Female element of fluidic connection

Abstract

Female Fluidic Connection Element This female element (100) is designed for quick fluidic connection to a fitting (20) having a circumferential groove (40) and includes a lock (140) with a tooth (150) adapted to engage in the circumferential groove (40) of the fitting. The lock also includes a guide ring (142), which surrounds the body (102) and cooperates with surfaces of the body so that the ring is guided in translation relative to the body along a locking axis (Z102). The lock includes a tooth support (154), which has an elongated shape and connects the tooth (150) to the guide ring, the tooth being axially offset forward from the guide ring. The lock also includes an actuating surface (S156), which is located opposite the tooth (150) relative to the body (102). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Female fluidic fitting element

[0001] The present invention relates to a female element of a fluidic fitting.

[0002] Generally, a fluidic fitting comprises a female element, which provides A receiving inlet for a complementary male element, the male element being called a fitting. The female and male elements are designed to be coupled to each other to establish a fluid connection, the fluid fitting then being in a coupled configuration. The female element generally includes locking means designed to maintain the fluid fitting in the coupled configuration. This discussion focuses particularly on female fluid fitting elements configured to be coupled to a compact fitting, that is, a fitting having a cylindrical front portion and a circumferential groove located behind this cylindrical front portion, the locking means cooperating with the circumferential groove to maintain the fluid fitting in the connected configuration.

[0003] Among compact nozzles, nozzles with a so-called "turbo compact" profile are particularly well known. Such a turbo compact nozzle has a front face, which is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and defines a cylindrical portion by means of an inlet chamfer. On the rear side, the cylindrical portion joins a collar having a conical front portion and a cylindrical rear portion. A circumferential groove with straight sides is located at the front of this cylindrical portion, near the conical portion.

[0004] Compact turbo fittings are often used on automotive engine test benches—hence their name—for the frequent connection and disconnection of hoses, tanks, etc. Fittings with a compact turbo profile are generally used in confined spaces where handling—for connecting or disconnecting the fitting—is difficult. For example, compact turbo fittings are often fixed to containers and are designed so that the circumferential groove is very close to a wall of the container, the wall being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fitting. This arrangement requires that the locking means for the female element in the groove be very close to the opening of the female element, as handling the female element is impractical, or even dangerous, if the wall on which the compact turbo fitting is mounted is hot.

[0005] US4541457 discloses a female element comprising a lock with a tooth adapted to to penetrate a circumferential groove in a compact end piece. The lock is mounted radially on the body of the connecting element, the lock being radially movable between an unlocked and a locked position, with the lock tooth in The front face of the body is viewed and pushed into the locked position by a spring offset longitudinally from the locking tooth and interposed between an external radial surface of the body and an internal surface of the lock. This design is compact, but access to the lock is very close to the mouthpiece and is often obstructed. Manipulating the locking mechanisms, particularly for disconnecting the fitting, is difficult.

[0006] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a female element that is suitable for connection to a compact tip while being more ergonomic.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a female element for quick fluidic connection to a nozzle having a circumferential groove, this female element comprising: - a body, which allows a passage of fluid and which comprises: • a distal part, from which the passage opens through a mouthpiece configured to receive the tip in a socketed configuration of the tip, the mouthpiece defining a principal axis of the body, • a proximal part, which includes means for securing it to a fluid conduit,

[0008] the distal part and the proximal part defining respectively a front side and a rear side of the body and the female element, - a lock, which comprises: • a passing ring, which surrounds the body and, • a tooth, which is capable of penetrating the circumferential groove of the tip, • an actuation surface, which is located opposite the tooth with respect to the main axis,

[0009] the lock being movable in translation along a locking axis perpendicular to the main axis between a locking position, in which the tooth enters the circumferential groove of the end piece in the fitted configuration, and a retraction position, in which the tooth does not enter the circumferential groove, - a means of returning the lock to its locking position,

[0010] in which: - the lock includes a tooth support, which is arranged outside the body, which has an elongated shape with a first end, by which the tooth support is connected to the passage ring, and a second end, by which the tooth support is connected to the tooth, the tooth being axially offset towards the front of the passage ring, - the actuation surface extends along the main axis towards the rear of the passage ring, - the passage ring comprises a proximal face, which extends in a plane perpendicular to the main axis and is oriented towards the rear, - the female element includes a rear axial locking stop, which provides a distal face located opposite the proximal face of the passage ring, the rear axial stop being configured to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring towards the rear of the body.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the tooth and the actuating surface are axially offset from each other, with the actuating surface being set back relative to the tooth. This facilitates the actuation of the lock, particularly when the female element is used in a confined environment. The female element, and by extension the fluidic connection, is more ergonomic.

