Tubular coupling with visual lock indicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fitting comprising a tubular main body (1) having a first opening (1a) intended to receive a male connector (4). The main body (1) is provided with a radial opening (3) and a secondary opening (3a). The fitting comprises a bolt (2) having two flexible arms (21), the ends of which are configured to be placed in the secondary openings (3a). According to the invention, the fitting comprises at least one locking design (5) disposed on the bolt (2), the locking design (5) being at least partially obscured by the tubular main body (1) when the bolt (2) occupies the delivery position and being fully exposed when the bolt (2) is in the locked position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tubular couplings for connecting fluid pipes or ducts of the "quick connector" type, which are applicable in the automotive field to form fluid networks within vehicles in a simple and robust manner. [Background technology]

[0002] Such connectors are known, for example, from documents EP 3171066, US 7823930 or FR 3021386 (A1).

[0003] These connectors comprise a main body intended to receive a male connector so as to allow fluid to pass between two ducts, the main body and the male connector being connected at one end, the main body being provided with a radial opening and two side vents, and a bolt with two flexible arms adapted to be inserted laterally into the radial opening and to position the two flexible arms respectively in the two side vents.

[0004] The bolt can be partially inserted into the main body, occupying a so-called "delivery" position. Once the male connector is properly inserted into the main body, the bolt can move laterally to fully engage within the main body, occupying a so-called "locked" position. In this position, the bolt securely holds the male connector to the main body, preventing inadvertent removal of the male connector.

[0005] It is known to provide indicators, for example visual indicators, that make it easier to determine the fitting state of the coupling, i.e. whether the main body is correctly assembled to the male connector. Thus, in document FR 3021386 A1 a visual indicator is provided that is obscured when the bolt is in the locked position.

[0006] In the document US20220243850, a locking design forming a visual indicator is arranged on the main body, which can be obscured in the locked position by the flexible arms of the bolt. To make this possible, the bolt is configured so that the flexible arms do not penetrate the main body but clip onto its outer surface. This configuration, in which the flexible arms surround the main body rather than penetrate it, is particularly fragile and therefore undesirable.

[0007] In certain applications, such as automobiles, detectors equipped with cameras are used to automatically detect connector locking designs. This requires the addition of an additional component that must have minimum dimensions that can be decoded by the detector, making the component larger and more expensive. This is particularly the case when the locking design is a two-dimensional barcode. This situation is clearly undesirable, particularly when mounting space is very limited, such as in a battery box. The locking design is also sometimes located on the connector element in a position that does not facilitate its recognition by the detector. For example, the locking design may be located on a curved surface of the main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3171066 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,823,930 [Patent Document 3] French Patent No. 3021386(A1) [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20220243850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] One object of the present invention is to propose a connector for a fluid circuit with a locking design having a configuration different from that of prior art connectors. More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a connector with a locking design that is easy to identify by a detector, especially when this design is formed from a two-dimensional barcode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a fluid coupling, a tubular main body having a first opening for receiving a tubular male connector, the tubular main body being provided with radial openings and secondary openings; -Proposed is a fluid coupling comprising: a bolt having two flexible arms connected to the bolt head, the bolt being configured to be inserted laterally into a radial opening and to position the ends of the two flexible arms in secondary openings, the bolt being insertable into the tubular main body in a so-called "delivery" position, in which it occupies a first lateral position, and in a so-called "locked" position, in which it occupies a second lateral position different from the first lateral position.

[0011] According to the present invention, the fitting includes at least one locking design disposed on the bolt, the locking design being at least partially obscured by the tubular main body when the bolt is in the delivery position and being fully exposed when the bolt is in the locked position.

