Female quick-connect fitting element, and associated quick-connect fitting

Abstract

Female quick-connect element and associated quick-connect This female quick-connect element (100) (R) is intended to be coupled with a complementary male element (10) and comprises a female body (102) defining an insertion channel (V106) receiving the male element, locking members (132), which are received in housings (130) provided in the female body, a pusher (170), which is movable along a central axis (A100) of the female element and which pushes each locking member towards a distal position where this locking member protrudes into the insertion channel, and an operating ring (160), which surrounds the female body and which is configured to drive the pusher.For simpler and more compact manufacturing, each locking member (132) and the pusher (170) are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, while the pusher is capable of magnetically driving each locking member towards its proximal position when the pusher is moved towards its rear position. See Figure 6 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Female quick coupling element, and associated quick coupling

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

[0002] Quick connectors are fluid connection devices comprising a female element and an associated male element, for example a plug. Each of the male and female elements comprises an internal passage, the internal passages being in fluid communication when the connector is in the coupled configuration. The female element most often comprises a locking device, which automatically engages when the male and female elements are connected, so as to maintain the connector in the coupled configuration, hence the name quick connector.

[0003] In many industrial fields, devices require thermoregulation, which is achieved by supplying heat transfer fluids, such as cold water, hot water, glycolated water or other fluids. For example, in the field of plastics, an injection press comprises components, in particular molds, which need to be thermoregulated by a water circuit which passes through thermal convection zones of these components. The connection of the pipes of the water circuit requires a quick coupling solution, the male element and the female element of which must be easy to connect, securely, and to disconnect.

[0004] It is known to use a plug and a female element containing balls which come into contact with the outer surface of the plug and which penetrate into a groove of the plug to lock the quick connector in the coupled configuration.

[0005] FR2901860A1 describes, for example, a female fluid connection element comprising an element body 21 pierced with inclined radial housings 40b which accommodate locking fingers, which are pushed back by a pusher 31 which is driven forward by a spring 32. The female element is unlockable by the action of an operating ring 30 which acts directly on the locking fingers, by means of a mechanical connection made by two ears 40g and a rod 40j. This solution has the disadvantage of complicating the shapes of the operating ring and of each locking finger, which poses a problem of production, industrialization cost and general size.

[0006] FR3096109A1 describes, for its part, a quick connection element with inclined fingers with an operating ring which further comprises a sleeve with an internal wall allowing the locking fingers to return by lifting upon disconnection. Here too, this solution has the disadvantage of increasing the radial size of the female element to perform the function, which poses a problem of size, weight and industrial cost.

[0007] It is these problems that the invention more particularly intends to remedy, by proposing a female quick-connection element, which is both secure while being simple to produce and compact.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a female quick-connection element intended for the removable joining of pressurized fluid pipes, said female element being capable of being coupled with a complementary male element and comprising: • a hollow female body defining an insertion channel, the insertion channel defining a central axis of the female body and opening out of the female body through a mouth, the mouth defining a front side of the female element, • at least one locking member, which is received in a respective housing provided in the thickness of the female body: • each housing being inclined relative 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 facing each dwelling, 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 retracted position, the operating ring being configured to drive the pusher from the forward position to the rear position when the operating ring is moved from the advanced position to the retracted position, and • a first return member, configured to return the operating ring to the advanced position.

[0009] 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.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, when the quick coupling is coupled, the wall of the pusher pushes the locking members onto the male element, which secures the coupling. When the coupling is uncoupled, the male element is unlocked simply by moving the wall of the pusher to its rear position, without any additional mechanical member other than the pusher being necessary. The female element according to the invention is therefore particularly simple to produce. The absence of a mechanical connection between the pusher and the locking members makes it possible to limit excess thicknesses when designing the female element, which remains compact.

[0011] According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a female element may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination: • The pusher is attached to the operating ring. • The pusher is a return ring, which is centered on the central axis of the female element, which is movable in translation relative to the operating ring, and which is interposed radially between the operating ring and the female body. • the operating ring comprises an axial stop, while the female element comprises a second return member, which is configured to push the return ring 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 accommodation. • 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 respectively the pusher or each locking member. • 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 comprises a ferromagnetic insert oriented towards each locking member or the pusher respectively. • The front body is made of a non-magnetic material. • The female element comprises an elastic sleeve, which is arranged axially between the body and the operating ring. • The wall of the pusher extends along a cone of revolution centered on the central axis, the cone being open towards the front and having, relative to the axis central, an angle at the top preferably equal to 40°. • The female element comprises a valve for closing the insertion channel, the valve being movable along the central axis of the female element. • The pusher comprises a radial wall, which is configured to magnetically attract the locking member and which extends parallel to the central axis along a length greater than or equal to a stroke of the operating ring between its advanced position and its retracted position, less a value of axial displacement of the locking member between its distal position and its proximal position. • The return member of the operating ring comprises a spring, which is interposed radially between the female body and the operating ring.

