Abstract:
The connection according to the invention comprises two elements adapted to be fitted in each other along an axis of fit and no-mistake means borne by the two elements and adapted to pair the two elements by complementarity of shapes. In order to facilitate manipulation of the connection elements to be fitted, and even easily to allow such manipulation by relatively insensitive robots, while simplifying management of the stocks associated with these connection elements, the connection further comprises means for angularly indexing the two elements, borne by the two elements and adapted to position the two elements angularly with respect to each other before the no-mistake means, at least partly connected to the two elements in removable and configurable manner, cooperate together during fit of these elements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a connection for the removable junction of pipes or the like, as well as to a method for joining such a connection.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     It is known to supply machines, or more generally installations, with fluids and/or electricity with a view to actuating or controlling these installations. Such supply is effected through pipes interrupted at the level of connections allowing removable re-assembly thereof and thus the temporary supply of the installation.  
         [0003]     For an installation comprising numerous points of junction, it is current for a plurality of connections having substantially the same overall dimensions to be used successively. However, it is important not to mix the fluids and/or the electricity supplying the installation, which might lead to damage and/or incorrect functioning thereof. This is why it is known to mark the supply connections by easily memorized alphanumerical references and/or colours.  
         [0004]     Another solution consists in equipping the different connections of the same installation with coding means adapted to pair, by complementarity of shapes, the two elements of a given connection, provided to be fitted in each other. An example of such coding means is given in DE-B-1187435. In this document, depending on the nature of the fluid intended to circulate in an associated connection, one of the elements of this connection is provided with a plurality of catches extending in a direction transverse to the direction of fit of the connection, in accordance with a configuration associated with the fluid, while the other element is provided with a corresponding number of slots substantially complementary to these catches so as to make it possible adequately to place the two elements end to end. When it is attempted to fit two non-paired elements in each other, at least one of the catches of the first element risks not being able to be introduced in a corresponding slot, thus preventing an incorrect junction.  
         [0005]     Although these catches and slots are efficient for preventing mistakes in the connections, they present the drawback of being expensive and difficult to make since each element of each connection must be custom-machined. Moreover, the user of these connections must have available at least one spare for each element of each connection in case one of these elements were damaged, this requiring a large stock of elements.  
         [0006]     Another example of coding means is given in DE-A-2646063. In this document, a system of coding catches and slots substantially similar to that of DE-B-1187435 is employed, with which is associated a single rib/groove couple intended to angularly index the two elements of the connection to be fitted in each other. The connection proposed by DE-A-2646063 proves to be restrictive to use as, in the event of difficulty to fit two connections in each other, the operator does not know whether he is attempting to connect two non-paired elements or whether, although manipulating two paired connection elements, he is angularly positioning these elements adequately.  
         [0007]     Furthermore, for installations located in dangerous environments, such as sites for reprocessing nuclear waste or for demolishing nuclear power plants, these operations of connection are generally effected remotely, by means of robots which manipulate the elements to be connected and cameras which transmit to the operator more or less clear images of the movements of these robots. Under these conditions, the risks of the operator accidentally inverting the paired elements of different connections are very high. In addition, coding means such as those proposed in DE-B-1187435 are unsuitable from the standpoint of operating performance as they do not present a sufficient mechanical resistance to the efforts developed by the manipulating robots, accentuating the problems of cost and of stock set forth hereinabove. Moreover, the difficulty of using the connection elements of DE-A-2646063 mentioned above is all the greater due to the slowness and lack of sensitivity of the manipulating robots, and to the poor visibility.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to propose a removable connection which, while facilitating the admissible junctions and by avoiding the incorrect junctions of the elements of this connection, limits the associated stock and manufacturing requirements. The invention also advantageously proposes to guarantee a more convenient use and a greater resistance of the connection having regard to manipulation by robots or the like, which are less sensitive than a human operator.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     To that end, the invention relates to a connection for the removable junction of two pipes or the like, comprising two elements adapted to be fitted in each other along an axis of fit and no-mistake means borne by the two elements and adapted to pair the two elements by complementarity of shapes, characterized in that it further comprises means for angularly indexing the two elements, borne by the two elements and adapted to position the two elements angularly with respect to each other before the no-mistake means, at least partly connected to the two elements in removable and configurable manner, cooperate together during fit of these elements.  