[0012] According to other advantageous, non-limiting features of the present invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination, The locking design is arranged on the flexible arm of the bolt, the end of at least one flexible arm comprises an extension on which a locking design is arranged; the extension has a major surface oriented perpendicular to an axial direction of insertion into the first opening of the tubular male connector when the bolt is inserted into the radial opening of the tubular main body; the extension is disposed between the two flexible arms; - two extensions extend laterally from the ends of the flexible arms towards the outside of the bolt, the secondary opening comprises two lateral openings designed to respectively receive two flexible arms of the bolt; the tubular main body comprises at least one protruding portion extending radially and arranged on the main body so as to conceal at least one face of the extension (21 b) when the bolt (2) is not in the locked position; the locking design is disposed at a selected location on a side of the flexible arm such that the locking design is at least partially obscured by the tubular main body when the bolt is in the delivery position and is fully exposed when the bolt is in the locked position; the fluid connection further comprises a tubular male connector designed to axially penetrate into the first opening of the tubular main body; the tubular male connector comprises an annular collar or annular groove; -The bolt has two locking arms, each flexible arm carries a locking mechanism relative to the tubular main body; - The lock design features a two-dimensional barcode, the tubular body is composed of a ring and a fitting head that are snap-fitted together; the fluid coupling comprises a plurality of angularly and regularly spaced notches and windows around the ring and the coupling head; the bolt comprises at least one extension in which the locking design is positioned, the extension comprising a second part parallel to one of the two flexible arms and arranged in a different plane from said flexible arms; the extension comprises a first portion extending perpendicular to the flexible arm; the tubular main body comprises at least one protruding portion extending longitudinally and disposed on the main body so as to conceal the locking design when the bolt is not in the locked position; The coupling comprises a coupling head rigidly connected to the longitudinal section, the coupling head having a larger dimension than the longitudinal section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of a tubular joint with the bolt occupying the so-called "delivery" position. [Figure 2] 1 shows a first embodiment of a tubular joint with the bolt occupying a so-called "locked" position. [Figure 3] 1 shows a bolt corresponding to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A cylindrical male connector is shown. [Figure 5] 2 shows a second embodiment of a tubular joint with the bolt occupying the so-called "delivery" position. [Figure 6] 2 shows a second embodiment of a tubular joint with the bolt occupying a so-called "locked" position. [Figure 7] 4 shows a bolt corresponding to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A variation of the first embodiment is shown in a delivery position and a locked position, respectively. [Figure 9] A variation of the first embodiment is shown in a delivery position and a locked position, respectively. [Figure 10] 1 shows a tubular male connector 1 and a tubular main body according to a variant. [Figure 11] 1 shows a bolt corresponding to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A third embodiment is shown. [Figure 13] A third embodiment is shown. [Figure 14] A third embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a tubular main body 1 of a fluid coupling according to the invention. In the representation of Figure 1, the main body 1 is provided with a bolt 2 occupying a first lateral position, referred to as the "delivery position". In this position, the bolt 2 is not fully inserted into the tubular main body 1.

[0015] In the representation of Figure 2, the main body 1 is provided with a bolt 2, which occupies a second lateral position, referred to herein as a "locked" position, which second lateral position is different from the first lateral position.

[0016] Preferably, in this position, the bolt 2 is fully inserted into the tubular main body 1 with the head of the bolt 2a being flush with the outer surface of this body. The tubular main body 1 and the bolt 2 are mechanically arranged to allow the head of the bolt 2 to be retracted when the bolt is in the locked position.

[0017] The fluid coupling also comprises a tubular male connector 4, an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 4. One end of the tubular male connector 4 is intended to axially penetrate into the first opening 1a of the main body to fluidly connect the two components. The tubular main body 1 also has a second opening 1b arranged opposite the first opening 1a, which second opening 1b is intended to be assembled into a duct so that the tubular body 1 constitutes the end of the duct. For this purpose, the tubular main body 1 can have at least one element for assembly into a duct on the side of the second opening 1b, such as a groove 1c shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] The tubular male connector 4 is generally provided with an annular collar 4 a which cooperates with the bolt 2 to enable assembly to the tubular main body 1 .

[0019] The tubular main body 1 is provided with a radial opening 3 allowing the lateral insertion of the bolt 2 and a second opening 3a allowing the release of the two flexible arms of the bolt 2, in particular when the bolt 2 occupies the locked position.

[0020] 3 shows a bolt 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The bolt 2 comprises two locking arms 22 as well as two flexible arms 21.

