FR3072155A3 - FLUID CONNECTION MEMBER AND FLUID CONNECTION INCORPORATING SUCH A MEMBER - Google Patents

Abstract

This fluidic connection element (100) (2) comprises a body (102), a valve (106) with a peripheral groove (1064) receiving a seal (114), a member (132) for elastic return of the valve and a skirt (120) disposed within the body and movable between a first position disengaged axially from the seal (114) and a second radial lap position of the seal. This element (100) also comprises at least one coupling member (130) axially integral with the skirt (120) and movable radially between a first radial position, of axial connection of the skirt (120) and the body (102) and of relative axial movement of the valve relative to the skirt, and a second position, axial connection of the skirt and the valve (106) and relative axial movement of the skirt and the body, in a configuration where the skirt covers the joint (114). Preferably, the axial length (L110) of a surface (110) forming a seat (108) for the valve is greater than or equal to twice an axial distance (d4) between the axial medium (M1064) of the groove (1064 ) receiving the seal (114) and the front face (1067) of the valve (106) or greater at an axial distance taken, during coupling or uncoupling, between the axial media (M1064) of the grooves ( 1064, 202G) formed respectively on the two elements (100, 200) of a connector (2) and receiving seals (114, 254) intended to bear against this surface (110).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a fluidic connection element intended to be connected to a complementary element to allow the circulation of a fluid within a coupling.

The field of application of the invention is that of the connection of fluid lines, especially high pressure fluid or high flow rate fluid. It is known to seal a male or female coupling element equipped with a valve by means of an elastomer O-ring housed in an annular groove and compressed radially between the valve and a body of the element. when the flap is in the closed position. When this type of seal is directly exposed to the pressure and / or the flow rate of the fluid passing through the coupling element, it may be ejected from its groove, causing leakage in uncoupled configuration of the coupling elements.

To overcome this problem, it is known from EP-A-0 621 430 to use a protective skirt within a male coupling element and another protective skirt within a female coupling element, these skirts being intended to be interposed radially between the fluid passing through the connection and a seal, during coupling and uncoupling, and in coupled configuration of the coupling elements. This normally prevents the seal from being driven out of its housing. These skirts are pushed by springs in the direction of the front part of each coupling element so that their surface intended to protect the seal is in the extension of a front part of the coupling element. However, when the fluid flows in the connecting element under high pressure, especially under a pressure greater than 200 bar, there is a risk that the force exerted by the spring is not sufficient to maintain the skirt in position and that the it is repelled by the pressure of the fluid and discovers the seal that it should protect, which is then exposed to the fluid and may be ejected from its housing. Similar problems arise when the fluid flows with a high flow rate, especially more than 80 liters / minute for an internal passage in the 8mm diameter connector. It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new male or female fluid coupling element which is intended to be coupled to a complementary coupling element for joining fluid pipes and which makes it possible to protect effectively a seal fitted to a valve of this connecting element, including when the fluid passing through the connection has a high pressure or a high flow rate, in particular in the transitional phase of coupling or uncoupling, without the risk that the valve is pushed back against the action of a return spring by the effect of a flow of the fluid under pressure, which could lead to the ejection of a seal out of a receiving groove of this seal, and make the connection unusable. For this purpose, the invention relates to a fluidic connection element comprising a body delimiting a fluid flow duct and centered on a longitudinal axis, and a valve with a radial peripheral groove receiving a seal, this valve being axially movable relative to the body between a closed position, wherein the seal is in contact with a corresponding seat formed by the body, and an open position, wherein the seal is not in contact with the seat. This coupling element also comprises a resilient return member of the valve towards its closed position, as well as a skirt disposed inside the body, this skirt being itself axially movable relative to the valve, between a first position in which skirt is disengaged axially relative to the seal and a second position in which the skirt radially covers the seal. According to the invention, the coupling element comprises at least one coupling member axially integral with the skirt and movable, radially to the longitudinal axis relative to the body between a first radial position, in which the body of hitch axially secures the skirt and the body and allows a relative axial movement of the valve relative to the skirt, and a second radial position, wherein the coupling member axially secures the skirt and the valve and allows a relative axial movement of the skirt relative to the body, in a configuration where the skirt radially covers the seal.

Thanks to the invention, the skirt radially covers the seal carried by the valve and protects it from the main fluid stream and the coupling member makes it possible to secure the positioning of the skirt along the longitudinal axis of the body of the liner. connecting element, in particular with respect to the seal carried by the valve of the connecting element, which avoids an inadvertent displacement of the skirt or that this seal is discovered under the effect of a force exerted by the fluid on the skirt. The risks of direct contact between the fluid and the seal of the valve are thus minimized. In addition, the fastening of the skirt with the body or with the valve, thanks to the coupling member, allows to use this valve to move the skirt, without having to use a spring. Finally, the length of the surface of the part that forms the seat makes it possible to ensure that the seal carried by the valve is in sealing contact with the surface forming the seat and that no passage of fluid is likely to push the valve back to the seat. against the action of the elastic member during coupling or uncoupling.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a coupling element may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination: - The axial length of a surface of a part, which constitutes the seat formed by the body is greater than or equal to twice an axial distance between, on the one hand, the axial medium of the radial peripheral groove for receiving the seal and, on the other hand, a front face of the valve . - The axial length of the surface of the part that constitutes the seat is strictly greater than twice the axial distance between the axial center of the groove and the front face of the valve, preferably greater than or equal to 2.5 times this axial distance . - The valve comprises a first locking surface of the coupling member in its first radial position, and a first housing for receiving a portion of the coupling member in its second radial position, the first housing being adjacent along the longitudinal axis to the first locking surface, while the body comprises a second locking surface of the coupling member in its second radial position, and a second receiving housing of a second portion of the coupling member in its first radial position, the second receiving housing being adjacent along the longitudinal axis to the second locking surface. - In uncoupled configuration, the valve is in its closed position, the skirt is in its first position and the coupling member is held in its first radial position by the first locking surface of the valve, while the first housing of receiving is disposed in front of the first locking surface and that the second receiving housing is disposed in front of the second locking surface. - The skirt is configured to come into abutment against the body, while the coupling member is in its first radial position. - The valve is configured to come into abutment against against the skirt in its closed position. - When the coupling member is in its first radial position, the maximum value of an axial distance, measured between the skirt and a part of the body forming the seat, is less than or equal to half, preferably to one-third, the width of the radial peripheral groove receiving the seal, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. - A surface of the valve is adapted to come into rear abutment against the skirt in a configuration where the coupling member is adapted to come in its second radial position. - The skirt is provided with a tubular portion forming a cylindrical radial surface with a circular radial overlap section of the seal and a diameter of this surface is equal to the diameter of the surface of the portion of the body forming the seat. - The axial length of the cylindrical radial surface of the tubular portion is strictly greater than an axial length taken between a front face of the valve and the rear abutment surface of the valve. - The skirt is equipped with a radial through housing, wherein the coupling member is movable and the coupling member has a radial dimension greater than the radial dimension of the radial housing through. - The coupling member comprises at least one ball, in particular two balls aligned in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis and movable in the same radial housing passing through the skirt. - The coupling member is integral with the sealing skirt and connected thereto by an elastically deformable portion in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis. - The seal is housed in an outer radial peripheral groove of a front portion of the valve, the valve comprises a rod of radial thickness less than a radial thickness of the front portion and the skirt is mounted around the valve, then that, in its first radial position, the coupling member cooperates with an internal annular groove of the body and that, in its second radial position, the coupling member cooperates with an external annular groove of the rod. - The seal is housed in an internal radial peripheral groove of the valve, the body comprises a fixed central pusher which forms the seat and a tubular element provided with a second seal and the valve is slidably mounted around the pusher fixed central and inside the tubular element, while in its closed position, the second seal is in contact with the valve, the skirt is mounted, radially to the longitudinal axis, between the pusher and the valve and that, in its first radial position, the coupling member cooperates with an external annular groove of the pusher, that in its second radial position, the coupling member cooperates with an internal annular groove of the valve. - The fixed central pusher is equipped with fluid passage channels from or to an internal volume of the fixed central pusher, while the seat, on the one hand, and the second housing, on the other hand, are arranged, along the longitudinal axis, on both sides of the radial passages.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a fluidic connection for the joining of pressurized fluid lines, this connection comprising a male element and a female element designed to be engaged with each other, at least one of which is as mentioned above.