[0012] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a female element may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: - The tooth comprises a proximal face and a distal face, which is oriented opposite the proximal face and is perpendicular to the main axis, while the proximal face of the tooth is located opposite a distal face of the body, and the distal face of the tooth constitutes an end face of the female element. - The body provides an axial front stop, which is located opposite the distal face of the locking stop, while the passage ring includes a distal face, which is oriented opposite the proximal face of the passage ring and which cooperates with the axial front stop of the body so as to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring towards the front of the body. - The lock and the body are shaped so as to allow the lock to be put in place by a proximal end of the body, until the passage ring is in contact with the front axial stop of the body. - The passage ring comprises two connecting arms from the tooth support to the actuating surface, the two arms being located on either side of the body, while each arm provides a bearing surface, the two bearing surfaces being located opposite each other and being parallel to the locking axis and parallel to the main axis, that the body comprises two guide surfaces, which are provided on either side of the body, which are parallel to each other and which are each parallel to the main axis, and that each of the bearing surfaces is located opposite a respective guide surface, the bearing and guide surfaces cooperating with each other so as to guide the lock between its locking position and its retraction position. - The body is a single piece, the distal and proximal parts being part of it of a single piece, while the rear axial stop of the lock is a stop ring, which is separate from the body and surrounds the body, and the body and the rear axial stop are configured to allow the rear axial stop to be installed from the rear of the body. - The stop ring provides a counter-support surface, which is accessible from the outside of the female element, which is fixed relative to the body and which is located opposite the actuation surface relative to the main axis. - The female element includes a pin, which is integral with the stop ring, while the pin provides a counter-support surface, which is accessible from outside the female element, which is fixed relative to the body and which is located opposite the actuation surface relative to the main axis. - The distal part and the proximal part are distinct parts, which are assembled together to form the body, while the distal part forms the mouth of the fitting and includes the front axial stop of the lock, and the proximal part forms the rear stop of the lock and includes the means for securing with the fluid line. - The proximal part of the body provides a counter-support surface, which is accessible from outside the female element, which is fixed relative to the body and which is located opposite the actuation surface relative to the main axis. - The means of securing define a connection axis with the fluid conduit, while the connection axis is orthogonal to the main axis. - The fitting includes means for axially stopping the rear locking stop. - The female element includes means for closing the fluid passage, methods of sealing including: • a valve, which is movable in translation along the main axis between a forward closed position, in which the valve is in a tight seal against a seat of the body and closes the fluid passage, and a rear open position, in which the valve does not close the fluid passage, • a valve guide capable of guiding the valve in translation along the main axis, and • a valve return spring in its closed position,

[0013] while the valve is configured to be pushed back by the nozzle from the front closed position to the rear open position when the nozzle is inserted into the mouthpiece.

[0014] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent in the light of the following description of several embodiments of a female element, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a longitudinal section of a fluidic fitting comprising a female element conforming to a first embodiment of the invention, the fluidic fitting being in a decoupled configuration;

[0016] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the fluidic connection of the [Fig.l];

[0017] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a section of the fluidic fitting of [Fig.1], along a longitudinal plane L102 identified in [Fig.2], the fluidic fitting being in an unlocked configuration and in a coupled configuration;

[0018] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a broken section, along the longitudinal plane L102 and a plane median M102 identified in [Fig.2], of the fluidic fitting of [Fig.1] in the coupled configuration;

[0019] - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a section transverse along a VA-VA plane located in [Fig.1] and along a VB-VB plane located in figure 3a), of the fluidic connection in the uncoupled configuration and in the unlocked configuration;

[0020] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a long section gitudinale of a body and a lock belonging to the female element of [Fig.1], the body and the lock being represented in two successive configurations during the assembly of the female element;

[0021] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a long section gitudinale and a cross-section of a female element according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0022] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is an exploded perspective view of the female element of the [Fig.7];

[0023] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a long section gitudinale of a female element according to a third embodiment of the invention, represented in a disengaged configuration and in an unlocked configuration;

[0024] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a section longitudinal of a female element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and a perspective view of certain parts of the female element of the insert a);

[0025] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a section longitudinal of a female element according to a fifth embodiment of the invention and a perspective view of certain parts of the female element of the insert a), and

[0026] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a lock belonging to an element female according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0027] A fitting R according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 1]. The fitting R comprises a male element, the male element being a compact fitting 20, and a female element 100. In the context of this description, the compact fitting 20 is also simply referred to as fitting 20. The fitting R is shown here in an uncoupled configuration, with the fitting 20 positioned opposite the female element 100. The fitting 20 is configured to be partially received in the female element 100 in a coupled configuration of the fitting R, described later.

[0028] First, the tip 20 is described, which is visible in longitudinal section in [Fig.1] and in perspective in [Fig.2].

[0029] The nozzle 20 has a generally circular shape centered on a longitudinal axis A20. The nozzle 20 is hollow and provides a fluid passage P20, which is centered on the longitudinal axis A20 and opens from the nozzle 20 through a front face 22 of the nozzle 20. The fluid passage P20 defines an internal side of the nozzle 20. The internal side is therefore oriented towards the longitudinal axis A20. An external side of the nozzle 20 is also defined as a side oriented opposite to the internal side.

[0030] The front face 22 here has a ring shape and is located in a transverse plane of the tip 20, that is to say a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A20. The front face 22 is oriented towards the female element 100 in [Fig. 1] and defines a front side - also called the distal side - of the tip 20. The tip 20 also includes a rear side - also called the proximal side - which is located opposite the front side along the longitudinal axis A20.

[0031] Generally, for a part comprising a front / distal side and a rear / proximal side, a distal surface (or face) of that part refers to a surface oriented towards the front side of that part, while a proximal surface refers to a surface oriented towards the rear side. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the orientations of the various parts are given with reference to the female element 100 in the assembled configuration, as shown in Figures 1, 3a), 3b), 4 and 5.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the nozzle 20 is a so-called "turbo compact" nozzle, which comprises, on the external side going from the front face 22 towards the rear of the nozzle 20: - an inlet chamfer 24, which has a frustoconical shape centered on the longitudinal axis A20 and diverges towards the rear of the end piece 20, then - a first cylindrical part 26, which has a circular profile, then - a collar 28, which extends radially in projection relative to the first The cylindrical portion, the first flange 28, includes a conical front portion 30 and a cylindrical rear portion 32. The conical front portion 30 is centered on the longitudinal axis A20 and diverges towards the rear of the nozzle. The conical front portion 30 is interposed between the first cylindrical portion 26 and the cylindrical rear portion 32.

[0033] The tip 20 includes a circumferential groove 40. The circumferential groove 40 is recessed in the tip 20 and comprises a proximal flank 42A and a distal flank 42B, which are located opposite each other. The distal flank 42B is preferably a straight flank, that is, carried by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis A20. In the illustrated example, both the distal flank 42B and the proximal flank 42A are straight flanks. Generally, the circumferential groove 40 is located at the rear of the first cylindrical portion 26. Here, the circumferential groove 40 is recessed in the collar 28, the circumferential groove 40 being located at the front of the rear cylindrical portion 30 and near the front conical portion 30.