[0021] The flexible arm 21 is longer than the locking arm 22. The two flexible arms are provided at their ends with an extension 21b connecting them, which is intended to carry the locking design 5, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0022] More generally, in this embodiment, extension 21b may be rigidly connected to only one of the two flexible arms 21, and therefore does not necessarily have to be integral with each of the flexible arms 21 as illustrated in the figures. Each flexible arm 21 may also be provided with an extension, which may be potentially laterally adjacent or non-adjacent. This extension (or these extensions) of the flexible arm may be disposed between the two arms, under the head of bolt 2. However, more generally, extension 21b of flexible arm 21 may extend laterally from one side and / or the other of one end of the flexible arm, i.e., from the side of the other flexible arm and / or from the opposite side.

[0023] In all cases, in this first embodiment, the end of at least one flexible arm 21 comprises an extension 21b on which the locking design 5 is arranged. This extension has a main surface that is perpendicular to the insertion axis of the male connector when the bolt is inserted into the radial opening 3 of the tubular main body 1. Advantageously, this surface is flat to facilitate detection of the locking design 5 by the detector.

[0024] When the end of the tubular male connector 4 is disposed within the main body 1, the bolt 2 can be moved laterally through the radial opening 3 into the locked position, positioning the locking arm 22 behind the annular collar 4a. The tubular male connector 4 is then firmly held within the main body 1 and can no longer be withdrawn.

[0025] At the same time, two flexible arms 21 move so that their ends pass sequentially through and exit the secondary openings 3a in the locked position. Each flexible arm 21 carries a mechanism for locking to the main body 1, here a notch 21a configured to engage with a lug formed on the tubular main body 1. In the locked position, the notch in the flexible arm 21 engages the lug, thereby preventing inadvertent movement of the bolt 2 which could release the tubular male connector 4.

[0026] In one particular embodiment, the end of the flexible arm 21 rests on a lug when the bolt 2 occupies the delivery position.

[0027] In one particular embodiment, insertion of the tubular male connector 4 while the bolt is in the delivery position brings the annular collar 4a into contact with the flexible arm 21, which is resiliently and axially movable by the collar 4a, allowing the bolt 2 to move laterally to occupy the locked position and engage the notch 21a on the lug.

[0028] The secondary opening 3a has a sufficient width (i.e., axial dimension) to allow the flexibility of the flexible arm 21a to be used to disengage the notch 21a from the lug on the main body. This disengagement is facilitated by the end of the flexible arm exiting the main body 1, allowing it to be manipulated, as is clearly visible in Figure 2. In this released position, the bolt 4 can be moved from the locked position to the delivery position, releasing the tubular male connector 4.

[0029] It should be noted that the present invention is in no way limited to the elements of the tubular coupling shown by way of example in the figures of this first embodiment. The connector may in particular comprise other parts than those presented, such as, for example, a cage arranged in the tubular main body 1 below the radial opening 3, making it possible to facilitate the insertion and locking of the tubular male connector 4, as described in detail in documents EP 317066 or FR 3072756 and shown later in another embodiment. A sealing joint may be provided in the tubular main body and / or in the tubular male connector 4. The flexible arm 21 may have a locking mechanism for the tubular main body 1 other than the notch 21a for the bolt 2 given as an example. The locking arm 22 may be replaced by another mechanism making it possible to keep the tubular male connector 4 assembled in the main body 1.

[0030] However, the bolt 2 has two flexible arms 21, and the bolt 2 is configured to be inserted laterally into the radial opening 3, with the two flexible arms 21 positioned respectively within the secondary openings 3a.

[0031] In the context of this specification, the connector is provided with an indicator, e.g., a visual indicator, that makes it possible to easily determine the assembled state of the coupling, i.e., to determine whether the main body is correctly assembled to the male connector.

[0032] To this end, for all embodiments, the bolt 2 carries at least one locking design 5. Advantageously, and in certain embodiments, the locking design is arranged on at least one flexible arm 21 of the bolt.

[0033] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the locking design 5 is arranged on an extension 21b arranged between the two flexible arms at their ends.