Advantageously, such a coupling may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically permissible combination: - Only a first coupling element, among the male element and the female element, is as mentioned above, while the valve of the first coupling element is adapted to be moved towards its open position by a body of the second coupling element, among the male element and the female element, whereas, in coupled configuration, the skirt of the first coupling element is able to radially cover the seal of the valve of the first coupling element and a seal received in a radial peripheral groove of the second coupling element, and while the axial length of the surface of the part which constitutes the seat formed by the body of the first coupling element is greater than or equal to an axial distance taken, when the s first and second elements of the coupling are in the process of coupling or uncoupling, the front face of the valve of the first coupling element being in contact with the body of the second coupling element, between, on the one hand, the axial medium of the radial peripheral groove of the valve and, secondly, the axial center of the radial peripheral groove of the body of the second coupling element. - The axial length of the surface of the part which constitutes the seat is strictly greater than the axial distance between the axial media of the grooves, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 times this axial distance. - During coupling of the male and female elements of the coupling, the seal of the first coupling element is in sealing contact with the surface of the part which constitutes the seat and prevents the pressurized fluid from passing between the duct fluid flow and the front face of the valve, as long as the second seal of the second coupling element is not in sealing contact with the body of the first coupling element. - During uncoupling of the male and female elements of the coupling, the seal of the first coupling element according to the invention is in sealing contact with the surface of the part which constitutes the seat before the seal of the second coupling element leaves the sealing contact with the body of the first coupling element. The body of the first coupling element comprises a stop for limiting the displacement of the skirt rearwardly relative to the body of the first coupling element, this stop being arranged in such a way that, during coupling, when the coupling member is in its second radial position, the skirt can not be moved to an axial position where it does not radially cover the seal of the second coupling element. - The skirt has a tubular portion with a stepped radial surface, with a front portion and a rear portion which radially cover respectively the seal of the second coupling member and the seal of the first coupling member when the coupling member is in its second radial position and, in this joint overlap configuration, the radial thickness between the rear portion and the valve of the first coupling element is greater than the radial thickness between the front portion and the body of the second coupling element. The male coupling element and the complementary coupling female element are as mentioned above, whereas, in coupled configuration of the coupling, the coupling members of the male and female coupling elements are each in their second position; radial and the valves of the male and female coupling elements are each in their open position. - During coupling of the male and female elements of the coupling, when the coupling member of a first coupling element, among these male and female elements is movable from its first radial position to its second radial position, the coupling member of the second coupling element, among these male and female elements, is held in its first radial position by the valve of the second coupling element. In the coupled configuration of the coupling, the seal of the valve of the female element and a part of the body of the male coupling element radially surround the skirt of the female coupling element. The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the description which follows, of several embodiments of a connecting element and a connection according to its principle, given only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is an axial section of a connector according to a first embodiment of the invention, the male and female elements are uncoupled, the male coupling member being itself in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female element of the connector of FIG. 1; - Figure 3 is a section similar to Figure 1, on a smaller scale, when the male and female coupling elements are in a first configuration, being mated; - Figure 4 is a cross section along the line IV-IV in Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a perspective view, on a larger scale than Figure 2, a crew comprising a valve and a skirt belonging to the connection of Figures 1 to 4; - Figure 6 is a section similar to Figures 1 and 3 when the male and female coupling elements are in a second configuration, being mated; - Figure 7 is a section similar to Figures 1, 3 and 6, when the male and female coupling elements are in a third configuration, being mated; FIG 8 is a section similar to Figures 1, 3, 6 and 7 in coupled configuration of the connector; - Figure 9 is a section similar to Figure 1 for a connection according to a second embodiment of the invention, the male element is also in accordance with the invention; - Figure 10 is a section similar to Figure 9 in coupled configuration of the connector of the second embodiment; - Figure 11 is a perspective view of a skirt belonging to the connector of Figures 9 and 10; - Figure 12 is a section similar to Figure 1 for a connection according to a third embodiment of the invention, the female element is also in accordance with the invention; - Figure 13 is a cross section along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 12; - Figure 14 is a section similar to Figure 12 when the male and female coupling elements are being mated; FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of detail XV in FIG. 14; - Figure 16 is a section similar to Figure 14, in the coupling configuration of the connector; - Figure 17 is a section similar to Figure 1 for a connection according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, each of the male and female elements is also in accordance with the invention; - Figure 18 is a smaller scale cross section along the line XVIII in Figure 16; - Figure 19 a cross section on a smaller scale along the line XIX in Figure 16; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a skirt belonging to the connector of FIGS. 17 to 19; - Figure 21 is a section similar to Figure 17 when the male and female elements are in a first configuration, being mated; - Figure 22 is a section similar to Figure 21 when the male and female coupling elements are in a second configuration, being mated; - Figure 23 is a section similar to Figures 21 and 22 when the male and female elements are being mated in a third configuration; - Figure 24 is a view similar to Figures 21, 22, and 23 in coupled configuration of the connector; - Figure 25 is a section similar to Figure 1 for a connection according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the male element is also in accordance with the invention; - Figure 26 is a section similar to Figure 25 during coupling of the coupling elements of the fifth embodiment; Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of detail XXVII in Fig. 26; - Figure 28 is a section similar to Figure 25 in coupled configuration of the connector of the fifth embodiment; - Figure 29 is a section similar to Figure 1 for a connection according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the female element is also in accordance with the invention; - Figure 30 is a section similar to Figure 29 in coupled configuration of the connector of the sixth embodiment; - Figure 31 is a section similar to Figure 29 in the process of uncoupling the connecting elements of the sixth embodiment; and FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of detail XXXII in FIG.

The coupling 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 comprises a male coupling element 100 and a female coupling element 200 intended to be engaged one inside the other along a central axis X 2 of the coupling 2 for the removable connection of fluid under pressure.

In the configuration of use, the elements 100 and 200 are respectively connected to pipes C1 and C2 in which circulates a fluid under pressure, for example a gas under a pressure greater than 200 bars, for example equal to 300 bars. For clarity of the drawing, the pipes C1 and C2 are shown only in Figure 1, in phantom. Pipes of the same type are used with the male and female elements of the fittings of the other embodiments and are not shown. In coupled configuration of the coupling 2, the fluid can flow at a high flow rate, for example greater than 80 liters per minute for a fluid passage diameter inside the connection of the order of 8 mm. The male coupling member 100 is centered on a longitudinal axis X100 which is intended to coincide with the axis X2 during coupling / uncoupling and in coupled configuration of the coupling 2 and which defines a front-rear direction of the male element of connection 100. The rear of this element 100 is turned towards the pipe C1, while the front of this element is turned towards the female element 200 at the beginning of coupling. The female connector element 200 is also centered on a longitudinal axis X200 intended to coincide with the X100 and X2 axes during coupling / uncoupling and in coupled configuration of the coupling. This axis X200 also defines a front-rear direction of the element 200, with the rear of this element 200 turned towards the pipe C2 and the front of this element 200 turned towards the male coupling element 100 at the beginning of coupling.

In what follows, the adjectives "axial" and "radial" apply in relation to the axis X100 when it comes to the male coupling element 100 and in relation to the axis X200 when it is is the female connector element 200. Thus, for example, a length or distance is said to be "axial" when it is parallel to the axis considered, while a surface is called "axial" when is perpendicular to this axis and "radial" when it is perpendicular to a radius passing through that axis. A direction is said centripetal, respectively centrifugal, when it is radial and convergent, respectively radial and divergent, with respect to this axis. This also applies to the other embodiments. The male coupling element 100 comprises a body 102 which is shown in one piece in the figures but may consist of several parts assembled together. This body 102 is centered on the axis X100 and pierced with a central bore 104 which defines a fluid circulation duct inside the male coupling element 100, this duct being closed by a valve 106 equipped with a seal which comes into sealed contact against a seat 108 in uncoupled configuration of the connector 2. This seat 108 is formed on an inner radial surface 110 of the body 102, itself disposed at a front end 112 of the male coupling member 100. D110 denotes the diameter of the surface 110 which is circular. The valve 106 comprises a front portion 1062 of outer diameter D6.

Part 1062 is equipped with an outer peripheral groove 1064 in which an elastomeric seal ring seal 114 is received which comes into sealing contact with the seat 108 in the closed configuration of the coupling male member 100 being compressed radially between the seat 108 and the valve 106. We note £ 1064 the width of the groove 1064, that is to say the axial dimension of this groove.

The valve 106 also comprises a rod 1066 which is integral with the portion 1062 and which extends rearwardly, that is to say opposite to a front face 117 of the male coupling element 100. A rear stop surface 1063 delimits the portion 1062 on the rear.

1067 is the front face of the valve 106, which is disk-shaped centered on the axis X100. Note 1127 the front face of the end 112, which is ring-shaped centered on the axis X100. The front faces 1067 and 1127 together constitute the front face 117. In uncoupled configuration of the connector, the front faces 1067 and 1127, which are perpendicular to the axis X100, are flat and flush with each other, so that the front face 117 is flat.

L1062 is the axial length of the portion 1062. The length L1062 is measured along the longitudinal axis X100, between the rear abutment surface 1063 and the front face 1067. In contrast to the portion 1062, the rod 1066 is provided with a thread 1066a on which is screwed a nut 1065 which comprises a threaded circular portion 1065a and a wafer 1065b which extends generally in two opposite radial directions with respect to the threaded portion 1065a and which is integral with the part 1065a . The geometry of the nut 1065 is apparent from the comparison of FIGS. 1 and 5.

The rod 1066 is equipped with an external peripheral groove 1068 which constitutes a recessed housing, radially in the direction of the axis X100, with respect to the external radial surface of the rod 1066. D1 is denoted by the diameter of the rod 1066. outside the groove 1068, this diameter being strictly less than the diameter D6. In other words, the front portion has a radial thickness, with respect to the axis X 100, which is greater than that of the rod 1066, these radial thicknesses corresponding, in the example, to the radii of these parts, that is to say respectively half the diameter D6 and half the diameter D1.

The seal 114 is not shown in Figure 5, to allow a better view of the groove 1064.

S1 is the part of the outer radial surface of the rod 1066 located between the thread 1066a and the annular groove 1068. This surface S1 is cylindrical with circular section and diameter D1.

A skirt 120, made in the form of a ring, is mounted around the valve 106 and comprises a tubular portion 122, with a circular section whose D122 is noted the inside diameter, which is equal to the diameter D110, and S122 the internal radial surface which is cylindrical with circular section. The skirt 120 also comprises a connecting portion 124 which connects the tubular portion 122 to a rear leg 126 of the skirt 120, the portion 124 and the rear leg are pierced with an axial central hole for the passage of the rod 1066. In the rear leg 126 are defined two housings 128 which extend along the same axis Y128 radial to the axis X100 and which are through, that is to say that they both open at the same time inside the skirt 100 in the direction of the central longitudinal axis X100 and outside thereof, in a radial direction parallel to the axis Y128.

We denote L122 the axial length of the surface S122. The axial length L122 is defined between a front edge 120a of the skirt 120 and an internal shoulder 123 of the skirt formed at the junction of the portions 122 and 124. This length L122 is strictly greater than the length L1062, preferably greater than or equal to double the length L1062.

The skirt 120 is also provided with two cutouts 129 which extend, on either side of the axis X 100 in the mounted configuration of the male coupling member 100, at the junction between the portions 122 and 124 and which allow to evacuate fluid present in the internal volume of the tubular portion 122 in case of relative movement between the skirt 120 and the valve 106 in a direction of approximation of the parts 124 and 1062.

The valve 106 and the skirt 120 together constitute a crew E internal to the male coupling element 100, which is shown in perspective in FIG.

A pair 130 of balls 130a and 130b, aligned in a direction radial to the axis X100, is disposed in each housing 128. In each pair of balls 130, there is 130a the ball closest to the rod 1066 and 130b the most remote. In practice, each radial housing 128 is a circular section bore formed in the flange 126 with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the balls 130a, 130b that it receives. Each ball 130a, 130b is axially secured to the skirt 120.

The radial dimension of each pair of balls 130 is greater than the radial height of each housing 128, that is to say the dimension of this housing measured radially to the axis X100. In practice, when the balls 130a and 130b have the same diameter, as in the example of the figures, the diameter of the balls 130a and 130b is chosen strictly greater than half the radial height of each housing 128. Each pair of balls 130 disposed in a housing 128 thus permanently exceeds this housing, either radially outwardly or radially inward towards the axis X100, relative to the rear leg 126. Each pair of balls 130 constitutes an organ hitching the skirt 220 to the body 102 or the valve 106, as will be apparent from the explanations that follow.

A spring 132 is supported on the front against the wafer 1065b, and on the back, against a ring 134 locked backwards in the body 102 by means of a circlip 136. This spring 132 exerts on the wafer 1065b, and thus on the valve 106, an axial force E1 directed towards the front which tends to bring the valve 106 towards its closed position of the duct 104, at the front end 112.

The body 102 is provided with an inner radial peripheral groove 1028 for receiving a portion of each of the balls 130b. S2 is the internal radial surface of the body 2 which defines the bore 104 at the rear of the groove 1028. Note D2 the diameter of this surface S2 which is cylindrical with a circular section. This diameter D2 is smaller than the groove bottom diameter of the groove 1028. Thus, the groove 1028 extends hollow, radially opposite the axis X100, with respect to the surface S2. The surface S2 is disposed, along the axis X100, between the groove 1028 and the ring 134 bearing against the circlip 136.

