Air-conditioning circuit connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector for a pipe of an air-conditioning circuit, which comprises a first portion (1) and a second portion (2) intended to engage so that the connector can alternate between a connected position and a disconnected position, the first portion (1) comprising a first longitudinal body (3) forming a passage and the second portion (2) comprising a second longitudinal body (4) forming a passage, wherein the first portion (1) of the connector comprises an external thread (12a) and the second portion (2) comprises a ring (12) with an internal thread (29), the external thread (12a) engaging with the internal thread (29) by screwing the ring (12). The ring (12) comprises an external surface provided with an additional thread (21), and the first portion (1) comprises a nut (22) provided with an additional internal thread engaging with the additional thread.

Description

[0001] "Air conditioning circuit connector"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a connector for joining the pipes of an air conditioning system, these pipes being able to establish a fluid connection between various air conditioning units of said system. The invention will find its use for hermetic interconnection under pressure during the installation of air conditioning units, particularly for wall-mounted split-system air conditioners.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Such an air conditioning system includes an indoor unit and at least one outdoor unit connected to each other by connecting pipes.

[0006] A conventional method for installing an air conditioner, which involves expelling air from the indoor unit and the connecting pipes after installation, consists of charging the main part of the outdoor unit with refrigerant gas to a volume exceeding the specified volume required for the system's air conditioning function. This excess refrigerant gas is used to purge the air from the rest of the circuit. A two-way valve on the outdoor unit is used for this purpose, so that once the installation is complete, the circulating refrigerant gas expels the air into the atmosphere. This traditional method is particularly harmful to the environment because it induces the release of refrigerant gas into the atmosphere, which is especially damaging due to its contribution to ozone depletion.

[0007] Therefore, efforts were made to develop systems that prevent such refrigerant leaks into the atmosphere. In this regard, once the connection between the indoor and outdoor units is made using the traditional method with a copper pipe that connects to the indoor and outdoor units via a nut tightened onto a threaded fitting, a refrigeration technician must intervene to limit the risk of outgassing into the atmosphere and prevent the system from being evacuated. This step requires not only the intervention of a qualified professional but also the use of appropriate and often expensive pumping equipment. Furthermore, the risk of outgassing is not completely eliminated in any case.

[0008] A connector for reliably joining two connector parts is known from document FR2994592 A1, using a mechanism that opens the gas circuit only when the connection is successful. Another air conditioning circuit hose connector is also known from document EP4067720A1.

[0009] However, there is a need to further improve the connection in order to prevent any disconnection. The present invention falls within this framework.

[0010] The other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, an air conditioning circuit pipe connector is provided comprising a first part and a second part intended to cooperate so that the connector is alternately in a connected or disconnected position, the first part comprising a first longitudinal body providing a first through passage and the second part comprising a second longitudinal body providing a second through passage, the connector in which the first part comprises an external thread and the second part comprises a ring with a tapped hole, the external thread being configured to cooperate with the tapped hole by screwing the ring into the connected position.

[0013] Advantageously, the ring includes an outer surface with an additional thread, and the first part includes a nut with an additional tapping configured to cooperate by screwing with the additional thread in the connected position, the nut including a stop coming into contact with a stop surface of the first longitudinal body at the end of screwing.

[0014] Thus, the usual connection is made between the two parts of the connector to ensure a leak-proof fluid connection through the passages in each part, which meet in the connected position. Simultaneously, in this connected position, the connector is completely locked by the additional connection using the ring's additional thread and the nut's tapped hole. Specifically, the connection provided by the ring and nut prevents any accidental loosening of the ring's tapped hole and the thread of the first part. Such loosening would otherwise be possible during use, particularly due to vibrations. Another aspect concerns a fluid connection method between a first air conditioning unit and a second air conditioning unit, using the connector, with:

[0015] • an assembly of the first part and the second part by screwing the threaded ring onto the external thread; then

[0016] • screwing the additional tapped hole of the nut onto the additional thread.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows an example of the first part of a connector according to the prior art. Figure 2 shows an example of the second part of a connector according to the prior art. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along lines BB of the first part of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the CC lines of the second part of the connector in Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention, in a connected but not locked position.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a profile view of the connector according to the embodiment of the previous figure.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector according to figures 5 and 6, in the connected and locked position.

