Fluid line coupling device fitting
The secure fitting system with a fixed retention mechanism addresses the issue of component displacement in fluid conduit coupling devices by using translational and rotational locking stops to maintain the controlled fluid circulation element, enhancing safety and reliability in fluid transfer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CRYOPAL
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluid conduit coupling devices face safety issues due to the circlip being partially seated in the groove during assembly, leading to potential dislodgment and displacement of components, which can result in cryogenic burns and excessive opening of the connection.
A secure fitting system with a fixed retention mechanism that includes a flat at the base of the guide and retaining element and impressions on the longitudinal body, utilizing translational and rotational locking stops to securely hold the controlled fluid circulation element in place, ensuring stable operation throughout the fitting's service life.
The secure fitting system effectively prevents component displacement, reducing the risk of cryogenic burns and ensuring reliable fluid transfer by maintaining the controlled fluid circulation element in a fixed position, facilitating easy assembly and enhancing safety.
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Fluid line coupling device fitting. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of fluid conduit coupling devices, and more particularly of cryogenic fluid.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a fitting for a fluid conduit coupling device. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Coupling devices are known to transfer fluids, including cryogenic fluids, from a storage tank to a mobile use tank.
[0004] To achieve this, the coupling device comprises a first male fitting and a second female fitting, which are poppet valves whose ends are butted together. Each valve has a fluid passage orifice from which a poppet protrudes, supported by a spring. In the rest position, the spring keeps the poppets engaged in their respective fluid passage orifices, the fitting thus being in the closed position. Coupling the fittings causes the springs, and therefore the poppets, to move. Under the effect of the coupling, the movement of the poppets creates a passage orifice. The device as a whole then moves from a position in which both male and female fittings are closed to a position in which both male and female fittings are open, ensuring the transfer of fluid through the coupling device.
[0005] The fittings are generally made up first of all of a longitudinal body which extends from a junction end to a pipe to a coupling end to the second fitting, which coupling end has a fluid passage orifice in fluidic communication with a flow channel provided in the longitudinal body and which extends from the coupling end to the junction end thus ensuring the circulation of the fluid when the two fittings are open.
[0006] The fittings also include a controlled fluid circulation element housed in the longitudinal body and comprising: • the valve comprising a valve head mounted on a stem, which valve head is movable longitudinally between a clear position in which the passage orifice is open, and a closed, airtight position in which the passage orifice is sealed, • a guide and retaining element for the valve comprising a first part having a central area for the longitudinal housing of the valve stem from which the valve head protrudes on the side of the passage orifice, and a base of larger diameter than the first, and • a compressed spring extending longitudinally around the first part of the valve guide and retaining member from the valve head to the base of the valve guide and retaining member.
[0007] The retention of these three parts, valve, guide and retaining element and spring of the controlled circulation of the fluid in the longitudinal body, is generally achieved by means of a circlip surrounding the base of the guide element and housed in a groove formed on the inner face of the longitudinal body of the fitting.
[0008] This retaining system creates safety problems, most often resulting from the circlip being only partially seated in the groove during the assembly of the controlled fluid circulation element in the longitudinal body. This leads to a risk of the circlip being completely dislodged, resulting in displacement of the components of the controlled fluid circulation element, excessive opening of the connection, and thus a risk of cryogenic burns for the user.