The body 102 is equipped with three lugs 138 which extend radially projecting from the remainder of the body 102 and only one of which is visible in the figures, it being specified that these three lugs 138 are regularly distributed around the axis X100. The female element 200 comprises a body 202 centered on the axis X200 and which is provided with a central bore 204 forming a conduit for the passage of fluid under pressure. The body 202 is multipartite and comprises two tubular elements 202A and 202B, as well as a fixed central pusher 202C. The fixed central pusher 202C comprises a front end or head 202D, a central rod 202H which extends along the axis X200 and a rear flange 202J, pierced with passages 202K for the fluid and which is immobilized axially by axial clamping between the tubular elements 202A and 202B. We note 2027 the front face of the pusher 202C. The female connector element 200 also comprises a valve 206 which is mounted axially movable around the fixed central pusher 202C, radially inside the tubular element 202B and which is resiliently loaded towards a closed position by a spring 232 interposed between the valve 206 and the body 202 and which exerts an axial force E2.

2067 the annular front face of the valve 206. In uncoupled configuration of the connector, the front faces 2027 and 2067, which are flat and perpendicular to the axis X200, are flush with each other, so that the face before 217 of the female connector element 200 constituted by the front faces 2067 and 2027 is flat, radially inside the tubular element 202B.

The body 202 is equipped with two elastomeric O-rings 252 and 254 respectively installed in an internal peripheral groove at an inner radial peripheral surface 210 of the tubular element 202B and in an external peripheral groove 202G formed at a external radial peripheral surface 211 of the front end or head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C.

In the closed position of the valve 206, the seals 252 and 254 are compressed radially between the body 202 and the valve 206.

L202D denotes the axial length of the head 202D, measured between the front face 2027 and a rear edge 202F of the groove 202G.

The length L122 is greater than or equal to the sum of the lengths L1062 and L202D. This allows the skirt 120 to accommodate the front portion 1062 and the head 202D in the interior volume of the tubular portion 122. The female connector member 200 also includes a ring 240 which is rotatably mounted about the body 202 relative to to the axis X200 and which is equipped with three grooves 242 each for receiving a lug 138 which moves inside the groove during coupling of the male and female coupling elements 100 and 200, until it reaches at a seat 244 provided at the bottom of each groove. The ring 240 is held axially relative to the body 202 between the tubular elements 202A and 202B.

The operation of the coupling 2 is as follows:

In uncoupled configuration, shown in Figure 1, the skirt 120 is pushed by the plate 1065a subjected to the elastic force E1 which comes into contact with the rear leg 126, in the forward direction to the point that its leg 126 comes in front stop against an internal shoulder 1022 of the body 102. The shoulder 1022 defines the annular groove 1028 on the front. In this configuration, the front edge 120a of the skirt 120, that is to say the edge of the tubular portion 122 opposite the connecting portion 124, is not in contact with the front end 112 of the body 102 In other words, in uncoupled configuration, a distance L, measured axially between the edge 120a and an internal shoulder 1024 of the body 102, which delimits the end 112 towards the rear and which delimits forwards a portion of the conduit 104 of internal diameter greater than the diameter D110, is non-zero and may vary slightly given manufacturing tolerances and friction.

In this configuration, the valve 106 is in the closed position of the male connector element 100. In particular, the seal 114 cooperates sealingly with the surface 110, at the seat 108.

In this uncoupled configuration, the balls 130a bear on the surface S1, so that they push the balls 130b radially outwards, in the groove 1028 which forms a housing for receiving the outer portion of each ball 130b. The skirt 120 is thus secured by the two pairs of balls 130, in translation along the axis X100, with the body 102 and the skirt 120 is disengaged axially with respect to the seal 114.

At the beginning of the coupling of the male and female elements 100 and 200, these coupling elements are aligned on the axis X2, then are brought closer to each other in the direction of the arrows A1 in FIG. for the effect of bringing the front face 2027 of the fixed central pusher 202C into contact with the front face 1067 of the valve 106, while the front face 1127 of the male body is brought into contact with the front face 2067 of the valve 206.

By continuing the coupling movement, and at the same time as the fixed central pusher 202C enters the front end 112 of the body 102, the seals 252 and 254 bear respectively against the radial outer and inner surfaces of this end 112. In particular, with the seal 252, the seal is thus taken between the body 202 and the body 102.

During the coupling of the male and female elements 100 and 200, the fixed pusher 202C comes into contact with the valve 106 and the valve 106 is pushed by the fixed pusher 202C towards the rear of the male coupling element 100, towards its open position, against the force E1, to the point that its front portion 1062C engages in the tubular portion 122 of the skirt 120 which can not move back relative to the body 102 since it is secured axially to this one by the balls 130b. This is possible, in particular, because the diameters D110 and D122 are equal. As the valve 106 progresses towards the rear of the male coupling element 100, the seal 114 penetrates inside the skirt 120, to the point that it is protected against the pressure of the fluid, if any. contained in the male element 100 and against the flow of fluid for circulation in the coupling 2 when the male and female elements 100 and 200 are effectively coupled.

During the sliding movement of the valve 106 toward the rear of the body 102, because of the relative axial immobilization of the elements 120 and 102 by the pairs of balls 130 engaged in the groove 1028, the distance L is permanently lower. or equal to half the width £ 1064, preferably less than or equal to one third of the width £ 1064. Thus, the maximum value Lmax of the distance L is, when the pairs of balls 130 are in their first radial position, less than or equal to £ 1064/2, preferably to £ 1064/3. This can be achieved by a suitable choice of the axial dimensions of the skirt 120 relative to the axial dimensions of the body 102 and the valve 106.

Since the value Lmax is less than or equal to half the width £ 1064, preferably less than or equal to one third of the width £ 1064, the seal 114 is not likely to be driven out of the groove 1064 by the pressure of the fluid when the passage of the seal 114 from the inside of the end 112 inside the skirt 120. During the first phase of movement of the valve 106 towards the rear of the body 102, the skirt 120 remains fixed, along of the X100 axis, relative to the body 102 since it is coupled, via the two pairs of balls 130, to the body 102, insofar as the outer balls 130b are locked in the groove 1028 by the balls 130a and the surface S1 which moves axially relative to the balls 130a, 130b.

The continuation of the fitting movement has the effect that the seal 254 leaves the part 112, while the valve 206 is pushed back into the body 202, which opens the fluid communication between the two elements 100 and 200 of the connector 2, for completely penetrate the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C inside the skirt 120, still bearing against the valve 106, to the point that the joints 114 and 254 are covered, radially from the outside, by the skirt 120. This is possible, in particular, because of the relationship L122> L1062 + L202D mentioned above.

The maximum value Lmax of the distance L is less than or equal to half the width 202G of the groove 202G, preferably less than or equal to one third of the width 202G. This also ensures that the seal 254 remains protected from the fluid pressure and is not extracted from its groove 202G under the action of the fluid.

The configuration of FIGS. 3 and 4 is then reached where, with respect to the configuration of FIG. 1, the internal balls 130a have slid or rolled along the surface S1, while the external balls 130b have remained engaged in the groove 1028. .

During the movement to move from the configuration of Figure 1 to that of Figures 3 and 4, the lugs 138 have progressed in the grooves 242, with a bayonet operation facilitated by the possibility of rotation of the ring 240 around the body 202.

By continuing the coupling movement, we arrive in the configuration of Figure 6 where the rear abutment surface 1063 of the front portion 1062 of the valve 106 has abutted against the inner shoulder 123. In other words, the valve 106 comes to axial abutment, on the back, against the skirt 120.

In this configuration, represented in FIG. 6, the displacement of the valve 106 inside the body 102 has had the effect of bringing the groove 1068 opposite the pairs of balls 130, which eliminates the centrifugal force exerted previously by the surface S1 on these beads.

With the continuation of the fitting movement, the balls 130a and 130b can thus have, in their housing 128 and with respect to the body 102, a centripetal movement represented by the arrows A2 in FIG. 6, which engages the balls 130a in the throat 1068.

The coupling movement of the elements 100 and 200 then continues because of the progression of the lugs 138 inside the grooves 242, which has the effect of pushing again the valve 106 towards the rear of the male element of This additional recoil movement of the valve 106 is possible because the outer balls 130b can leave the groove 1028, the balls 130a can be housed in the groove 1068 and the outer balls 130b can slide or roll along of the surface S2. This surface S2 exerts on the pairs of balls 130 a centripetal force, in the direction of the arrows A2 mentioned above, which has the effect of blocking the pairs of balls 130 in the groove 1068. The inner radial portion of the balls 130a which is engaged in the groove 1068 axially secures the elements 106 and 120. Thus, in this configuration, the pairs of balls 130 axially join the skirt 120 and the valve 106.

When the lugs 138 reach the bottom of the grooves 242, the valve 106 and the skirt 120 have reached their maximum rear position inside the body 102, while the valve 206 has reached its maximum rear position inside the body 202. This is the configuration shown in Figure 7.

Due to the rotation of the ring 240 around the body 202 and the repulsive effects due to the forces of the springs 132 and 232, the lugs 138 are guided towards the seats 244, which induces a short displacement in the opposite direction to achieve the configuration of Figure 8, wherein the male and female connector members 100 and 200 are coupled together by being locked together by the bayonet mechanism 138/242 so that the connecting members 100 and 200 can not be discarded. the other. The valve 106 is in its open position, the fluid can flow between the two coupling elements. The pairs of balls 130 axially join the skirt 120 and the valve 106 in a configuration where this skirt effectively protects the seals 114 and 254 against the pressure and the flow of the main fluid stream represented by the arrows F in FIG. 8, the skirt 120 being interposed radially between these seals and this fluid stream and completely covering, radially from the outside, the grooves 1064 and 202G, and therefore the seals 114 and 254, so that the seals 114 and 254 are compressed radially between the valve 206 , respectively the pusher 202C, and the skirt 120. The skirt 120 is recessed axially rearward with respect to the front end 112 of the body 102, so that it does not hinder the flow of the fluid stream represented by the arrows F which is made around the skirt 120.

The uncoupling takes place in a manner opposite to that mentioned above. This uncoupling begins with an overtravel in the direction of the arrows A1, to release the pins 138 of the seats 244 and engage these lugs in the grooves 242 towards their respective mouths. Then, the male coupling element 100 is removed from the female coupling element 200. The forces E1 and E2 help to move the connecting elements 100 and 200 away from each other by pushing the valves 106 and 206 towards the their respective closed position. At the beginning of this withdrawal movement, the skirt 120, which is integral with the valve 106 due to the action of the coupling balls 130a, follows the movement of this valve bearing on the fixed central piston 202C, the valve being pushed back. by the elastic force E1 of the spring 132, which acts on the valve 106 and on the skirt 120, while the valve 206 is pushed by the elastic force E2 of the spring 232. Due to this movement, the skirt 120 moves towards the front of the male coupling element 100 and the balls 130b reach opposite the groove 1028, while the skirt 120 again abuts on the front against the shoulder 1022. The further removal of the male coupling element 100 with respect to the female coupling element 200, with the valve 106 pushed back by the spring 132, brings the surface S1 of the rod 1066 opposite the balls 130a, which has the effect of involving again the balls 130b in the groove 1028, according to a centrifugal movement inverse geometry of movement represented by arrows A2. This amounts to axially securing the skirt 120 and the body 102. In this configuration which corresponds approximately to that of FIG. 3, the joints 114 and 254 are still covered by the skirt 120. They are therefore protected against the action of the fluid present. in conduits 104 and 204.