[0034] The lock design 5 may be of various nature, but advantageously comprises a code such as a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., UPC code, EAN code, Code 39, Code 128, ITF, Code 93, codabar, GS1 databar, MSI Plessey, etc.), a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR code, Data Matrix code, PDF417, AZTEC, etc.), a holographic code, a human readable alphanumeric code, or other code known in the art and interpretable by a machine and / or an operator equipped with a visual device.

[0035] The bolt 2 is configured so that the extension 21b does not, or does not fully, extend from the secondary opening 3a when the bolt 2 occupies the delivery position (as shown in FIG. 1 ). In this way, the locking design 5 carried by this extension 21b is at least partially obscured by the tubular main body 1. When this design cannot be seen and deciphered, it can be determined that the tubular main body is not (or is incorrectly) assembled to the tubular male connector 4.

[0036] The bolt 2 is also configured so that when the bolt 2 occupies the locked position, the extension 21b fully engages the secondary opening 2b (as shown in FIG. 2) to fully expose the locking design 5. When this design can be seen and deciphered, it can be determined that the tubular main body is correctly assembled to the tubular male connector 4.

[0037] Figures 8 and 9 show a variation of the first embodiment. In the representation of Figure 8, the tubular body 1 of the fluid coupling is in the delivery position and the bolt 2 is in a first lateral position and not fully inserted into the tubular main body 1. In the representation of Figure 9, the main body 1 is in a locked position and the bolt 2 is in a second lateral position fully engaged with the tubular body 1. The following paragraphs will present the distinctive elements of this alternative, although it will be understood that elements common to the first embodiment presented with reference to Figures 1 to 4 will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0038] In this variant, as shown in Figure 10, the tubular male connector 4 has an annular groove 4a' which cooperates with the bolt 2 to enable its assembly on the tubular main body 1. For this purpose, the edge of the locking arm 22 of the bolt 2 has dimensions which, in the locked position, enable it to engage in the groove 4a' to prevent axial movement of the tubular male connector 4. The tubular male connector 4 also has a base 4b which, when the fitting is in the locked position, is pressed against the main body 1 on the side of its first opening 1a.

[0039] The tubular main body 1 consists in this variant of a ring 1c and a fitting head 1d snapped together. For this purpose, the ring 1c is provided with a window 1e into which a notch carried by the fitting head 1d can engage. Naturally, any other snap-on configuration is possible.

[0040] Advantageously, the plurality of notches and windows are angularly arranged and regularly spaced, for example, every 45°, in the ring rim 1c and the fitting head 1d. Therefore, these two parts can be assembled by angularly indexing them relative to one another according to different orientations. Specifically, this allows for the selection of the orientation of the ring 1c, and therefore the direction of exposure of the locking design 5, independently of the orientation of the fitting head 1d, which can be provided by the system with which the fitting is intended to be integrated. This feature allows for more direct visualization and interpretation of at least one of the locking designs to determine in which direction the tubular male connector 4 is assembled to the tubular main body 1. Specifically, the indexing angle can be selected to avoid interference of at least one of the designs with other objects in the system, such as a cable bundle, a pipe, or even the tubular main body 1, when this body has a curved shape, such as the one shown in FIG. 1 .

[0041] It should be noted that this advantageous feature can be integrated into all embodiments.

[0042] Figure 11 shows the bolt 2 corresponding to this variant of the first embodiment. On this bolt can be seen two locking arms 22 as well as two flexible arms 21. Also visible are notches for engaging with lugs on the main body 1 to prevent accidental movement of the bolt 2 when inserted into the main body 1 and thus place the joint in a locked position.

[0043] Here, each flexible arm 21 comprises an extension 21b bearing a locking design 5. Naturally, a single extension 21b carried by one of the flexible arms can be envisaged alone. The extension 21b extends laterally from the end of the flexible arm 21 towards the outside of the bolt 2. The extension 21b has a flat main surface oriented perpendicular to the insertion axis of the tubular male connector 4 when the bolt 2 is inserted into the radial opening of the tubular main body 1.

[0044] 8, when the bolt 2 is in the delivery position, the extension 21b does not, or does not completely, extend from the secondary opening 3a of the tubular main body 1, here formed by the two side vents 3a, so that the locking design 5 is at least partially obscured.