[0034] The female fitting element 100 comprises a hollow body 102, which provides a fluid passage P102. The passage P102 opens outside the body 102 through an opening 104, which is configured to receive the nozzle 20 and which defines a front—or distal—side of the body 102, and through a rear opening 106. The rear opening 106 includes a threaded bore, which forms means 108 for securing the body 102 to a fluid line. The fluid line is not shown. The securing means 108 define a connection axis A108.

[0035] Passage P102 defines an internal side of the body 102, and by extension of the female element 100. An external side of the body 102 is also defined as a side oriented opposite to the internal side.

[0036] The body 102 comprises a distal portion 110, in which the opening 104 is formed, the opening 104 defining a main axis A102 of the body 102. In the first embodiment of the invention, the connecting axis A108 is aligned with the main axis A102. The body 102 also comprises a proximal portion 111, in which the rear opening 106 is formed and which includes the fastening means 108. The distal portion 110 and the proximal portion 111 define respectively a front side and a rear side of the body 102 and, by extension, of the female element 100.

[0037] In the first embodiment of the invention, the body 102 is a single piece, that is to say, the distal part 110 and the proximal part 111 are made from a single piece of material. In other words, the distal part 110 and the proximal part 111 are part of the same piece, which is preferably made of metal. Alternatively, the distal and proximal parts are separate parts, which are assembled together to form the body 102 of the female element, as described later with reference to the second and third embodiments of the invention.

[0038] The distal part 110 includes a distal face 112, which is oriented towards the tip 20 and which delimits the mouth 104. The distal face 112 is a surface located in a plane perpendicular to the main axis A102.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the distal part 110 comprises, on the external side of the body 102 going from the distal face 112 towards the rear of the body 102: - an advance 114, which here provides a cylindrical surface, - an axial front stop 116, which is here formed by a collar called truncated, also referenced 116.

[0040] The front axial stop 116 here has a generally symmetrical shape with respect to a longitudinal plane L102 of the body 102, that is, a plane including the principal axis A102. A median plane M102 is defined as a plane that includes the principal axis A102 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane L102. A locking axis Z102 is defined as an axis orthogonal to the median plane M102. A transverse axis Y102 is defined as an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal plane L102. The principal axis A102, the locking axis Z102, and the transverse axis Y102 form a right trihedron.

[0041] The median plane M102 divides the body 102 - and by extension the female element 100 - into a top side and a bottom side, opposite the top side, the truncated collar 116 being located on the top side of the median plane M102. In the context of this description, the notions of top, bottom, right, left, etc., refer to the orientation of the parts as shown in the figures, bearing in mind that this may be otherwise in reality.

[0042] The truncated collar 116, which is located on the upper side of the body 102, is bounded by two lateral planes, which are parallel to each other and extend along the main axis A102. The two lateral planes truncating the collar 116 are parallel to the longitudinal plane L102. The truncated collar 116 has a distal stop face 118, which is perpendicular to the main axis A102 and is oriented towards the rear of the body 102.

[0043] On the rear of the truncated collar 116, the exterior of the body 102 has a generally cylindrical shape providing two flats, which are arranged on either side of the body 102 symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane L102 and which form two guide surfaces 119. The two guide surfaces 119 are thus symmetrical with respect to the main axis A102 and parallel to the locking axis Z102.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the distal part 110 comprises, on the inner side of the body 102 going from the distal face 112 towards the rear of the body 102: - a portion of cylindrical bore 120, then - a conical portion 122, which converges towards the rear of the body 102, then - a cylindrical portion 124, which is provided with an annular housing 126 designed to receive a seal 127, the seal 127 being intended to ensure the sealing of the connection of the tip 20 and the female element 100.

[0045] Advantageously, the body 102 provides a projection 128, which extends into the passage P102, projecting from the cylindrical portion 124 and located behind the annular housing 126. The projection 128 forms a front stop for the nozzle 20 when the nozzle 20 is inserted into the passage P102. The nozzle 20 is said to be in the inserted configuration when the nozzle 20 is received in the passage P102 and is abutting the front against the projection 128.

[0046] Advantageously, the projection 128 is an annular projection, which provides a seat 129 towards the rear of the body 102, which is configured to cooperate with closing means 130 for the fluid passage P102. The closing means 130, which belong to the female fitting element 100, include here: - a valve 132, which is movable in translation along the main axis A102 between a forward closed position, in which the valve 132 is in a tight seal against the seat 129 of the body 102 and closes the fluid passage P102, and a rear open position, in which the valve 132 does not close the fluid passage. When the valve 132 is in the forward closed position, the female element 100 is in a closed configuration, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. When the valve 132 is in the rear open position, the female element 100 is in an open configuration, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. - a valve guide 134, suitable for guiding the valve 132 in translation along the main axis A102, and - a return spring 136, which is configured to push the valve 132 from its rear open position to its front closed position.

[0047] The valve 132 is configured to be pushed by the nozzle 20 from the front closed position to the rear open position when the nozzle 20 is inserted into the opening 104.

[0048] The valve 132 here comprises a valve head 132A, which generally has a shape of revolution around the main axis A102 and in which a circular groove 132B is formed to receive a seal 132C. The valve 132 also comprises a stem 133A, which extends projecting from a rear face of the valve head 132A and which has a cylindrical shape centered on the main axis A102.

[0049] The valve guide 134 provides a tube 134A, which is centered on the main axis A102 and which is configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with the valve stem 133A, so that the valve stem 133A slides in the tube 134A. The valve guide 134A is fixed to the body 102, so that the valve 132 is guided in translation relative to the body 102 along the main axis A102.

[0050] In the first embodiment of the invention, the valve guide 134 is a separate part from the body 102. The valve guide 134 comprises, in addition to the tube 134A, a ring 134B, which is centered on the main axis A102. The valve guide 134 also comprises tabs 134C, here two in number, which connect the tube 134A to the ring 134B. In the illustrated example, the tabs 134C are diametrically opposite with respect to the main axis A102.

