Connecting element and method for manufacturing such a connecting element

Abstract

Quick-connecting element and method for manufacturing such a quick-connecting element. The present invention relates to a quick-connecting element (2) comprising a body (6) and a plunger (14) captive and movable within the body. The body (6) is provided with at least one internal radial guide surface (644, 646). The plunger (14) is provided with at least one external radial guide surface (144, 146) which cooperates with the internal radial guide surface. Sections of a proximal opening (67) and a distal mouth (63) of the body (6) have maximum dimensions (D67, D60) smaller than a radial dimension (114, D14) of the plunger (14). The pusher is movable within an internal volume (V6) of the body to a reference position in which the external radial surface (144, 146) of the pusher is clear of any internal radial surface (644, 646) of the body (6), and vice versa. Figure for the abbreviation: 7

Description

Title of the invention: Connecting element and method of manufacturing such a connecting element

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for connecting fluid pipes, as well as to a method of manufacturing such a quick connecting element.

[0002] In the field of quick couplings for connecting fluid pipes, it is known to mount, in the body of a coupling element, different parts, some of which slide longitudinally relative to this body. In order to be able to house these parts one inside the other, it is often necessary to provide the body in several parts because the orifices provided at the proximal and distal ends of this body are of reduced transverse dimensions, incompatible with the installation of a sliding part inside the body.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known from WO2012 / 166546A2 to apply an additive manufacturing technique in the field of fluidic fittings. This technique can be used for the manufacture of an external fitting body, including with an angled configuration. In this type of material, a seal can be manufactured simultaneously with the body, in a different material. It is not intended that a part can slide inside the body, which limits the application of this technology to a particular type of fitting elements.

[0004] It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a new quick coupling element for connecting a fluid pipe, compatible with additive manufacturing and which may comprise a sliding element.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a quick-connection element for connecting fluid pipes, this connection element comprising a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the connection element, between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured to be connected to a fluid pipe and defining a proximal opening for the passage of the fluid or a conduit in which the fluid circulates and the distal end comprising a distal mouth for receiving a complementary connection element.

[0006] According to the invention, - the connecting element comprises a pusher mounted in the body and movable along the longitudinal axis, between a front position on the distal end side and a rear position on the proximal end side, - the body is provided with at least one internal radial guide surface; - the pusher is provided with at least one external radial guide surface configured to cooperate by engagement with the internal radial guide surface to guide the pusher during its movements along the longitudinal axis, between its front and rear positions; - the pusher has a radial size defined by its largest radial dimension, - a section of the proximal opening, transverse to the longitudinal axis, has a maximum dimension less than the radial size of the pusher; - a section of the distal mouth, transverse to the longitudinal axis, has a maximum dimension less than the radial size of the pusher; - the pusher is mounted captive in an internal volume of the body; and - the pusher is movable, in the internal volume of the body, to a position of reference, in which the or each external radial surface of the pusher is clear of any internal radial surface of the body and vice versa.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the possibility of moving the pusher to the reference position allows the body and the pusher to be produced by additive manufacturing, in a configuration where the pusher is in the reference position, without this being a hindrance to the production of the internal or external radial guide surfaces, which can be defined with good precision. The pusher does not need to be introduced into the body during a later step of the manufacturing process, which simplifies this process.

[0008] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a connecting element may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically admissible combination: - When the pusher is in the reference position, a clearance between a surface of the pusher and an internal radial surface of the body opposite the surface of the pusher has a radial thickness strictly greater than the radial thickness of a guide clearance between the external radial surface of the pusher and the internal radial surface of the body engaged in each other. - The pusher is provided with two outer radial guide surfaces, spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis, the body is provided with two inner radial guide surfaces, each of the inner radial guide surfaces is configured to cooperate by engagement with an inner radial guide surface to guide the pusher during its movement along the longitudinal axis, between its front and rear positions, and when the pusher is in the reference position, its two outer radial guide surfaces are disengaged from the two inner radial guide surfaces of the body.

[0009] - The external radial guide surface is inscribed in a first cylinder with a circular base, the internal radial guide surface is inscribed in a second cylinder with a circular base and the diameter of the first cylinder is equal to the diameter of the second cylinder, to the nearest guide clearance. - Relief grooves are provided in the internal radial guide surface. - Relief grooves are provided in the external radial guide surface. - The outer radial guide surface has a first length, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, the inner radial guide surface has a second length, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis and the second length is greater than or equal to the sum of the first length and a stroke of the pusher between its front and rear positions or the first length is greater than or equal to the sum of the second length and the stroke of the pusher between its front and rear positions. - The connecting element comprises a cannula defining a fluid passage and extending along a longitudinal axis of the connecting element, between a front part configured for the fitting of a hose and a rear part intended to be connected to the fluid pipe, a body extending along the longitudinal axis around, and integrally with, the cannula and defining an opening for access to the front part of the cannula, a first jaw, movable in rotation, around a first axis of rotation, perpendicular to, and offset from, the longitudinal axis, between • a clamping position in which the first jaw presses the hose against the front part of the cannula, in an area included, radially to the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the first axis of rotation and delimited, along the longitudinal axis, by a boundary plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and distant from the first axis of rotation by a first distance, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis, which is non-zero, and • a retracted position in which the first jaw does not press the hose against the front part of the cannula, an operating member, accessible from outside the body, for moving the first jaw, between its clamping position and its released position, an elastic return member of the pusher towards its front position, while the pusher is housed in an internal volume of the body, around the cannula and provided with a first bearing surface against the first jaw, the first bearing surface of the pusher is configured to exert on the first jaw a force for moving the first jaw from its released position to its clamping position, the first bearing surface is arranged, relative to the longitudinal axis, opposite the first axis of rotation and when the first jaw is in its clamping position, with the first bearing surface against the first jaw, a first radial distance, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the first axis of rotation and a point of contact of the force-receiving surface of the first jaw and the first bearing surface has a value greater than the value of the first distance. - The body comprises an internal part provided with lights which open into the mouth and an external part mounted around the internal part and movable, relative to the internal part, in translation along the longitudinal axis, the connecting element comprises • locking members, movable in the slots of the internal part of the body, between a locking position, in which they protrude into the mouthpiece, and a disengaged position, in which they do not protrude into the mouthpiece, • an elastic return member of the pusher towards its front position;

[0010] the external part of the body is movable relative to the internal part of the body between a first position in which it maintains the locking members in their locking position and a second position in which it allows the locking members to return to their released position and the pusher is mounted radially between the internal and external parts of the body and exerts a return force on the locking members towards their locking position.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a connection element as mentioned above, more precisely, a method of manufacturing a quick connection element for connecting fluid pipes, this connection element comprising

[0012] - a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the element connecting element, between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured to be connected to a fluid pipe and defining a proximal opening for the passage of the fluid or a conduit in which the fluid circulates and the distal end comprising a distal mouth for receiving a complementary connecting element,

[0013] - a pusher mounted in the cylindrical body and movable along the longitudinal axis, between a forward position on the distal end side and a rearward position on the proximal end side

[0014] According to the invention, this manufacturing method comprises a step a) consisting of simultaneously producing by additive manufacturing at least part of the body and the pusher, while the pusher is in its reference position.