[0012] The invention also relates to a quick connector designed for joining pressurized fluid pipes, the quick connector comprising: • a female element as defined previously, and • a male element complementary to the female element, the male element being configured to be mated with the female member in a mated configuration of the fitting,

[0013] in which: • the male element comprises a male body, which is capable of being received in the insertion channel of the female body and which extends along a main axis, 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, which is capable of pushing the locking members 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, at an angle between 20° and 40°, for example equal to 30°.

[0014] Advantageously: • The male body comprises a second surface, which is capable of cooperating with the locking members while the locking members are in the distal position so as to prevent axial withdrawal of the male body, the second surface being inclined relative to the main axis and forming with the main axis an angle of between 30 and 60°, for example equal to 45°. • The male element comprises a protective cover, which is configured to bear on an annular wall of the operating ring, in the coupled configuration of the quick connector.

[0015] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of several embodiments of a female quick coupling element and of a quick coupling, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0016] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a longitudinal section of a quick connector, conforming to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, represented in a first so-called disconnected configuration;

[0017] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l], re presented in a first intermediate configuration, during a coupling movement of the quick connector;

[0018] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l], re presented in a second intermediate configuration during the coupling movement;

[0019] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l], re presented in a third intermediate configuration, during a coupling movement of the quick coupling

[0020] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal section of the quick connector of [Fig.l], re presented in a final configuration of the coupling movement, called the coupled configuration;

[0021] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l], re presented in a fourth intermediate configuration, intermediate unlocking configuration site, during a decoupling movement,

[0022] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l], re presented in a fifth intermediate configuration called unlocked configuration, during the decoupling movement;

[0023] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal section of a quick connector, conforming to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the coupled configuration;

[0024] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.8], re presented in the intermediate unlock configuration;

[0025] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] a longitudinal section of the quick connector of [Fig.8], re presented in unlocked configuration;

[0026] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal section of a quick connector, conforming to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the coupled configuration;

[0027] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] a longitudinal section of the quick coupling of [Fig.l 1], re presented in the intermediate unlock configuration;

[0028] - [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a longitudinal section of a quick connector, conforming to a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising a female element and an associated male element, shown in the coupled configuration, and

[0029] - [Fig.14] [Fig.14] a longitudinal section of the quick connector of [Fig.13], re presented in the intermediate unlock configuration.

[0030] [Fig. 1] shows a quick connector R according to a first embodiment of the invention. The quick connector R, also simply called connector R in the following, comprises a male element 10, on the top of [Fig.l], and an associated female element 100, on the bottom of [Fig.l]. In [Fig.l], the connector R 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 placed opposite the female element 100. A front side of the male element 10 is thus oriented towards the female element 100, i.e. here towards the right of the figures, while a rear side of the male element 10 is oriented opposite the front side of the male element 10, i.e. here towards the left of the figures.Symmetrically, a front side of the female element 100 is oriented towards the male element 10, i.e. here towards the left of the figures, while a rear side of the female element 100 is oriented opposite the front side of the female element 100, i.e. here towards the right of the figures.

[0031] The male element 10 is first described.

[0032] The male element 10 is here an abutment, which comprises a tubular male body 12 having a generally revolution shape around a central axis A10. The male body 12 delimits a conduit V10 for the circulation of fluid. By extension, the conduit V10 defines an internal side of the male element 10, the male element 10 separating the internal side from an external side of the male element 10. The external side of the male element 10 is here a surface of revolution, oriented centrifugally to the central axis A10.

[0033] The male body 12 comprises a rear portion 14, which is here threaded and which is configured to be fluidically connected to a pipe. The pipe is not shown. The rear portion 14 has, on the external side, a gripping surface 15. The gripping surface 15 is here a cylindrical surface, for example with a hexagonal section.

[0034] The male body 12 comprises a front portion, called distal portion 16, which is designed to be fitted into the female element 100 in the coupled configuration of the connector R. The rear portion 14 and the front portion 16 are here made in a single piece.

[0035] The internal conduit V10 opens from the distal portion 16 through a mouth 18, which is oriented towards the front of the male element 10, in other words the mouth 18 of the male element 10 is oriented towards the female element 100 in the disconnected configuration of the connector R.

[0036] 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 extreme chamfer 21, a first cylindrical portion 22, a collar 24, and a second cylindrical portion 26.

[0037] The annular wall 20 here extends 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 members of the female element 100, this aspect being described later.

[0038] The extreme chamfer 21 has a surface inclined relative to the main axis A10. The extreme chamfer 21 is here geometrically carried by a cone diverging towards the rear of the male element 10.