The continuation of the uncoupling movement takes place thanks to a movement of the valve 106 resting on the fixed central pusher 202C, under the action of the force E1, and the movement of the valve 206 bearing against the end 112, under the action of the force E2, while the skirt 120 remains in abutment against the shoulder 1022, which is possible since the elements 106 and 120 are no longer axially secured.

The head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C then ends out of the skirt 120 to reach the end 112, which interrupts the flow of fluid in the connector 2. The front portion 1062 of the valve 106 then ends up out of the skirt 120 to reach the end 112, so that the seal 114 comes against the seat 108, which seals the closure of the male coupling element 100. This closing movement of the Connecting member 100 takes place without the risk of expulsion of seal 114 from groove 1064 due to the relationship L <£ 1064/2 or L <£ 1064/3. The valve 206 reaches the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C to the point that the seal 254 comes into sealing contact against the valve 206 and the seal 252 comes into sealing contact against the element 202B, which ensures the sealing of the closing the female connector element 200.

In the embodiments of Figures 9 and following, the elements similar to those of the first embodiment have the same references.

With regard to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, it is mainly possible to describe what distinguishes this embodiment from the previous embodiment.

In this embodiment, the skirt 120 is integral with two coupling members 130 formed by hammers disposed within radial housing 128 passing through a rear leg 126 of the skirt. The hammers 130 are connected to the tubular portion 122 of the skirt 120 each by a tongue 131 elastically deformable in a radial direction.

The radial dimension of the hammers 130 is greater than the radial height of the housings 128, so that these hammers selectively engage either in a groove 1028 formed in the body 102 of the male coupling element 100, or in a groove 1068 provided at the periphery of the rod 1066 of the valve 106 of this male coupling element.

For the remainder, a first blocking surface S1 is defined at the periphery of the rod 1066, at the rear of the groove 1068, while a second blocking surface S2 is defined by the body 102, at the rear of the groove 1068. the groove 1028, this blocking surface S2 delimiting the bore 104 of the body 102 which forms a fluid flow conduit in coupled configuration of the connection shown in Figure 10 where the arrows F represent the fluid stream. During the coupling, the hammers 130 are held engaged in the groove 1028 by the locking surface S1 of the valve 106 while the valve 106 is pushed towards the rear of the male element 100 by the pusher 202C of the female element 200. The groove 1068 arrives opposite the hammers 130 while the joints 114 and 254 are covered radially by the skirt 120. The continuation of the fitting movement A1 associated with the elasticity of each tab 131 which tends to recall the hammers 130 in the direction of the axis X100, the tabs 131 deform radially and the hammers 130 engage in the groove 1068. The skirt 120 and the valve 106 are then moved together axially towards the open position of the valve 106, with the hammers 130 held in the groove 1068 by the locking surface S2 of the body. In the course of coupling and in this coupled configuration, the seals 114 and 254, which respectively belong to the male and female coupling elements 100 and 200, are protected vis-à-vis the fluid stream by the skirt 120, the tubular portion of which 122 is interposed radially between these seals and this fluid vein.

In this embodiment, the bodies 102 and 202 are each mounted on a plate 102E, respectively 202E. These plates are brought together to exert a fitting force on the male and female coupling members 100, in the direction of the arrows A1 in FIG. 9, and held relative to one another in a coupled configuration, without there is provided a locking device in the connector as the bayonet device of the first embodiment. In particular, this mode of comparison is without overtravel.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention that can be applied to the embodiments mentioned below, there is provided, behind the valve 106, a stop 150 which limits the recoil movement of the valve 106 towards the rear. This abutment 150 is formed by a circlip engaged in an internal peripheral groove 1025 of the body 102. This groove 1025 opens into the bore 104. This abutment 150 is positioned along the axis X100 so as to receive the plate in abutment. 1065b of the nut 1065 in coupled configuration of the fitting. It is thus ensured that, once the skirt 120 is coupled to the valve 106, that is to say once the skirt 120 protects the seals 114 and 254, the pressure inside the connector 2 is not at risk. the trained crew of the skirt 120 and the valve 106 are driven towards the rear of the male connecting element 100, to the point of discovering the seal 254. Thus, the skirt 120 can not be moved to an axial position where it does not cover the seal 254. In practice, the abutment 150 is positioned along the axis X100, so that the skirt 120 coupled to the valve 106 can not be moved to a position where it does not cover the seal 254.

More specifically, it is possible to define a maximum axial recoil distance for the formed crew of the skirt 120 and the valve 106 once these elements are coupled. This maximum axial distance must be less than or equal to the "uncovering" length of the second seal 254 by the skirt 120 when the skirt 120 and the valve 106 are coupled. The "uncovering" length of the second seal 254 is defined axially between the front edge 120a of the skirt 120 and the rear edge 202F of the groove 202G which surrounds the head 202D and in which the seal 254 is received.

The coupling 2 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 comprises a male coupling element 100 and a female coupling element 200 intended to be fitted into each other along a central axis X2 of the coupling 2. The male coupling element 100 is centered on a longitudinal axis X100 which is intended to be coincident with the axis X2 during coupling / uncoupling and in coupled configuration of the coupling 2 and which defines a front / rear direction of the element male fitting. The rear of this element 100 is turned towards a not shown pipe connected to this element 100, while the front of this element is turned towards the female element 200 at the beginning of coupling. The female connector element 200 is also centered on a longitudinal axis X200 intended to coincide with the X100 and X2 axes during coupling / uncoupling and in coupled configuration of the coupling. This axis X200 also defines a front-rear direction of the element 200, with the rear of this element 200 turned towards a pipe connected to this element and the front of this element 200 turned towards the male coupling element 100. beginning of mating. The male coupling member 100 comprises a body 102 which is formed of two tubular members 102A and 102B and an inner sleeve 102C. The element 102A is provided with an external thread 138. The body 102 is centered on the axis X100 and pierced with a central bore 104 which defines a fluid circulation duct inside the male coupling element. 100, this duct being closed by a valve 106 in the closed position of the central bore 104 in uncoupled configuration of the connector 2. To do this, a front end 112 of the male coupling element 100 is provided with a radial groove wherein in the closed configuration of the male connector member 100, the seal 154 is in sealing contact with an inner radial surface 110 of the body 102 being compressed radially between the valve 106 and the front end 112 of the body 102. The axial width 155 of the groove 155 is marked 155. The diameter of the surface 110 at the portion where the groove 155 is made is denoted by D110. e diameter of the outer surface of the valve 106 with which the seal 154 cooperates in the closed position of the valve 106.

In the closed configuration of the male coupling element 100, the seal 154 bears against the valve 106.

1067 is the front face of the valve 106, which is disk-shaped centered on the axis X100. Note 1127 the front face of the end 112, which is ring-shaped centered on the axis X100. The front faces 1067 and 1127 together constitute the front face 117 of the male coupling element 100. In uncoupled configuration of the coupling, the front faces 1067 and 1127, which are perpendicular to the axis X100, are flat and flush with each other. with the other, so that the front face 117 is flat.

A spring 132 is supported on the front against the rear of the valve 106 and on the back against a peripheral flange of the sleeve 102C. This spring 132 exerts on the valve 106 an elastic force E1 directed towards the front which tends to bring the valve 106 to its closed position of the duct 104, at the front end 112. The female element 200 comprises a body 202 centered on the axis X100 and which is provided with a central bore 204 forming a conduit for passage of fluid under pressure. The body 202 is multipartite and comprises two tubular elements 202A, 202B, as well as a fixed central pusher 202C immobilized by screwing on a sleeve 202H which also forms part of the body 202 and which itself is clamped axially between the tubular elements 202A and 202B. The fixed central pusher 202C comprises a front part or full head 202D at the rear of which are formed several radial passages 2021 allowing the flow of fluid from or to an internal volume of the fixed central pusher 202C which is hollow behind the radial passages 2021 and which extends around the axis X200 to form a portion of the conduit 204. We note 2027 the front face of the pusher 202C. D202 is the diameter of the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C. A ring 240, axially integral with the body 202, is rotatably mounted around this body. The female connector element 200 also comprises a valve 206 which is mounted axially movable around the fixed central pusher 202C, radially inside the tubular element 202B and which is resiliently loaded towards a closed position by a spring 232. which exerts an axial force E2. In its closed position, the valve 206 equipped with a seal is in sealing contact against a seat 208 formed by the body 202, at an outer radial peripheral surface 211 of the head 202D.

2067 the annular front face of the valve 206. In uncoupled configuration of the connector, the front faces 2027 and 2067, which are flat and perpendicular to the axis X200, are flush with each other, so that the face before 217 of the female connector element 200 constituted by the front faces 2067 and 2027 is flat, radially inside the tubular element 202B.

The body 202 is provided with an elastomeric sealing O-ring 252 installed in an inner peripheral groove on an inner radial surface 210 of the tubular member 202B. Furthermore, the valve 206 is equipped with an elastomer sealing O-ring 214 installed in an internal peripheral groove 2064 formed at a front end 2062 of the valve 206. In its closed position, the valve 206 co-operates also sealingly with gasket 252.

The width of the groove 2064 taken along the longitudinal axis X200, D2062 the diameter of the inner cylindrical surface of the front end 2062 and L2062 the axial length of the front end 2062 taken between the front face 2067 and a shoulder 2063 delimiting the front end 2062 at the rear. The diameter D2062 is equal to the diameter D110.

A skirt 220, made in the form of a ring, is mounted around the fixed central pusher 202C, radially inside the valve 206. This skirt 220 comprises a tubular portion 222 before, with a circular section whose D222 diameter is noted outside and S222 the outer radial surface which is cylindrical with circular section. This surface S222 is staged. Indeed, the diameter D222 takes, along the surface S222, two distinct values, namely a first value D222! on the front portion S222! of the surface S222 and a second value D2222, strictly less than the value D22215 on the rear portion S2222of the surface S222.

The skirt 220 also comprises a rear flange 226 projecting radially outwards with respect to the surface S222 and in which are formed six radial housings 228 which extend radially to the axis X200, which are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis X200 and which are through, that is to say that they open both inside the skirt 220 in the direction of the axis X200 and outside thereof, in one direction radial. The portion of the portion 222 of diameter D2222 is disposed, along the axis X200, between the portion of diameter D222! and the flange 226.

The diameter D222! is equal to the diameters D6 and D202, which allows the skirt 200 to penetrate inside the body 102 of the male element, following the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C, during the coupling of the elements male and female fitting 100 and 200.

L222 denotes the axial length of the surface S222. The length L222 is delimited between a front edge 220a of the skirt 220 and the collar 226. The length L222 is greater than or equal to twice the length L2062. L1 denotes the axial distance between the grooves 155 and 2064 when the end 112 bears against the valve 206 during coupling / uncoupling of the male and female coupling elements 100 and 200 or in the coupled configuration of the coupling 2.

L2 is the axial length of the front portion of the portion 222, whose outer diameter is D22U. The lengths L1 and L2 are chosen so that L2 is less than or equal to L1. Thus during coupling, the seal 214 engaged around the skirt 220 has left the front portion S222! when the seal 154 engages around the skirt 220 at the rear portion S2222 limiting friction due to joints during mating.

