Fluidic coupling device
The modular fluidic coupling device addresses the lack of standardization in existing designs by using a valve assembly and locking mechanisms, providing adaptable and spill-proof connections for fluid conduits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluidic coupling devices are specific to the nature of the conduits and couplers, lacking standardization and adaptability, leading to non-uniform designs that complicate connections and potential fluid spillage.
A modular fluidic coupling device with a female coupler featuring a valve assembly and a male coupler, utilizing movable valves and locking mechanisms, allowing standardization while adapting to different conduits and couplers, and incorporating retaining means to secure the connection.
Enables standardized connections with adaptable fittings, reducing fluid spillage and simplifying the connection process, ensuring reliable fluid transport.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Fluidic coupling device
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid transport circuits and more particularly to coupling devices.
[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to connect a first fluid transport circuit conduit to a second fluid transport circuit by means of a coupling device comprising a female coupler connected to the first conduit and a male coupler connected to the second conduit and intended to be fitted into the female coupler.
[0004] The female coupler generally comprises a tubular body axially divided into a section for connecting to the first conduit, a section for receiving a non-drip valve to limit any spillage of fluid when disconnecting the male female couplers, and a receiving section for the male coupler which may be equipped with means for retaining the male coupler in the female coupler.
[0005] The configuration of the different sections of the body depends in particular on the nature of the first conduit, the presence or absence of the means of retaining the male coupler, and the architecture of the male coupler, which leads to the development of a female coupler specific to the first conduit and to the male colour.
[0006] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention aims to provide a fluidic coupling device that makes it possible to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawback. Summary of the invention
[0008] To this end, a coupling device is proposed comprising a female coupler and a male coupler intended to be fitted into the female coupler. The female coupler comprises: - a valve assembly comprising a tubular valve body, internally provided with a first valve seat, and a first valve mounted axially movable in the valve body between an open position in which the first valve is recessed from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve is in tight contact with the first valve seat and towards which the first valve is returned by a first spring; - a connecting body of the female cutter to a fluid transport conduit, mounted on a first end section of the valve body; and - a receiving body of the male coupler in the female coupler, mounted on a second end section of the valve body, opposite the first end section.
[0009] According to the invention, the first end section and the second end section of the valve body comprising respectively first means of fixing the connecting body to the valve body and second means of fixing the receiving body to the valve body.
[0010] Such a coupling device is modular so that it makes it possible to meet a need for standardization of the entire valve assembly while allowing adaptation of the female coupler to the fluid transport conduit and to the male coupler.
[0011] According to a particular feature, the receiving body includes means for retaining the male coupler in the female coupler.
[0012] In particular, the means for retaining the male coupler in the female coupler comprise a locking ring mounted movable about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receiving body coupler between an unlocked position in which the locking ring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and a locked position in which said locking ring is offset with respect to said longitudinal axis, the locking ring being returned to the locked position by a third spring.
[0013] In particular, the locking ring is integral with a support plate forming a release pusher, the third spring being in contact with the support plate.
[0014] According to another particular feature, the first means of fixing the connecting body to the valve body include a split locking ring received in an annular groove formed on the valve body.
[0015] According to another particular feature, the second means of fixing the receiving body to the valve body comprise an external annular groove formed on said valve body and receiving external reliefs formed at a free end of said receiving body.
[0016] According to another particular feature, the male coupler comprises a tubular main body having a second valve seat and a second valve mounted axially movable in the main body between an open position in which the second valve is recessed from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve is in tight contact with the second valve seat and towards which the second valve is returned by a second spring.
[0017] In particular, a front face of the main body of the male coupler is arranged to exert, when the male coupler is inserted into the female coupler, an axial force on the first valve to move said first valve from the closed position to the open position. And a front face of the first valve seat is arranged to exert, when the male coupler is inserted into the female coupler, an axial force on the second valve to move said second valve from the closed position to the open position. Brief description of the drawings
[0018] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, among which:
[0019] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a fluidic coupling device according to a particular embodiment of the invention, before coupling;
[0020] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the female coupler of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0021] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is an axial cross-sectional view of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1], before coupling;
[0022] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A], during coupling;
[0023] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A], after coupling;
[0024] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A] illustrating a first variant of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0025] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a view analogous to [Fig. 3A] illustrating a second variant of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0026] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A] illustrating a third variant of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0027] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A] illustrating a fourth variant of the coupling device illustrated in [Fig.1]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] With reference to [Fig.1], a quick coupling device according to the invention, generally designated in 1, is intended to allow the connection of a first flexible tube 100 forming a first fluid transport conduit to a second fluid transport conduit formed by a second flexible tube 200 (Figures 3A-3C).