[0039] The first cylindrical portion 22 has a circular section centered on the main axis A10 and comprises an external cylindrical surface having a constant external radius R22. The second cylindrical portion 26 has a circular section centered on the main axis A10 and has a constant external radius R26.

[0040] In the example illustrated, 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 a variant not shown, the external radii R22 and R26 are equal.

[0041] The collar 24 connects the first cylindrical portion 22 to the second cylindrical portion 26. The collar 22 extends radially projecting both with respect to the first cylindrical portion 22 and with respect to the second cylindrical portion 26.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The central portion 32 is here a cylindrical portion of circular section centered on the main axis A10. The central portion 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.

[0044] The first surface 30 connects the first cylindrical portion 22 to the central part 32. The first surface 30 is a frustoconical surface, which is centered on the main axis A10 and which is divergent towards the rear of the male element 10. The first surface 30 is inclined, relative to the main axis A10, by an angle preferably between 20° and 40°, for example equal to 30°, as in the example of [Fig.l].

[0045] The second surface 34 connects the central part 32 to the second cylindrical portion 26. The second surface 30 is a frustoconical surface which is centered on the main axis A10 and which is convergent towards the rear of the male element 10. The second surface 34 is inclined, relative to the main axis A10, by an angle comprised preferably between 30° and 60°, for example equal to 45°, as in the example of [Fig.l].

[0046] The distal portion 16 also comprises, 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, which is centered on the main axis A10 and which is divergent towards the rear of the male element 10. In the example illustrated, the third surface 36 is inclined, with respect to the main axis A10, by an angle equal to 45°. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the third surface 36 with respect to the main axis A10 is equal, in absolute value, to the angle of inclination of the second surface 34 with respect to the main axis A10.

[0047] 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.

[0048] From the front to the rear 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.

[0049] The female element 100 of the quick connector R is now described.

[0050] The female element 100 comprises a female body 102, which has a generally revolution shape around a central axis A100. The female body 102 is hollow and delimits a conduit VI00 for the circulation of fluid. The conduit VI00 defines an internal side of the female element 100, which separates the internal side from an external side of the female element 100. When the quick connector R is in the coupled configuration, the conduit V10 of the male element 10 is fluidically connected to the conduit V100 of the female element 100, the main axis A10 and the central axis A100 being coaxial. The central axis A100 is also called the fitting axis.

[0051] 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 comprises a support ring 108, which is interposed axially between the rear body 104 and the front body 106. The support ring 108 advantageously houses a distal sealing joint 110, which contributes to the sealing of the screwing of the rear body 104 to the front body 106. The support ring 108 has a shape of revolution around the central axis A100 and comprises 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 internal diameter.

[0052] On the internal side, the front body 106 delimits an insertion channel V106 for the male element 10. The insertion channel VI06 is a portion of the conduit VI00 of the element female 100. The front body 106 comprises an insertion portion 114, which has an annular shape centered on the central axis A100 and which delimits a front enclosure VI14 configured to receive and to 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 at the rear of the insertion portion 114 and which delimits a proximal space VI16. The front enclosure VI14 and the proximal space VI16 are portions of the insertion channel V106. The front enclosure VI14 opens towards the front of the female body 102 via a mouth 118.

[0053] The proximal space VI16 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 comprises guide surfaces 119, which are configured to guide the male element 10, and a groove 120, which is formed in a hollow 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 VI16. Thus, an internal diameter of the annular seal 122 is slightly less than an external diameter of the first cylindrical portion 22, the annular seal 122 being elastically deformable to accommodate the passage of the male element 10. In the example illustrated, the proximal portion 116 comprises two guide surfaces 119, which are located on either side of the groove 120.

[0054] The front body 106 comprises several housings 130, here a non-limiting number of six, which are arranged in the thickness of the female body 100, here through the front body 106. Preferably, the housings 130 are distributed over 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 marketed and inexpensive.

[0055] Each housing 130 opens into the insertion channel V106, in particular into the front enclosure VI14. Each housing 130 is here formed by machining, in particular by drilling, so that a bottom 134 of the drilling forms a stop, which partially closes each housing 130 so as to prevent the ball 132 received in the housing 130 from passing completely into the insertion channel V106. For each housing 130 receiving a ball 132, when this ball 132 is bearing against the bottom 134 of the corresponding housing, this ball 132 is in a so-called distal position, in which this ball 132 protrudes into the insertion channel V106. 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 distal 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.

[0056] On the external side of the female element 100, each housing 130 opens completely onto the exterior 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.