[0051] The ring 134B is abutted rearward against an internal stop 137, here formed by an internal circlip housed in a circular groove formed in the fluid passage P102. The internal circlip is also referred to as 137. The return spring 136 is arranged around the tube 134A and the valve stem 133A, the return spring 136 acting between the rear face of the valve head 132A and a forward-facing face of the valve guide 134. The return spring 136 thus pushes the valve 132 back towards its forward closing position, while keeping the ring 134B abutted rearward against the internal circlip 137.

[0052] In an alternative not shown, the ring 134B is also in front abutment against an inner shoulder of the fluid passage.

[0053] The valve head 132 here includes extensions 133B, of which there are two, which project from a front face of the valve head 132A parallel to the main axis A102 in the passage P102. When the valve 132 is in the forward closed position, the extensions 133B extend towards the opening 104 beyond the annular projection 128. The extensions 133B are intended to cooperate with the tip 20 when the tip 20 is inserted into the passage P102, the front face 22 of the tip 20 pushing the valve 132 back by pressing on the extensions 133B, so that the valve 132 is in the rear open position when the tip 20 is abutted against the annular projection 128.

[0054] The female element 100 also includes a lock 140. The lock 140 includes a passing ring 142, which surrounds the body 102 when the female element 100 is in the assembled configuration.

[0055] The passage ring 142 provides a generally oblong passage, which extends lengthwise parallel to the locking axis Z102. The passage ring 142 comprises an upper portion 142A, a lower portion 142B, and two arms 143. The upper portion 142A is arc-shaped and is located on the upper side of the body 102 when the female element 100 is assembled. The lower portion 142B is also arc-shaped and is located on the lower side of the body 102. The upper portion 142A and the lower portion 142B are thus located on either side of the median plane M102. The two arms 143 are located on either side of the longitudinal plane L102, in other words are located on either side of the body 102, and connect the upper portion 142A to the lower portion 142B.

[0056] Each arm 143 provides a bearing surface S143, the two bearing surfaces S143 being located opposite each other and being parallel to the locking axis Z102 and parallel to the main axis A102. In other words, the bearing surfaces S143 are each parallel to the longitudinal plane L102.

[0057] Each of the bearing surfaces S143 is located opposite a respective guide surface 119, the bearing surfaces S143 and guide surface 119 cooperating with each other, in particular by cooperation of surfaces, so as to limit the movements of the lock 140 to movements parallel to the longitudinal plane L102. In other words, the bearing surfaces S143 and guide surface 119 cooperate with each other to guide the lock between its locking position and its retraction position.

[0058] The passage ring 142 includes a proximal face 144, which extends in a plane perpendicular to the main axis A102 and which is oriented towards the rear of the body 102 when the female element 100 is in assembled configuration.

[0059] The passage ring 142 includes a distal face 146, which is oriented opposite to the proximal face 144 of the passage ring 142. Thus, the distal face 146 extends in a plane perpendicular to the main axis A102 and is oriented towards the front of the body 102.

[0060] The distal face 146 cooperates with the axial front stop 116 of the body 102, in particular by cooperation of surfaces, so as to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring 142 towards the front of the body 102. More specifically, the distal face 146 is in planar support against the distal stop face 118, so as to limit the movements of the lock 140 to movements parallel to a plane orthogonal to the main axis A102.

[0061] The female connecting element 100 also includes a rear axial stop 160, which is configured to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring 142 towards the rear of the body 102. The rear axial stop 160 ensures the rearward locking of the latch 140 along the main axis A102. Thus, the rear axial stop 160 serves to maintain the distal face 146 of the ring 142 against the distal stop face 118 of the body 102. In the first embodiment, the rear axial stop 160 is formed by a stop ring 161, which is separate from the body 102 and is here held in place by means of an external circlip 162. The stop ring 161 is described later.

[0062] It is understood that the cooperation of the surfaces of the passage ring 142 - bearing surface S143 and distal surface 146 - with the surfaces of the body 102 - guide surfaces 119 and distal stop face 118 - limits the movements of the lock 140 relative to the body 102 to translational movements parallel to the axis of the worm- Z102 rusting.

[0063] The passage ring 142 provides a passage of generally oblong shape, which extends, in its longest dimension, parallel to the locking axis Z102, so that an amplitude of the translational movement of the passage ring 142 - and by extension of the lock 140 - relative to the body 102 is limited between a high position called the "locking position", in which the lower portion 142B of the passage ring 142 is abutted against the rest of the female element 100, and a low position called the "retraction position", in which the upper portion 142A of the passage ring 142 is abutted against the rest of the female element 100. Thus the bearing surfaces S143 and guide surfaces 119 cooperate with each other so as to guide the lock 140 between its locking position and its retraction position.

[0064] When the latch 140 is in the locked position, the female element 100 is said to be in the locked configuration, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3b), 4 and 5a). When the latch 140 is in the retracted position, the female element 100 is said to be in the retracted configuration, as illustrated in Figures 3a) and 5b).

[0065] The lock 140 also includes a tooth 150, which is adapted to engage in the circumferential groove 40 of the tip 20. The tooth 150 and the circumferential groove 40 are positioned such that when the tip 20 is in the inserted position, and the lock 140 is in the locked position, the tooth 150 is received in the circumferential groove 40, preventing the tip 20 from being removed from the passage P102. When the tip 20 is in the inserted position and the lock 140 is in the retracted position, the tooth 150 does not engage in the groove 40 and does not prevent the tip 20 from being removed from the passage P102.

[0066] In the first embodiment of the invention, the lock 140 is made in one piece. In particular, the tooth 150 is formed from the material along with the rest of the lock 140.