[0029] The coupling device 1 comprises a female coupler 10 and a male coupler 50 for fitting into the female coupler 10 ([Fig. 3C]). The female coupler 10 defines a first fluid passage channel Ci and is fitted into a free end of the first tube 100. The male coupler 50 defines a second fluid passage channel C2 and is screwed onto a free end of the second tube 200.
[0030] The female coupler 10 comprises, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], a valve assembly 20 on which are mounted: • a connecting body 30 of the female coupler 10 at the end of the first tube 100; and • a receiving body 40 for the male coupler 50.
[0031] With reference to [Fig. 3A], the valve assembly 20 comprises a main body 21, generally tubular in shape, which extends along a longitudinal axis X and which delimits a central portion of the first fluid passage channel Ci. The body 21 comprises a first end section 21.1 and, opposite, a second end section 21.2 extending coaxially to the first section 21.1. The first section 21.1 and the second section 21.2 are delimited by an external collar 21.3 formed on the body 21.
[0032] The first section 21.1 has externally a shoulder 21.4 against which an O-ring seal 22 is pressed, and an annular groove 21.5, in which a split locking ring 23 is housed. The groove 21.5 is arranged between the shoulder 21.4 and the collar 22.
[0033] The locking ring 23 has a generally triangular shape with rounded contours having three vertices 23.1 (one of which is visible in [Fig.2]). The vertices 23.1 extend radially from the groove 21.5 to form, as will be seen later, first means of fixing the connecting body 30 to the first section 21.1 of the valve body 21.
[0034] The second section 21.2 has an internal annular groove 21.6 in which an O-ring seal 24 is housed, and an external annular groove 21.7 to form, as will be seen later, second means of fixing the receiving body 40 to the second section 21.2 of the valve body 21.
[0035] The valve assembly 20 also includes a first anti-drip valve 25 which, at rest, is in tight contact with a valve seat 26.
[0036] The valve seat 26 extends axially within the valve body 21 and comprises a stem 26.1 connected by fins 26.2 to a retaining ring 26.3 for the valve seat 26 in the valve body 21. The stem 26.1 comprises a first enlarged free end or stem head 26.4 having an outer circumference provided with an annular groove in which an O-ring seal 27 is housed, and opposite it, a second end from which the fins 26.2 project radially to connect the stem 26.1 to the retaining ring 26.3. The fins 26.2 are evenly distributed around the axis X and, together with the retaining ring 26.3, define the first fluid passages. The fixing ring 26.3 has an annular groove 26.5 in which is housed an annular asperity formed internally on a free end of the first section 21.1 of the valve body 21 to hold the valve seat 26 in position in the valve body 21: the valve seat 26 is fixed vis-à-vis the valve body 21.
[0037] The valve 25 includes a sealing ring 25.1 extending coaxially around the stem 26.1. The sealing ring 25.1 is axially mounted to slide within the valve body 21 between: • a closed position in which the sealing ring 25.1 is radially aligned with the rod head 26.4 and compresses the sealing gaskets 24, 27 to ensure a tight seal between the sealing ring 25.1 and the rod head stem 26.4 on the one hand, and between the sealing ring 25.1 and the valve body 21 on the other hand ([Fig.3A]); and • an open position in which the sealing ring 25.1 is recessed from the rod head 26.4 and delimits with said rod head 26.4 a fluid passage ([Fig.3C]).
[0038] The shutter ring 25.1 is returned to the closed position by a spring 28 a licoidal which includes a first end bearing against a side of the fins 26.2 and, on the opposite side, a second end bearing against a rear face of the sealing ring 25.1. It will be noted that the sealing ring 25.1 includes an external shoulder cooperating, in the closed position, with an internal shoulder of the valve body 21: these shoulders form a stop to the movement of the sealing ring 25.1.
[0039] The connecting body 30 of the female coupler 10 at the end of the first tube 100 is generally tubular in shape and comprises a first section 30.1 and a second section 30.2 extending coaxially to the first section 30.1.
[0040] The first section 30.1 of the body 30 delimits a bore forming a first portion of the end of the first fluid passage channel Ci, and externally includes reliefs 30.3 in the shape of fir tree teeth forming means of its anchoring in the free end of the first tube 100.