[0009] In this context, the invention relates to a fitting in which the controlled fluid circulation element is securely held in the longitudinal body throughout the fitting's service life. The invention also relates to a fitting in which the mounting of the controlled fluid circulation element in the longitudinal body is facilitated. Summary of the invention
[0010] The fitting of the invention is intended to form the male or female part of a fluid conduit coupling device, and comprises: - a longitudinal body (2) extending from a junction end to a conduit (3) to a coupling end (4) to a second cooperating fitting of the coupling device, which coupling end (4) has a fluid passage orifice (5) in fluidic communication with a flow channel (6) formed in the longitudinal body (2) and extending from the coupling end (4) to the junction end (3), and - a controlled fluid circulation device (13) housed in the longitudinal body (2) and comprising: • a valve (7) comprising a valve head (8) mounted on a stem (14), which valve head (8) is longitudinally movable between a clear position in which the passage orifice (5) is open, and a closed, sealed position in which the passage orifice (5) is closed, • a guide and retaining element for the valve (15) comprising a first part (16) having a central longitudinal housing area for the valve stem (18) (7) from which the valve head (8) projects on the side of the passage orifice (5), and a base (17) of larger diameter than the first part (16), and • a compressed spring (9) extending longitudinally around the first part (16) of the guide and retaining member of the valve (15) from the valve head (8) to the base (17) of the guide and retaining member of the valve (15), said fitting being characterized in that it comprises a system for fixedly retaining the controlled fluid circulation element (19) in the longitudinal body (2) comprising: - at least one flat (20) which is formed at the free end (23) of the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) on the side opposite the valve (7) and which defines a shoulder (21) which extends into a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end (23) of said base (17), and - an impression (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2) comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in contact by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotation blocking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in contact with the translation blocking stop (26).
[0011] The fitting of the invention may also include the following optional features considered individually or according to all possible technical combinations: - the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has a section defining at least two longitudinal end edges (33), the free end of each longitudinal edge (33) on the side opposite the valve (7) has a flat (20) defining a shoulder (21) which extends by a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end of said edge (33), and the system for fixedly holding the controlled fluid circulation element (13) comprises at least two indentations (24) made at a perimeter distance from each other on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), each receiving a flat (20), and each comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in contact by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotation blocking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in contact with the translation blocking stop (26). The base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has a substantially triangular cross-section defining three longitudinal end edges (33). The free end of each longitudinal edge (33) on the side opposite the valve (7) has a flat (20) defining a shoulder (21) which extends into a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end of said edge (33). The fixed retaining system of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) comprises at least three recesses (24) formed at perimeter distances from each other on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), each receiving a flat (20), and each comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in contact by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotation blocking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in contact with the translation blocking stop (26). the longitudinal body (2) has a cylindrical main wall (31), the indentations (24) are distributed annularly and regularly on the face internal circular (25) of the cylindrical wall (31) of the longitudinal body (2) and define as many translational guide spaces (34) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) whose width (11) is at least equal to the width (12) of each longitudinal edge (33) of the base (17) of the guide element (15). - the projecting translational blocking stop (26) and the two projecting rotational blocking stops (27) of each cavity (24) are connected to the cylindrical wall (31) of the longitudinal body (2) by curved surfaces (32,32a). - the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has at least two longitudinal recesses (35,36) made in its thickness and opening at the lower face (23) of said base (27). - one of the two longitudinal recesses (36) forms a guide recess for the stem (14) of the valve (7) of the controlled circulation element of the fluid (13).
[0012] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of mounting the fitting as previously defined, which is characterized in that it comprises at least the steps of: - introducing the controlled fluid circulation element (13) into the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1) from the junction end (3), and holding said element (13) above the impression(s) (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), - rotation of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) held above the indentation(s) (24), and positioning of each flat (20) longitudinally opposite a corresponding translational locking stop (26), and - release of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1), which results in the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) being held in contact with the translational locking stop (26) by the return force of the spring (9), the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) being arranged annularly between the two rotational locking stops (27).
[0013] When the fitting has a longitudinal body (2) comprising a cylindrical main wall (31), and the indentations (24) are annularly and regularly distributed on the circular inner face (25) of the cylindrical wall (31) of the longitudinal body (2) and define as many translational guide spaces (34) for the controlled fluid circulation element (13) whose width (11) is at least equal to the width (12) of each longitudinal edge (33) of the base (17) of the guide element (15), the method of the invention comprises at least the steps of: - introduction of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) into the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1) from the junction end (3) by sliding each longitudinal edge (33) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) into a cooperating guide space (34) of the longitudinal body (2) and holding said element (13) above the impression(s) (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), - rotation of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) held above the indentation(s) (24), and positioning of each flat (20) longitudinally opposite a corresponding translational locking stop (26), and - release of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1), which results in the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) being held in contact with the translational locking stop (26) by the return force of the spring (9), the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) being thus arranged annularly between the two rotational locking stops (27).