[0024] Figure 8 shows possible realization details of a threaded portion of the second part of the connector.

[0025] Figure 9 provides a perspective example of how to make the nut.

[0026] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the nut in the embodiment of the previous figure.

[0027] Figure 11 shows an example of using the connector between two air conditioning units.

[0028] The drawings are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of the principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, they are representative of an example of the shape relationship of the constituent parts of the connector.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, the following are optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively:

[0031] In one example, the ring is made of steel and the nut of polymer material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. While mismatched materials in a screw assembly are generally discouraged, they are advantageous here because the polymer material better accommodates vibrations by providing damping. Optionally, the tapped hole extends to a distal end of the ring, and the additional thread does not extend to the distal end.

[0032] Thus, the additional thread is located further back in the connection between the two parts of the connector, offering a tendency to compress the connection.

[0033] According to one method, the tapping and the additional threading are not opposite each other or are only partially opposite each other.

[0034] This makes the overall connection less statically indeterminate.

[0035] Advantageously, the screwing direction of the additional tapping relative to the additional thread is identical to the screwing direction of the external thread relative to the tapping.

[0036] In this way, the installation of the nut does not tend to loosen the primary connection made between the ring and the external thread.

[0037] Preferably, the length of the additional thread is less than 10 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0038] In this way, the connection with the nut is made over a small span, which limits the hyperstaticity of the superposition of the two filtered connections formed between the two parts of the connector.

[0039] Preferably, in the connected position, the relative screw length between the tap and the external thread is greater than the relative screw length between the additional tap and the additional thread.

[0040] Preference is given to the screw length of the primary connection to ensure a strong connection when sealing the connection in the connected position.

[0041] According to one possibility, the ring includes a stop that comes into contact with a stopping surface of the second longitudinal body at the end of screwing the external thread relative to the tapping.

[0042] Preferably, the passage formed in the first longitudinal body comprises a movable valve, said passage housing a first spring intended to maintain the valve in tight contact with the first longitudinal body when the connector is in the disconnected position, the longitudinal body comprising an internal stop against which the valve is intended to be in contact by default under the action of the first spring at least when the connector is in the disconnected position, and in which the second part comprises a movable sleeve and a piston, the piston being placed at least partially in the sleeve and placed at least partially in the second longitudinal body and the piston being fixed relative to the second longitudinal body by means of a retaining ring on which the piston is fixed,A second spring is placed between the retaining ring and the sleeve in the second longitudinal body so as to maintain contact between the sleeve and the internal stop of the first longitudinal body when the connector is in the connected position.

[0043] The invention relates to a connection connector for air conditioning pipes. A pipe is defined as a conduit or duct, which may be flexible or rigid, intended for the flow of a fluid, for example, a liquid or a gas. These pipes can be fluid circulation elements, being connected to indoor and outdoor units forming an air conditioning system. The connector according to the invention comprises a first part 1, preferably intended to be connected to an outdoor unit 16 of an air conditioning system, and a second part 2, which may be intended to be connected to an indoor unit 17 of an air conditioning system, but this is not mandatory. An embodiment of an air conditioning system with a specific connector arrangement will be detailed later with reference to Figure 11.

[0044] In general, according to the present invention, the connectors are positioned in an air conditioning unit.

[0045] The first part 1 and the second part 2 are designed to cooperate in such a way as to allow the connection of the pipes to which they are attached.

[0046] When the first part 1 and the second part 2 are connected, the connector is in the connected position. Conversely, when the first part 1 and the second part 2 are disconnected, the connector is in the disconnected position.

[0047] The disconnected position means that the first part (1) and the second part (2) of the connector are not connected. In this position, no fluid flows through the connector. Conversely, the connected position means that the first part (1) and the second part (2) of the connector are connected, regardless of whether fluid flows through them.