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

[0016] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] shows, on four inserts A), B), C) and D), two elevation views and two cross-sections of a connecting element according to the invention, in two different configurations. Insert B) shows a section along plane 1B-1B visible on insert A) of [Fig. 2]. Insert D) shows a section along plane 1D-1D visible on insert B) of [Fig. 2].

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents, on two inserts A) and B), two longitudinal sections of the connecting element, taken respectively according to plane 2A-2A and according to plane 2B-2B at inserts A) and C) of [Fig.l].

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, on two inserts A) and B), two longitudinal sections of the same connecting element, taken respectively according to plane 3A-3A and according to plane 3B-3B on inserts B) and D) of [Fig.l].

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents, on two inserts A) and B), two longitudinal sections of the same connecting element, taken respectively according to plane 4A-4A and according to plane 4B-4B on inserts B) and D) of [Fig.l].

[0020] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents, on two inserts A) and B), the connecting element in perspective and exploded view, as well as a pusher belonging to the connecting element, also in perspective.

[0021] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, on three inserts A), B) and C) an elevation view and cross-sections of a body and a pusher of the connecting element of figures 1 to 5 during manufacture, as well as, on an insert D), a longitudinal perspective section of the body, on a smaller scale;

[0022] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents, on two inserts A and B, two longitudinal sections of the body and pusher, taken respectively according to plane 7A-7A at insert A) of [Fig.6] and according to section line 7B-7B at insert A) of [Fig.7];

[0023] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents, on inserts A), B), C), D) and E) comparable to the Figures 6 and 7, a body and a pusher of a connecting element according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents, on two inserts A) and B), respectively a section longitudinal section of a body and a pusher of a connecting element according to a third embodiment of the invention, during manufacture, and a longitudinal section of this connecting element ready for use;

[0025] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents, on three inserts A), B) and C), a connecting element according to a fourth embodiment, more precisely a longitudinal cut- longitudinal section of this connecting element on the insert A), and two longitudinal sections of an external part of the body and of a pusher of this connecting element during two stages of its manufacture.

[0026] The quick-connection element 2 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is intended to be connected on the one hand to a pipe C2 and on the other hand to a hose D2. For the sake of clarity, the pipe C2 is shown only in [Fig. 2], in phantom lines, and the hose D2 is shown only in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5. A hose is a particular type of fluid flow pipe, which has the particularity of being flexible and of being able to expand radially. The hose D2 here forms a connecting element complementary to the connecting element 2.

[0027] The fluid passing through the pipe C2 and through the hose D2 may be a liquid or a gas, in particular with a relatively high pressure, for example greater than or equal to 1 MPa.

[0028] The front side of the connecting element 2 is defined as the side facing the hose D2 when the connecting element 2 and the hose D2 are fitted together or when these elements are connected. In Figures 2 to 5, the front side of the connecting element 2 is oriented towards the left and its rear side is oriented towards the right. The connecting element 2 extends, between its front and rear sides, along a longitudinal axis A2.

[0029] The elevation views in [Fig.l] are taken from the rear of the connecting element 2.

[0030] The connecting element comprises a cannula 4 which extends along the longitudinal axis A2 and which has a chamfered front part 42 and a threaded rear part 44. The cannula 4 defines a conduit C4 for the passage of fluid between its front and rear parts 42 and 44.

[0031] D4 is the external diameter of the cannula 4 over the greater part of its length, between its front and rear parts. D42 is the external diameter of the front part 42, which is reduced compared to the external diameter D4. The passage section of the conduit C4 has, at the level of the front part 42, an area smaller than its area in the intermediate part and at the level of the rear part 44.

[0032] The front part 42 of the cannula 4 is provided with two peripheral ribs 46 which constitute reliefs for retaining the hose D2 on this part.

[0033] The front part 42 carries a chamfer 48 converging towards the front and whose function is to facilitate the introduction of the cannula 4 into the hose D2.

[0034] The rear part 44 is equipped with an internal thread 49 for mounting the pipe C2.

[0035] In the example of the figures, the cannula 4 is a single piece. In a variant not shown, it can be made up of several parts assembled in a sealed manner with each other.

[0036] Near its rear part 44, the cannula 4 comprises a collar 45 and an external thread 47.

[0037] The connecting element 2 also comprises a body 6 which is in one piece and which extends along the longitudinal axis A2, between a front end 62 and a rear end 64. Seen from the pipe C2, the rear end 64 is a proximal end and the front end 62 is a distal end of the body 6.

[0038] At its front or distal end 62, the body 6 defines a mouth 63 centered on the longitudinal axis A2 and through which the front part 42 of the cannula 4 projects, towards the front of the connecting element 2. The mouth 63 gives access to the front part 42 of the cannula.

[0039] We note D63 the diameter of the mouth 63.

[0040] We denote V6 the internal volume of the body 6. The cannula is, for the most part, received in the internal volume V6, except for the portion of its front part 42 projecting through the mouthpiece 63.

[0041] At its rear end 64, the body 4 is provided with a thread 67 which cooperates with the thread 47 of the cannula 4 to screw the cannula 4 into the body 6 until the collar 45 comes to bear against the rear or proximal end 64, which secures the elements 4 and 6 and positions the cannula 4 relative to the body 6, along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0042] D67 denotes the diameter of the tapping 67. This tapping defines a proximal opening for the passage of the cannula 4 in the body 6.

[0043] We note 66 the intermediate part of the body 6 defined, along the axis A2 between its front and rear ends 62 and 64. At this intermediate part 66, the body 62 has an external geometry generally in the form of a cylinder truncated by two planes, parallel to the planes of figures 2 to 4 and which define two lateral surfaces S6 and S'6 arranged on either side of the section plane of the insert A) of [Fig.2]. We note respectively 614 and 615 the generally flat lateral walls of the body 6 which define, on the outside, the surfaces S6 and S'6.

[0044] The body 6 also defines a concave external surface S”6 which is located between the surfaces S6 and S'6, in the lower part of the body 6 in the position of figures 1 to 4.

[0045] Between the surfaces S6, S'6 and S”6, the body 6 has external grooves 65 which make it easier to hold.

[0046] On the side of the concave surface S”6 and on the front thereof, the body 6 defines an opening 06 of generally rectangular shape and through which a housing 8 is engaged in the internal volume V6 of the body 6.

[0047] This housing 8 comprises a front face 82 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 in the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6 and in which a circular orifice 83 is formed which is aligned with the mouth 63 in this configuration. The orifice 83 allows the passage of the front part 42 of the cannula 4 and the hose D2.

[0048] The housing 8 comprises two side walls 84 and 85 which extend parallel to each other from a cover 86. The cover 86 closes the opening 06 in the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6 and defines a concave surface S”8 which is flush with the surface S”6 of the body 6 in this configuration.

[0049] A notch 87 is provided in the cover 86 and opens onto the rear side of the housing 8.