[0014] The invention also relates to a fluid conduit coupling device, characterized in that it comprises a first fitting (1) as previously defined forming a male part and a second cooperating fitting (1') forming a female part, the second fitting comprising: - a longitudinal body (2') which extends from a junction end (3') to a second conduit to a coupling end (4') which surrounds the coupling end (4) of the first fitting (1), which coupling end (4') has a fluid passage orifice (5') in fluidic communication with a flow channel (6') formed in the longitudinal body (2') and which extends from the coupling end (4') to the junction end (3'), - a valve (7') disposed in the flow channel (6') of the longitudinal body (2') and comprising a valve head (8') located at the passage orifice (5') of the coupling end (4') of the longitudinal body (2'), and which is movable longitudinally in the flow channel (6') by means of actuation (9') between a clear position in which the passage orifice (5') is open, and a sealed position in which the passage orifice (5') is closed by a sealed contact between the valve head (8') and a frustoconical valve head seat (10') provided in the longitudinal body (2') and in the extension of the passage orifice (5'), and in that the respective valve heads (8, 8') of the first and second fittings (1, 1') are in longitudinal contact and alternately subjected, by the actuation means (9) associated with the valve head (8) of the first fitting (1) and the actuation means (9') associated with the valve head (8') of the second fitting (1'), in cooperation with the relative position of the respective coupling ends (4,4') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings, at a concomitant position of clearance of the fluid passage orifices (5,5') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings, and at a concomitant position of closure of the fluid passage orifices (5,5') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings.
[0015] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:
[0017] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional representation of the fitting of the invention when the valve is in the position of closing the fluid passage orifice;
[0018] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional representation of the fluid conduit coupling device of the invention when the fluid passage orifices of the first and second fittings are simultaneously closed by their respective valves;
[0019] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional representation of the fluid connection zone of the fluid conduit coupling device of the invention when the fluid passage orifices of the first and second fittings are simultaneously cleared;
[0020] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective representation of the controlled circulation element of the fitting of the invention according to the described embodiment variant;
[0021] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the underside of the guide and retaining element of the valve of the controlled fluid circulation element of the fitting of the invention;
[0022] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is an enlarged view of the framed part VI of the [Fig.5];
[0023] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a schematic side view representation of the guide and retaining element of the valve of the controlled fluid circulation element of the fitting of the invention;
[0024] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is an enlarged view of the framed part VIII of the [Fig.7];
[0025] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic perspective representation of the footprints made on the inner face of the longitudinal body and able to cooperate with the flats of the free end of the base of the guide and retaining element of the valve;
[0026] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is an enlarged view of an imprint;
[0027] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic perspective representation of the fixed retention system of the controlled fluid circulation element in the longitudinal body comprising the flat made at the free end of the base of the guide and retaining element of the valve and a corresponding imprint made on the internal face of the longitudinal body, the flat being in contact with the blocking stop in translation;
[0028] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the fixed retention system of the controlled fluid circulation element in the longitudinal body illustrating the positioning of the bearing surface of the flat of the base of the guide and retaining element of the valve between the rotation blocking stops of the corresponding footprint;
[0029] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 15] Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the assembly sequences of the controlled circulation organ in the longitudinal body, respectively the step of introducing the circulation organ into the longitudinal body ([Fig. 13]), the step of holding it over the impressions ([Fig. 14]) and the step of rotating and releasing the controlled circulation organ in the longitudinal body ([Fig. 15]). DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] It is first specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.
[0031] It is also specified that the figures represent a variant of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.
[0032] The present invention relates primarily to a secure fitting forming part of a fluid line coupling device. The fitting of the invention provides a system for fixedly retaining the controlled fluid circulation element without added parts, and in which the cooperation between the various elements constituting said system ensures the secure mounting of the controlled fluid circulation element in the longitudinal body of the fitting.
