Patent ID: 9476528
Filing Date: 2016-10-25
CPC Classification: F16L

Claim Text:
1. A fluid coupling element comprising a base body defining an open passage having a central axis, the open passage having a configuration to cooperatively receive a complementary fluid coupling element, at least one locking ball radially movable in a locking ball housing of the base body between a radial locking position wherein the at least one locking ball is adapted to lock the complementary fluid coupling element with respect to the base body when the complementary fluid coupling element is inserted within the base body, and a radial unlocking position wherein the at least one locking ball frees the open passage for the complementary fluid coupling element in the base body, a locking ring axially movable relative to the base body between a locking position wherein the locking ring radially locks the at least one locking ball in the radial locking position and a release position in which the at least one locking ball has sufficient radial clearance with the locking ring in order to be movable in the radial unlocking position, return means for returning the locking ring to the locking position, at least one actuating ball of the locking ring having a diameter (D) greater than a diameter (d) of the at least one locking ball and being movable in an elongated housing of the base body, the elongated housing having a front end which is disposed axially forward relative to the locking ball housing and a rear end which is disposed axially rearward relative to the locking ball housing, the at least one actuating ball being adapted to be pushed in the elongated housing and brought into contact with the rear end of the elongated housing by the complementary fluid coupling element during coupling of the base body and the complementary fluid coupling element so as to drive the locking ring axially from the locking position at least into the release position.