[0041] The second section 30.2 of the valve body 30 extends coaxially around the first section 21.1 of the valve body 21 and internally comprises an annular groove 30.4 in which the vertices 23.1 of the locking ring 23 carried by the valve body 21 are housed, so that the connecting body 30 is held in position on the valve body 21 by snap-fit. The groove 30.4 is delimited by an internal shoulder 30.5 of the second section 30.2 and by fir-tree tooth reliefs 30.6 distributed equally around the X-axis at a free end of the second section 30.2.
[0042] The second section 30.2 of the body 30 also includes a bore against which the sealing gasket 22 is compressed to ensure a tight contact between the first section 21.1 of the valve body 21 and the second section 30.2 of the body 30.
[0043] The receiving body 40 of the male coupler 50 on the second section 21.2 of the valve body 21 is generally tubular in shape and comprises a first section 40.1 and a second section 40.2 extending coaxially to the first section 40.1. The first section 40.1 and the second section 40.2 are delimited by an internal collar 40.3 formed in the body 40.
[0044] The first section 40.1 of the body 40 delimits a bore forming a second end portion of the first fluid passage channel Ci and a receiving space for the male coupler 50, and internally includes reliefs 40.4 in the shape of fir tree teeth. The reliefs 40.4 extend axially from the collar 40.3 and are evenly distributed around the X axis to form guide ramps to center the male coupler 50 in the valve body 21.
[0045] The receiving body 40 also includes a locking mechanism 41 for the male coupler 50 in the female coupler 10. The locking mechanism 41 has a locking ring 41.1 having at its upper part a support plate 41.2 forming a release pusher by means of a spring 41.3. It is understood that the support plate 41.2 is fixed with respect to the locking ring 41.1.
[0046] The locking ring 41.1 is received in a generally U-shaped recess formed in the bore of the first section 40.1 of the body 40. The locking ring 41.1 is mounted movably about an axis perpendicular to the X axis between an unlocked position in which the locking ring 41.1 is coaxial with the bore of the first section 40.1, and a locked position in which the locking ring 41.1 is offset with respect to the bore of the first section 40.1, a crescent-shaped lower portion of the locking ring 41.1 extending radially from the bore. The locking ring 41.1 is returned to the locked position by the spring 41.3, one end of which bears against an underside of the support plate 41.2 and a second end, opposite the first end, bears against an upper surface of the first section 40.1 of the body 40.
[0047] The second section 40.2 of the body 40 extends coaxially around the second section 21.2 of the valve body 21 and includes a free end provided internally with reliefs 40.5 in the shape of fir teeth received in the annular groove 21.7 of the second section 21.2 of the valve body 21, so that the body 40 is held in position on the valve body 21 by snapping.
[0048] The male coupler 50 comprises a main body 51, generally tubular in shape, delimiting the second fluid passage channel C2. The body 51 comprises a first end provided externally with a thread 51.1 forming, via an O-ring seal 52, a leak-proof connection means of the body 51 to the free end of the second tube 200, and at the opposite end, a second end provided internally with a second anti-drip valve 53.
[0049] The second valve 53, at rest, is in tight contact with a valve seat formed by an internal collar 51.2 provided in the second end of the body 51, and comprises a generally cylindrical slide 53.1 extending axially within the body 51. The slide 53.1 has a first end provided with an annular groove in which an O-ring seal 54 is received, and at the opposite end, a second end comprising legs 53.2 which cooperate with a surface internal peripheral of the body 51 to ensure axial movement of the slider 53.1 in said body 51. The legs 53.2 delimit with the internal peripheral surface fluid passages opening axially on either side of the slider 53.1.
[0050] The valve 53 is axially movable within the body 50 between: • a closed position in which the slide 53.1 is radially opposite the flange 51.2 of the body 51, which compresses the sealing gasket 54 to ensure a tight seal between the flange 51.2 and the slide 53.1 ([Fig. 3A]); and • an open position in which the slide 53.1 is set back from the collar 51.2 and delimits with said collar 51.2 a fluid passage ( [Fig.3C]).
[0051] The slide 53.1 is returned to the closed position by a helical spring 55 which includes a first end bearing against a rear face of the slide 53.1 and, opposite, a second end bearing against a front face of a stop ring 56 fixedly mounted in the body 51. It should be noted that the legs 53.2 include a shoulder cooperating, in the closed position, with an inner flank of the collar 51.2: these shoulders form a stop to the movement of the slide 53.1 in the body 50.
[0052] The body 51 also includes an external annular step 51.3 having a rear face designed to cooperate with a rear face of the locking ring 41.1 of the receiving body 40 when the male coupler 50 is correctly inserted into the female coupler 10, the locking ring 41.1 being then in the locked position. It is understood that the locking ring 41.1 and the annular step 51.3 form means for retaining the male coupler 50 correctly inserted into the female coupler 10.