[0033] The fitting of the invention and its contextualization of operation in the coupling device are described first with reference to figures 1 to 3.
[0034] With reference to [Fig. 1], the male fitting 1 comprises a longitudinal body 2 which extends from a junction end to a pipe 3 (the pipe is not shown) to a coupling end 4 to a second female fitting 1' cooperating with the coupling device - (figures 2 and 3), which coupling end 4 has a fluid passage orifice 5 in fluidic communication with a flow channel 6 provided in the longitudinal body 2 and which extends inside the longitudinal body 2 from the coupling end 4 to the junction end 3.
[0035] The male fitting 1 further comprises a valve 7 which is disposed in the flow channel 6 of the longitudinal body 2 on the coupling end side. The main axis XX' of the valve 7 extends along the main axis XX' of the longitudinal body 2. The valve 7 comprises a valve head 8 which is located at the passage orifice 5 of the coupling end 4 of the longitudinal body 2. The valve head 8 extends longitudinally between a free end 11 and a junction base 15 with a longitudinal stem 17, which stem 17 extends in a tubular guide 18 of the fitting 1 forming a longitudinal guide means for the stem 17 in the fitting 1.
[0036] The valve head 8 is movable longitudinally in the fitting 1 and more particularly in the flow channel 6 towards its position of closing the passage orifice 5, by the application of a force F on said valve head 8 by actuation means 9, here a helical spring surrounding the tubular guide 18 and extending longitudinally to the base of the valve head 8. When no external force is applied to the valve head 8, the spring 9 at rest exerts a force Flm against the base of the valve head 8, driving the valve head 8 into the passage orifice 5 in a sealed position in which the passage orifice 5 is closed by a sealed contact between the valve head 8 and a frustoconical valve head seat 10 formed in the longitudinal body 2 and in the internal extension of the passage opening 5.In this position, the free end 11 of the valve head 8 extends into the passage orifice 5, protruding from the coupling end 4.
[0037] The valve 8 is also movable longitudinally in the fitting 1, and more particularly in the flow channel 6, towards a clear position ([Fig.3]) by the action of a force Fl exerted from outside the fitting 1 on the free end 11 of the valve head 8 which causes the spring 9 to compress and the opening of the fluid passage orifice 5.
[0038] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the fluid line coupling device comprises the male fitting 1 described above, and a second female fitting 1' which has a longitudinal body 2' extending from a junction end to a second line 3' (the second line is not shown) to a coupling end 4' which surrounds the coupling end 4 of the male fitting 1, presenting a recess for the coupling end 4 having a bottom 19' opposite the coupling end 4 of the male fitting 1. As with the male fitting 1, the coupling end 4' has a liquid passage orifice 5' in fluidic communication with a flow channel 6' formed in the longitudinal body 2' and extending from the coupling end 4' to the junction end 3'.
[0039] The female fitting 1' includes a valve 7' which is disposed in the flow channel 6' of the longitudinal body 2' and which includes a valve head 8' located at the passage orifice 5' of the coupling end 4' of the longitudinal body 2', and which is movable longitudinally in the flow channel 6' between a clear position in which the passage orifice 5' is open, and a closed, watertight grip position in which the passage orifice 5' is closed by watertight contact between the valve head 8' and the frustoconical valve head seat 10' via a sealing gasket 18'.
[0040] As with the first fitting 1, the valve head 8' of the female fitting 1' is movable longitudinally within the fitting 1', and more particularly within the flow channel 6', towards its position of closing the passage orifice 5', by applying a force F' to said valve head 8' by means of actuation 9', here a helical spring surrounding the valve stem 7' and extending longitudinally to the valve head 8'. When no external force is applied to the valve head 8', the spring 9' at rest exerts a force F' against the base 15' of the valve 8', driving the valve head 8' into the passage orifice 5' in a sealed position in which the passage orifice 5' is closed. In this position, the free end 11' of the valve head 8' extends into the passage orifice 5' by protruding from the coupling end 4'.