L3 denotes the axial length between the front face 1127 and the rear edge of the groove 155. The length L222 is greater than or equal to the sum of the length L2062 and the length L3.

A ball 230 is disposed in each radial housing 228. The diameter of each ball 230 is chosen strictly greater than the radial height of each housing 128, that is to say the dimension of this housing measured radially to the axis X200 . Each ball 230 disposed in a housing 228 thus permanently protrudes from this housing, either radially outwards or radially inwards, with respect to the flange 226. Each ball 130 constitutes a coupling member of the skirt 220. to the body 202 or the valve 206, as can be seen from the explanations that follow. In practice, each housing 228 is a circular circular bore formed in the flange 226 with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the ball 230 that it receives. Each ball 230 is axially secured to the skirt 220 and radially movable relative to the body 202 in a housing 228.

The fixed central pusher 202C is provided with an external radial peripheral groove 2028 intended to receive a portion of each of the balls 230. The external radial surface of the fixed central pusher situated at the rear of the groove 1028 is noted S2. the diameter of this surface S2 which is cylindrical with circular section. This diameter D2 is greater than the groove bottom diameter of the groove 2028. Thus, the groove 2028 forms a hollow recess, radially in the direction of the axis X200, with respect to the surface S2. The surface S2 is disposed along the axis X200 between the groove 2028 and the sleeve 202H.

The part of the seat 208 defined on the peripheral surface of the head 202D is disposed in front of the outlets of the radial passages 202I on the outer radial surface of the fixed central pusher 202C, while the second blocking surface S2 and the groove 2028 are arranged behind these outlets.

The valve 206 is equipped with an internal radial peripheral groove 2068 which constitutes a recessed housing, radially opposite the axis X200, with respect to the internal radial surface S1 of the valve 206 behind this groove 2068. note D1 the internal diameter of the cylindrical surface S1 circular section of the valve 206 which is smaller than the diameter at the bottom of the throat groove 2068.

The operation of this connection 2 is as follows:

In uncoupled configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13, the skirt 220 surrounds the radial passages 202I of the fixed central pusher 202C. The skirt 220 is disengaged axially with respect to the seal 214.

In this configuration, the valve 206 is in the closed position of the female connector element 200. In particular, the seal 214 sealingly cooperates with the external radial surface of the head 202D by being compressed radially between the valve 206 and the head 202D.

In this uncoupled configuration, the balls 230 are facing the surface S1, so that they are pushed radially inwards in the annular groove 2028 which forms a housing for receiving the inner portion of each of these balls. The skirt 220 is thus secured, in translation along the axis X200, with the fixed central pusher 202C, thus with the body 202.

Note L the axial distance between the front edge 220a of the skirt 220 and an outer shoulder 2022 of the fixed central pusher which delimits the head 202D rearwardly. In uncoupled configuration, the front edge 220a of the skirt 220, that is to say the edge of the tubular portion 222 opposite the flange 224, is in axial abutment against the outer shoulder 2022. In other words, the distance L is zero. Due to the operating clearances between the groove 2028 and the balls 230, the front edge 220a can extend at a small axial distance L non-zero of the head 202D. Alternatively, by making the axial abutment of the skirt 220 forward against the fixed central pusher away from the head 202D, as in the first embodiment, for example at the rear of the orifices 202I, it is possible that the axial distance L defined as above between the front edge 220a of the skirt and the head 202D is non-zero. Note Lmax the maximum value of the distance L when the balls 230 are in their first radial position.

As long as the elements 202 and 220 are integral, the axial distance L measured between the skirt 220 and the head 202D is permanently less than or equal to half, preferably one-third, of the width £ 2064. It is furthermore possible to provide that, in this configuration, the axial distance L is less than or equal to half, preferably one-third, of the width 155. In other words, the maximum value Lmax is less than or equal to 1064/2, preferably 1064/3.

At the beginning of the coupling of the male and female elements 100 and 200, the coupling elements are aligned on the axis X2, then are brought closer to each other in the direction of the arrows A1 in FIG. for the effect of bringing the front face 2027 of the fixed central pusher 202C into contact with the front face 1067 of the valve 106, while the front face 1127 of the male body is brought into contact with the front face 2067 of the valve 206.

During the coupling of the male and female elements 100 and 200, the valve 106 is pushed by the fixed pusher 202C towards the rear of the male coupling element 100, against the force E1, at the point that the head 202D enters the body 102, towards the rear of the body 102, by driving with it the skirt 220 which is secured to it axially through the balls 230 engaged in the groove 2028. This is possible, in particular, because the diameters D6, D202 and D222! are equal. The seal between the body 202 and the body 102 is taken through the seal 252. As the head 202D progresses towards the rear of the male coupling element 100, the seal 214 comes surround the skirt 220, then the seal 154 is, in turn, surround the skirt 220. When the seal 154 deviates axially from the head 202D, the fluid flow in the connector 2 is possible.

This fitting movement of the male and female connector elements 100 and 200 into each other, in the direction of the arrows A1, takes place because of the screwing of the ring 240 on the body 102, and the cooperation of the Thread 138 with tapping 242.

Because the skirt 220 passes radially inside the seals 154 and 214, it protects them against the pressure of the fluid intended to flow in the connection 2, and against the flow of the fluid when the male and female elements 100 and 200 are actually mated.

Since the distance L is less than or equal to half, preferably one-third, of the width £ 2064 in this configuration, the seal 214 is unlikely to be driven out of the groove 2064 as it passes from the outside of the groove. head 202D outside the skirt 220.

During the displacement of the valve 206 towards the rear of the female element 200, the skirt 220 remains fixed, along the axis X200, with respect to the body 202 since it is coupled, via the six balls 230, to this body 202, insofar as these balls are locked in the groove 2028 because of the geometry of the surface S1.

By continuing the coupling movement in the direction of the arrows A1 and at the same time that the end 112 of the body 102 enters the body 202, the seal 154 leaves the head 202D to engage around the skirt 220. As the distance L is less than or equal to half, preferably one third, of the width 155, the seal 154 is not likely to be driven from the groove 155 as it passes around the skirt 220.

When the two joints 154 and 214 are completely covered by the skirt 220, the valve 206 is pushed back by the end 112 of the body 102, against the force E2 into the position shown in FIGS. internal shoulder 2063 of the valve 206 which forms a rear abutment surface comes into contact with an outer shoulder 223 of the skirt 220 which is formed by the front face of the flange 226. In other words, the valve 206 is in rear axial abutment against the skirt 220. In this configuration, the annular groove 2068 is aligned axially with the housing 228, so that the balls 230 may have a centrifugal movement to engage in the groove 2068. The centrifugal movement of the balls 230 is represented by the arrows A2 in FIGS. 14 and 15.

At the end of the centrifugal movement of the balls 230, their outer radial portion which is engaged in the groove 2068. The coupling movement of the elements 100 and 200 continues because of the screwing of the ring 240 onto the body 102, which has the effect of effect of further pushing the fixed central pusher 202C in the body 102 and the end 112 of the body 102 in the body 202. This further pushes the valves 106 and 206 respectively to the rear of the male and female connector elements 100 and 200 During this additional fitting movement which corresponds to the passage of the configuration of FIG. 14 to the configuration of FIG. 16, the skirt 220 moves in translation in conjunction with the valve 206 and the end 112 of the body 102 in support. on it, which has the consequence that the joints 154 and 214 continue to be covered radially on the inside by the skirt 220. During this further movement of the valve 206 to the arr Ie of the female connector element 200, this valve and the skirt 220 are coupled by the six balls 230. The outer radial portion of the balls 230 is engaged in the groove 2068 and the balls 230, which are aligned with the surface S2, slide or roll on surface S2. Thus, in this configuration, the balls 230 axially join the skirt 220 and the valve 206.

This additional displacement makes it possible to reach the coupled configuration of FIG. 16 where the body 102 comes into axial abutment against the body 202. The valve 206 is in its open position, the fluid can circulate between the two coupling elements. The balls 230 axially join the skirt 220 and the valve 206 in a configuration where this skirt effectively protects the joints 154 and 214 against the pressure and the flow of the main fluid stream represented by the arrows F in this FIG. 16, the skirt 220 being radially interposed between these seals and this fluid stream and completely covering, radially from the outside, the grooves 155 and 2064, and therefore the joints 154 and 214. The skirt 230 is recessed axially rearward relative to the through orifices 202I , so that it does not interfere with the flow of the fluid stream represented by the arrows F, while it effectively protects the seals 154 and 214 vis-à-vis this flow.

Note in Figure 15 that the staged structure of the surface S222, with the diameter D222! greater than the diameter D2222 has the consequence that a minimum radial thickness (D2062-D2222) / 2 between the rear portion S2222 and the valve 206 is greater than a minimum radial thickness (D110-D2223 / 2 between the front portion S222! the front portion 112 of the body 102 when the balls 230 are engaged in the groove 2068 during coupling In other words, the seal 214 is less compressed in the groove 2064 than the seal 154 in the groove 155 when the skirt 220 radially covers the two seals 214 and 154. The value of the diameter D222 is imposed by the value of the diameters D6 and D202. The fact that the diameter D2222 has a lower value makes it possible for the seal 214 to be less stressed in the coupled configuration and that its friction on the surface S222 are less important during coupling than if the skirt 220 had a diameter, constant over its length L222, equal to the diameter D222 !. This increases the life of the seal 2 14 and facilitates the operation of the coupling at both the coupling and uncoupling. In particular, the diameter D2222 may be chosen to be equal to or slightly less than the inside diameter of the seal 214 in uncompressed assembled configuration in the groove 2064.

The uncoupling takes place in a manner opposite to that mentioned above. The ring 240 is unscrewed relative to the body 102, which induces a withdrawal movement of the male coupling member 100 relative to the female connector member 200, in the opposite direction of the arrows A1. Efforts E1 and E2 help to separate the connecting elements 100 and 200 from each other by pushing the valves 106 and 206 to their respective closed position. At the beginning of this withdrawal movement, the skirt 220, which is integral with the valve 206 because of the action of the coupling balls 230, follows the movement of this valve bearing on the front end 112 of the body 102, the valve being pushed by the elastic force E2 of the spring 232. The spring 232 which exerts the elastic force E2 also acts on the skirt 220 via the balls 230.

Due to the joint movement of the skirt 220 and the valve 206, the skirt 220 moves forwardly of the female connector element 200 and the balls 230 arrive opposite the groove 2028, while the skirt 220 arrives abutment against the shoulder 2063, in a configuration comparable to that of FIGS. 14 and 15. Further removal of the male coupling element 100 with respect to the female coupling element 200 and the force E2 brings the surface S1 of the valve 206 facing the balls 230, which has the effect of engaging the balls 230 again in the groove 2028, in a reverse centripetal movement movement represented by the arrows A2. This amounts to axially securing the skirt 220 and the body 202, at the fixed central pusher 202C. In this configuration, the joints 154 and 214 are still covered by the skirt 220. They are therefore protected against the action of the fluid present in the conduits 104 and 204.