[0053] The operation of the coupling device 1 will now be detailed.
[0054] To make the connection between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, the operator holds the male coupler 50 by the body 51 and inserts, along the X axis, said body 51 of the male coupler 50 into the receiving body 40 of the female coupler 10 until a front face 53.3 of the slide 53.1 is in contact with a front face 26.6 of the rod head 26.4 ([Fig.3B]).
[0055] By continuing to insert the body 51 of the male coupler 50 into the receiving body 40 of the female coupler 10 until the step 51.3 is in contact with the locking ring 41.1 in the locked position: • the rod head 26.4 exerts an axial force on the slide 53.1 causing a displacement of the slide 53.1 from the closed position to the open position against the spring 55; • a front face 51.4 of the body 51 of the male coupler 50 exerts on a face front 25.2 of the sealing ring 25.1 an axial force causing a displacement of said sealing ring 25.1 from the closed position to the open position against the spring 28.
[0056] By further inserting the male coupler 50 into the female coupler 10 (Fig. 3C), the step 51.3 exerts a radial force on the locking ring 41.1, causing a displacement of said locking ring 41.1 from the locked position to the unlocked position against the spring 41.3. Once the male coupler 50 is sufficiently inserted into the female coupler 10, in other words when the step 51.3 is downstream of the locking ring 41.1, said locking ring 41.1 returns to the locked position under the action of the spring 41.3. Upon reaching the locked position, the locking ring 41.1 retains the male coupler 50 in the female coupler 10 under the action of the spring 41.3 and against the springs 28, 55 which tend to press the step 51.3 against the rear face of the locking ring 41.1. It should be noted that upon reaching the locked position, the locking ring 41.1 also holds the sealing ring 25.1 and the slide 53.1 in their open position (against spring 28 and spring 55 respectively), so that a fluid can pass through the coupling device 1 via the first and second fluid passage channels Ci, C2.
[0057] To disconnect the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, the operator holds the female coupler 10 and applies pressure to the support plate 41.2 of the female coupler 10 (for example, with the thumb) so as to move the locking ring 41.1 from the locked position to the unlocked position, which causes the male coupler 50 to disengage from the female coupler 10 under the action of the springs 28, 55. The sealing ring 25.1 then moves from the open position to the closed position under the action of the spring 28, and the slide 53.1 moves from the open position to the closed position under the action of the spring 55.
[0058] By joining their closed position, the sealing ring 25.1 of the female coupler 10 and the slide 53.1 of the male coupler 50 prevent the fluid contained in the first tube 100 and in the second tube 200 from exiting respectively through said female coupler 10 and male coupler 50.
[0059] Fig. 4 illustrates a coupling device 1' which is none other than a first variant of the coupling device 1. The coupling device 1' differs from the coupling device 1 in that the connecting body 30 of the female coupler 10 at the end of the first tube 100 is replaced by a body 30' to form, with the valve assembly 20 and the receiving body 40, a female coupler 10'.
[0060] The body 30' differs from the body 30 in that the fir-tooth reliefs 30.3 have been replaced by an external thread 30.3' fitted to one free end of the body 30'. The thread 30.3' forms a means of connecting the female coupler 10' to the end free from the first tube 100.
[0061] Figure 5 illustrates a coupling device 1” which is simply a second variant of coupling device 1. Coupling device 1” differs from coupling device 1 in that the connecting body 30 of the female coupler 10 at the end of the first tube 100 is replaced by a body 30” to form, with the valve assembly 20 and the receiving body 40, a female coupler 10”.
[0062] The 30” body differs from the 30 body in that the 30.3 fir-tooth reliefs have been replaced by a 30.4” sealing gasket and an elastically deformable 30.3” retaining ring mounted in the 30” body to allow, in a manner known per se, the free end of the first tube 100 to be sealed into the free end of the 30” body. Such a 30.3” retaining ring makes it easier to connect the first tube 100 to the 10” female coupler compared to the 30.3 reliefs.
[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a coupling device 1" which is simply a third variant of coupling device 1. Coupling device 1" differs from coupling device 1 in that the connecting body 30 of the female coupler 10 at the end of the first tube 100 is replaced by a body 30" defining a well 30.3" into which the valve body 21 of 20 is fitted to form, with the valve assembly 20 and the receiving body 40, a female coupler 10". The valve body 21 of 20 is held in position within the body 30" by means of a locking pin 33" which fits into the groove 21.5 of the valve body 21 in place of the locking ring 23, forming a circlip. The body 30" can, for example, be that of a manifold of hydraulic distribution, a cooling plate, a filter...