[0045] Conversely, when the bolt 2 is in the locked position, as shown in Figure 9, the extension 21b extends sufficiently out of the side vent 3a to fully expose the locking design 5. It is then possible to determine that the tubular male connector 4 has been correctly assembled to the tubular main body 1.

[0046] To reinforce the at least partial concealment of the locking design 5 when the fitting is not in the locked position, the tubular main body 1 can be provided with masks 6, which in this embodiment are formed by protruding portions extending radially from the main body 1. These masks 6 are arranged on the main body 1 in such a way as to conceal at least one face of the extension 21b, in particular the face bearing the locking design 5, when the fitting is not fully in the locked position.

[0047] It should be noted that in this first embodiment, it is possible for each of the faces of the extension 21b to carry a locking design 5, which makes it possible to see and decipher this design 5 from a front reading position, where one of the faces is visible, on the side of the first opening 1a of the main body 1. This makes it possible to also see and decipher the design 5 from a back reading position, where the other face is visible, on the side of the second opening 1b of the main body 1. A plurality of masks 6 may be carried on the tubular main body 1 so as to conceal each of the faces of the extension 21b when the fitting is not in its fully locked position.

[0048] Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a fluid coupling according to the present invention. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that distinguish this embodiment from the first embodiment will be detailed in the following paragraphs. Therefore, all other disclosed features of the first mode can be applied to this second mode without the need to be explicitly stated.

[0049] In the representation of Figure 5, the main body 1 is provided with the bolt 2 occupying a delivery position, in which the bolt 2 is not fully inserted into the tubular main body 1.

[0050] In the representation of FIG. 6, the bolt 2 now occupies the locked position and is retracted within the tubular main body.

[0051] The tubular main body in this embodiment comprises secondary openings made in the form of two side vents 3 a, 3 b intended to receive respectively two flexible arms of the bolt 2, in particular when the bolt 2 occupies the locked position. The side vents 3 a, 3 b can combine to form an enlarged secondary opening arranged on the tubular main body 1 facing the radial opening 1 a.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a bolt 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Two locking arms 22 and two flexible arms 21 form an inverted U-shaped double clamp.

[0053] In this second embodiment, the locking design 5 is arranged on a lateral side of the flexible arm 21. The locking design 5 is specifically arranged at a selected position on this side so that the locking design 5 is at least partially obscured by the tubular main body 1 when the bolt 2 is in the delivery position. The position of the locking design is also selected so that the locking design 5 is fully exposed through the lateral vents 3a, 3b in which the flexible arms 21 are arranged when the bolt 2 is in the locked position. The lateral side of the flexible arm on which the design 5 is arranged has a surface arranged in the axial direction of insertion of the male connector when the bolt is inserted into the radial opening 3 of the tubular main body 1. Advantageously, this surface of the flexible arm is flat to facilitate detection of the locking design 5 by the detector.

[0054] The bolt 2 may have a single locking design on the side of a single flexible arm. Alternatively, the bolt may have two locking designs, each disposed on the side of a flexible arm 21.

[0055] Figures 12, 13 and 14 show a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the coupling head 1d of the main body 1 is integral with the longitudinal section 1f. The coupling head 1d has much larger dimensions than the longitudinal section 1f in order to accommodate the seal 23 and the cage 25. The cage 25 cooperates with the bolt 2 to hold the tubular male connector in its locked position. Locking mechanisms using cages are well known per se (see, for example, document FR 3044070) and therefore will not be the subject of a detailed description for the sake of brevity.

[0056] The bolt 2 is similar to the bolts of the other embodiments in that it includes a head 2a, two flexible arms 21, and two locking arms 22 that, together with the two flexible arms 21, form an inverted U-shaped double clamp. Also visible in this embodiment is a locking design 5 disposed on the bolt 2. This locking design 5 is now positioned on an extension 24, allowing it to be positioned in a plane different from and separate from the plane defined by the flexible arms 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 24 is L-shaped. It includes a first portion 24a integral with the bolt head 2a that extends perpendicular to the flexible arms. The first portion is rigidly connected to a second portion of an extender 24b. This second portion extends parallel to the flexible arms, from its end rigidly connected to the first portion at its free end. This free end carries the locking design 5.