[0057] Each housing 130 extends here along a guide axis A130, which is carried by a plane radial to the central axis A100, each guide axis A130 being inclined relative to the central axis A100. The guide axes A130 are here geometrically carried by a cone, which is centered on the central axis A100 and which diverges towards the rear of the female element A100, each guide axis A130 forming, with the central axis A100, a guide angle al30 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, by 40° relative to the central axis A100.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the balls 132 are “magnetic”, that is to say they have a permanent magnetization. In other words, the balls 132 have magnetic remanence properties and are thus capable of attracting another element made of ferromagnetic material. The magnetic balls 132 are here made of a material with high magnetic susceptibility, for example neodymium. The balls 132 here have a magnetic remanence of the order of 1.3 T - Tesla -.

[0060] The front body 106, in which the housings 130 are pierced, is made of a non-magnetic material, that is to say a material which is not likely to be attracted or repelled by a magnet. A material whose magnetic susceptibility is low, for example less than 103, is considered non-magnetic. In the example illustrated, the front body 106 is made of brass. Thus the balls 132 are not attracted by the front body 106.

[0061] 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 example illustrated, the male body 12 is made of brass.

[0062] The female element 100 also comprises 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 fluid passage in the insertion channel V106 of the female element 100.

[0063] In the example of [Fig.l], 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 a generally triangular shape, in particular conical, while the stem 144 has the shape of a cylinder of circular section aligned with the central axis A100.

[0064] The valve 140 also comprises an external cylindrical casing 146, which extends from the head 142 opposite and at a distance from the rod 144. The cylindrical casing 146 here has a circular section centered on the central axis A100 when the female element 100 is assembled, as shown in the figures. The cylindrical casing 146 comprises a rear end, by which the cylindrical casing 146 is connected to the head 142, and a front end, opposite the rear end.

[0065] The valve 140 also comprises an external collar 147A, which is here arranged radially projecting from the cylindrical casing 146 near the front end of the cylindrical casing 146. The collar 147A is received in a counterbore 147B arranged 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 here machined 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 comprises 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 valve 140 towards the front of the female element 100, that is to say driving the valve 140 towards its distal position.

[0066] The head 142 of the valve 140 comprises an annular outer groove, which receives a valve seal 150. The valve seal 150 has a diameter greater 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 is in sealing contact against the chamfered wall 112, preventing any passage of fluid between the head 142 of the valve 140 and the support ring 108, thus closing the conduit V100 of the female element 100. If, for any reason, the valve seal 150 is ejected from the groove provided in the head 142, for example in the event of rupture of the valve seal 150, the collar 147A is configured to stop the valve 140 towards the front of the female element 100, the collar 147A coming into abutment against the bottom of the counterbore 147B.

[0067] The cylindrical envelope 146 comprises at least one recess 152, here three recesses 152, which form fluid passages through the valve 140 when the valve 140 is not in the distal position.

[0068] 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 oriented 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 rod 144, this force tends to move the valve towards its proximal position against the return spring 147C, allowing fluid passage through the conduit V100 of the female element 100.

[0069] The female element 100 also comprises an operating ring 160. The operating ring 160 has a shape of revolution 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 is movable in translation relative to the female body 102 along the central axis A100, between an advanced position and a retracted position. In Figures 1 and 2, the operating ring 160 is shown in the advanced position.

[0070] The female element 100 also comprises a return member, here a locking spring 162, which pushes the operating ring 160 from its retracted position to its advanced position. The locking spring 162 is here received in a radial housing 164 formed between the female body 102 and the operating ring 160. The operating ring 160 comprises 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 carried by a cone which diverges towards the front of the female element 100. The wall 169 of the pusher 170 here has a frustoconical profile, which is inclined relative to the central axis A100. The wall 169 of the pusher 170 is inclined relative to the central axis A100 at an angle which is here equal to 50°. Preferably, the guide axis A130 of each housing 130 is orthogonal to the wall 169 of the pusher 170.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the pusher 170 is integral with the operating ring 160, that is to say 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 advanced position, the pusher 170 is in a forward position, while when the operating ring 160 is in the retracted 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 advanced position to the retracted position, and this without any additional mechanical member.

[0072] In the uncoupled configuration illustrated in [Fig.l], the operating ring 160 is pushed by the locking spring 162 towards its advanced position, pushing each ball 132 towards its distal position. By extension, the pusher 170 maintains each ball 132 in the distal position. Preferably, a minimum dimensional clearance is provided between each ball 132 and the pusher 170, so as to relieve the forces exerted on the balls 132 or on the other parts of the female element 100.

[0073] In a variant not illustrated, in the uncoupled configuration of the connector R, the pusher 170 bears against the balls 132 via the wall 169, each ball 132 abutting against the bottom 134 of the corresponding housing 130.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the operating ring 160 is made of a ferromagnetic material, that is to say a material capable of being attracted by the balls 132, here made of neodymium. In other words, each ball 132 - and more generally each locking member - 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.