[0048] An example of how the two parts of the connector can be joined is described later. Beforehand, an example of the connector's internal structure is given, particularly its aspects that allow fluid connection through it. This creates a connector opening mechanism for fluid flow.

[0049] This example is provided with support from Figures 1 to 4 following a currently known possibility that the invention can implement.

[0050] The first part 1 comprises a first longitudinal body 3 providing a through passage for the flow of fluid. The first longitudinal body 3 includes, within the through passage, a movable valve 5 which is closed by default. The valve 5 is provided with at least one sealing means 7 ensuring a seal by default with the first longitudinal body 3, at least when the connector is in the disconnected position.

[0051] The first longitudinal body 3 includes an internal stop 11 against which the valve 5 is intended to be in contact by default.

[0052] The valve 5 is held closed by default by means of a first elastic element such as a spring 14 disposed between the valve 5 and preferably the first longitudinal body 3. Advantageously, the internal stop 11 is formed in the first longitudinal body 3 in its proximal part 20, that is to say, at the end intended to be connected to the second part 2 of the connector. Similarly, the proximal end of the second part 2 is the one intended to be connected to the first part 1.

[0053] According to this arrangement shown in all the figures, the valve 5 comprises a head on which sealing means 7 are positioned, which are in contact by default with the distal surface of the internal stop 11, preferably by means of the first spring 14 located at the stem of the valve 5. The distal surface of the internal stop 11 is constituted by the surface facing the distal end of the first part 1. The sealing means 7 exerts axial pressure oriented along the longitudinal axis of the valve 5 on the internal stop 11.

[0054] Thus, when the first part 1 is connected to the outdoor unit 16, there is no risk of the introduction of gas or moisture or of loss of the vacuum effect achieved at the outdoor unit 16.

[0055] The second part 2 of the connector comprises a second longitudinal body 4 providing a through passage for the fluid flow. In the illustrated example, a movable sleeve 9 and a piston 6 are placed within this through passage. The sleeve 9 is advantageously located at least partially within the second longitudinal body 4 and receives the piston 6 internally. The piston 6 preferably has a head through which it can abut the valve 5 at a distal end of the head. The head preferably has an inclined portion, such as a conical portion flaring out towards the distal end of the piston 6 and, towards the front, a portion with a rim that can form a stop.

[0056] Preferably, the piston 6 is provided with at least one sealing means 8 ensuring a default seal with the sleeve 9. Preferably, this seal is achieved at the proximal end of the second part 2. This sealing means 8 is preferably an O-ring arranged on the piston 6. More precisely, this sealing means 8 is positioned on the conical head of the piston 6 so as to cooperate with the proximal end of the sleeve 9. The sleeve 9 advantageously has, at its proximal end, a surface beveled towards the inside of the sleeve for cooperating with the conical head of the piston 6. The bearing of the sealing means 8 on the sleeve 9 is a mixed bearing comprising an axial component and a radial component.

[0057] According to one option, the sleeve 9 includes at least two seals 10. At least one seal 10 is intended to provide the default seal between the second longitudinal body 4 and the sleeve 9. At least one other seal 10 is intended to provide the seal with the first longitudinal body 3 when the first part 1 and the second part 2 are connected. According to a preferred option, the seals 10 are O-rings.

[0058] When the first part 1 and the second part 2 are disconnected, the second part 2 is hermetically sealed and does not allow the refrigerant gas to escape, for example outside an indoor unit 17 of the air conditioning unit.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the piston 6 and the internal stop 11 are configured so as not to come into contact. The piston 6 is configured to cooperate with the valve 5. According to the embodiment shown, the piston 6 has a diameter smaller than that of the passage formed by the internal stop 11.

[0060] Similarly, the sleeve 9 is configured to come into contact with the internal stop 11.

[0061] The piston 6 is fixedly mounted on the second longitudinal body 4 preferably by means of a retaining ring 13. The rod of the piston 6 is fixedly mounted at the retaining ring 13. The retaining ring 13 is placed at the distal end of the second part 2.