[0041] The valve head 8' is also movable longitudinally in the fitting 1', and more particularly in the flow channel 6', towards a clear position ([Fig.3]) by the action of a force Fl' exerted from outside the fitting 1' on the free end 11' of the valve head 8' which causes the spring 9' to compress and the opening of the fluid passage orifice 5'.
[0042] In operation, the respective valve heads 8,8' of the valves 7,7' of the male 1 and female 1' fittings are in longitudinal contact support and are alternately subjected to a concomitant position of clearance of the fluid passage orifices 5,5' of the first 1 and second 1' fittings ([Fig.3]), and to a concomitant position of closure of the fluid passage orifices 5,5' of the first 1 and second 1' fittings ([Fig.2]).
[0043] The transition from the concomitant position of release to the concomitant position of closure involves not only the springs 9,9' of the respective fittings 1,1', but also the relative position of the respective coupling ends 4,4' of the first 1 and second 1' fittings.
[0044] More specifically, in the concomitant position of sealing the fluid passage orifices 5.5' of the male 1 and female 1' fittings ([Fig.2]), the bottom 19' of the recess The housing of the coupling end 4' of the female fitting 1' is at a distance from the coupling end 4 of the male fitting 1 and the springs 9,9' at rest each exert an application force F,F' on the valve heads 8,8' of the male fitting 1 and female fitting 1' respectively, resulting in the fluid passage orifices 5,5' of the male fitting 1 and female fitting 1' both being closed.
[0045] In the concomitant position of clearing the fluid passage orifices 5,5' of the male 1 and female 1' fittings ([Fig.3]), the bottom 19' of the recess for housing the coupling end 4' of the female fitting 1' is attached to the coupling end 4 of the male fitting 1 so that each valve head 8,8' of the valves 7,7' of the male 1 and female 1' fittings exerts against the valve head 8',8 of the valve 7',7 of the other fitting a force Fl',Fl which drives the valve heads 8,8' into their cleared position, the corresponding fluid passage orifices 5,5' being then open and the flow channels 6,6' of the male 1 and female 1' fittings being put into fluid communication.
[0046] With regard more particularly to the male fitting 1, the controlled fluid circulation element 13 housed in the longitudinal body 2 is defined as an element comprising: - the valve 7, - a valve guide and retaining element 15 comprising a first part 16 having a central longitudinal housing area for the valve stem 18 7 from which the valve head 8 protrudes on the side of the passage orifice 5, and a base 17 with a larger diameter than the first part 16 and having at least one fluid flow channel 28 from the junction end 3 to the coupling end 4, and - the compressed spring 9 which extends longitudinally around the first part 16 of the guide and retaining member of the valve 15 from the valve head 8 as previously described to the base 17 of the guide and retaining member of the valve 15. For this purpose, the base 17 has a shoulder 29 at the level of its junction with the first part 16 against which the compressed spring 9 exerts its restoring force.
[0047] According to the invention, the fitting 1 comprises a fixed retention system for the controlled circulation of the fluid 19, a part of which is provided on the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the valve 15 and the other part is provided on the internal face 25 of the longitudinal body 2.
[0048] Reference is made to figures 4 to 12 to describe the system for maintaining the controlled circulation of the fluid 19 according to the invention.
[0049] The system for securing the controlled fluid circulation element 19 in place comprises, firstly, at least one flat surface 20 which is formed at the level of the free end 23 of the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the flap 15 on the side opposite the flap 7 and which defines a shoulder 21 which extends into a bearing surface 22 extending to the free end 23 of said base 17.
[0050] The system for securing the controlled fluid circulation element 19 further comprises at least one imprint 24 formed on the inner face 25 of the longitudinal body 2 which includes: • a translational blocking stop 26 of the controlled fluid circulation element 13 projecting inside the longitudinal body 2 and on which the shoulder 21 of the flat 20 of the base 17 of the guide element 15 is held in contact by the restoring force of the spring 9, and • two rotation blocking stops 27 of the controlled fluid circulation element 13 projecting inside the longitudinal body 2, located below the translation blocking stop 26 and on either side of the bearing surface 22 of the flat 20 of the base 17 of the guide element 15 when the shoulder 21 of the flat 20 is in contact with the translation blocking stop 26.