[0075] Schematically, each ball 132 moves along the 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 [Fig.l], if a user moves the operating ring 160 towards its retracted position against the locking spring 162, that is to say towards the rear of the female element 100, then each ball 132, attracted by the operating ring 160, is driven from the distal position towards the proximal position. In other words, the pusher 170 is able to magnetically drive each ball 132 towards its proximal position when the pusher 170 is moved towards its rear position. By extension, when the pusher 170 is in the rear position, each ball 132 is in its proximal position.

[0076] 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 [Fig. 7], the radial wall 172 serves to maintain contact between the balls 132 and the operating ring 160, so as to maintain each ball 132 in the proximal position even when the operating ring 160 is moved towards its retracted position. More generally, the radial wall 172 is configured to magnetically attract each ball 132.

[0077] Preferably, the radial wall 172 of the pusher 170 extends parallel to the central axis along a length greater than or equal to a stroke of the operating ring 160 between its advanced position and its retracted position, less a value of an axial displacement of each ball 132 relative to the central axis A100, between its position distal and its proximal position, 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.

[0078] The operation of the quick coupling R is now described, in particular a coupling sequence of the male element 10 and the female element 100, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0079] In [Fig. 1], the connector R is in the uncoupled configuration. The female element 100 keeps the internal conduit V100 closed by means of the valve 140, which is pushed into the distal position by means of the return spring 147C, the valve seal 150 being in leaktight abutment against the chamfered wall 112 of the support ring 108. The operating ring 160 is held in the advanced 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.

[0080] With reference to [Fig. 2], an operator presents the male element 10 facing the female element 100, the main axis A10 being aligned with the central axis A100, the front side of the male element 10 being located opposite the front side of the female element 100. The operator then approaches the male element 10 to the female element 100 according to an insertion movement, which is a translation 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 on the extreme chamfer 21 of the male body 12. The connection R is then in the configuration of [Fig. 2].

[0081] As the insertion movement continues, the extreme chamfer 21 slightly pushes each ball 132 back into its respective housing 130, which also pushes the pusher 170 back. In the first embodiment, this also has the effect of slightly pushing the operating ring 160 backward, against the locking spring 162. It is understood that if, for any reason, the pusher 170 or the operating ring 160 are blocked, then the insertion movement of the male element 10 is prevented, which provides safety in the event of a malfunction of the female element 100.

[0082] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 bear against the first cylindrical portion 22, the movement continuing until the collar 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 connector R is then in the configuration of [Fig. 3]. The valve 140 is still in the distal position, while the annular seal 122 already ensures sealing between the female element 100 and the male element 10.

[0083] From the configuration of [Fig.3], while the insertion movement is continues, the balls 132 are pushed back by the first surface 30 of the male element 10 automatically, that is to say without additional manual action other than the insertion of the male element 10 into the female element 100, in particular without axial action on the operating ring 160. The valve 140 is kept closed. The balls 132 push back the pusher 170, and therefore here push back the operating ring 160, against the locking spring 162. It is understood that the force necessary to continue the insertion movement depends, in particular, on a 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.

[0084] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 reach the top of the first surface 30 of the collar 24, then the balls 132 are in abutment against the central portion 32 of the collar 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 against the valve 140, more precisely against the front end of the cylindrical casing 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 fluid connection is established between the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and the conduit V100 of the female element 100. The quick connector R is then in the configuration of [Fig.4].

[0085] As the insertion movement continues, the balls 132 bear against the second surface 34 of the collar 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 advanced position.

[0086] The quick connector R is then in the coupled configuration, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The conduit V10 of the male element 10 and the conduit V100 of the female element 100 are in fluid 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 which are here inclined at ±45°. The groove 40 here has a trapezoidal profile.

[0087] It is understood that when the quick connector R is in the coupled configuration and a pressurized fluid circulates in the conduits V10 and V100 of the coupled male 10 and female 100 elements, the pressure of this fluid tends to move the male element 10 away from the female element 100, the balls 132 then bearing against a wall of the housing 130, here inclined at 50° towards the rear of the female element 100, and against the second surface 34 of the male element 10, here inclined at 45° towards the rear of the male element 10. Thus, as shown in section in [Fig.7], each ball 132 is supported between two surfaces which are not parallel, but which form between them a so-called “pinching” angle a 132, which is non-zero, so that this ball 132 is pushed towards its distal position, in other words towards the groove 40 of the male element 10. The pinch angle a 132 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.

[0088] Preferably, when the quick coupling R is in the coupled configuration, the operating ring 160 is in front abutment against the female body 102, so that a dimensional clearance is provided between each ball 132 and the facing pusher 170, in particular between each ball and the wall 169 of the pusher 170.