[0062] According to one possibility, the positioning of the piston 6 can be controlled according to the positioning of the retaining ring 13. The retaining ring 13 constitutes a stop for a second elastic element such as a spring 15 intended to be positioned between the retaining ring 13 and the sleeve 9 so as to keep the sleeve 9 partially outside the second longitudinal body 4.

[0063] The description of the internal elements for connecting the two parts 1 and 2, or for their watertight closure, represents only one non-limiting example of implementation. In particular, the means described in the first part 1 could be located in the second part and vice versa.

[0064] The connector according to the invention advantageously comprises a clamping element in the form of a ring 12, with a threaded hole 29, carried by the second part 2 and cooperating with a complementary means in the form of a thread 12a carried by the first part 1. These clamping means 12, 12a allow, during the connection of the first part 1 and the second part 2, for them to be brought together and held in position. According to a preferred embodiment, the bringing together is gradual.

[0065] More specifically, figures 5 to 10 provide an example of an embodiment of the clamping element formed with the ring 12 in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a situation in which the first part 1 and the second part 2 are connected via the thread 12a and the tapped hole 29 in the ring 12, such that the fluidic connection through the passages of the two parts 1 and 2 is effective. In this figure, it is noted that, unlike the four preceding figures, the ring 12 has an additional thread 21 on its outer surface 20.

[0067] Figure 8 also shows a representation of the additional thread 21. Preferably, the filtered length is relatively short and preferably less than 10 millimeters; it may be less than or equal to 6 millimeters. In one possibility, the start of the thread 21 is located behind the distal end of the body of part 2, so that there is a recess between the opening of this connector part and the start of the thread 21. For example, this recess may be less than 10 millimeters, and possibly less than or equal to 6 millimeters. Preferably, the thread pitch is greater than that of the thread 12a and the tapped hole 29.

[0068] As can be seen in the situation of figure 5, when the two parts are connected by means of the link between the tapped hole 29 and the thread 12a, the ring 12 preferentially comes to rest against a corresponding surface of the outer surface of the second body 4. Optionally, the ring is mounted as a sliding pivot around the body 4 and its capacity for movement along the longitudinal direction relative to the body 4 is limited by this stop system which is activated when the connected position is reached between the tapped hole 29 and the thread 12a.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a situation in which the connection between the two parts 1, 2 is completed. Indeed, the nut 22 is positioned to lock the connector, the additional thread 23 of the screen 22 cooperating in this situation with the additional thread 21 of the ring 12.

[0070] This arrangement is also evident in Figure 7, a cross-sectional view. Figures 9 and 10 show the nut 22 in isolation. The nut has an outer surface advantageously equipped with a portion allowing mechanical driving with a screw-driving tool; the example shown includes flats for gripping with pliers or a wrench. The inner surface of the screen 22 includes an additional thread 23. Preferably, this thread extends from an opening in the nut 22, this opening being positioned opposite the other part of the connector.

[0071] Preferably, the nut is made of a polymer material, advantageously polyvinyl chloride. This material ensures good weather resistance and provides some shock absorption capacity, which is advantageous in an air conditioning context where vibrations are often encountered during use.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, the nut 22 advantageously includes a stop 25 located opposite the previously described opening, allowing the nut's translation to be blocked.

[0073] 22 during cooperation with a stop surface 26 formed on the external surface of the body 3 of the first part 1. Typically, in a manner relatively similar to the mounting of the ring 12 on the body 4, the nut 22 has rotational freedom allowing it to be screwed on, but it is held in translation at least in a stop position in which the connector is locked, i.e. the additional thread 21 and the additional tapping

[0074] 23 cooperate up to a limit switch corresponding to this stop. Advantageously, this mounting of the nut 22 around the body 2 is achieved by passing said body through an opening

[0075] 24 of nut 22, as seen in figure 10.

[0076] The cooperation of the nut 22 and the additional thread 21 allows a definitive locking of the connector in the connected position and provides an additional connection between the two parts 1, 2 making it possible to limit, or even eliminate, the effects of vibrations or other external constraints which could lead to the risk of unscrewing the ring and the thread 12a.