[0050] In the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6, the side walls 84 and 85 extend parallel to the side walls 614 and 615, therefore parallel to the surfaces S6 and S'6. Preferably, the side walls 84 and 85 extend respectively along the side walls 614 and 615, in the internal volume V6, therefore on the inside of the side walls 614 and 615.

[0051] The side wall 84 is pierced with a through-orifice 842 formed at a portion of excess thickness of the side wall 84 and which defines a bearing centered on an axis A84 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and distant from the latter by a distance d84, measured perpendicular to the axes A2 and A84, which is non-zero. In the same way, the side wall 85 is pierced with a through-orifice 852 formed at a portion of excess thickness of the wall 85. The through-orifice 852 defines a bearing centered on an axis A85. The axis A85 is perpendicular to the axis A2 and located at a non-zero distance d85 from the axis A2, this distance d85 being measured perpendicular to the axes A2 and A85.

[0052] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the axes A84 and A85 are parallel and the distances d84 and d85 are equal. Thus, in a transverse plane of the connecting element 2, that is to say a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2, the axes A84 and A85 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis A2. This is not, however, obligatory.

[0053] The body 6 is provided, at its surfaces 614 and 615, with two seats 624 and 625 which are respectively aligned with the through-orifices 842 and 852 and centered on the axes A84 and A85 in the mounted configuration of the housing 8 in the body 6.

[0054] The connecting element 2 also comprises a first jaw 10 and a second jaw 12.

[0055] The first jaw 10 is articulated around the axis A84 on the body 6 equipped with the housing 8. To do this, a first machined screw 94 is inserted into the bearing formed by the through orifice 842 by passing through the seat 624 and being screwed into the jaw 10. The head 942 of the screw 94 is received in the seat 624, while its rod 944 passes through the orifice 842 and is screwed, by a threaded part 946, into a tapped orifice 102 of the jaw 10.

[0056] In a comparable manner, the second jaw 12 is articulated around the axis A85 at by means of a turned screw 95 whose head 952 is received in the seat 625, whose rod 954 passes through the orifice 852 and is screwed, by a threaded part 956, into a tapped orifice 122 of the jaw 12.

[0057] Each of the first and second jaws 10 and 12 is movable, respectively around the axis A84 or the axis A85, relative to the body 6 equipped with the housing 8, between a clamping position and a retracted position, in other words a released position. The axis A84 is thus a first axis of rotation of the first jaw 10, while the axis A85 is a second axis of rotation of the second jaw 12. In its clamping position, if the hose D2 is fitted onto the cannula 4, the jaw 10 or 12 presses the hose against the external radial surface S42 of the front part 42 of the cannula. In its retracted position, the jaw 10 or 12 does not press the hose against the external radial surface of the front part of the cannula.

[0058] The clamping position of the jaws 10 and 12 is shown on the inserts A) and B) of [Fig.l] as well as on the inserts A) of Figures 2 to 4, the hose being shown outside the connecting element 2 on the insert A) of Figures 2 and 4. The retracted position of the jaws 10 and 12 is shown on the insert D) of [Fig.l], as well as on the inserts B) of Figures 2 and 4, the hose D2 being shown in the unclamped position on the front part 42 of the cannula 4 on the insert B) of Figures 2 and 4.

[0059] The first jaw 10 defines a surface S10 for bearing on the hose D2, when the first jaw 10 is in its clamping position and when the hose is fitted onto the cannula. The second jaw S12 also defines a surface S12 for bearing against the hose D2 when the second jaw 12 is in its clamping position and when the hose is fitted onto the cannula.

[0060] Each bearing surface S10 or S12 has a progressive profile with respect to the front part 42 of the cannula 4 which is such that, when the jaw 10 or 12 is in the clamping position, the distance between the longitudinal axis A2 and an orthogonal projection of this bearing surface S10 or S12 on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is less than half the outside diameter ¢2 of the free hose D2 fitted onto the front part 42 of the cannula 4, whereas, when the jaw 10 or 12 is in the retracted position, the distance between the longitudinal axis A2 and the projection of the bearing surface S10 or S12 on the same perpendicular plane is greater than half the outside diameter ¢2.

[0061] The area defined by the bearing surface S10, in which the first jaw 10 presses the hose D2 against the front part 42 of the cannula 4 in the clamping position of the first jaw, is included, radially to the longitudinal axis A2, between this longitudinal axis and the first axis of rotation A84. In the clamping position, the area in which the first jaw 10 presses the hose D2 is limited, towards the rear, that is to say opposite the first axis of rotation A84 along the longitudinal axis A2, by a boundary plane P10 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and which passes through the point of the support surface S10 furthest from the first axis of rotation A84 in a direction parallel to this longitudinal axis. We note dlO the distance, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, between the first axis of rotation A84 and the boundary plane P10.

[0062] The distance d10 is the maximum lever arm of the resistive force exerted by the hose D2 on the first jaw 10 in the clamping position, when the hose is fitted onto the cannula 4.

[0063] The area defined by the bearing surface S12, in which the second jaw 12 presses the hose D2 against the front part 42 of the cannula 4 in the clamping position of the second jaw, is included, radially to the longitudinal axis A2, between this longitudinal axis and the second axis of rotation A85. In the clamping position, the area in which the second jaw 12 presses the hose D2 is limited, towards the rear, that is to say opposite the second axis of rotation A85 along the longitudinal axis A2, by a boundary plane P12 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and which passes through the point of the bearing surface S12 furthest from the second axis of rotation A85 in a direction parallel to this longitudinal axis. We denote by dl2 the distance, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, between the second axis of rotation A85 and the boundary plane P12.

[0064] The distance dl2 is the maximum lever arm of the resistive force exerted by the hose D2 on the second jaw 12 in the clamping position, when the hose is fitted onto the cannula 4.

[0065] In the example of the figures, the axes of rotation A84 and A85 are arranged at the same level along the longitudinal axis A2, as are the boundary planes P10 and P12. Thus, the distances d10 and d12 are equal.

[0066] This is however not obligatory and other spatial distributions of the first and second axes of rotation A84 and A85 and of the first and second boundary planes P10 and P12 are conceivable.

[0067] The first jaw 10 comprises a lateral arm 104 which extends radially to the first axis of rotation A84 and which defines a surface S'10 for receiving a force. The force receiving surface S'10 is provided on the rear of the lateral arm 104 and opposite the first axis of rotation A84 relative to the longitudinal axis A2. In other words, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A84, the first axis of rotation A84 and the force receiving surface S'10 are located on either side of the longitudinal axis A2, as shown in [Fig. 4],

[0068] The second jaw 12 also comprises a lateral arm 125 which extends radially to the second axis of rotation A85 and which defines a receiving surface S'12 of a force. The force receiving surface S'12 is provided on the rear of the lateral arm 125. In a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A85, the second axis of rotation A85 and the force receiving surface S'12 are arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis A2, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0069] The lateral arm 125 is provided, at its end opposite the tapped orifice 122, with a hook 127 which defines a concave recess 126. The force-receiving surface S'12 is provided on the outside of the hook 127, opposite the concave recess 126.