The continuation of the uncoupling movement takes place thanks to an additional movement of the valve 206 bearing on the end 112 of the body 102, under the action of the force E2, while the skirt 220 remains immobilized axially on the central pusher 202C , which is possible since the elements 206 and 220 are no longer secured axially.

The seal 154 returns to contact with the head 202D, which has the effect of cutting off the flow of fluid in the fitting 2. The valve 206 then ends up covering the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C, to the point that the seal 214 comes into contact against the portion of the seat 208 formed by the outer peripheral surface 211 of this head and that the seal 252 comes into sealing contact against the outer radial surface of the valve 206, which ensures the sealing of the closure of the element This closing movement of the connecting element 200 takes place without risk of expulsion of the seal 214 from the groove 2064 because of the following relation: L <£ 2064.

The fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 24 is a variant of the first and third embodiments in which both the male coupling element 100 and the female coupling element 200 are in accordance with the invention and comprise each a skirt 120, respectively 220, each made in the form of a ring intended to radially cover a seal 114, 214 respectively, of this element being mated / uncoupled and in coupled configuration of the coupling.

As in the first embodiment, the male coupling element 100 comprises a body 102 centered on an axis X100 and which defines a closed fluid circulation duct 104, in a closed configuration, by a valve 106 equipped with an O-ring. an elastomeric seal 114 disposed in an outer peripheral groove 1064 formed on a front portion 1062 of the valve 106 and which makes sealing engagement against a seat 108 formed by the body 102, at an inner radial peripheral surface 110 of the front part of the body 102, uncoupled configuration. In this closed position, the seal 114 is compressed radially between the valve 106 and the front end 112 of the body 102. The skirt 120 is visible in perspective in FIG. 20 and comprises a tubular portion 122 delimiting an internal cylindrical radial surface S122 circular section and connected by three connecting lugs 124 with three heels, or rear legs, 126 in each of which is formed a radial housing 128 passing through. The diameter of the surface S122 is equal to the internal diameter of the inner radial surface 110. rear legs 126 are held in abutment against the body 102 in uncoupled configuration by a spring 132 exerting an axial force E1 directed forwards on the valve 106. A pair of balls 130 is disposed in each through housing 128, with a ball internal 130a and an outer ball 130b which are aligned and operate as in the first embodiment. These two balls 130a and 130b of the pair of balls 130 are movable radially relative to the body 102 in the same housing 128 and are integral axially with the skirt 130.

These balls 130a and 130b belong to pairs of balls 130 and are alternately engaged in an external radial peripheral groove 1068 of the rod 1066 of the valve 106 or in an internal radial peripheral groove 1028 of the body 102, while locking surfaces S1 and S2 cylindrical circular section are provided in the male element 100, as in the first embodiment.

The body 202 of the female element 200 is multipartite and comprises two tubular elements 202A and 202B, as well as a fixed central pusher 202C. In the female element 200, the skirt 220 is mounted around the fixed central pusher 202C which belongs to the body 202 of this element, this body defining a conduit 204 for fluid circulation. A valve 206 is slidably mounted along the axis X200 around this fixed central pusher 202C inside the tubular element 202B and is equipped with an elastomer sealing O-ring 214 disposed in an inner peripheral groove. 2064 of the valve 206. The valve 206 is pushed forward towards its closed position by the axial force E2 of a spring 232. In uncoupled configuration, in its closed position, the seal 214 of the valve 206 is in sealed contact against a seat 208 formed by the body 202, at an outer radial peripheral surface 211 of the head 202D. The seal 214 is compressed radially between the head 202D and the valve 206. In its closed position, a seal 252 carried an inner radial peripheral surface 210 of the tubular element 202B is also compressed radially between the valve 206 and the front end. of the tubular element 202B, creating a sealing contact between the seal 252 and the valve 206.

A tubular portion 222 of the skirt 220 delimits a circular cylindrical external radial surface S222 whose diameter is equal to the diameter of the external radial peripheral surface 211 of the head 202D.

Six balls 230 are respectively received in six through-holes 228 formed in a rear flange 226 of the skirt 220 and opening towards the axis X200. The diameter of these balls 230 is such that they permanently exceed radial housings 228, either radially inwardly or radially outwardly. Each ball 230 is axially secured to the skirt 220 and movable radially relative to the body 202 in the housing 228.

These balls 230 are alternately engaged in an internal radial peripheral groove 2068 of the valve 206 or in an external radial peripheral groove 2028 of the fixed pusher 202C of the body 202, whereas two locking surfaces S1 and S2 are provided in the female element 200, as in the third embodiment.

The operation of this connection is deduced from the explanations previously provided about the first and third embodiments of the invention.

In uncoupled configuration of FIG. 17, the balls 130 are engaged in the housing 1028 and the balls 230 are engaged in the housing 2028. The skirt 120 is disengaged axially with respect to the gasket 114. The skirt 220 is able to come into abutment before against the 202D head 202C fixed central pusher. The skirt 220 is disengaged axially with respect to the seal 214.

In this configuration of the balls 230, and despite the clearances between the balls 230 and the housings 228, the skirt 220 is not distant from the head 202D by more than half, preferably one-third, of the axial width of the groove internal device 2064. In this configuration of the balls 130, and despite the clearances between the balls 130 and the housings 128, the skirt 120 can not be distant from the front portion 112 by more than half, preferably one third, of the width axial of the outer peripheral groove 1064.

At the beginning of the coupling, the respective longitudinal axes X100 and X200 of the connecting male and female elements 100 and 200 are aligned on a central axis of the connector X2 and these elements are brought closer in the direction of the arrows A1. The approximation of the coupling elements is continued by screwing the internal thread 242 of a ring 240 of the female coupling member 200 on a thread 138 of the body 102 of the male coupling element 100. In the configuration of FIG. 21, the head 202D of the fixed central pusher 202C has begun to penetrate the front end 112 of the body 102 by pushing the front portion 1062 of the valve 106 into the interior of the skirt 120, so that the gasket 114 is covered , radially from the outside, by the surface S122 of the tubular portion 122 of the skirt 120. The seal 114 is compressed between the valve 106 and the skirt 120. During this recoil movement of the valve 106, the ring 120 does not does not move back inside the body 102 since it is secured axially to the latter by the outer balls 130b pairs of balls 130 which are engaged in the annular groove 1028, being constrained radially outwardly by the s S1 surface defined by the valve 106. In parallel, the tubular portion 222 of the skirt 220 is covered radially from the inside, the seal 214 of the valve 206. The seal 214 is then compressed between the skirt 220 and the valve 206. More specifically, the valve 206 recoils under the action of the end 112 of the body 102 which pushes against the elastic force E2 exerted by the spring 232, while the skirt 220 retains its position along the X200 axis because it is secured axially fixed central pusher 202C by the balls 230 which are engaged in the annular groove 2028, being constrained radially inward by the surface S1 defined by the valve 206.

The continuation of the fitting movement in the direction of the arrows A1 has the effect of bringing the pairs of balls 130 of the male coupling member 100 opposite the groove 1068 of the rod 1066 when the front portion 1062 of the valve 106 reaches a stop on the rear, by a rear abutment surface 1063, against a shoulder 123 of the skirt 120, as shown in FIG. 22. The pairs of balls 130 are then movable between their first radial position and their second radial position. . In other words, they can then have a centripetal radial movement directed towards the X100 axis, as represented by the arrow A2 in FIG. 22, which makes it possible to disengage the balls 130b from the groove 1028 and to engage the balls 130a in the throat 1068.

In this position, the balls 230 have not yet reached the groove 2068, so that they remain engaged, by the surface S1 of the female connector member 200, in the groove 2028. In other words , the skirt 120 ceases to be secured axially with the body 102 of the male coupling member 100, while the skirt 220 is further axially secured to the body 202 of the female connector member 200. From this position and by continuing the fitting movement, the pairs of balls 130 engage in the groove 1068. Continuing the movement of fitting in the direction of the arrows A1, we arrive in the configuration of Figure 23 where the skirt 120 s is displaced with the valve 106, from the configuration of FIG. 22. The rear shoulder 2063 of the valve 206 comes into contact with the external shoulder 223 of the skirt 22. The balls 230 reach opposite the annular groove 2068, this which allows them to disengage from the groove 2028 with a centrifugal movement represented by the arrow A2 in FIG. 23. The configuration of FIG. 23 thus corresponds to the configuration of FIG. 14 for the third embodiment in which the balls 230 swing from their first position, where they axially join the elements 220 and 202, in the second position, where they axially join the elements 220 and 206.

The continuation of the fitting in the direction of the arrows A1 makes it possible to reach the coupled configuration shown in FIG. 24 where the body 102 comes into axial abutment against the body 202 and where the fluid flow can take place as represented by the Fluid veins F. The transition from the configuration of FIG. 23 to that of the configuration of FIG. 24 takes place by means of a common translation of the skirt 120 and the valve 106 inside the male coupling element. and skirt 220 and valve 206 within the female connector member. The pairs of balls 130 and the balls 230 axially join the two crews thus formed by being engaged in the grooves 1068, respectively 2068, and being constrained by the surfaces S2.

The uncoupling takes place by proceeding in the opposite way, as explained for the previous embodiments.

Alternatively, in this fourth embodiment, the male and female elements 100 and 200 may be provided so that, during fitting, the balls 230 pass from their first position, in which they axially join the skirt 220 to the body 202 , in their second position, in which they axially join the elements 206 and 220, at the same time or before the pairs of balls 130 can pass from their first position, in which they axially join the elements 102 and 120, to their second position in which they axially join the elements 106 and 120. The fact of dissociating the moment when the pairs of balls 130 evolve between their first and second positions and the moment when the balls 230 evolve between their first and second positions in the course of coupling, and during uncoupling, limits the efforts and facilitate the movements of the balls 130, 230.

In this embodiment, the skirt 120 of the male element covers radially outwardly only one seal, namely the seal 114 of the male coupling element 100, being mated and in coupled configuration. , excluding a seal belonging to the female element. Similarly, the skirt 220 of this embodiment covers radially from the inside only one seal, namely the seal 214 of the female coupling element 200, during coupling and in coupled configuration, to the exclusion of a seal from the male element. This is a difference from the first and third embodiments in which the skirts 120 and 220 each cover two seals respectively belonging to the male and female elements, at least in coupled configuration.

In this embodiment, in the coupled configuration shown in FIG. 24, the front portion 112 of the body 102 radially surrounds the skirt 220 of the female connector member 200 and the head 202D is partially received in the skirt 120 of the male element of connection 100. The fact that the body 102 radially surrounds the skirt 220 facilitates the guiding of the male and female connector elements 100 and 200.

In this embodiment also, the two seals 114 and 214 are effectively protected against the action of the pressurized fluid intended to pass through the connector 2 and the skirts 120 and 220 are not likely to be accidentally moved to a position where they would expose these seals to the action of the fluid, because they are axially secured respectively with the valves 106 and 206 in a position where they completely radially cover these seals 114 and 214.