[0067] The tooth 150 is located at a distance from the through-ring 142 and has a flattened shape, extending in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A102. The tooth 150 comprises a proximal face 152A, which is oriented towards the through-ring 142, and a distal face 152B, which is oriented opposite to the proximal face 152A. In other words, the proximal face 152A is oriented towards the rear of the female element 100 in its assembled configuration. The proximal face 152A of the tooth 150 is located opposite the distal face 112 of the body 102.

[0068] The proximal face 152A is configured to cooperate, in particular by surface cooperation, with the distal flank 42B of the circumferential groove 40. In particular, the proximal face 152A is perpendicular to the main axis A102.

[0069] Preferably, the distal face 152B is parallel to the proximal face 152A. The distal face 152B is preferably perpendicular to the main axis A102.

[0070] The tooth 150 is received in a recess in the distal face 112 of the body 102, such that the distal face 152B of the tooth 150 is accessible from the outside of the female element 100. In other words, the distal face 152B of the tooth 150 advantageously constitutes an end face of the female element 100, in particular a front end face of the female element 100.

[0071] The lock 140 also includes a tooth support 154, which is arranged outside the body 102 in the assembled configuration of the female element 100. The tooth support 154, also simply called support 154, has an elongated shape that extends along the main axis A102. The support 154 here has a generally cylindrical shape with an arcuate cross-section. The support 154 comprises a first end 155A, by which the support 154 is connected to the through ring 102, and a second end 155B, by which the support 154 is connected to the tooth 150. The tooth support 154 extends from the through ring 102 towards the front of the body 102. Thus the tooth 150 of the lock 140 is axially offset, along the main axis A102 towards the front of the through ring 142.

[0072] The lock 140 also includes an actuating clevis 156 of the lock 140. The actuating clevis 156 extends from the passing ring 142 towards the rear of the body 102. The actuating clevis 156 here has a generally cylindrical shape with an arc-shaped cross-section and extends from the passing ring 142 towards the rear of the body 102.

[0073] The actuating bracket 156 provides an actuating surface S156, which extends along the main axis A102, from the passage ring 102, towards the rear of the female element 100. The actuating surface S156 is generally parallel to the main axis A102 and has a normal that is generally parallel to the locking axis Z102 and is oriented upwards. The tooth 150 of the lock 140 is axially offset, along the main axis A102, relative to the actuating surface S156.

[0074] The actuation surface S156 extends from the upper portion 142A of the through ring 142 towards the rear of the body 102, while the tooth support 154 connects the tooth 150 to the lower portion 142B of the through ring 142. Thus, the actuation surface S156 is located opposite the tooth 150 with respect to the main axis A102. The two connecting arms 143 of the through ring 142 join the tooth support 154 to the actuation surface S156.

[0075] When the end piece 20 and the female element 100 are connected, the female element 100 does not protrude axially from the circumferential groove 40 of the end piece 20. Disconnecting the fitting R is very accessible, because the actuation surface S156 is offset towards the rear of the female element 100.

[0076] The female element 100 also includes retrieval means 170, which are configured to return the lock 140 to its locked position. The return means 170 are here achieved by a compression spring 171, which is interposed between the upper portion 142A of the passage ring 142 and the body 102. One end of the compression spring 171 is received in a housing 172, which is provided in the body 102 and which holds the compression spring in position relative to the body 102, so that the compression spring 171 acts in a direction substantially parallel to the locking axis Z102 to return the lock 140 to its locked position.

[0077] The stop ring 161, which forms the rear axial stop 160, is now described.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the retaining ring 161 is made in one piece. The retaining ring 161 surrounds the body 102, in particular the rear part of the body 102, and is configured to be put in place from the rear of the body 102. The retaining ring 161 here has an annular portion 164, which extends along the main axis A102 and on which is formed a lower bulge, which extends radially to the main axis A102 and which forms a stop 166.

[0079] The stop ring 161 provides a distal face 165, which extends in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A102. In the assembled configuration of the female element 100, the distal face 165 of the stop ring 161 is located opposite the proximal face 144 of the passage ring 142, so as to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring 142, and by extension of the lock 140, towards the rear of the body 102.

[0080] The cleat 166 has a so-called counter-support surface S166, the counter-support surface S166 being globally parallel to the main axis A102 and having a normal which is globally parallel to the locking axis Z102 and which is here oriented downwards.

[0081] The counter-support surface S166 is thus oriented opposite to the actuation surface S156. More generally, the counter-support surface S166 is opposite to the actuation surface S156 with respect to the main axis A102.

[0082] When the female element 100 is in the assembled configuration, the stop ring 161 is partially covered by the actuating clevis 156, the stop 166 emerging from the actuating clevis 156. In particular, the counter-support surface S166 emerges from the actuating clevis 156 and remains accessible from outside the female element 100.

[0083] The stop 166 cooperates with the actuating clevis 156, in particular by cooperation of shapes, so as to prevent rotational movements of the stop ring 161 relative to the body 102 around the main axis A102. Thus the stop ring 161, and in particular the counter-support surface S166 are fixed relative to the body 102.

[0084] The operator can thus maneuver the lock 140, between the locking and retraction positions of the lock 140 and against the return means 171, by pressing simul tanement on the actuation surface S156 and the counter-support surface S166 of the rear axial stop 160.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the counter-support surface S166 is a surface of the stop ring 161. In other alternative embodiments described later, the counter-support surface is provided differently, in particular a surface provided by the body 102.

[0086] The assembly of the female element 100 is now described. The assembly of the female element 100 comprises the following steps.

[0087] Preferably, the internal elements of the female element 100 are put in place first: - Place the seal 127 in the annular housing 126. - Install the obturators 130 in the body 102. To do this, thread through the rear of passage P102 the valve, 132 the valve return spring 136, the valve guide 134 and the internal circlip 137.

[0088] Thread the lock 140 through the rear of the body 102, as illustrated in figures 6a) and 6b), until the lock 140 butts against the truncated collar 116 of the body 102 - more precisely until the passage ring 142 is in contact with the axial front stop 116 of the body 102 -.