[0070] In the assembled configuration of the connecting element 2, the lateral arms 104 and 125 are respectively adjacent to the lateral walls 84 and 85 of the housing 8 and arranged on the inside of these walls, with respect to which they can pivot, respectively around the axes of rotation A84 and A85.

[0071] The first jaw also comprises an operating member formed by a lever 106 which protrudes from the body 6 and the housing 8 through the notch 87. This lever 106 is in one piece with the portion of the first jaw 10 in which the threaded orifice 102, the bearing surface S10, and also with the lateral arm 104, therefore with the force receiving surface S'10 are provided.

[0072] The lever 106 makes it possible to maneuver the first jaw 10 between its clamping position and its retracted position, by pressing the lever 106 in the direction of the surfaces S”6 and S”8, which makes it pivot around the first axis of rotation A84, in the trigonometric direction in [Fig. 2]. The clamping position of the insert A) of Figures 2 to 4 is a default position taken by the jaw 10 if no force is exerted on the lever 106 by a user of the connecting element 2.

[0073] The connecting element 2 also comprises a pusher 14 which extends along a longitudinal axis A14 coincident with the longitudinal axis A2 in the mounted configuration of the connecting element 2.

[0074] The pusher 14 is mounted inside the body 6, in the internal volume V6 and around the cannula 4, between its front and rear parts 42 and 44 along the longitudinal axis A2, being subjected to the action of an elastic member, in the example formed by a spiral spring 16, which tends to push the pusher 14 forward, that is to say in the direction of the front end 62 of the body 6. The advanced position of the pusher 14, shown in the inserts A) of FIGS. 2 to 4, is a default position of the pusher, taken by the latter under the action of the spiral spring 16 as long as a user does not fold the lever 106 towards the surfaces S”6 and S”8.

[0075] Alternatively, the spring 16 can be replaced by another elastic member for returning the pusher towards the front of the body 6.

[0076] The pusher 14 is designed to move longitudinally, that is to say in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, relative to the body 6, the housing 8 and the jaws 10 and 12. The pusher therefore forms a slide with respect to the body 6, the housing 8 and the jaws 10 and 12.

[0077] The pusher 14 comprises an annular skirt 142 centered on the axis A14 and provided, at each of its ends, with an external radial guide surface, namely, a front external radial guide surface 144 and a rear external radial guide surface 146.

[0078] In practice, the external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 have a circular cross-section. Thus, the external guide surfaces are each inscribed in a cylinder with a circular base, of diameter D14 or D16.

[0079] We note D14 and D16 their diameters which, preferably, have the same value.

[0080] In a variant of the invention not shown, the diameters D14 and D16 have different values.

[0081] L14 denotes the axial length of the front external radial guide surface 144 and L16 the axial length of the rear external radial guide surface 146, these axial lengths being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A14.

[0082] In the example, and according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the lengths L14 and L16 are equal.

[0083] In a variant of the invention not shown, they may be different.

[0084] S15 denotes the external radial surface of the skirt 142 located, along the longitudinal axis A14, between the external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 which are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis A2. D15 denotes the diameter of the surface S15.

[0085] This diameter D15 is strictly less than the diameters D14 and D16. In other words, the surface S15 defines a cylindrical junction surface whose diameter D15 is less than the diameter D14 of the front external radial guide surface 144 and the diameter D16 of the rear external radial guide surface 146.

[0086] The body 6 is, for its part, provided with a front internal radial guide surface 644 and a rear internal radial guide surface 646, both centered on the longitudinal axis A2. The front internal radial guide surface 644 is formed in the center of an internal peripheral rib 662 of the intermediate part 66 of the body 6. The rear internal radial guide surface 644 is formed at the junction between the intermediate 66 and rear 64 parts of the body 6.

[0087] The axial length of the front and rear internal radial surfaces 644 and 646 is noted respectively as L64 and L66, these axial lengths being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0088] The front internal radial surface 644 is provided with grooves 648 which extend over its entire length L64, while the rear internal radial guide surface 646 is provided with 650 grooves which extend over its entire length L66.

[0089] In a radial plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2, the apexes of the ribs which separate the grooves 648 define a circle inscribed in the front internal radial guide surface 644, the diameter of which is denoted D64. In the same way, in a plane radial to the longitudinal axis A2, the apexes of the ribs which separate the grooves 650 define a circle inscribed in the rear internal radial guide surface 646, the diameter of which is denoted D66. Thus, the internal guide surfaces are each inscribed around a cylinder with a circular base, of diameter D64 or D66.

[0090] The diameters D64 and D66 advantageously have the same value, like the diameters D14 and D16.

[0091] In a variant of the invention not shown, the diameters D64 and D66 have different values.

[0092] In all cases, the diameters D14, D64, D16 and D66 are chosen so that the radial guide surfaces 144 and 644, on the one hand 146 and 646 on the other hand, effectively guide the pusher 14 in translation along the axis A2, inside the body 6, during its sliding relative to the body 6.

[0093] The ratio of the diameters D14 and D64 and the ratio of the diameters D16 and D66 are such that a guide clearance J14 of relatively small radial thickness, for example of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, is provided between the external and internal radial guide surfaces 144 and 644, on the one hand, and 146 and 646, on the other hand. In other words, the diameters D14, D16, D64 and D66 are equal, apart from the guide clearance J14.

[0094] C denotes the stroke of the pusher 14 under the action of the spring 16. This stroke corresponds to the passage of the pusher 14 from the position of the insert B) in one of figures 2 to 4, which is a rear position of the pusher 14 relative to the body 6, to the position of the insert A) in these figures, which is a front position of the pusher 14 relative to the body 6, or reciprocally to the passage from the position of the insert A) to that of the insert B).

[0095] The length L64 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L14 and the stroke C. Similarly, the length L66 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L16 and the stroke C.

[0096] We have the following relationships:

[0097] L64 > L14 + C (equation 1)

[0098] L66 > L16 + C (equation 2)

[0099] Thanks to these relationships between the lengths L14 and L64, L16 and L66 and the stroke C, during operation of the connecting element 2, the front external radial guide surface 144 remains opposite the front internal radial guide surface 644 and the rear external radial guide surface 146 remains opposite the radial surface internal rear guide 646, along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0100] On its front side, the pusher 14 defines a first bearing surface S14 which is perpendicular to the axis A14 and which abuts against the force-receiving surface S'10 of the first jaw 10, under the action of the return spring 16, provided that the lever 106 is not folded towards the body 6, that is to say when the first jaw 10 is by default in its clamping position. In other words, by default, the elastic force of the spring 16 is transmitted to the pusher 14 which exerts, by its first bearing surface S14 and on the force-receiving surface S'10, an axial force directed towards the front, which has the effect of returning the first jaw 10 to its clamping position.

[0101] Thus, the return spring 16, which is an elastic return member of the pusher 14 towards its advanced position, is also a return member of the first jaw 10 towards its clamping position.