This fourth embodiment makes it possible to use the coupling 2 with its male and female elements 100 and 200 both connected to pressurized pipelines or with either of these elements connected to a pipe for pressurized fluid. , whereas, in the previous embodiments, the connection with the element equipped with the skirt 120 or 220 connected to a pipe of pressurized fluid is used rather than the other complementary connecting element is not connected to a pipe of fluid under pressure.

With regard to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, there is mainly described what distinguishes this embodiment from that of FIGS. 1 to 8.

In this embodiment, the body 102 of the male coupling member 100 is screwed into a threaded orifice 302 of a plate 300, with the interposition of a seal 303. The threaded orifice 302 is connected to a conduit 304 for circulating fluid under pressure. Parts 302 and 304 play the same role as line C1 in the first embodiment.

A valve 106 is disposed in the body 102 by being subjected to the action of a spring 132 which tends to bring the valve 106 to a position in which a seal 114 carried by the valve 106 is in contact with a seat 108 formed by an inner radial surface 110 of the front end 112 of the body 102.

We denote L110 the axial length of the surface 110, that is to say the length of this surface measured parallel to the axis X100 defined as in the first embodiment. D110 denotes the internal diameter of the surface 110 which is circular in section centered on the axis X100.

The seal 114 is disposed in an outer peripheral groove 1064 of the front portion 1062 of the valve 106. The axial width of the groove 1064 is denoted by 1064 and its axial medium is denoted M1064, defined as a plane perpendicular to the X100 axis and median between the front and back edges of the groove 1064.

D4 is the axial distance between the axial medium M1064 and the front face 1067 of the valve 106.

The axial length L110 is greater than or equal to twice the axial distance d4. Advantageously, the axial length L110 is strictly greater than twice the axial distance d4, preferably greater than or equal to 2.5 times this distance d4.

A skirt 120 is mounted to move around the valve 106 and balls 130 make it possible to couple this skirt 120 selectively to the body 102 and to the valve 106. The female element 200 of the connector 2 of this embodiment comprises a body 202, formed of two tubular elements 202A and 202B screwed one on the other, connected to a pipe C2 and which encloses a valve 206 mounted around a central pusher 202C fixed relative to the body 202. A spring 232 acts on the valve 206 to pushing it forwardly of the body 202, radially between the head 202D of the pusher 202C and a front portion of the tubular element 202B of the body 202. This front portion and the head 202D are respectively equipped with two seals 252 and 254 against which rests the valve 206 in the closed position of the female element 200.

In this embodiment, the ring 240, which is rotatably mounted around the body 202, is provided with a tapping 246 intended to cooperate with a corresponding thread 146 provided on the outside of the body 102. Thus, the body 102 can to be screwed inside the ring 240. Furthermore this ring 240 is rotatable about the body 202, locked axially relative to the body 102, along the axis X200 defined as in the first embodiment and guided in rotation about this body by means of balls 250 which are engaged in an external peripheral groove 202P of the body 202, as well as in radial bores 248 of the ring 240. A ring 260 is mounted around the elements 202 and 240 and retains the rings 250 in position in the orifices 248.

The seal 254 is disposed in an outer peripheral groove 202G of the head 202D. M202G denotes the axial middle of the groove 202G, defined as a plane perpendicular to the axis X200 and median between the front and rear edges of the groove 202G.

During coupling, the bodies 102 and 202 are aligned along the axis X200 and close together, then, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the front face 1067 of the valve 106 bears against the front face 2027 of the pusher 202C .

The axial distance between the axial media M1064 and M202G is noted in the configuration of FIGS. 26 and 27, that is to say during coupling, and when the front faces 1067 and 2027 are in contact with each other. 'other. This distance d6 is the same during uncoupling of the elements 100 and 200, when the front faces 1067 and 2027 are in contact with each other. The distance d6 is substantially equal to twice the distance d4, preferentially the distance d6 is 2 to 2.5 times greater than the distance d4.

The length L110 is greater than or equal to the axial distance d6. Advantageously, the length L110 is strictly greater than the axial distance d6, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 times this axial distance d6.

In other words, the length L110 is elongated with respect to the same length considered for the first embodiment, which allows that, during coupling, the seal 114 is in sealing contact with the surface 110 as long as the seal 254 is not in sealing contact with the surface 110 of the body 102. In other words, during coupling, a zone Z1 defined axially between the seals 114 and 254, in particular in the vicinity of the front faces 1067 and 2027, does not receive fluid until the seal 254 is in sealing contact with the body 102 and, more particularly, bears against the surface 110, that is to say as long as the seal 254 is not not protected from any ejection out of the groove 202G by its cooperation with the body 102. This avoids the risk of fluid flow under pressure in the zone Z1, which could push the valve 206 towards the rear of the body 202, against the action of the ressor t 232, as well as the risks of ejection of the seal 254 out of the groove 202G. The transient coupling phase in which the seal 254 has come into sealing contact with the surface 110, while the seal 114 is still in sealing contact with the seat 108, is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.

In other words, the length L110 is sufficient so that, during coupling, the seal 114 remains in sealing abutment on the surface 110 as the seal 254 is not in sealing engagement against this surface, which effectively prevents any passage of pressurized fluid to flow in the connector 2 at the zone Z1 and the seal 254.

In the coupled configuration of the connector 2 shown in FIG. 28, the skirt 120 covers the seals 114 and 254, as in the configuration of FIG. 8 for the first embodiment, which protects these seals with respect to the flow of pressurized fluid within the fitting 2, this flow being represented by the arrows F in FIG.

When uncoupling the male and female elements 100 and 200, the surface 110 progressively covers the seal 254, then the seal 114. Given the relationship between, on the one hand, the length L110 and, on the other hand, the distances d4 and / or d6, the surface 110 covers the seal 114 before the seal 254 engages inside the valve 206. In other words, the seal 114 seals against the surface 110 forming the seat 108 before that the seal 254 does not leave the sealing contact with the surface 110 and does not come into contact with the valve 206. This also protects the zone Z1 against a flow of pressurized fluid which could push the valve 206 towards the rear of the body 202 , against the action of the spring 232.

In the other aspects not detailed above, this embodiment functions as that of FIGS. 1 to 8. In particular, during coupling and in coupled configuration, the skirt 120 radially covers the seal 114 of the valve 106 , as well as the seal 254 of the connecting element 200.

With respect to the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 to 32, there is mainly described what distinguishes this embodiment from that of FIGS. 12 to 16.

In this embodiment, a seat 208 is formed around the head 202D of the central pusher 202C of the female element 200, in order to receive a support a seal 214 carried by the valve 206, which is subjected to the action of a return spring 232.

This seat 208 is formed by an outer peripheral surface 211 of the head 202D, whose axial length L211 is noted.

On the other hand, the axial width of an internal radial groove 2064 of the valve 206 in which the seal 214 is placed, and its axial medium M2064, defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X200 of the female element 200 of the fitting and median between the front and rear edges of the groove 2064.

D4 is the axial distance between the front face 2067 of the valve 206 and the axial medium M2064.

The axial length L211 is greater than or equal to twice the axial distance d4. Advantageously, the axial length L211 is strictly greater than the axial distance d4, preferably greater than or equal to 2.5 times this axial distance d4.

Furthermore, M155 denotes the axial medium of a groove 155 in which is disposed a seal 154 which equips the front end 112 of the body 102 of the male element and which is in contact with a seat 108 formed by the front end 112 of the body 102, when the valve 106 is in the closed position. The axial medium M155 is defined as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X100 of the male element of the coupling 2, median between the front and rear edges of the groove 155.

In the coupling or uncoupling configuration of the male and female elements 100 and 200 of the coupling 2, the front face 2027 of the pusher 202C bears against the front face 1067 of the valve 106 of the male element and the front face 1127 of the end 112 of the body 102 comes into contact with the front face 2067 of the valve 206. We denote the axial distance between axial media M155 and M2064 in these configurations where the front face 1127 is in contact with the front face 2067. The distance d6 is substantially equal to twice the distance d4, preferably the distance d6 is 2 to 2.5 times greater than the distance d4. The axial length L211 is greater than or equal to the axial distance d6. Advantageously, the axial length L211 is strictly greater than the axial distance d6, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 times this axial distance d6.

For the same reasons as those mentioned above with regard to the fifth embodiment, the relative values of the lengths L211 and the distances d4 and / or d6 make it possible, when the male and female elements 100 and 200 are coupled, to sealing gasket 154 bears against the surface 211, while the gasket 214 is still sealingly pressed against this surface, which prevents the fluid under pressure from passing between the body 102 and the head 202D of the pusher 202C in a zone Z1 defined at the interface between the body 102 and the valve 206, in particular in the vicinity of the front faces 2067 and 1127.

Likewise, during uncoupling of the elements 100 and 200 represented by the arrows A3 and A5 in FIG. 31, taking into account the ratios between, on the one hand, the length L211 and, on the other hand, the distances d4 and / or d6, the seal 214 comes into sealing contact with the surface 211 before the seal 154 leaves this surface 211 to come into sealing contact with the valve 106. The transitional uncoupling phase, in which the seal 214 has reached in sealing contact with the surface 211 while the seal 154 is still in sealing contact with the surface 211, is illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32.

The risks of fluid flow under pressure in a zone Z1 defined as in the fifth embodiment and movement of the valve 106 rearwardly against the spring 132 under the force of the fluid pressure circulating in Z1, which would lead to the accidental ejection of the seal 154 outside the groove 155, are therefore minimized.

If we take the notations used for the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 16, the relation expressed above between the axial length L211 and the axial distance d6 can be expressed in the form L211> £ 155/2 + L1 £ + 2064/2.

The body 102 of the male element is composed of a tubular body 102B which houses the valve 106 and which is taken axially sandwiched between a plate 300 comparable to that of the fifth embodiment, and a tubular body 102A which surrounds the body 102B and which is screwed into a tapping of an orifice 302 of the plate 300, with possibility of oscillation of the body 102B with respect to the body 102A and to the plate 300. A first seal 303 is disposed between the body 102B and an inner peripheral surface of the orifice 302 in which the body 102A is engaged and into which a fluid circulation conduit 304 opens. A second seal 305 is disposed between the bodies 102A and 102B, forward of the seal 303 along the axis X300. The seal 303 seals the conduit 104, formed in the body 102B, and the conduit 304 when the valve 106 is in the closed position, in contact with a seat 108 formed by the front end 112 of the body 102 These seals 303 and 305 are elastically deformable and also return the body 102B to a neutral position where the central axis X102B of the body 102B is coaxial with the central axis X102A of the body 102A in uncoupled configuration. This configuration is that shown in Figure 29.

The body 202 of the female element 200 is composed of a tubular body 202B which houses the valve 206 and which is taken axially sandwiched between a plate 500 and a tubular body 202A screwed into a tapping of a hole 502 of the plate 500 in which opens a conduit 504 for circulating fluid under pressure. Parts 502 and 504 play the same role as line C2 in the first embodiment. A first seal 503 is disposed between the tubular body 202B and an inner peripheral surface of the orifice 502, while a second seal 505 is disposed between the tubular bodies 202A and 202B forming the body 202, before the seal 503 along the axis X200. The seals 503 and 505 allow oscillation of the body portion 202B in the body 202A. The seal 503 seals the inner conduit 204 of the female element 200 and the conduit 504, when the valve 206 is in the closed position in contact with the seat 208.