[0077] The assembly process for the first and second parts 1, 2 includes, for example, the following steps.

[0078] The tightening means (threading of the ring 12, thread 12a) of the first and second parts 1, 2 are brought into contact and progressively tightened. Advantageously, during tightening, the thread 12a passes through the ring 12 along the entire length of the threaded portion 29. Beyond a certain tightening depth, the sleeve 9 comes into contact with the internal stop 11. Preferably, the sleeve 9 makes contact with the proximal surface of the internal stop 11 at its proximal end. At this stage, although the first part 1 and the second part 2 of the connector are connected, the tightening depth of the clamping means 12 is insufficient, and therefore the valve 5 and the piston 6 remain closed by default. Furthermore, at this stage, the sleeve 9 is, by means of at least one of its seals 10, capable of sealing with the first part 1.

[0079] Thus, the fluid flow is not yet circulating between the first part 1 and the second part 2 of the connector. The seal between the first part 1 and the second part 2 is already achieved by the sleeve 9. Continuing to screw it in causes the piston 6 to advance relative to the sleeve 9 until the piston 6 comes into contact with the valve 5. The piston 6 generates a recoil movement of the valve 5 towards the distal end of the first part 1, thus breaking the seal between the valve 5 and the internal stop 11. Similarly, this movement moves piston 6 and sleeve 9 apart and eliminates the seal between piston 6 and sleeve 9. There is therefore fluid circulation between the first part 1 and the second part 2 while having a perfect seal between the first part 1 and the second part 2 thanks to sleeve 9 and its seals 10. During this step, sleeve 9 and valve 5 have a movement in opposite directions.

[0080] The arrangement of the present invention makes it possible, when screwing the ring 12, to maintain constant sealing between the first part 1 and the second part 2 due to the simultaneous movement of the sleeve 9, a constituent element of the second part 2 and the first part 1. Indeed, the support between the internal stop 11 and the sleeve 9 is constant and perpetual when screwing the ring 12 with its complementary means, the thread 12a.

[0081] When the screwing of the ring 12 onto the thread 12a is completely finished, the nut 22 can be screwed around the ring 12 so as to make the additional thread 21 and the additional tapping 23 cooperate. When the nut 22 reaches the end of its travel, the connector is in the connected position and locked by a double threaded connection means.

[0082] An air conditioning unit according to the invention comprises, for example, at least one outdoor unit 16 intended to be positioned outside the space to be air-conditioned. Generally, the outdoor unit 16 includes forced convection means equipped with a fan and a circuit, referred to as the outdoor circuit, through which a refrigerant circulates. Connectors are generally arranged at the inlet and outlet of the outdoor circuit to ensure that the circuit is closed during assembly and disassembly.

[0083] The device also includes an indoor unit 17, for example, consisting of a wall-mounted unit capable of blowing air at a selected temperature into the space to be cooled. For this purpose, the indoor unit 17 has an internal circuit for circulating the refrigerant. The indoor and outdoor circuits of the indoor unit 17 and the outdoor unit 16, respectively, each having an inlet and an outlet, are connected by one of the connecting pipes 18 and 19, also illustrated in Figure 11.

[0084] In Figure 11, the ends of the connecting pipes 18 and 19 are secured to the second part 2 of a respective connector according to the invention. The first part 1 of the connector according to the invention is then mounted respectively on the outdoor unit 16 and the indoor unit 17. This is not necessarily the case in all embodiments of the invention.

[0085] In a preferred form of air conditioning unit, two connecting pipes 18, 19 respectively connect the inlet of the outdoor circuit of the outdoor unit 16 to the outlet of the indoor circuit of the indoor unit 17 or the outlet of the outdoor circuit of the outdoor unit 16 to the inlet of the indoor circuit of the indoor unit 17, a connector being provided at each end of each pipe 18, 19.

[0086] The connector according to the invention eliminates the need to handle the refrigerant on machines pre-charged with fluid (the fluid is contained in the compressor of the outdoor unit 16) and avoids a commissioning procedure that involves extracting the fluid, evacuating the system, and reintroducing the fluid. Consequently, any risk of outgassing or leakage due to improper handling or equipment defects is eliminated.