[0102] The pusher 14 is oriented around the axis A2 such that its bearing surface S14 is located, in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A84, on the side of the longitudinal axis A2 opposite this first axis of rotation 84. elO is a radial difference, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2, in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A84, between the first axis of rotation A84 and the contact point P100 of the force-receiving surface S'10 of the first jaw 10 and of the surface S14 in this plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A84. This plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A84 is, in the example of the figures, that of [Fig.4], where the radial difference elO is marked.

[0103] This radial deviation elO is the lever arm relative to the axis of rotation A84 of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 when the first jaw 10 is in its clamping position. This radial deviation elO has a value greater than the value of the first distance dlO.

[0104] This comes in particular from the fact that the force receiving surface S'10 is arranged on the edge of a boss 108 defined by the lateral arm 104, opposite the tapped orifice 102 relative to a plane parallel to the first axis of rotation A84 and containing the longitudinal axis A2.

[0105] Thus, the lever arm, around the first axis of rotation A84, of the force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 is greater than the maximum lever arm of the clamping force exerted on the hose 2 by the bearing surface S10 of the first jaw 10. The force transmitted between the surfaces S14 and S'10 is therefore amplified by the ratio of the value of the radial difference el0 to the value of the distance dl0. It is therefore guaranteed that the first jaw 10 is effectively held in the clamping position by the pusher 14 and the spring 16, despite the resisting force exerted by the hose D2.

[0106] Advantageously, a ratio between the value of the first axial deviation e 10 and the value of the first distance dlO is between 1.5 and 10, preferably between 4 and 6, more preferably equal to 5.

[0107] The pusher 14 also defines a second bearing surface S'14 which, in the example of the figures, is coplanar with the first bearing surface S14, even if this is not obligatory.

[0108] The second bearing surface S'14 is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A14 and it is configured to come into abutment against the force receiving surface S'12 of the second jaw 12, as visible in [Fig.3].

[0109] We note el2 a radial deviation, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A12 and in a plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A85, between the second axis of rotation A85 and the point of contact P120 of the force receiving surface S'12 of the second jaw 12 and of the surface S'14. This plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A85 is, in the example of the figures, that of [Fig.3], where the deviation el2 is identified.

[0110] The surface S'14 exerts, under the action of the spring 16, a bearing force on the force-receiving surface S'12 which returns the second jaw by default to its clamping position.

[0111] The radial deviation el2 is the lever arm relative to the axis of rotation A85 of the force transmitted between the surfaces S' 14 and S'12 when the second jaw 12 is in its clamping position. This radial deviation el2 has a value greater than that of the distance dl2.

[0112] Thus, the lever arm, around the second axis of rotation A85, of the force transmitted between the surfaces S' 14 and S' 12 is greater than the maximum lever arm of the clamping force exerted on the hose 2 by the bearing surface S12 of the second jaw 12. The force transmitted between the surfaces S' 14 and S' 12 is therefore amplified by the ratio of the value of the radial difference el2 to the value of the distance dl2. It is therefore guaranteed that the second jaw 12 is effectively held in the clamping position by the pusher 14 and the spring 16, despite the resisting force exerted by the hose D2.

[0113] The pusher 14 also comprises a finger 148 which is engaged in the recess 126 of the second jaw 12. The finger 148 constitutes a relief of the pusher 14 intended to interact with the second jaw 12. Alternatively, the finger 148 can be replaced by another relief. Whether it is the finger or another relief, it exerts on the second jaw 12 a force for moving this jaw from its clamping position to its retracted position, as explained below.

[0114] When a user exerts on the lever 106 a torque C106 around the first axis of rotation A84, which has the effect of making this lever and therefore the whole of the first jaw 10 move from the position of the inserts A) to the position of the inserts B) in Figures 2 to 4, the arm 104 of the first jaw 10, which is integral with the lever 106, exerts by its boss 108 a force which pushes the pusher 14 towards the rear end 64 of the body 6. In other words, the surface S'10 then constitutes a bearing surface against the surface S14 which receives the force exerted by the jaw 10, this force having an axial component parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and directed towards the rear, which opposes the elastic force of the spring 16.

[0115] If the torque exerted C106 is sufficiently intense, the pusher 14 moves backwards under the action of the force transmitted between the surfaces S' 10 and S14, which is visible by comparing the inserts B) with the inserts A) in Figures 2 to 4. This is what makes it possible to return the jaw 10 to its retracted position shown in the inserts B) of Figures 2 to 4.

[0116] The finger 148 of the pusher 14 moves back with the rest of this pusher, which has the effect of exerting on the concave surface of the hook 127, in the recess 126, a force driving the jaw 12 towards the rear end 64 of the body 6. This moves the second jaw 12 towards its retracted position shown in the inserts B) of figures 2 to 4.

[0117] Thus, the operation of the lever 106, which consists of folding it towards the surfaces S”6 and S”8, has the effect of moving the two jaws 10 and 12 from their clamping positions to their respective retracted positions.

[0118] Reaching these withdrawal positions makes it possible to introduce the hose D2 onto the front part 42 of the cannula 4, without being hindered by the jaws 10 and 12.

[0119] It is then possible for the user to release the lever 106 which then no longer exerts any torque on the first jaw, around the first axis of rotation A84, so that the pusher 14 subjected to the action of the spring 16 effectively pushes the two jaws 10 and 12 towards their respective clamping positions, by means of its bearing surfaces S14 and S'14 which act respectively on the force receiving surfaces S'10 and S'12.

[0120] Taking into account the ratio of the values ​​of el0 / dl0 and el2 / dl2, the elastic force exerted by the spring 16 is amplified and effective in bringing back and then maintaining the two jaws 10 and 12 in the clamping position, despite the resistive force exerted on the bearing surfaces S10 and S12 by the external radial surface of the hose D2.

[0121] 114 is the maximum width of the pusher 14 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A14. This width defines the radial size of the pusher 14, i.e. the minimum diameter of a circle through which the pusher 14 can pass.

[0122] The width 114 is strictly greater than the diameters D63 and D67.

[0123] Thus, the pusher cannot be introduced into the body 6, or exit it, at through its front 62 and rear 64 ends.

[0124] In order to optimize the manufacturing range of the connecting element 2, the components 6 and 14 are produced simultaneously by binder jet additive manufacturing, sometimes referred to as "binder jet additive machining". The principle of binder jet additive machining consists of depositing a thin layer of powder material, then applying a binder which will agglomerate the powder grains exposed to heat or light. The heat or light source is movable in a plane and allows the agglomeration of the grains corresponding to a slice of the parts. The production of the parts is therefore done in successive slices parallel to an initial laying plane. In the case of simultaneous machining of the body 6 and the pusher 14, the initial laying plane can be chosen as the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 and located at the end of the rear end 64 of the body. The body 6 and the pusher 14 are produced slice by slice simultaneously without it being necessary to provide a connection between these two parts.They are held in place by the powder grains that have not been agglomerated. Once the body 6 and the pusher 14 have been produced, it is necessary to evacuate the powder grains that have not been agglomerated.

[0125] The body 6 and the pusher 14 are made of the same material. For example, the powder may be a polyamide and the binder activated by heat.