         [0010]     Thanks to these no-mistake means which are configurable, i.e. of which the number and/or location of the components may be freely chosen by the user, the two elements of a given connection are paired in situ or upon delivery. In other words, the user needs to have in situ only a small stock of maintenance parts allowing him to configure the two standard connection elements previously machined in mass production, as desired. Similarly, the supplier need to provide only a reduced stock of connection elements, which he then configures easily and rapidly when requested, by the no-mistake means. During their manipulation, possibly by a robot, the connection elements are easily positioned angularly with respect to each other before the no-mistake means are under strain. In this way, the operator is assured that, at the moment when he tests the complementarity of shapes of the parts of the no-mistake means respectively borne by the two elements, these two elements were previously correctly arranged angularly by the indexing means.  
         [0011]     According to other characteristics of this connection, taken separately or in all technically possible combinations: 
        the no-mistake means comprise: 
            at least one element in relief adapted to be removably connected to a first of the two elements,     for each element in relief, a zone of passage of the element in relief during fit of the elements, borne by the second element, and     means for selectively obturating the or each zone of passage, adapted to be removably connected to the second element.    
            the or each element in relief presents an elongated shape along the axis of fit.     each zone of passage is defined at least in part by a part removably added on the second element.     the obturation means comprise, for each zone of passage to be obturated, an associated obturator, particularly in the form of a ball, said zone of passage being in the form of a cavity for axial reception and radial and ortho-radial immobilization of the obturator.     the obturation means define at least one bearing surface on the second element, said surface opposing a movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of fit;     the indexing means comprise at least one element in relief fast with the first element and of which at least a part is offset, along the axis of fit, with respect to the or each element in relief ensuring no-mistake.     the two elements are globally in tubular form and the outer face of one of the elements is stepped in manner substantially complementary to the stepped inner face of the other element, with the result that, when the elements are fitted in each other, these stepped faces cooperate to render the two elements substantially coaxial.        
 
         [0022]     The invention also relates to a method for joining two elements adapted to fit in each other along an axis of fit, these elements being globally of tubular shape and bearing no-mistake means adapted to pair the two elements by complementarity of shapes and means for angularly indexing the two elements, this method being characterized by the following successive steps during which: 
        the two elements are brought closer to each other by positioning them approximately, for example visually, possibly with the aid of a camera, or in a predetermined relative movement, in particular in accordance with pre-programmed instructions for controlling a robot manipulating the elements;     the two elements are engaged one around the other, rendering them substantially coaxial by cooperation of the stepped outer face of one of the elements with the inner face stepped in complementary manner to the other;     one of the elements is adjusted in rotation about the axis of fit with respect to the other until the parts of the angular indexing means respectively borne by these elements cooperate with each other;     one of the elements is displaced, in a rectilinear movement parallel to the axis of fit, with respect to the other until the parts of the no-mistake means respectively borne by these two elements cooperate with each other, and     if said respective parts of the no-mistake means are complementary with respect to each other, the rectilinear displacement of one of the elements with respect to the other is continued in the same direction.        
 
         [0028]     According to an advantageous additional characteristic of this method, during the step of approach of the two elements, one of the elements is approximately positioned angularly with respect to the other by observing, substantially along the axis of fit, a sighting member borne by one of the elements with respect to an associated catch borne by the other element. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]     The invention will be more readily understood on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view in perspective of a male element of a connection according to the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a view in longitudinal section of the male element of  FIG. 1 , in the assembled state.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a view in elevation in the direction of arrow III indicated in  FIG. 2 , the plane of section of  FIG. 2  being noted II-II in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  of a female element of the connection according to the invention paired with the male element of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal section of the female element of  FIG. 4 , in a non-assembled state.  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a view in elevation in the direction of arrow VI indicated in  FIG. 5 , with the female element in the assembled state, the plane of section of  FIG. 5  being noted V-V in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , illustrating the fit of the male part of FIGS.  1  to  3  in the female part of FIGS.  4  to  6 ; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 7 , illustrating the fit of the male part of FIGS.  1  to  3  in a non-paired female element. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0038]     Referring now to the drawings, FIGS.  1  to  3  show a male element  1  of a connection  5  shown in  FIG. 7 . This male element  1  presents a globally tubular shape of longitudinal axis X-X. It is intended internally to receive cables, electrical connectors, channels for fluid or the like (not shown), adapted to be connected in tight and/or insulated manner to respectively complementary components during the junction of the connection  5  set forth in detail hereinafter.  
         [0039]     The following description of FIGS.  1  to  3  will be given, for convenience, considering that the “rear” direction corresponds to that directed towards the left in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the “front” direction being the opposite. In this way,  FIG. 3  corresponds to the front face of the element  1 .  