[0089] In a variant not shown, when the quick connector R is in the coupled configuration, the pusher 170 bears against the balls 132, in other words the locking ring 160 exerts a centripetal force on the locking balls 132.

[0090] A sequence for uncoupling the quick coupling R is now described, with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0091] While the quick coupling R is in the coupled configuration, as shown in [Fig. 5], initially the operator moves the female element 100 slightly closer to the male element 10, so as to relieve the balls 132 from the bearing action of the collar 24 of the male element 10, this bearing 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 ratio R under pressure and thus adds safety when using the coupling R.

[0092] In the example illustrated, the female element 100 is brought closer to the male element 10 until the front body 106 of the female element 100 comes into abutment against the shoulder 44 of the male body 10. The operator then moves the operating ring 160 in a backward movement, that is to say from the forward position to the retracted position, against the force of the locking spring 162. The balls 132, which are magnetic here, are magnetically attracted by 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 of brass, so that the male body 12 and the front body 106 do not disturb the force of attraction between the balls 132 and the pusher. 170.

[0093] The balls 132 are thus moved, each in its respective housing 130, from the distal position to the proximal position. While 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 connector R is then in an intermediate unlocking configuration, as shown in [Fig.6]. The operating ring 160 is in an intermediate unlocking position.

[0094] The balls 132 are then in the proximal position, in which the balls 132 are disengaged 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.

[0095] The backward movement of the operating ring 160 continues until the operating ring 160 reaches its rear position, as shown in [Fig.7], where the quick coupling R is in an unlocked configuration. The backward movement of the operating ring 160 between the intermediate unlocking position and the rear position corresponds to an overtravel movement, also simply called overtravel, of the operating ring 160.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 upon disconnection, which prevents the balls 132 from returning to the distal position and prevents uncoupling difficulties.

[0099] Quick couplings R according to second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to Figures 8 to 14. For each newly described embodiment, elements similar to those of the preceding embodiment(s) bear the same references and operate in the same way. In the following, the differences between each embodiment and the preceding embodiment(s) are mainly described.

[0100] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the quick connector R according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises the male element 10 and a female element 200. In [Fig. 8], the quick connector R is shown in the coupled configuration, while in [Fig. 9], the quick connector R is shown in the intermediate unlocking configuration, and in [Fig. 10], the quick connector R is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0101] One of the main differences of the second embodiment with the first embodiment is that the female element 200 comprises 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, here stainless steel.

[0102] Each pin 232 here has a shape of revolution around an axis of revolution A232, which is coincident with the guide axis A130 when this pin 232 is received in the corresponding housing 130. The pins 232 are preferably identical to each other. The shape of the pins 232 is not limiting. In a variant not shown, the locking members are locking fingers.

[0103] Each pin 232 generally has a cylindrical shape with a circular section and centered on the axis of revolution A232. Each pin 232 comprises two ends 234, which here extend orthogonally to the axis of revolution A232. The lower end 234A is that of the two ends 234 which is closest to the central axis A100, and the upper end 234B is the other of the two ends 234. The upper end 234B is therefore located on the side of the pusher 170.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The ends 234 are chamfered, forming chamfered walls 235, which are here 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 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 manufactured in one piece with the operating ring 160.

[0106] By comparison, in the first embodiment, each ball 132 is in point contact with the surfaces of the male element 10 or of 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 force of attraction between each pin 232 and the pusher 170 is greater than the force of attraction between the balls 131 and the pusher 170.

[0107] Each pin 232 also comprises a circumferential V-shaped groove 236, which is formed in a hollow and which has a flared V-shaped profile. The V-shaped groove 236 is formed midway between the two ends 234 of the pin 232, the two branches of the V forming two frustoconical surfaces, including 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 connector R is suitable for coupling a male element 10 with a collar 24 of low height with respect to the front portion 16.

[0108] When the quick connector R is in the coupled configuration, the first frustoconical surface 236A is configured to bear linearly on the second surface 36 of the collar 24 of the male element 10, which allows better retention of the male element 10. In other words, as illustrated in the section plane of FIGS. 8 and 9, the first frustoconical surface 236A is able to cooperate in a parallel manner with the distal edge of the groove 40, the distal edge here being the second surface 34 of the collar 24. In the example illustrated, the V-shaped 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° relative to the axis of revolution A232.

[0109] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the quick connector R according to the third embodiment of the invention comprises the male element 10 and a female element 300. In [Fig.l 1], the quick connector R is shown in the coupled configuration, while in [Fig. 12], the quick connector R is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0110] Whereas in the previous embodiments, the pusher 170 is integral with the operating ring 160, in the third embodiment, the female element 300 comprises an operating ring 360 with a pusher 370 attached to the rest of the operating ring.