[0126] Additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce, in one operation, a first hollow part in which a second part is arranged, such as the body 6 in which the pusher 14 is arranged, without limitation on the placement of the second part within the first hollow part.

[0127] To enable such additive manufacturing, the pusher 14 is movable inside the body 6 up to a reference position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which the external radial surfaces 144 and 146 of the pusher 14 are respectively clear of the internal radial surfaces 644 and 646 of the body 6. In other words, in this reference position, the external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 are axially offset, along the longitudinal axis A2, from the internal radial guide surfaces 644 and 646.

[0128] In this reference position, the rear part of the skirt 142 is no longer engaged in the rear part 64 of the body 6 and the front part of the skirt 142 is located further forward, along the longitudinal axis A2, than the internal rib 662.

[0129] In this reference position, the external and internal radial guide surfaces 144, 146, 644 and 646 can be manufactured by the localized application of the binder on the powder, without risk of contact or untimely joining between these surfaces even if the guide clearance J14 has a small radial thickness, since they are axially offset from each other, along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0130] In the reference position, the front internal radial guide surface 644 is opposite, i.e. axially aligned along the longitudinal axis A2 with, the junction surface S15.

[0131] Thus, a manufacturing clearance J15 exists between the junction surface S15 and the internal radial surface 644. This manufacturing clearance J15 has a radial thickness strictly greater than the radial thickness of the guide clearance J14.

[0132] For example, the manufacturing clearance J15 may have a radial thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably equal to 1 mm.

[0133] In other words, in the reference position which is used for the additive manufacturing of the elements 6 and 14 of the connecting element 2, a relatively large radial clearance J15 exists between the pusher 14 and the rib 662, this radial clearance being thicker than the clearance J14 which is used for guiding the pusher 14 in translation relative to the body 6.

[0134] This facilitates the evacuation of powder grains which are not bound together by the binder during this additive manufacturing, in the vicinity of the guide surfaces.

[0135] In this regard, the presence of the grooves 648, at the level of the internal radial front guide surface 644, facilitates the evacuation of excess powder.

[0136] The presence of the grooves 650, at the level of the internal radial rear guide surface 646, also facilitates the evacuation of excess powder, particularly in a variant of the invention not shown where a surface portion comparable to the surface S15 is engaged in the internal radial rear guide surface 646 in the reference position of the pusher 14.

[0137] Once the body 6 and the pusher 14 have been obtained simultaneously by additive manufacturing, the assembly of the connecting element 2 comprises successive steps, carried out in the order below and consisting of: - moving the pusher 14 to a rear stop position in the body 6 of the connecting element, i.e. moving the pusher 14 from the reference position shown in Figures 6 and 7 to a position comparable to that of the inserts B) of Figures 2 to 4 where the external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 are engaged in the internal radial guide surfaces 644 and 646; - pre-position the two jaws 10 and 12 in the housing 8; - engage the housing 8 equipped with the jaws 10 and 12 in the body 6, through the opening 06, taking care that the lateral arm 105 of the second jaw 12 effectively cooperates with the finger 148 of the pusher 14, that is to say ensuring that the finger 148 is well engaged in the recess 126 of the second jaw; - place and screw the screws 94 and 95 respectively into the tapped holes 102 and 122 of the jaws 10 and 12; - mount the return spring 16 of the pusher 14 in the internal volume of the body, bearing against a shoulder 141 of the pusher; - place and screw the cannula 4 inside the pusher 14 and the body 6, thanks to the thread 47 and the tapping 67, by bringing the spring 16 into contact with a shoulder 41 of the cannula.

[0138] To couple the connecting element 2 and the hose D2, the user takes hold of the body 6 and moves the lever 106 towards the surfaces S”6 and S”8 by exerting the torque C106, which makes it possible to bring the jaws 12 and 14 into their respective retracted positions. It is then sufficient to align the hose D2 on the longitudinal axis A2 and to move the hose towards the cannula 4, while keeping the lever 106 pressed against the body 6. This operation is facilitated by the fact that the front part 42 of the cannula 4 protrudes from the body 6 and is provided with the chamfer 48.

[0139] At a first stage of the approach, the hose D2 comes into contact with the front part 42 of the cannula and slides along this front part. This approach continues until the front face of the hose D2 abuts against a shoulder 43 of the cannula which delimits the rear end of the front part 42. The hose then covers the peripheral ribs 46. The jaws 10 and 12 are still held in the retracted position by the torque C106 which the user continues to exert on the lever 106. They therefore do not oppose this fitting.

[0140] By releasing the lever 106, that is to say by ceasing to exert the torque C106, the user allows the jaws to return to the clamping position, under the action of the pusher 14 elastically loaded by the spring 16.

[0141] The hose D2 is then mounted on, fluidly connected to, and firmly held relative to, the connecting element 2.

[0142] To uncouple the hose D2 from the connecting element 2, it is sufficient to take hold of the body 6 and push the lever 106 towards this body by means of the torque C106, which brings the two jaws 10 and 12 back into their respective retracted positions. The user can then grasp the hose and pull it parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, in a direction away from the cannula 4. As the jaws are held in their retracted positions, they do not oppose the withdrawal of the hose D2.

[0143] In the second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 8 and following, the elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references. In the following, we mainly describe what distinguishes these embodiments from the first embodiment. If a reference is given in one of Figures 8 and following without being mentioned in the description, or mentioned in the description without being given in one of these figures, it corresponds to the same element as that bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0144] In the second embodiment shown in [Fig.8], the internal radial guide surfaces 644 and 646 provided on the body 6 are smooth, i.e. provided with grooves, while the front and rear external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146 of the pusher 14 are respectively provided with grooves 149 and 151.

[0145] The external diameter D14 of these external radial guide surfaces 144 and 146, measured at the level of the top of the separation ribs of the grooves 149 and 151, is slightly less than the internal diameter D64 of the internal radial guide surfaces 644 and 646, which makes it possible to create a guide clearance, comparable to the guide clearance J14 of the first embodiment, between the surfaces 144 and 644, on the one hand, and 146 and 646 on the other hand.

[0146] A junction surface S15, defined as in the first embodiment, has a diameter D15 strictly less than the diameter D14 and is also equipped with grooves 153.

[0147] A manufacturing clearance J15 is present, between the junction surface S15 and the internal radial front guide surface 644, when the pusher 14 is in the reference position shown on the inserts A) to D) of [Fig.8], this reference position being defined as in the first embodiment.

[0148] In the third embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.9], the translational guidance between the pusher 14 and the body 6 is carried out only at the level of the external rear guide radial surface 146 which cooperates with the internal rear guide radial surface 646. The skirt 142 of the pusher 14 has, on the outside, the same geometry over its entire length. In particular, no junction surface of smaller diameter, comparable to the surface S15 of the first and second embodiments, is provided.

[0149] On the other hand, the pusher 14 is equipped with an internal front radial guide surface 145 of which the internal diameter is denoted D'14. This diameter is slightly greater than the external diameter D4 of the cannula 4, behind its shoulder 43, which makes it possible to guide the pusher 14 in axial translation along the cannula 4, with a reduced radial thickness clearance, comparable to the clearance J14 of the first embodiment.