[0051] In the secure position and after the fluid circulation element 13 has been positioned in the longitudinal body 2 above the recess 24 ([Fig. 14]), the flat 20 of the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the valve 15 being arranged longitudinally opposite the translational blocking stop 26, the fluid circulation element 13 is released in the longitudinal body 2 and the shoulder 21 of the flat 20 comes to rest against the translational blocking stop 26 ([Fig. 11]) under the sole effect of the restoring force of the spring 9. The guide element 15 is thus blocked in translation in the longitudinal body 2, which results in the fluid circulation element 13 also being blocked in translation in the longitudinal body 2.
[0052] Furthermore, when the shoulder 21 of the flat 20 is in contact with the translational blocking stop 26, the two rotational blocking stops 27 on either side of the bearing surface 22 of the flat 20 prevent any rotation of the guide element 15 in the longitudinal body 2, the fluid circulation member 13 thus also being blocked in rotation in the longitudinal body 2.
[0053] Advantageously, according to the invention and with reference to [Fig.8], the flat 20 has at its extremity a bevel 30 allowing the operator who handles the fluid circulation element 13, particularly when introducing it into the longitudinal body 2, to avoid injury from contact with sharp edges.
[0054] Advantageously, according to the invention and with reference to [Fig. 10], the translational locking stop 26 projecting inwards from the longitudinal body 2 and the two rotational locking stops 27 projecting inwards from the longitudinal body 2 of the impression 24 are connected to the cylindrical wall 31 of the longitudinal body 2 by curved surfaces 32, 32a. These curved surfaces 32,32a prevent an abrupt change of surface between the stops 26,27 and the cylindrical wall 31 of the longitudinal body which would cause stress concentration weakening the fixed support system 19. It should be noted that the curved surface 32a in which the bearing surface 22 of the flat 20 is housed also has this latter function, in addition to preventing an abrupt change of surface.
[0055] Advantageously, the base 17 of the guide element 15 has in cross-section a shape which defines at least two longitudinal end edges 33, the free end of which on the side opposite the valve 7 has the flat 20. Each longitudinal edge 33 has a curvature coinciding with the curvature of the inner face 25 of the longitudinal body 2. In addition, the fixed retaining system 19 of the invention has the same number of indentations 24 as flats 20, and the indentations 24 are distributed annularly and regularly on the inner face 25 of the longitudinal body 2 and define as many translational guide spaces 34 of the controlled fluid circulation element 13, the width of which 11 ([Fig.11]) is at least equal to the width 12 of each longitudinal edge 33 in order to allow the introduction of the guide element 15 into the longitudinal body 2 by translational sliding of each longitudinal edge 33 at the level of a guide space 34 corresponding as will be explained later with reference to [Fig. 13] to 15. .
[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the base 17 has a substantially triangular section defining three longitudinal end edges 33. The fixed retaining system 19 thus has three impressions 24 distributed annularly and regularly on the inner face 25 of the longitudinal body 2 and define three translational guide spaces 34 of the controlled fluid circulation element 13 as previously defined.
[0057] This triangular configuration of the base 17, and more particularly when the section of the base is of the equilateral triangle type, makes it possible to optimize the distribution of the forces applied on the guide element 15 while defining three channels for the circulation of the fluid 28 in the fitting 1.
[0058] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the valve 15 has at least two longitudinal recesses 35, 36 formed in its thickness and opening onto the lower face 23 of the base 17. These recesses allow the operator to insert the controlled fluid circulation element 13 into the longitudinal body 2 by means of a cooperating tool inserted into these two longitudinal recesses 35, 36, which also allow the rotation of the element 13 during assembly. Advantageously, the central recess 36 also forms a guide channel for the stem 14 of the valve 7 of the element 13.