[0111] The pusher 370 is here formed by an insert 371, which is manufactured separately from the rest of the operating ring 360 and which is then secured to the rest of the operating ring 360. The insert 371 is here attached to a front counterbore 361 of the operating ring 360, for example force-fitted or by shrink-fitting. As in the previous modes, once secured to the operating ring 360, the pusher 370 defines an internal wall, oriented towards the central axis A100, this internal wall including 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 here inclined at 45° and oriented towards the front of the female element 100. As previously, the radial wall 172 is parallel to the central axis A100.

[0112] In the example illustrated, the attached pusher 370 is made of a magnetic material, while the female element 300 comprises 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.

[0113] Advantageously, the remainder of the operating ring 360, that is to say not including the magnetic insert 371, is made of a non-magnetic material, for example brass, which is easy and economical.

[0114] According to a mirror variant not shown, the balls 332 are magnetic, while the pusher 370, formed by the insert 371 secured to the rest of the operating ring 360, is made of a ferromagnetic material. This variant is similar to the first embodiment.

[0115] According to another variant not shown, the balls 332 are replaced by pins, similar to the pins 232 of the second embodiment. According to yet another variant, when both the pusher 370 and the locking members - balls or pins - are magnetic, the north / south magnetic poles are arranged so that each locking member is magnetically attracted towards the pusher.

[0116] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, the quick connector R according to the fourth embodiment of the invention comprises a male element 10' and a female element 400. In [Fig. 13], the quick connector R is shown in the coupled configuration, while in [Fig. 14], the quick connector R is shown in the unlocked configuration.

[0117] One of the main differences of the fourth embodiment with the previous embodiments is that in the fourth embodiment, the female element 400 comprises an operating ring 460 and a pusher 470 which are not integral with each other.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The pusher 470 has a shape of revolution around the central axis A100. The pusher 470 is axially movable along the central axis A100. The pusher 470 provides the inclined wall 169, which is configured to push the balls 332 into the distal position when the pusher 470 is in the forward position, and which is capable of magnetically driving each ball 332 toward its proximal position when the pusher 470 is moved toward its rearward position.

[0120] The operating ring 460 comprises a washer 461, against which the locking spring 162 bears, pushing the operating ring 460 towards its advanced position. In the example illustrated, the female element 400 also comprises an additional return member, here a pusher spring 472, which is interposed axially between the washer 461 and the pusher 470, so as to push the pusher 470 towards its front position. In other words, the pusher spring 472 constitutes a return member for the return ring 471 towards the front position.

[0121] In a variant not shown, the pusher spring 472 bears on the rear body 104 and constitutes a return member of the operating ring 460 towards the advanced position.

[0122] 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, arranged in an internal surface of the operating ring 460.

[0123] 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 here received in a groove formed in the internal surface of the operating ring 460.

[0124] 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.

[0125] In a variant not shown, the pusher spring 472 is omitted, the pusher 470 being pushed forward by the snap ring 463 of the operating ring 460.

[0126] In the fourth embodiment, the male element 10' comprises a groove 40' which, unlike the trapezoidal profile locking groove 40 of the previous embodiments, here has a rounded profile. The profile of the grooves 40 or 40' is not limiting. Similarly, the male element 10' here comprises a rounded profile locking collar 24'. The profiles of the collars 24 or 24' of the male element 10 or 10' are not limiting.

[0127] In the fourth embodiment, the rear portion 14 and the front portion 16 of the male body 12 are two separate parts, which are assembled to each other in a sealed manner, here by screwing.

[0128] The male element 10' here comprises a closing valve 80, which is received in the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and which is axially movable, along the main axis A10, between a front position, in which the valve 80 closes the conduit V10 in a sealed manner, and a rear position, in which the valve 80 does not close the conduit V10. The valve 80 is here pushed back towards its front position by means of a closing spring 82, which is received in the conduit V10 of the male element 10 and which bears against the male body 10.

[0129] The female element 400 here comprises two annular seals 122, which are arranged in the front enclosure VI14 and which are configured to ensure sealing with the male element 10' when the male element 10' is inserted into the front enclosure VI14.

[0130] The female element 400 comprises a valve 440, which comprises a central piston 441, which is fixed relative to the female body 102, and a slide 442, which is arranged around the central piston 441. The slide 442 is axially movable along the central axis A100, between a closed position, in which the slide 442 cooperates with the central piston 441 so as 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 Figures 13 and 14. The slide 442 is pushed back towards its closed position by a closing spring 443, which here bears against the female body 102.