Like the seals 303 and 305, the seals 503 and 505 are elastically deformable and by default return the body portion 202B to a neutral position, where its central axis X202B is coaxial with the central axis X202A of the body portion 202A, in turn. uncoupled configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 29, 30 and 31, particularly by the shift angle α in FIG. 29, the body portions 102B and 202B may not be perfectly aligned before being pushed into each other. The mounting mode of the bodies 102 and 202 on the plates 300 and 500 makes it possible to accommodate such misalignment and to automatically align the body portions 102B and 202B during coupling, without risk of jamming. Thus the bodies 102B and / or 202 B incline towards the bodies 102A, respectively 202A, to allow alignment of the axes X102B and X202B.

On the other aspects not detailed above, especially with regard to the skirt 220 and the balls 230, this embodiment functions as that of FIGS. 12 to 16. In particular, during coupling and in coupled configuration, the skirt 220 radially covers the seal 214 of the valve 206, as well as the seal 154 of the connecting element 100.

Whatever the embodiment, the invention makes it possible to guarantee the initial position, the position during coupling and the final position of the skirt 120 and / or 220 with respect to the joint 114 or 214 that it must cover. The invention also ensures that the skirt 120 or 220 can come in full recovery of the seal 114 or 214 it must cover. This is not the case with the material of EP-A-0 621 430 if the friction of the seal on the skirt is greater than the elastic forces exerted by the corresponding spring or if a spring pushing a skirt is defective. The invention also makes it possible to guarantee effective protection of the seal 114 or 214 in the event of pressure applied by the fluid in the open position of the corresponding valve. Indeed, whatever the embodiment, the skirt remains integral with the valve belonging to the same connecting element in the fully open position of the valve.

Furthermore, compared with EP-A-0 621 430, the construction is simplified by eliminating at least one spring in the or each fitting element equipped with a skirt.

By arranging the locking surfaces S1 and S2 and the receiving housings 1068 or 2068, 1028 or 2028, the coupling member 130 and / or 230 respectively on the valve and on the body, the accuracy of the sequencing of the the hitch.

Because the skirt 120 and / or 220 is able to come into abutment against the body in the first radial position of the coupling member corresponding to a cooperation of the coupling member with the annular housing of the body, it facilitates the sequencing of the coupling to uncoupling.

By providing a maximum value Lmax of the distance L less than or equal to half or one third of the axial width of the seal receiving groove as long as the coupling member is in its first radial position, it is ensured that the seal remains sufficiently covered by the skirt and / or the body, which ensures that it is not expelled from its groove by the fluid pressure at the coupling and uncoupling. In particular, it is possible to provide a maximum value Lmax of the distance L less than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.3 mm, when the O-ring to be covered by the skirt has an upper toroid diameter or equal to 1 mm.

The rear abutment of the valve against the skirt ensures the movement of the coupling member without jamming its first radial position to its second radial position corresponding to a cooperation of the coupling member with the annular housing of the valve.

When the covering surface of the skirt has the same diameter as the seat of the seal in the closed position of the valve, it limits the seal expulsions and stresses on the seal.

The pair of balls 130 makes it possible to limit the axial dimension of the radial housing passing through the skirt.

According to a not shown variant of the invention, the balls or pairs of balls 130 or 230 may be replaced by elongated lugs or pins which slide with a movement having at least one radial component in the housing 128 or 228 of the skirt, with the radial dimension of each cleat or pin strictly greater than the radial height of the housing in which it is installed.

In addition to bayonet locking and screwing of the male and female coupling elements, which can be used in all embodiments of the invention, other types of locking of the male and female elements to one another can be envisaged, especially a locking by means of locking members such as balls, fingers or segments, associated with a locking ring movable axially and movable in the body of the female element, between a locking position in axial cooperation with the body of the male element and an unlocking position in which the locking members do not oppose the movement of the body of the male element in the body of the female element, or by means of integral plates respectively of the male connector member and the female connector member and held relative to each other in mating configuration of the connector.

In the case where the female connector element 200 is equipped with a skirt 220, it can be provided that the valve 206 is provided with a projecting portion radially towards the axis X200, which allows it to come into abutment on the front against the skirt 220 in uncoupled configuration, instead of being in abutment against the body 202.

Alternatively, the flow direction of the fluid within the connector 2 may be the opposite of that shown by the arrows F in FIGS. 8, 10, 16 and 24.

Whatever the embodiment, the number of distribution of the coupling members 130 and 230 may be adapted according to the geometry of the connector 2 and the pressure and / or the beginning of the fluid passing through it. This number is greater than or equal to 1. The embodiments and alternatives contemplated above may be combined with one another to generate new embodiments, within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, a coupling member of the type of that of the second embodiment, integral with the skirt, can be implemented in the third and fourth embodiments. In addition, a rear stop movement of the valve when attached to the skirt, of the type of the second mode, can be implemented in the third embodiment. Also, a variation in the diameter of the outer radial surface S222 of the skirt of the third embodiment can be implemented at the level of the inner radial surface of the skirt in the first embodiment.

Claims (10)

1, - fluidic coupling element (100; 200) (2) comprising: - a body (102; 202) delimiting a fluid flow conduit (104; 204), said body being centered on a longitudinal axis (X100; X200), - a valve (106; 206) with a radial peripheral groove (1064; 2064) receiving a seal (114; 214), this valve being movable axially with respect to the body between • a closed position, in wherein the seal of the valve (114; 214) is in contact with a corresponding seat (108; 208) formed by the body; and • an open position in which the seal is not in contact with the seat; a member (132; 232) for elastic return (E1, E2) of the valve towards its closed position, - a skirt (120; 220) disposed inside the body and movable axially with respect to the valve (106; 206). between a first position in which the skirt (120; 220) is disengaged axially from the joint (114; 214) and me position wherein the skirt (120; 220) radially covers the seal (114; 214), characterized in that - this connecting element comprises at least one coupling member (130; 230) axially integral with the skirt (120; 220) and radially movable with the longitudinal axis (X100; X200) with respect to the body (102; 202) between a first radial position, in which the coupling member (130; 230) axially secures the skirt (120; 220) and the body (102; 202), and allows a relative axial movement of the valve relative to the skirt, and • a second radial position, wherein the coupling member (130; 230) axially secures the skirt (120; 220) and the flap (106; 206) and allows relative axial movement of the skirt with respect to the body, in a configuration where the skirt radially covers the gasket (114; 214). 2, - connecting element according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial length (L110, L211) of a surface (110; 211) of a portion (112; 202D), which constitutes the seat (108; 208 ) formed by the body (102; 202), is greater than or equal to twice an axial distance (d4) between, on the one hand, the axial medium (M1064; M2064) of the radial peripheral groove (1064; 2064); receiving the seal (114; 214) and, on the other hand, a front face (1067; 2067) of the valve (106; 206). 3. - coupling element according to claim 2, characterized in that the axial length (L110; L211) of the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) which constitutes the seat (108; 208) is strictly greater than twice the axial distance (d4) between the axial medium (M1064; M2064) of the groove (1064; 2064) and the front face (1067; 2067) of the valve (106; 206), preferably greater than or equal to 2.5 times this axial distance (d4). 4, - connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the valve (106; 206) comprises a first surface (S1) for locking the coupling member in its first radial position, and a first housing (1068; 2068) for receiving a portion of the coupling member in its second radial position, the first housing (1068; 2068) being adjacent along the longitudinal axis (X100; X200); ) at the first blocking surface (S1); - The body (102; 202) comprises a second surface (S2) for locking the coupling member in its second radial position, and a second housing (1028; 2028) for receiving a part of the coupling member in its first radial position, the second receiving housing (1028; 2028) being adjacent along the longitudinal axis (X100; X200) to the second locking surface (S2) in uncoupled configuration, the valve is in its closed position, the skirt is in its first position and the coupling member is held in its first radial position by the first locking surface (S1) of the valve, - the first receiving housing (1068; 2068) is disposed forward of the first locking surface (S1) and - the second receiving housing (1028; 2028) is disposed in front of the second locking surface (S2). 5. - connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the skirt (120; 220) is provided with a tubular portion (122; 222) forming a surface (S122; S222) radial cylindrical circular section radially covering the seal (114; 214) and in that a diameter (D122; D2223) of this surface is equal to the diameter (D110; D202) of the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) of the body (102; 202) forming the seat (108; 208). 6. - Fluidic connection (2) for the junction of pressurized fluid lines, comprising a male element (100) of connection and a female element (200) of complementary connection provided to slip into one another, characterized in that at least one (100; 200) of the male and female coupling elements is according to one of the preceding claims. 7. - A coupling according to claim 6, characterized in that -seul a first connecting element (100; 200), among the male element and the female element, is according to one of claims 1 to 5, - the valve (106; 206) of the first coupling member is adapted to be moved to its open position by a second body (202; 102) of the second member of the connector (200; 100), from the male member and the female element, - in coupled configuration, the skirt (120; 220) of the first coupling element is able to radially cover the seal (114; 214) of the valve (106; 206) of the first coupling element as well as a seal (254; 154) received in a radial peripheral groove (202G; 155) of the body (202; 102) of the second coupling member (200; 100); and - the axial length (L100; L211) of the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) which constitutes the seat (108; 208) formed by the body (102, 202) the first coupling element is greater than or equal to an axial distance (d6) taken, when the first and second elements (100, 200) of the coupling are being mated or uncoupled, the front face (1067; 2067) of the valve (106; 206) of the first coupling element being in contact with the body (202; 102) of the second coupling element between, on the one hand, the axial medium (M1064; M2064) of the peripheral groove radially (1064; 2064) of the valve (106; 206) of the first coupling element and secondly the axial medium (M202G: M155) of the radial peripheral groove (202G; 155) of the body (202; 102). the second connecting member (200; 100). 8. - A coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that the axial length (L110, L211) of the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) which constitutes the seat (108; 208) is strictly greater than the axial distance (d6) taken between the axial media (M1064, M202G, M2064, M155) of the grooves (1064, 202G, 2064, 155), preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 times this axial distance (d6). 9. - Connection according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that, during coupling of the male (100) and female (200) elements of the connector (2), the seal (114; 214 ) of the first coupling member (100; 200) is in sealing contact with the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) which constitutes the seat (108; 208) and prevents the fluid under pressure from passing between the fluid flow conduit (104; 204) and the front face (1067; 2067) of the valve (106; 206) as long as the seal (254; 154) of the second coupling member (200; 100) is not in sealing contact with the body (102; 202) of the first coupling member. 10. - Connection according to one of claims 7 or 8 characterized in that, during uncoupling of the male (100) and female (200) of the connector (2), the seal (114; first coupling member (100; 200) is in sealing contact with the surface (110; 211) of the portion (112; 202D) which constitutes the seat (108; 208) before the seal (254; 154); the second coupling element (200; 100) does not leave the sealing contact with the body (102; 202) of the first coupling element.