[0059] Reference is made to figures 13 to 15 to describe the assembly of the controlled fluid circulation element 13 in the longitudinal body 2.
[0060] According to the invention, the fitting assembly method comprises, firstly, a step of introducing the controlled fluid circulation element into the longitudinal body of the fitting 1 from the junction end 3. The introduction of the controlled fluid circulation element 13 is carried out by the operator by means of the two longitudinal recesses 35, 36 (not visible in the figures) made on the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the valve 15 and a cooperating tool inserted into these two recesses 35, 36. To do this, the longitudinal edges 33 of the base 17 of the guide and retaining element of the valve 15 are slid in translation at the level of the three translational guide spaces 34 defined by the three indentations 24 regularly distributed around the perimeter of the longitudinal body 2. As can be seen in [Fig.
[14] , the controlled fluid circulation element 13 is inserted into the longitudinal body above the recesses 24 by strongly compressing the spring 9. With reference to [Fig. 15], the controlled fluid circulation element 13 is then pivoted 60° so that each flat 20 is longitudinally aligned with a translational locking stop 26 of a corresponding recess. The controlled fluid circulation element 13 is then released into the longitudinal body 2 of the fitting 1, the restoring force Flm' of the spring 9 driving the shoulder 21 of the flat 20 against the translational locking stop 26, the bearing surface 22 of the flat 20 being arranged annularly between the two rotational locking stops 27 as shown in [Fig. 11].
[0061] The controlled fluid circulation element 13 is thus securely and fixedly arranged in the longitudinal body 2 for the entire duration of use of the fitting 1.
Claims
1. Demands Fitting intended to form the male or female part of a fluid conduit coupling device, and comprising: - a longitudinal body (2) extending from a junction end to a conduit (3) to a coupling end (4) to a second cooperating fitting of the coupling device, which coupling end (4) has a fluid passage orifice (5) in fluidic communication with a flow channel (6) formed in the longitudinal body (2) and extending from the coupling end (4) to the junction end (3), and - a controlled fluid circulation device (13) housed in the longitudinal body (2) and comprising: • a valve (7) comprising a valve head (8) surmounting a rod (14), which valve head (8) is longitudinally movable between a clear position in which the passage orifice (5) is open, and a closed, sealed position in which the passage orifice (5) is closed, • a guide and retaining element for the valve (15) comprising a first part (16) having a central longitudinal housing area for the valve stem (18) (7) from which the valve head (8) projects on the side of the passage orifice (5), and a base (17) of larger diameter than the first part (16), and • a compressed spring (9) extending longitudinally around the first part (16) of the guide and retaining member of the valve (15) from the valve head (8) to the base (17) of the guide and retaining member of the valve (15), characterized in that said fitting (1) comprises a system for fixedly retaining the controlled fluid circulation element (19) in the longitudinal body (2) comprising:
2. - at least one flat (20) which is formed at the free end (23) of the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) on the side opposite the valve (7) and which defines a shoulder (21) which extends into a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end (23) of said base (17), and - an impression (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2) comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in contact by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotation blocking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in contact with the translation blocking stop (26). Fitting according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has a cross-section defining at least two longitudinal end edges (33), and in that the free end of each longitudinal edge (33) on the side opposite the valve (7) has a flat (20) defining a shoulder (21) which extends into a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end of said edge (33), and in that the fixed retaining system of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) comprises at least two recesses (24) formed at a perimeter distance from each other on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), each receiving a flat (20), and each comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in support by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotational locking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in support on the translational locking stop (26).
3. Fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has a substantially triangular cross-section defining three longitudinal end edges (33), and in that the free end of each longitudinal edge (33) on the side opposite the valve (7) has a flat (20) defining a shoulder (21) which extends into a bearing surface (22) extending to the free end of said edge (33), and in that the fixed retaining system of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) comprises at least three recesses (24) formed at perimeter distances from each other on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), each receiving a flat (20), and each comprising: • a translational locking stop (26) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and on which the shoulder (21) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) is held in support by the restoring force of the spring (9), and • two rotational locking stops (27) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) projecting inside the longitudinal body (2) and located on either side of the bearing surface (22) of the corresponding flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) when the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) is in support on the translational locking stop (26).