[0150] In the second and third embodiments, the single-piece body 6 and the pusher 14 are produced together, by additive manufacturing, the pusher then being in a reference position where its external radial guide surface(s), 144 and 146 or 146 only, are not opposite corresponding internal radial guide surfaces, 644 and 646 or 646 only.

[0151] In the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 10], a female quick coupling element 2 includes a tripartite body 6, which comprises a front or distal internal part 62, a rear or proximal internal part 64 screwed onto each other, as well as a ring-shaped external part 61 which surrounds the internal parts 62 and 64 and which is movable, along a longitudinal axis A2 of the element of connection 2, relative to the front and rear internal parts 62 and 64. The external part 61 comprises a radial projection 612 which makes it possible to exert on this external part a force parallel to the axis A2 and opposite to an elastic force exerted by a spring 17.

[0152] The rear internal part 64 is equipped with a thread 67 for screwing a C2 pipe.

[0153] The external part 61 and the internal front part 62 define a mouth 63 of the connecting element 2. The internal front part 62 is pierced with several longitudinal slots 622 which open into this mouth. Balls 70 are engaged in the slots 622 and project more or less into the mouth 63, depending on whether or not they are pushed towards the longitudinal axis A2 by an internal radial collar 614 of the external part 61 of the body 6.

[0154] These balls 70 are designed to engage in an external peripheral groove of a male end piece, complementary to the connecting element 2, known per se and which is not shown. They form locking members of the male end piece in the female connecting element 2.

[0155] In a variant of the invention not shown, locking members other than the balls 70 can be used.

[0156] The female connection element 2 also comprises a sealing O-ring 72, intended to bear against the male end piece, and a valve 74 elastically loaded by a spring 76, such that it closes by default an internal conduit C4 defined both by the valve 74 and by the body 6. A seat 77 is mounted in the body 6 and receives the valve 74 in support when it is in the position for closing the conduit C4. Sealing O-rings 78 are mounted between the body 6, the seat 77 and the valve 74. The spring 76 is installed between the valve 74 and the seat 77.

[0157] A pusher 14 is mounted in a radial gap defined between the parts 61 and 62 of the body 6. This pusher is elastically loaded towards the front of the connecting element 2 by a spring 16 also arranged in this gap and which comes to bear, on the one hand, against a rear face 14B of the pusher 14 and against an internal rib 616 of the external part 61 of the body 6.

[0158] 60 denotes the central opening of the external part 61 of the body 6, which is defined by the collar 616, which is a proximal opening, insofar as it is closer to the pipe C2 than the mouthpiece 63 which constitutes a distal opening of the body 6. When the female connection element 2 and the complementary end piece not shown are connected, the fluid circulating in the quick connection thus formed passes through the opening 60. D60 denotes the diameter of the opening 60, that is to say the internal diameter of the external part 61 of the body 6 on the proximal side, at the level of the rib 616.

[0159] The pusher 14 has the effect of bringing the balls 70 back into position towards the front of the lights 622, such that they are found by default aligned, along the longitudinal axis A2, with the collar 614 and, consequently, returned to the mouth 63. Here, the pusher 14 in the form of a ring and can also be called a “memory ring” or “slider” because it ensures, by sliding relative to the body 6, the return of the balls 70 to their default position.

[0160] To allow the passage of the male end piece in a direction of fitting of the male and female elements of the quick coupling, the balls 70 must be able to be moved, along the largest dimension of the slots 622, towards a clear position located on the rear of these slots, opposite a recessed zone 618 defined inside the external part 61 of the body 6. To do this, the balls 70 can exert on a front face 14A of the pusher 6 an axial force against the elastic force exerted by the spring 16, which has the effect of moving the pusher 14 back into the gap formed radially between the parts 61 and 62 of the body 6.

[0161] The pusher 14 is therefore movable in axial translation, along the longitudinal axis A2 and under the action of the spring 6 and the balls 70, with respect to the body 6, more particularly its external part 61. To do this, the pusher 14 defines an external radial guide surface 144 which cooperates with an internal radial guide surface 644 formed on the inside of the external part 61 of the body 6, beyond the recessed zone 618 relative to the front face 2A of the connecting element 2.

[0162] L14 denotes the axial length of the external radial guide surface 144 of the pusher 14. L64 denotes the axial length of the internal radial guide surface 644 of the body 6. The axial lengths L14 and L64 are measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0163] The length L64 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L14 and the travel C of movement of the pusher 14 relative to the body 6, between its position where it returns the balls towards the front of the body 6 and its position where it allows the balls to be engaged in the recessed zone 618.

[0164] We have the following relationship:

[0165] L64 > L14 + C (equation 1 bis)

[0166] Thanks to this relationship between the lengths L14 and L64 and the stroke C, during operation of the connecting element 2, the external radial guide surface 144 of the pusher 14 remains opposite the internal radial guide surface 644 of the body 6.

[0167] The internal diameter of the external part 61 of the body 6, at the level of the collar 614, defines the minimum value of the diameter D63 of the mouth 63.

[0168] D14 denotes the diameter of the external radial guide surface 144. This diameter D14 defines the maximum size of the pusher 14, radially to the longitudinal axis A14 of the pusher 14. The diameter D14 is strictly greater than the diameters D60 and D63.

[0169] The pusher 14 can be brought into a reference position shown in insert B) of [Fig. 10] in which the external radial guide surface 144 is clear of the internal radial guide surface 644, i.e. axially offset from this surface, along a central axis A6 of the body 6 which is superimposed with the longitudinal axes A2 and A14 in the mounted configuration of the connecting element 2.

[0170] In this reference position, as the guide surfaces 144 and 644 are axially offset, it is possible to produce them simultaneously, by additive manufacturing, by locally adding a thermo-activatable binder to a powder such as a polyamide powder, which makes it possible to manufacture the elements 61 and 14 nested within each other.

[0171] From this position, it is possible to bring the pusher 14 into a working position, as shown in insert C) of [Fig. 10], by placing the spring 16, between the rear face 14B of the pusher 14 and the rib 616. In this working position, the radial guide surfaces 144 and 644 are opposite each other, in a direction radial to the central axis A6, that is to say engaged in each other.

[0172] Any feature described for one embodiment or variation in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variations described above, as long as technically feasible.

[0173] In particular, in the first three embodiments, the reference position of the pusher is in front of the position of use thereof, during its movements over its travel relative to the body 6, whereas in the fourth embodiment, the reference position of the pusher 6 is behind the position of use thereof, along its travel relative to the body 6. The opposite is possible.

[0174] Other additive machining techniques than binder jet additive machining can allow the simultaneous production of the body 6 and the pusher 14. For example, the multi-projection additive machining technique (“MJP” for “Multi Jet Printing”) implemented by a 3D printer can be used. The MJP printer consists mainly of a print head, a platform and a UV lamp. Like any 3D printing machine, the process requires a 3D CAD file. The 3D printer then prints each layer of the file in UV-curable liquid plastic on a flat platform. A wax support material is also projected to fill the voids internal to a part or existing between two nested parts produced simultaneously. At the end of the machining of the body 6 and the pusher 14, the wax which allows the pusher to be held in place is easily removed due to the characteristics of the invention.This additive machining technique makes it possible to produce the body 6 and the pusher 14 in different materials.