[0064] Figure 7 illustrates a coupling device 1” which is simply a fourth variant of coupling device 1. Coupling device 1” differs from coupling device 1 in that the fixing body 30 and the receiving body 40 of the female coupler 10 are respectively replaced by a body 30” and a body 40” to form a female coupler 10”.
[0065] The 30" body is identical to the 30" body. The 40" body differs from the 40" body in that it includes a 40.4" guide cone to facilitate the insertion of a 50" male coupler into the 10" female coupler, the 40" body being without means for retaining the male coupler in said 10" female coupler. The means for retaining the male coupler in said 10" female coupler are in fact offset from the coupling device 1". The 30" body is, for example, fixed in a well of a hydraulic distribution manifold, and the male coupler is fitted to the end of a cooling circuit of a computer server, the computer server being mounted on the drawer of a lockable rack.
[0066] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
[0067] The locking mechanism 41 of the male coupler 50 in the female coupler 10 is optional.
[0068] The reliefs 40.5 of the body 40 and the locking ring 23 equipping the valve body 21 can be replaced by any other means of fixing the bodies 30, 40 on the valve body 21 (clipping, snapping, screwing...).
[0069] The helical spring 28 can be replaced by any elastic return means or spring that returns the sealing ring 25.1 to the closed position (for example, Belleville washers). The helical spring 55 can be replaced by any elastic return means or spring that returns the slide 53.1 to the closed position (for example, Belleville washers). The springs 28 and 55 will also be dimensioned according to the engagement force of the body 51 of the male cutter 50 into the body 40 of the female coupler 10 to connect the male coupler 50 and the female coupler 10.
Claims
Demands
1. Fluidic coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”, 1””) comprising a female coupler (10, 10', 10”, 10”', 10””) and a male coupler (50, 50””) intended to be fitted into the female coupler, the female coupler comprising: - a valve assembly (20) having a tubular valve body (21), internally provided with a first valve seat (26), and a first valve (25) mounted axially movable in the valve body between an open position in which the first valve is recessed from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve is in tight contact with the first valve seat and towards which the first valve is returned by a first spring (28); - a connecting body (30, 30', 30”, 30” ', 30” ” ) of the female cutter to a fluid transport conduit, mounted on a first end section (21.1) of the valve body; and - a receiving body (40, 40” ”) of the male coupler in the female coupler, mounted on a second end section (21.2) of the valve body, opposite the first end section, the first end section and the second end section of the valve body comprising respectively first means of fixing (21.5, 23) of the connecting body on the valve body and second means of fixing (21.7) of the receiving body on the valve body.
2. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving body (40) includes means for retaining (41) the male coupler in the female coupler (10, 10', 10”, 10'”).
3. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 2, wherein the retention means (41) of the male coupler (50) in the female coupler (10, 10', 10”, 10'”) comprise a locking ring (41.1) movably mounted about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (X) of the receiving body coupler (40) between an unlocked position in which the locking ring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and a locked position in which said ring of locking is offset with respect to said longitudinal axis, the locking ring being returned to the locked position by a third spring (41.3).
4. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 3, wherein the locking ring (41.1) is integral with a support plate (41.2) forming a release pusher, the third spring (41.3) being in contact with the support plate.
5. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1””) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first means for fixing the connecting body (30, 30', 30”, 30””) to the valve body (21) comprise a split locking ring (23) received in an annular groove (21.5) formed on the valve body.
6. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”, 1””) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second means for fixing (21.7) the receiving body (40, 40””) to the valve body (21) comprise an external annular groove (21.7) formed on said valve body (21) and receiving external reliefs (40.5) formed at a free end of said receiving body.
7. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”, 1””) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male coupler (50, 50””) comprises a tubular main body (51) having a second valve seat (51.2) and a second valve (53) movably mounted axially in the main body between an open position in which the second valve is recessed from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve is in tight contact with the second valve seat and towards which the second valve is returned by a second spring (55).
8. Coupling device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”, 1””) according to claim 7, wherein: a front face (51.4) of the main body (51) of the male coupler (50, 50””) is arranged to exert, when the male coupler is inserted into the female coupler (10, 10', 10”, 10'”, 10””), an axial force on the first valve (25) to move said first valve from the closed position to the open position; and a front face (26.6) of the first valve seat (26) is arranged to exert, when the male coupler is inserted into the female coupler, an axial force on the second valve (53) to move said second valve from the closed position to the open position.