4. Fitting according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the longitudinal body (2) has a cylindrical main wall (31), and in that the indentations (24) are distributed annularily and regularly on the circular inner face (25) of the cylindrical wall (31) of the longitudinal body (2) and define as many translational guide spaces (34) of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) whose width (11) is at least equal to the width (12) of each longitudinal edge (33) of the base (17) of the guide element (15).
5. Fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projecting translational locking stop (26) and the two projecting rotational locking stops (27) of each recess (24) are connected to the cylindrical wall (31) of the longitudinal body (2) by curved surfaces (32,32a).
6. Fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (17) of the guide and retaining element of the valve (15) has at least two longitudinal recesses (35,36) made in its thickness and opening at the level of the lower face (23) of said base (27).
7. Fitting according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one of the two longitudinal recesses (36) forms a guide recess for the stem (14) of the valve (7) of the controlled circulation element of the fluid (13).
8. A method for assembling the fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least the steps of: - introducing the controlled fluid circulation element (13) into the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1) from the junction end (3), and holding said element (13) above the recess(es) (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), - rotating the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) held above the recess(es) (24), and positioning each flat (20) longitudinally against a corresponding translational locking stop (26), and - releasing the controlled fluid circulation element (13) into the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1),This results in the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) being held in contact with the translational locking stop (26) by the restoring force of the spring (9), the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) being arranged annularly between the two rotational locking stops (27).
9. A method according to the preceding claim for assembling the fitting according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least the steps of: - insertion of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) into the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1) from the junction end (3) by sliding each longitudinal edge (33) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) into a cooperating guide space (34) of the longitudinal body (2) and holding said element (13) above the imprint(s) (24) made on the inner face (25) of the longitudinal body (2), - rotation of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) held above the imprint(s) (24), and positioning of each flat (20) in longitudinal alignment with a corresponding translational locking stop (26), and - release of the controlled fluid circulation element (13) in the longitudinal body (2) of the fitting (1),This results in the shoulder (21) of the flat (20) of the base (17) of the guide element (15) being held in contact with the translational locking stop (26) by the restoring force of the spring (9), the bearing surface (22) of the flat (20) thus being arranged annularly between the two rotational locking stops (27).
10. Fluid line coupling device, characterized in that it comprises a first fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 forming a male part and a second cooperating fitting (1') forming a female part, the second fitting comprising: - a longitudinal body (2') which extends from a junction end (3') to a second conduit to a coupling end (4') which surrounds the coupling end (4) of the first fitting (1), which coupling end (4') has a fluid passage orifice (5') in fluidic communication with a flow channel (6') formed in the longitudinal body (2') and which extends from the coupling end (4') to the junction end (3'), - a valve (7') disposed in the flow channel (6') of the longitudinal body (2') and comprising a valve head (8') located at the passage orifice (5') of the coupling end (4') of the longitudinal body (2'), and which is displaceable longitudinally in the flow channel (6') by actuation means (9') between a clear position in which the passage orifice (5') is open, and a sealed position in which the passage orifice (5') is closed by a sealed contact between the valve head (8') and a frustoconical valve head seat (10') provided in the longitudinal body (2') and in the extension of the passage orifice (5'), and in that the respective valve heads (8, 8') of the first and second fitting (1,1') are in longitudinal contact support and are alternately subjected, by the actuation means (9) associated with the valve head (8) of the first fitting (1) and the actuation means (9') associated with the valve head (8') of the second fitting (1'), in cooperation with the relative position of the respective coupling ends (4,4') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings, to a concomitant position of clearance of the fluid passage orifices (5,5') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings, and to a concomitant position of closure of the fluid passage orifices (5,5') of the first (1) and second (1') fittings.