[0089] The proximal face 152A of the tooth 150 is then located opposite the distal face 112 of the body 102. Next, as illustrated in figure 6b), tilt the lock relative to the body 102 while maintaining the proximal face 152A of the tooth 150 opposite the distal face 112 of the body 102, so as to free access to the housing 172, and allow the spring 171 to be put in place. Then replace the lock 140 against the collar 116.

[0090] Next, the rear axial stop 160 is put in place to prevent the translational movements of the lock towards the rear of the body 102. To do this, the stop ring 161 is inserted from the rear of the body 102, under the actuating clevis 156, the stop 166 being located opposite the actuating surface S156 with respect to the main axis A102, until the stop ring 161 butts against the lock 140. Then, the stop ring 161 is axially immobilized by putting in place the external circlip 162.

[0091] The coupling of the R fitting is now described.

[0092] To couple the female element 100 and the nozzle 20, first align the main axis A102 of the female element 100 and the longitudinal axis A20 of the nozzle 20, the front face 22 of the nozzle 20 being oriented towards the mouth 104 of the female element 100. The fitting R is then in the configuration of [Fig.1].

[0093] Next, bring the tip 20 closer to the female element 100 along the main axis A102, in a coming-close movement.

[0094] During the approach, the conical front part 30 of the collar 28 enters contact with tooth 150 pushes tooth 150 back, moving lock 140 from its locked position to its retracted position. Tooth 150 rubs against the outer surface of tip 20.

[0095] The first cylindrical part 26 of the nozzle cooperates with the seal 127 of the female element 100, ensuring the sealing of the fitting R. Then, the end of the nozzle 20 comes into contact with the extensions 133B of the valve head 132, driving the valve 132 towards its open position.

[0096] The approach movement continues until the end piece 20 comes to rest against the projection 128. The fitting R is then in the configuration of figure 3a).

[0097] When the tooth 150 of the lock 150 reaches the circumferential groove 40 of the nozzle 20, the tooth 150 enters the circumferential groove 40 under the effect of the return spring 171 of the lock 140. The lock 140 thus returns to its locked position, as illustrated in Figure 3b). The female element 100 and the nozzle 20 are then connected and the fluid flow is free, the fitting R being in the connected configuration.

[0098] From the connected configuration, to disengage the fitting R, it is necessary to actuate the lock 140 by pressing on the actuating surface S156 of the actuating bracket 156. The lock 140 thus moves from its locked position to the retracted position. The tooth 150 then disengages from the circumferential groove 40, as illustrated in Figure 3a). By grasping the fitting R between the actuating surface S156 and the counter-support surface S166, the operator can easily actuate the lock 140.

[0099] It is then possible to move the tip 20 away from the female element 100, by a moving motion, which is a translational movement parallel to the main axis A102. During this moving motion, the valve 132, pushed back by the return spring 136, returns to its position before closing.

[0100] Alternative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in figures 7 to 12.

[0101] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the analogous elements to Those in the other embodiments share the same references and function in the same way. The following primarily describes the differences between each embodiment and the preceding one(s).

[0102] A female element 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 7 and 8.

[0103] One of the main differences with the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the body 102 of the female element 200 is formed of several parts assembled together. The body 102 here is formed of two parts, the two parts including a distal part 210 and a proximal part 211, which are distinct parts and are assembled together to form the body 102 of the female element 200. The passage P102 is thus formed by the union of an anterior portion, which is delimited by the distal part 210, and a rear portion, which is delimited by the proximal part 211 of the body 102.

[0104] The distal portion 210 comprises the mouth 104, the collar 116, the spring housing 172, and the valve seat 129. The proximal portion 211 comprises the rear axial locking stop 160 and the means 108 for securing the fluid line. The distal face 165, the stop 166, and the counter-support surface S166 are herein considered elements of the proximal portion 211.

[0105] The distal face 165 defines a front side of the proximal part 211, in which a bore 212 is provided for receiving the distal part 210. An internal groove 214 is provided in the recess in the bore 212, the female element 200 also comprising a sealing gasket 216, which is received in the internal groove and which is provided to ensure sealing between the proximal part 211 and the distal part 210 when the distal part 210 is received in the bore 212.

[0106] The distal part 210 and proximal part 211 are here joined together by means of a screw 218, which allows the relative angular orientation of the distal part 210 to be defined with respect to the proximal part 211 around the main axis A102.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the internal stop 137 is made by means of a projection, which is part of the proximal part 211.

[0108] The assembly of the female element 200 is now described.

[0109] Preferably, first the seal 127 is placed in annular housing 126.

[0110] Pre-assemble the obturation means 130 to the proximal part 211 of the body 102, so as to form a rear sub-assembly of the female element 200: - by placing the sealing gasket 216 in the internal groove 214 of the receiving bore 212 of the distal part 210 of the body 102, - by threading the valve guide 134, the valve return spring 136 and the valve 132 into the fluid passage P102 and through the front of the distal part 211.

[0111] Pre-assemble the lock 140 to the distal part 210, so as to form a front sub-assembly of the female element 200: - by threading the lock 140 through the rear of the distal part 210, until the lock 140 butts against the collar 116, more precisely until the passage ring 142 is in contact with the axial stop before 116; - then, by putting in place the return spring 171 of the lock 140 by tilting the lock 140 relative to the distal part 210, by inserting the return spring 171 into the housing 172 by replacing the lock 140 against the collar 116.

[0112] Next, assemble the front and rear subassemblies of the female element 200. For This involves bringing the front and rear sub-assemblies of the female element 200 together, so as to insert the distal part 210 into the bore 212 of the proximal part 211 and form the passage P102. The seal 216 ensures a tight seal between the distal part 210 and the proximal part 211, while the valve 132 cooperates with the seat 129 to close the passage P102.

[0113] Next, join the distal 210 and proximal 211 parts of the body 102 by putting in and tightening the screw 218. The female element 200 is then in the configuration of [Fig.7].