[0087] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

[0088] DIGITAL REFERENCES

[0089] 1. Part One

[0090] 2. Part Two

[0091] 3. First longitudinal body

[0092] 4. Second longitudinal body

[0093] 5. Valve

[0094] 6. Piston

[0095] 7. Valve sealing means

[0096] 8. Piston sealing means

[0097] 9. Sleeve

[0098] 10. Joints

[0099] 11. Internal stop

[0100] 12. Ring

[0101] 12a. Threading

[0102] 13. Retaining ring

[0103] 14. First spring

[0104] 15. Second spring

[0105] 16. Outdoor Unit

[0106] 17. Indoor Unit

[0107] 18. Pipe

[0108] 19. Pipe

[0109] 20. Outer surface of ring

[0110] 21. Additional thread

[0111] 22. Nut

[0112] 23. Additional tapping

[0113] 24. Opening

[0114] 25. Rear stop

[0115] 26. Stopping surface

[0116] 29. Tapping

Claims

Demands 1. Air conditioning circuit pipe connector comprising a first part (1) and a second part (2) intended to cooperate so that the connector is alternately in a connected or disconnected position, the first part (1) comprising a first longitudinal body (3) providing a first through passage and the second part (2) comprising a second longitudinal body (4) providing a second through passage, connector in which the first part (1) comprises an external thread (12a) and the second part (2) comprises a ring (12) with a tapped hole (29), the external thread (12a) being configured to cooperate with the tapped hole (29) by screwing the ring (12) into the connected position, connector in which the ring (12) comprises an outer surface having an additional thread (21),and in which the first part (1) comprises a nut (22) having an additional thread configured to cooperate by screwing with the additional thread in the connected position, characterized in that the nut (22) comprises a stop (25) coming into contact with a stopping surface (26) of the first longitudinal body (3) at the end of screwing.

2. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the ring is made of steel and the nut of polymer material, and preferably of polyvinyl chloride.

3. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapping (29) extends to a distal end of the ring (12) and wherein the additional thread (21) does not extend to the distal end.

4. Connector according to the preceding claim, in which the tapping (29) and the additional thread (21) are not opposite each other or are only partially opposite each other.

5. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screwing direction of the additional tapping (23) relative to the additional thread (21) is identical to the screwing direction of the external thread (12a) relative to the tapping (29).

6. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the additional thread (21) is less than 10 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 6 mm.

7. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the connected position, the relative screw length between the tapped hole (29) and the external thread (12a) is greater than the relative screw length between the additional tapped hole (23) and the additional thread (21).

8. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the ring (12) includes a stop coming into contact with a stop surface of the second longitudinal body (2) at the end of screwing the external thread (12a) relative to the tapping (29).

9. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage formed in the first longitudinal body (3) comprises a valve (5) mobile, said passage housing a first spring (14) intended to maintain the valve (5) in tight contact with the first longitudinal body (3) when the connector is in the disconnected position, the longitudinal body comprising an internal stop (11) against which the valve (5) is intended to be in contact by default under the action of the first spring (14) at least when the connector is in the disconnected position, and in which the second part (2) comprises a movable sleeve (9) and a piston (6), the piston (6) being placed at least partially in the sleeve (9) and placed at least partially in the second longitudinal body (4) and the piston (6) being fixed relative to the second longitudinal body (4) by means of a retaining ring (13) on which the piston (6) is fixed,a second spring (15) being placed between the retaining ring (13) and the sleeve (9) in the second longitudinal body (4) so ​​as to maintain the contact of the sleeve (9) against the internal stop (11) of the first longitudinal body (3) when the connector is in the connected position.

10. A method for fluidic connection between a first air conditioning unit and a second air conditioning unit, comprising the use of a connector according to any one of the preceding claims, with: • an assembly of the first part (1) and the second part (2) by screwing the threaded hole (29) of the ring (12) onto the external thread (12a); then • screwing the additional thread (23) of the nut (22) onto the additional thread

Images