Claims

Claims

1. Quick coupling element (2) for connecting fluid pipes (C2; D2), this coupling element comprising - a body (6) defining a passage (C4) extending along a longitudinal axis (A2) of the connecting element, between a proximal end (64) and a distal end (62), the proximal end being configured to be connected to a fluid pipe (C2) and defining a proximal opening (67; 60) for the passage of the fluid or a conduit (4) in which the fluid circulates and the distal end comprising a distal mouth (63) for receiving a complementary connecting element (D2), characterized in that - the connecting element (2) comprises a pusher (14) mounted in the body and movable along the longitudinal axis, between a front position on the distal end side and a rear position on the proximal end side, - the body (6) is provided with at least one internal radial guide surface (644, 646); - the pusher (14) is provided with at least one external radial guide surface (144, 146) configured to cooperate by engagement with the internal radial guide surface (644, 646) to guide the pusher during its movements along the longitudinal axis, between its front and rear positions; - the pusher has a radial size defined by its largest radial dimension (114, DI4), - a section of the proximal opening (67; 60), transverse to the longitudinal axis (A2), has a maximum dimension (D67, D60) less than the radial size (114, D14) of the pusher (14); - a section of the distal mouth (63), transverse to the longitudinal axis, has a maximum dimension (D63) less than the radial size of the pusher; - the pusher is mounted captive in an internal volume (V6) of the body (6); and - the pusher is movable, in the internal volume of the body, to a reference position, in which the or each external radial surface (144, 146) of the pusher is clear of any internal radial surface (644, 646) of the body (6) and vice versa.

2. A connecting element according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the pusher (14) is in the reference position, a clearance (J15) between a surface (S 15) of the pusher and an internal radial surface (644, 646) of the body (6) opposite the surface of the pusher has a radial thickness strictly greater than the radial thickness of a guide clearance (J14) between the external radial surface (144, 146) of the pusher and the internal radial surface (644, 646) of the body engaged in each other.

3. A connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the pusher (14) is provided with two external radial guide surfaces (144, 146), spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis (A2); - the body (6) is provided with two internal radial guide surfaces (644, 646); - each of the internal radial guide surfaces is configured to cooperate by engagement with an internal radial guide surface to guide the pusher during its movements along the longitudinal axis, between its front and rear positions; and - when the pusher (14) is in the reference position, its two external radial guide surfaces (144, 146) are disengaged from the two internal radial guide surfaces (644, 646) of the body (6).

4. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the external radial guide surface (144, 146) is inscribed in a first cylinder with a circular base; - the internal radial guide surface (644, 646) is inscribed in a second cylinder with a circular base; and - the diameter (D14, D16) of the first cylinder is equal to the diameter (D64, D66) of the second cylinder, to the nearest guide clearance (J 14).

5. A connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that clearance grooves (648, 650) are provided in the internal radial guide surface (644, 646).

6. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that clearance grooves (149, 151) are provided in the external radial guide surface (144, 146).

7. A connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the external radial guide surface (14, 16) has a first length (L14, L16), measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2); - the internal radial guide surface (644, 646) has a second length (L64, L66), measured parallel to the longitudinal axis; and - the second length (L64, L66) is greater than or equal to the sum of the first length (L14, L16) and a stroke (C) of the pusher between its front and rear positions or - the first length (L14, L16) is greater than or equal to the sum of the second length (L64, L66) and the stroke (C) of the pusher between its front and rear positions.

8. A connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - a cannula (4) defining a fluid passage and extending along a longitudinal axis (A2) of the connecting element (2), between a front part (42) configured for the fitting of a hose (D2) and a rear part (44) intended to be connected to the fluid pipe (C2); - a body (6) extending along the longitudinal axis around, and integrally with, the cannula and defining a mouth (63) for access to the front part (42) of the cannula; - a first jaw (10), movable in rotation, around a first axis of rotation (A84), perpendicular to, and offset (d84) from, the longitudinal axis, between • a clamping position in which the first jaw (10) presses the hose (D2) against the front part (42) of the cannula (4), in an area included, radially to the longitudinal axis, between the longitudinal axis and the first axis of rotation and delimited, along the longitudinal axis, by a boundary plane (P10), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and distant from the first axis of rotation by a first distance (d10), measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2), which is non-zero, and • a retracted position in which the first jaw (10) does not press the hose against the front part of the cannula; an operating member (106), accessible from outside the body (6), for moving the first jaw between its clamping position and its released position, a member (16) for elastically returning the pusher (14) to its front position; in that the pusher is housed in an internal volume (V6) of the body, around the cannula (4) and provided with a first bearing surface (S 14) against the first jaw (10); in that the first bearing surface (S 14) of the pusher is configured to exert on the first jaw (10) a force for moving the first jaw from its released position to its clamping position; in that the first bearing surface (S 14) is arranged, relative to the longitudinal axis (A2), opposite the first axis of rotation (A84); and in that, when the first jaw (10) is in its clamping position, with the first bearing surface (S 14) against the first jaw, a first radial distance (elO), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between the first axis of rotation (A84) and a point (P 100) of contact of the force-receiving surface (S'10) of the first jaw (10) and the first bearing surface (S14) has a value greater than the value of the first distance (dlO).

9. Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - the body (6) comprises an internal part (62) provided with lights (622) which open into the mouth (63) and an external part (61) mounted around the internal part and movable, relative to the internal part, in translation along the longitudinal axis (A2); - the connecting element (2) comprises • locking members (70), movable in the slots (622) of the internal part (62) of the body, between a locking position, in which they protrude into the mouth (63), and a disengaged position, in which they do not protrude into the mouth, • a member (16) for elastically returning the pusher (14) to its front position; - the external part (61) of the body (6) is movable relative to the internal part (62) of the body between a first position in which it maintains the locking members in their locking position and a second position in which it allows the locking members to return to their released position; and - the pusher is mounted radially between the internal (62) and external (61) parts of the body and exerts a return force on the locking members towards their locking position.

10. Method of manufacturing a quick coupling element for connecting fluid pipes, this coupling element comprising - a body (6) defining a passage (C4) extending along a longitudinal axis (A2) of the connecting element, between a proximal end (64) and a distal end (62), the proximal end being configured to be connected to a fluid pipe (C2) and defining a proximal opening (67, 60) for the passage of the fluid or a conduit (4) in which the fluid circulates and the distal end comprising a distal mouth (63) for receiving a complementary connecting element (D2), - a pusher (14) mounted in the cylindrical body and movable along the longitudinal axis, between a front position on the distal end side and a rear position on the proximal end side, characterized in that it comprises a step consisting of a. simultaneously producing by additive manufacturing at least part of the body (6; 61) and the pusher (14), while the pusher is in its reference position.

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