[0057] As can be seen in Figure 13, the joint head carries a mask 6 which here extends longitudinally, i.e. along the longitudinal section 1f. The mask 6 therefore forms a longitudinally extending protrusion so as to conceal at least the second part of the extension 24b bearing the locking design 5 when the joint (and in particular the bolt 2 as can be seen in Figure 13) is not in a fully locked position. When the bolt 2 is placed in a locked position occupying a second lateral position, the locking design 5 is not obscured by the mask 6. It can therefore be detected and the locked position can indeed be verified.

[0058] As in the previous embodiment, the bolt 2 may be provided with two extensions 24 disposed on either side of the bolt 2, each extension 24 carrying a unique locking design selectively obscured by masks disposed on either side of the fitting head 1d.

[0059] It should be noted that by positioning at least one locking design on the bolt 2, on the flexible arm, or on the extension, a robust locking mechanism for the bolt is maintained and accidental unlocking of the tubular fitting can be prevented, while providing a visual indicator that allows the assembly status of the fitting to be determined.

[0060] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and variant embodiments can be added thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling, - A tubular main body (1) having a first opening (1a) intended to receive a tubular male connector (4), and having a radial opening (3) and a secondary opening (3a), - A bolt (2) having two flexible arms (21) connected to a bolt head (2a), configured to be inserted laterally into the radial opening (3) and to have the ends of the two flexible arms (21) positioned in the secondary opening (3a), and the bolt (2) being insertable into the tubular main body (1) in a so-called "delivery" position occupying a first lateral position and a so-called "lock" position occupying a second lateral position different from the first lateral position, A fluid coupling comprising at least one locking design (5) disposed on the bolt (2), wherein the locking design (5) is at least partially concealed by the tubular main body (1) when the bolt (2) is in the delivery position, and the locking design (5) is fully exposed when the bolt (2) is in the locked position.

2. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the secondary opening comprises two lateral vents (3a, 3b) intended to receive the two flexible arms (21) of the bolt (2), respectively.

3. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the lock design (5) is disposed on the flexible arm (21) of the bolt.

4. The fluid coupling according to claim 3, wherein the end of at least one flexible arm (21) comprises at least one extension (21b) on which a locking design (5) is disposed.

5. The fluid coupling according to claim 4, wherein the extension (21b) has a main surface oriented perpendicular to the insertion axis of the tubular male connector (4) into the first opening (1a) when the bolt (2) is inserted into the radial opening (3) of the tubular main body (1).

6. The fluid coupling according to claim 4, wherein the tubular main body extends radially and is disposed on the main body such that it conceals at least one surface of the extension (21b) when the bolt (2) is not in the locked position.

7. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the lock design (5) is disposed at a selected position on the side of the flexible arm.

8. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the bolt (2) comprises at least one extension (24) on which the lock design (5) is positioned, the extension comprising a second portion (24b) which is parallel to one of the two flexible arms (21) and is disposed in a plane different from that of the flexible arm (21).

9. The fluid coupling according to claim 8, wherein the extending portion comprises a first portion (24a) that extends perpendicularly to the flexible arm (21).

10. The fluid coupling according to claim 8, wherein the tubular main body (1) extends in the longitudinal direction and is disposed on the main body such that the lock design (5) is obscured when the bolt (2) is not in the locked position.

11. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, further comprising a tubular male connector (4) intended to penetrate axially into the first opening (1a) of the tubular main body (1), wherein the tubular male connector (4) comprises an annular collar (4a) or an annular groove (4a').

12. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the lock design (5) includes a two-dimensional barcode.

13. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body is composed of a ring (1c) and a coupling head (1d) that are snap-fastened together.

14. The fluid coupling according to claim 13, comprising a plurality of angled and regularly spaced notches and windows (1e) around the ring (1c) and the coupling head (1d).

15. The fluid coupling according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body is composed of a coupling head (1d) fixed to a longitudinal section (1f), and the coupling head (1d) has dimensions larger than the longitudinal section (1f).

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