         [0040]     The male element  1  comprises a globally cylindrical body with circular base, of axis X-X, composed of three successive stepped parts. This body thus comprises a rear end flange  11 , a cylindrical running part  12  and a cylindrical front part  13 , with decreasing respective outer diameters d 11 , d 12  and d 13 , the shoulder formed between the parts  12  and  13  being referenced  14 . Over the whole of its length, this body is traversed right through by a central bore  15  of substantially constant diameter and provided to house the cables, connectors and/or channels mentioned hereinabove.  
         [0041]     The end flange  11  is provided, at one point of its periphery, with a catch  111  projecting radially outwardly, as well as with an identification plaque  112  bearing the alpha-numerical reference “AO 6 ”.  
         [0042]     The outer surface of the running part  12  has a plurality of longitudinal grooves hollowed out therein, of which the respective rear ends are blind and whose respective front ends open out on the outside at the level of the shoulder  14 . Among these grooves, one groove, referenced  121 , is distinguished, which is longer than the other identical grooves, nine in number and respectively referenced  122 A,  122 B, . . . ,  122 I. In transverse section, the grooves  121  and  122 A to  122 I each present a profile in the form of an arc of circle.  
         [0043]     The male element  1  is provided to be equipped with an annular ring  21 , or washer, to be added in coaxial manner around the front part  13 . More precisely, this ring  21  presents an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the front part  13  and an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the running part  12 . It is provided to be fitted around the part  13  until its rear face  21   a  comes into axial abutment against the shoulder  14 , a ring  22  for forward axial retention being added in a corresponding annular groove hollowed out in this part  13 .  
         [0044]     Over its periphery, the ring  21  has a plurality of identical cavities hollowed out therein, all opening out both on the rear ( 21   a ) and front ( 21   b ) faces of the ring and on the outer peripheral edge of the ring. When the ring  21  is added on the male element  1 , these cavities are provided to be arranged in axial extension of the grooves  121  and  122 A to  122 I, with the result that each front end of these grooves opens out directly in one of these cavities. Consequently, among these cavities, one cavity  211  is distinguished, disposed in line with the groove  121  and nine other cavities  212 A to  212 I respectively disposed in line with the grooves  122 A to  122 I. In order to guarantee that each cavity is correctly in line with its associated groove when the ring  21  is added on the male element  1 , the rear face  21   a  is for example provided with an axially projecting stud  213  ( FIG. 1 ) intended to fit in a corresponding blind housing axially hollowed out in the shoulder  14 .  
         [0045]     The cavities  212 A to  212 I of the ring  21  are adapted to be able each to receive an obturation ball  23 . For the male element  1  of FIGS.  1  to  3 , five of these nine cavities, namely cavities  212 A,  212 B,  212 D,  212 F and  212 H thus receive a ball  23 .  
         [0046]     In transverse section, the contour of the cavities  212 A to  212 I is provided to follow the shape, in substantially complementary manner, of the circular contour of the balls  23  over more than 180°, so as thus to immobilize the ball both in a radial direction and all the ortho-radial directions with respect to axis X-X. Moreover, the rear side of each cavity is more open than its front side so as to be able to introduce a ball  23  freely in the cavity from the rear face  21   a  of the ring  21 , in a rectilinear trajectory substantially parallel to axis X-X, indicated by arrow  24  in  FIG. 1 , while preventing this ball from escaping via the front. When the ring  21  is added on the male element  1 , the balls  23  disposed in the cavities  212 A,  212 B,  212 D,  212 F and  212 H are in axial abutment against the shoulder  14 , the diameter of these balls being substantially equal to the axial dimension of the cavities.  
         [0047]     FIGS.  4  to  6  show a female element  3  of the connection  5  of  FIG. 7 , presenting a globally tubular shape, of axis Y-Y. The male element  1  of FIGS.  1  to  3  and the female element  3  of FIGS.  4  to  6  are intended to be fitted in each other thanks to a relative movement of approach globally parallel to their axis X-X and Y-Y, as explained in detail hereinafter.  
         [0048]     For convenience, the following description of FIGS.  4  to  6  will be given, considering that the “front” direction corresponds to the direction directed towards the reader of  FIG. 4  and directed towards the right in  FIG. 5 , the “rear” direction being in opposite direction. In this way,  FIG. 6  corresponds to the front face of the element  3 .  
