to interfere with the inner crown 3f of the recess 3c of the end piece.As can be seen in the, the ribs R are arranged outside the recess, away from the peripheral portion SP by the flexible arms 4e. The flexible arms 4e allow the ribs R to be positioned outside the recess 3c.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in the, the flexible arms 4e are arranged alternately with the flexible tabs 4a on the peripheral portion SP. Advantageously, the ribs R are flush with the free end of the flexible arms 4e.

[0062] Advantageously, a rib R does not extend over the entire width of a flexible arm 4e, and a free space is preserved on either side of this rib exposing the end of the flexible arm. The free space can be used to insert a tool bearing on the ends of the flexible arms 4e to spread them radially, in order to release the tubular connector 2.

[0063] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate the operation of a connection device 1 according to the invention according to two longitudinal and mutually perpendicular sections. In the, this section intersects the two first annular portions P1, P1', which makes one of the two second annular portions P2 visible. This represents the state of the connection device 1, successively and from left to right in the figure: before the engagement of the tubular connector 2 in the female element 7, during the progression of the connection end of the tubular connector in the female element 7 and at the end of this progression in the locking position. It is observed in particular in this that the configuration of the flexible ring 4a allows the implementation of the second latching means 4b, here the rib R, without interfering with the first latching means 4a.

[0064] In the, the section intersects the two second annular portions P2, P2', which makes one of the two second annular portions P1 visible. This figure represents the state of the connection device 1, successively and from left to right in the figure: before the engagement of the tubular connector 2 in the female element 7, during the progression of the connection end of the tubular connector in the female element 7 and at the end of this progression in the locking position. In particular, it can be seen in this how the second latching means 4b are positioned behind the collar 2a of the tubular connector 2 to lock it.

[0065] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and variant embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0066] Thus, a flexible ring 4 according to the invention can have any number of first and second annular portions, and not just two or four of these portions as has been illustrated by the chosen embodiments.

[0067] It is also noted that a connection device according to the invention is in no way limited to use in the field of air braking systems. More generally, such a device can find an application as a quick connector to simply create any fluid distribution network, this fluid being able to be a gas or a liquid.

Claims

Female element (7) of a connection device (1) comprising: an end piece (3) having: a fixing head arranged on the side of a proximal opening (3a) in which a tubular connector (2) provided with at least one collar (2a, 2a') is intended to engage, and a fixing means arranged on the side of a distal opening (3b), opposite the proximal opening (3a), configured to secure the end piece to an orifice of a piece of equipment, a recess (3c) arranged on the side of the distal opening (3b);a flexible ring (4) comprising a peripheral portion (SP) having an internal peripheral surface and an external peripheral surface, the peripheral portion being fixedly retained in the recess (3c) of the end piece (3) by first snap-fastening means (4a) arranged on the external peripheral surface, the flexible ring (4) also comprising second snap-fastening means (4b), distinct from the first snap-fastening means (4a), comprising a plurality of ribs (R) oriented towards the internal peripheral surface, the ribs (R) being intended to be placed behind the collar (2a, 2a') of the tubular connector (2) when the latter is engaged in the end piece (3).; Female element (7) according to claim 1 in which the distal opening (3b) is delimited by an internal crown (3f) defining an internal shoulder (3g) of the recess (3c). Female element (7) according to claim 2 wherein the first snap-fastening means (4a) comprise at least one fillet carried by the external peripheral surface, the fillet being intended to receive the internal shoulder (3g) of the recess (3c) of the end piece (3). Female element (7) according to claim 3 in which the first snap-fastening means (4a) comprise two fillets respectively arranged on two first annular portions (P1, P1') of the peripheral portion (SP), diametrically opposite one another. Female element (7) according to claim 4 in which each first annular portion (P1, P1') is formed of an annular wall (P) arranged set back from the external peripheral surface of the flexible ring (4), this set back releasing a support surface (S). Female element (7) according to claim 2, wherein the first snap-fastening means (4a) comprise a plurality of flexible tabs, the flexible tabs having ends intended to engage in the internal shoulder of the recess (3c) of the end piece (3). Female element (7) according to one of the preceding claims in which at least part of the external peripheral surface is inclined in order to form a ramp for snapping the flexible ring (4) into the end piece (3). Female element (7) according to one of the preceding claims in which the ribs of the plurality of ribs (R) are respectively arranged on second annular portions (P2, P2') of the internal peripheral surface of the peripheral portion (SP). Female element (7) according to claim 8 in which the second annular portions (P2, P2') have inclined internal faces in order to form a ramp for snapping the tubular connector (2) into the flexible ring (4). Female element (7) according to one of claims 8 and 9 in which the two second annular portions (P2, P2') are respectively surmounted by two disassembly extensions (E). Female element (7) according to one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the ribs of the plurality of ribs (R) are respectively arranged on a plurality of flexible arms (4e) extending from the peripheral portion (SP). Female element (7) according to one of the preceding claims in which the flexible ring (4) comprises, arranged on an internal peripheral surface, guide means (4c, 4d) of the tubular connector (2). Connection device (1) comprising a tubular connector (2) provided with at least one collar (2a, 2a') and a female element (7) according to one of the preceding claims. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the tubular connector (2) has at least one groove (2e) for receiving at least one secondary seal (6c). Connection device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims in which the tubular connector has a plurality of collars (2a, 2a').

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