[0131] The male element 10' advantageously comprises a cover 50, which is configured to bear on an annular wall 465 of the operating ring 460, in the coupled configuration of the quick connector R. The cover 50 serves to limit internal pollution. In the example illustrated, the cover 50 is made of an elastically deformable material, preferably elastomer. The cover 50 forms a sleeve which extends from the rear part 16 of the male element 10' towards the front of the male element 10'. The cover 50 has a rear end 54, which is here fixed in a groove of the rear part 14, and a front end 52, which is opposite the rear end 54 and which 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.

[0132] The annular wall 465 of the operating ring 460 here 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, towards the front of the female element 400, beyond the front body 106, so that when the quick connector R is in the locked configuration, the cover 50 bears against the annular wall 465, preventing the intrusion of foreign bodies, for example dust, into the mechanism of the quick connector R.

[0133] 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 connection R by cooperation with the cover 50.

[0134] The female element 400 also comprises an elastic sleeve 470, which is arranged axially between the female body 102 and the operating ring 460. In the example illustrated, the elastic sleeve 470 extends continuously from the rear body 104 to the operating ring 460, the elastic sleeve 470 deforming elastically. tically when the operating ring 460 is moved between the advanced and retracted positions. The elastic sleeve 470 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 sleeve 470 ensures the sealing of an annular space between the female body 102 and the operating ring 460.

[0135] Whatever 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.

[0136] Thus, at least one of the elements among the wall of the pusher and the locking members is made of a material which stores magnetic energy, while the other element among the locking members and the wall of the pusher has a capacity to conduct the magnetic flux / has magnetic permeability.

[0137] In a variant not shown, both elements among the wall of the pusher and the locking members have a magnetizing capacity or store magnetic energy. In this case, the north / south magnetic poles of the wall of the pusher and the locking members are arranged in such a way that each locking member and the pusher are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0138] Generally speaking, magnetically permeable materials that react to the magnet are based on the elements Fe Ni Cobalt Gadolinium. Martensitic or ferritic stainless steel is magnetic, which is not the case for all stainless steels.

[0139] Non-reactive non-magnetic materials have low permeability, for example austenitic stainless steel, copper, aluminum. They can also be described as paramagnetic materials when they only have a weak attraction to a magnet. Alternatively, the male body 12 and the front body 116 could be made of paramagnetic material.

[0140] Also, there are magnetized ferrite powders which can be used as a coating layer for the pusher wall and which have the ability to magnetize a ferromagnetic ball. The magnetized powders are, for example, integrated into a binder and are applied as a magnetic paint.

[0141] 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 facilitates the production of a magnetic pusher. In other words, the pusher 370 or 470 has an annular magnetic wall.

[0142] In a variant not shown, the magnetic wall of the pusher is not annular but only portions facing the housings 130 are magnetic, so that the pusher is angularly indexed around the central axis A100 for the correspondence magnetic portions with the housings.

[0143] 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.

[0144] In the first and second embodiments, each of the locking members, ball 132 or pin 232, is magnetic, this configuration being preferred. In a variant not shown, only a portion of the locking members, or even just one of the locking members, is magnetic.

[0145] In a variant not shown, the housing axes A130 of two respective housings 130 are not inclined at the same angle relative to the central axis A100.

[0146] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400) of quick coupling (R) intended for the removable joining of pressurized fluid pipes, said female element being capable of being 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 emerging from the female body via 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) provided in the thickness of the female body: • each housing being inclined relative 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 (170; 370; 470): • which comprises a wall (169) oriented towards each housing (130), and • which is movable between a front position, in which the wall of the pusher holds 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 which 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 pusher (170; 370; 470) from the forward position to the rear position when the operating ring is moved from the advanced position to the retracted position, and • a first return member (162), configured to return the operating ring to the advanced position, characterized in that: • each locking member (132; 232; 332) and the pusher (170; 370; 470) are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, and • the pusher is capable of magnetically driving each locking member to its proximal position when the pusher is moved to its rear position.

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

3. Female element (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pusher (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. 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) into its advanced position against the axial stop (462).

5. 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. Female element (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member (232) is a pin, which extends along a guide axis (A 130) of the housing (130).

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

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

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

10. 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), in which each housing (130) is formed, • the front body (106) is made of a non-magnetic material.

11. A female element (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the female element comprises an elastic sleeve (470), which is axially disposed and extends continuously between the body (102) and the operating ring (460) and which elastically deforms when the operating ring is moved between the advanced and retracted positions.

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

13. 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. Female element (100; 200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pusher (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) along a length greater than or equal to a stroke of the operating ring (160; 360) between its advanced position and its retracted position, minus a value of axial displacement of the locking member between its distal position and its proximal position.

15. 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 interposed radially between the female body (102) and the operating ring (160; 360; 460).

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

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

18. Quick coupling (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 bear on an annular wall (465) of the operating ring (460), in the coupled configuration of the quick coupling.

Images