         [0049]     The female element  3  comprises a tubular body  31  presenting a substantially cylindrical outer face  311  with circular base, of axis Y-Y and with a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter d 11  of the end flange  11  of the male element  1 . This outer face  311  is provided both with an identification plaque  312  bearing alpha-numerical reference “A 06 ” and with a sighting member  313 . This sighting member  313  comprises two identical arms projecting from the face  311 , disposed one behind the other over the periphery of the body  31  and defining therebetween a sighting space  314  of U-shaped cross section. The base of this space  314  presents a peripheral dimension substantially equal to the diameter of the catch  111  of the end flange  11 .  
         [0050]     Internally, the body  31  of the female element  3  defines over the whole of its length a stepped bore constituted by a rear part  32  and a front part  33 , both cylindrical with circular base, of axis Y-Y and connected to each other by a flared zone of transition  36 . The inner diameter d 33  of the front part  33  is strictly less than the inner diameter d 32  of the rear part  32  and is substantially equal to the outer diameter d 13  of the front part  13  of the body of the male element  1 , while the inner diameter d 32  of the rear part  32  is substantially equal to the outer diameter d 12  of the running part  12  of the male element.  
         [0051]     The body  31  likewise has hollowed out therein a plurality of cylindrical orifices  34 ,  35 A to  35 I, with circular base, of respective axes parallel to axis Y-Y and whose front ends open out freely on the front face  31   b  of the body  31 , while their rear ends are blind. In transverse section, the axes of these orifices are arranged in a circle centred on axis Y-Y and of diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the rear bored part  32 , with the result that the rear parts of these orifices open out radially in this rear part  32 , the length of the orifices being greater than that of the front bored part  33 . Moreover, these orifices are distributed, in transverse section, in manner similar to grooves  121  and  122 A to  122 I.  
         [0052]     Among the aforementioned orifices, one orifice  34  is distinguished, of length greater than the other orifices, nine in number and respectively referenced  35 A to  35 I.  
         [0053]     These orifices  34  and  35 A to  35 I are adapted each to receive and removably immobilize a substantially complementary pin. More precisely, for the female element  3  shown, the orifice  34  receives a pin  41 , as indicated by arrow  43 , while the orifices  35 C,  35 E,  35 G and  35 I each receive an identical pin  42 , of length less than the pin  41 , as indicated by arrows  44 . Each of these pins  41  and  42  presents an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the corresponding orifices, except at the level, for example, of their front end  41   b ,  42   b  (i.e. their end located at the level of the front face  31   b  of the body  31  when the pins are received entirely in the corresponding orifices) which presents a slightly greater outer diameter. Consequently, the front ends  41   b ,  42   b  of these pins form respective surfaces for removable wedging inside the orifices  31 .  
         [0054]     The junction of the male element  1  of FIGS.  1  to  3  with the female element  3  of FIGS.  4  to  6  will now be described, considering for example that this operation of junction is effected by means of a robot manipulating the female element  3  while the male element  1  is already, for example at the level of its rear face, firmly connected to a console or a machine (not shown).  
         [0055]     At the start, the female element  3  is totally independent of the male element  1 . By means of the aforementioned robot, possibly equipped with an on-board camera, the operator brings the female element towards the male element and firstly positions it approximately at the end of the male element, with a view to introducing the front part  13  of the element  1  in the rear bore  32  of the element  3 , without for the time being seeking to fit them in each other. A visual comparison of the references of the identification plaques  112  and  312  allows the operator to be sure that the two elements are, a priori, correctly paired.  
         [0056]     While then observing these elements globally along axis X-X, the operator rotates the female element  3  about its axis Y-Y so that the catch  111  of the end flange  11  of the male element  1  is disposed substantially at the centre of the sighting space  314  defined by the sighting member  313  of the female element. This relative position of the catch  111  is shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 6 . In this configuration, the user knows that the elements  1  and  3  are roughly positioned angularly in suitable manner with respect to each other.  
         [0057]     He then controls the robot in a direction E substantially parallel to axis X-X and directed towards the rear, so that the rear part  32  of the central bore of the body  31  of the female element  3  engages around the front part  13  of the body of the male element  1 . Even if the relative radial positioning between the elements  1  and  3  is only approximate, the difference between the outer dimension of this front part  13  and the inner dimension of this rear part  32  is sufficient for this first movement of axial approach to be effected without difficulty. Moreover, the flared zone of transition  36  guides the female element radially during its axial movement of approach and the rear zones of the parts  32  and  33  are respectively centred on the front zones of the parts  12  and  13  so that axes X-X and Y-Y merge. In other words, the cooperation of the stepped outer face of the male element and the stepped inner face of the female element enables these elements to be rendered coaxial.  