[0114] A female element 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.9].

[0115] As in the second embodiment, the body of the female element is made in two parts, which include a distal part 310 and a proximal part 311 and which are assembled by a screw 218.

[0116] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment primarily in that the proximal portion 311 of the body comprises means for securing 108 to a conduit, which are arranged at right angles to the main axis A102. In other words, the proximal portion 311 of the body 102 is angled. More generally, the connecting axis A108 intersects the main axis A102 and forms an angle with it. Preferably, the connecting axis A108 is orthogonal to the main axis A102.

[0117] Advantageously, the proximal portion 311 also serves as a valve guide. In the illustrated example, the proximal portion 311 includes a tube 334A, which projects into the rear portion of the passage P102. The tube 334A is configured to cooperate, notably through complementary shapes, with the valve stem 133A, so that the valve stem 133A slides within the tube 334A. In other words, the guide tube 334A for the valve stem 133A is integral with the proximal portion 311.

[0118] A female element 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 10]. The female element 400 of the fourth embodiment resembles the female element 100 of the first embodiment in that the body 102 is one piece.

[0119] The female element 400 of the fourth embodiment differs from the female element 100 of the first embodiment primarily in that: - the actuating clevis 156 of the lock 140 is tubular and completely surrounds the body 102. The actuating clevis 156 has, in its lower part, a hole 458. The hole 458 is preferably cylindrical and is arranged opposite, with respect to the main axis A102, the actuating surface S156. - The female element 400 includes a stop ring 461, which is made in several parts.

[0120] In the illustrated example, the stop ring 461 comprises, in addition to the annular portion 164, a pin 468, which extends in projection relative to the annular portion 164 and which provides the counter-support surface S166. The actuating clevis 156 surrounds the annular portion 164 of the stop ring 161, the hole 458 being arranged to allow the passage of the pin 468, the counter-support surface S166 being accessible from the outside of the actuating clevis 166 regardless of the position of the lock 140.

[0121] In the illustrated example, the pin 468 comprises a lower cylinder 469A and an upper cylinder 469B, which are separated by at least one groove 470, here two grooves. An axial slot 465 is provided in the annular portion 164 for the passage of the groove 470 of the pin 468. A recess 471 is provided in the body 102 to receive a portion of the upper cylinder 469B.

[0122] When the stop ring 461 is mounted, the pin 468 is fixed relative to the body 102. The end face of the lower cylinder 469A forms the counter-support surface S166, which is accessible from outside the female element 400. The operator can then easily unlock the fitting R by simultaneously pressing on the actuating surface S156 and the counter-support surface S166.

[0123] Assembling the female connecting element 400 involves the following steps.

[0124] Preferably, first, the seal 127 is placed in the annular housing 126.

[0125] Install the sealing means 130 in the body 102. To do this, insert the valve 132, the valve return spring 136, the valve guide 134, and the internal circlip 137 through the rear of the passage P102. Then, insert the locking pin 140 through the rear of the body 102 until the locking pin 140 abuts against the truncated collar 116 of the body 102—more precisely, until the passage ring 142 is bearing against the front axial stop 116 of the body 102.

[0126] The proximal face 152A of the tooth 150 is then positioned opposite the distal face 112 of the body 102. Next, as illustrated in Figure 6b), tilt the lock relative to the body 102 while maintaining the proximal face 152A of the tooth 150 opposite the distal face 112 of the body 102, so as to free access to the housing 172, and allow the spring 171 to be installed. Then replace the lock 140 against the collar 116. The housing 471 of the body 102 is then aligned, along the locking axis Z102, with the hole 458 of the lock 140.

[0127] Next, insert the upper cylinder 469B of the pin 468 into the housing 471 of the body 102, then insert the rear stop ring 461 by threading it through the rear of the body 102 and under the actuating clevis 156 of the lock 140, until the stop ring 461 butts against the lock 140. Then, axially immobilize the stop ring 461 by installing the external circlip 162.

[0128] The stop ring 461 of the fourth embodiment is easier to manufacture than the stop ring 161 of the first embodiment.

[0129] A female element 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 11].

[0130] The female element 500 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the connecting element 400 of the fourth embodiment of the invention mainly in that the stop ring 461 has a stud 569, which is formed in projection on the annular portion 164, which extends radially to the main axis A102 and in which a tapped hole is formed, the pin 468 being screwed onto the stud 569 by means of a screw 570. The counter-support surface S166 is here formed in part by a head of the screw 570 and by the pin 468.

[0131] The pin 468 is thus easily replaceable, without having to dismantle the rest of the female element 500.

[0132] A lock 640 belonging to a female element according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 12].

[0133] In each of the preceding embodiments, the lock is monobloc, that is to say, made from a single piece. In particular, the tooth 150 is formed from the material along with the rest of the lock 140. The lock has a relatively complex shape. However, during each connection / disconnection cycle of the fitting, the tooth rubs against the end piece 20 and tends to wear down, which may lead to disassembling the female element to replace the lock.

[0134] In the sixth embodiment, the female element comprises a latch 640 with a tooth 650, which is an added component to the rest of the latch 640. In particular, the tooth 650 is fixed to the rest of the latch 640 by means of reversible fasteners, here by means of two screws 652. It is thus possible to replace the tooth 650 without having to disassemble the rest of the female element. Another advantage is that the latch 640 can be made of two different materials, the tooth 650 preferably being made of metal, to resist wear, while the rest of the latch 640 is preferably made of a synthetic polymer material. Thus, the rest of the latch 640 can be mass-produced by hot injection molding, which is more economical and lighter than manufacturing the entire latch in metal.

[0135] In all the illustrated embodiments, the female element is designed for connection with a compact turbo-type fitting 20. The invention is, of course, not limited to this type of compact turbo fitting but can also be applied to any type of fitting having a circumferential groove, such as, for example, a cylindrical tube with a simple straight-sided groove.

[0136] The embodiments and variants mentioned above may be combined together to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) for quick fluidic connection to a nozzle (20) having a circumferential groove (40), this female element comprising: • a body (102), which provides a passage for fluid (P102) and which comprises: • a distal part (110; 210; 310), from which the passage opens through a mouthpiece (104) configured to receive the tip (20) in a socketed configuration of the tip (20), the mouthpiece (104) defining a main axis (A 102) of the body (102), • a proximal part (111; 211; 311), which includes means for securing (108) to a fluid conduit, the distal part (110; 210; 310) and the proximal part (111; 211; 311) respectively defining a front side and a rear side of the body (102) and of the female element, • a lock (140; 640), which includes: • a passing ring (142), which surrounds the body (102) and, • a tooth (150; 650), which is able to penetrate the circumferential groove (40) of the tip (20), • an actuation surface (S156), which is located opposite the tooth (150; 650) with respect to the main axis (A 102), the lock being movable in translation along a locking axis (Z102) perpendicular to the main axis (A102) between a locking position, in which the tooth (150; 650) enters the circumferential groove (40) of the tip (20) in the fitted configuration, and a retraction position, in which the tooth (150; 650) does not enter the circumferential groove, • a means of returning (170) the lock to its locked position, wherein: • the lock (140; 640) comprises a tooth support (154), which is arranged outside the body (102), which has an elongated shape with a first end (155A), by which the tooth support (154) is connected to the through ring (142), and a second end (155B), by which the tooth support (154) is connected to the tooth (150; 650), the tooth being axially offset forward from the through ring (142), • the actuating surface (S156) extends along the main axis (A102) rearward from the through ring (142), • the through ring (142) comprises a proximal face (144), which extends in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (A102) and is oriented rearward, • the female element (100; 200; 300; 400;500) includes a rear axial locking stop (160), which provides a distal face (165) located opposite the proximal face (144) of the passage ring (142), the rear axial stop (160) being configured to prevent axial displacement of the passage ring (142) towards the rear of the body (102).

2. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein: • the tooth (150; 650) comprises a proximal face (152A) and a distal face (152B), which is oriented opposite the proximal face and is perpendicular to the principal axis (A102), • the proximal face (152A) of the tooth is located opposite a distal face (112) of the body (102), • the distal face (152B) of the tooth constitutes an end face of the female element.

3. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: • the body (102) provides a front axial stop (118), which is located opposite the distal face (165) of the locking stop (160), • the passing ring (142) includes a distal face (146), which is oriented opposite to the proximal face (144) of the passing ring and which cooperates with the axial front stop (118) of the body (102) so as to prevent axial displacement of the passing ring (142) towards the front of the body (102).

4. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to claim 3, wherein: • the lock (140; 640) and the body (102) are shaped so as to allow the lock (140; 640) to be put in place by a proximal end of the body (102), until the passage ring (142) is in contact with the front axial stop (118) of the body.

5. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: • the passage ring (142) comprises two connecting arms (143) from the tooth support (154) to the actuating surface (S 156), the two arms being located on either side of the body (102), • each arm provides a bearing surface (S 143), the two bearing surfaces being located opposite each other and parallel to the locking axis (Z102) and parallel to the main axis (A 102), • the body (102) comprises two guiding surfaces (119), which are provided on either side of the body (102), which are parallel to each other and each parallel to the main axis (A 102), • each support surfaces are located opposite a respective guide surface, the support and guide surfaces cooperating with each other so as to guide the lock (140;640) between its locking position and its retracted position.;

6. Female element (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: • the body (102) is a single piece, the distal part (110) and the proximal part (111) being part of the same piece, • the rear axial stop (160) of the lock (140; 640) is a stop ring (161; 461), which is separate from the body (102) and which surrounds the body, • the body (102) and the rear axial stop (160) are configured to allow the rear axial stop (160) to be put in place from the rear of the body.

7. Female element (100) according to claim 6, wherein: • the stop ring (161) provides a counter-support surface (S 166), which is accessible from outside the female element, which is fixed with respect to the body (102) and which is located opposite the actuation surface (S156) with respect to the main axis (A 102).

8. Female element (400; 500) according to claim 6, wherein: • the female element comprises a pin (468), which is integral with the stop ring (461), • the pin provides a counter-support surface (S 166), which is accessible from outside the female element, which is fixed with respect to the body (102) and which is located opposite the actuation surface (S156) with respect to the main axis (A102).

9. Female element (200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: • the distal portion (210; 310) and the proximal portion (211; 311) are separate parts, which are assembled together to form the body (102), • the distal portion (210; 310) forms the mouth (104) of the fitting and includes the front axial stop (118) of the lock (140; 640), • the proximal portion (211; 311) forms the rear stop of the lock (160) and includes the means for securing (108) with the fluid conduit.

10. Female element (200) according to claim 9, wherein: • the proximal part (211) of the body (102) provides a counter-support surface (S166), which is accessible from outside the female element, which is fixed with respect to the body (102) and which is located opposite the actuation surface (S156) with respect to the main axis (A102).

11. Female element (300) according to claim 9, wherein: • the fastening means (108) define a connection axis (A108) with the fluid conduit, • the connection axis (A108) is orthogonal to the main axis (A102).

12. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: • the female element comprises axial stop means (162) for the rear stop of the lock.

13. Female element (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: • the female element comprises means for closing the fluid passage (P102), the closing means comprising: • a valve (132), which is movable in translation along the main axis (A102) between a forward closed position, in which the valve is sealed against a seat (129) of the body (102) and closes the fluid passage (P102), and a rear open position, in which the valve does not close the fluid passage, • a valve guide (134) adapted to guide the valve (132) in translation along the main axis (A102), and • a valve return spring (136) in its shutter position, the valve (132) is configured to be pushed by the tip (20) from the front closing position to the rear opening position when the tip (20) is introduced into the mouthpiece (104).

Images