         [0058]     While continuing this axial approach movement, the robot brings the rear end  41   a  of the pin  41  against the front face  21   b  of the ring  21 , in that case preventing the fit of the elements  1  and  3  from being continued. Insofar as this contact is made in a direction substantially parallel to axis X-X and the parts in contact are firmly retained in this direction, the low capacity of detection of the contact by the robot, i.e. its “sensitivity”, compared to a human operator is not prejudicial to the elements to be connected.  
         [0059]     The operator then orders the robot to rotate the female element  3  about its axis Y-Y again, while maintaining a rearward drive control of this element until the pin  41  engages inside the cavity  211  and the groove  121 . To that end, the operator works by trial and error knowing that, by the prior visual location by means of the catch  111  and the sighting member  313 , the pin  41  is in practice disposed, at least angularly, approximately in line with this groove  121 . In this state, the radial positioning of the elements  1  and  3  is itself ensured by the cooperation both of the rear bored part  32  of the female element  3  with the running part  12  of the male element  1  and of the front bored part  33  with the front part  13 .  
         [0060]     Once the rear end  41   a  of the pin  41  is engaged in the front end of the groove  121 , the female element  3  is angularly and radially indexed with respect to the male element  1  so that its orifices  35 A to  35 I are respectively disposed exactly in axial line with the grooves  122 A to  122 I of the male element.  
         [0061]     The user then controls the axial approach towards the rear E of the female element with respect to the male element again until the rear ends  42   a  of the pins  42  arrive axially at the level of the ring  21 . Insofar as the cavities  212 C,  212 E,  212 G and  212 I are not obturated by balls  23 , the pins  42  pass through these cavities and the axial movement of introduction of the female element about the male element is continued without being hindered up to the blind rear ends of these grooves. The elements  1  and  3  are then in the configuration of  FIG. 7 , i.e. fitted in each other, implying the connection and/or coupling of the different cables, connectors or fluid channels (not shown) disposed inside these elements.  
         [0062]     Once this fit is effected, reversible locking means (not shown) may be provided to connect the elements  1  and  3  firmly to each other.  
         [0063]     It will thus be understood that the combined presence of the pins  42 , of the cavities  212 A,  212 B,  212 D,  212 F and  212 H obturated by the balls  23  and of the other cavities  212 C,  2212 E,  212 G and  212 I allowing the passage of the pins  42  when the elements  1  and  3  are fitted, ensures the correct pairing between the male and female elements of the connection to be obtained. These components make it possible, to some extent, to obtain a no-mistake key whose verification is effected solely along the axial movement E between the male and female elements. Consequently they constitute a guarantee of safety in addition to the simple visual comparison of the identification plaques  112  and  312 , which may be forgotten or difficult to make when the junction of the connection takes place is remotely, with camera, with reduced visibility or in an encumbered environment.  
         [0064]     To illustrate this point,  FIG. 8  shows the male element  1  of FIGS.  1  to  3  and a female element  3 ′ not paired with the male element  1 . This female element  3 ′ comprises the same body  31  as the female element  3  but, unlike element  3 , comprises an additional pin  42  inside the orifice  35 F of the body  31 . When it is attempted to fit the element  3 ′ around element  1  while their angular and radial positioning has already been effected by means of the indexing pin  41  as explained hereinabove, the rear end  42   a  of the additional pin  42  comes into axial abutment against the ball  23  disposed in the cavity  212 F of the ring  21 , as shown in the lower part of  FIG. 8 . It is in that case impossible to continue the relative axial displacement of these elements. It will be noted that the prevention of this approach is, in that case, solely ensured by the cooperation of the additional pin  42  and the ball  23  of the cavity  212 F, this constituting an efficient and resistant blocking since a part of the outer surface  23   a  of this ball is in axial abutment against the shoulder  14  of the body of the male element  1 . The no-mistake means used are therefore adapted for the manipulation of the elements to be connected by robots or the like which a priori do not risk damaging these elements by reason of their low sensitivity.  
         [0065]     Insofar as the ring  21  is removable with respect to the body of the male element and the pins  42  are removably connected to the body of the female element, it is easy and rapid for the user to configure the no-mistake state of these bodies of male and female elements as desired, so as to set up a plurality of connections with inherent configuration. By way of example, with the nine possibilities of obturation by the balls  23  and the nine possibilities of implantation of the pins  42 , one hundred and twenty six possible no-mistake configurations can be envisaged.  
         [0066]     Various arrangements and variants of the connection  5  described hereinabove may also be envisaged: 
        insofar as the cooperation of the pin  41  and of the associated groove  121  is essentially intended to allow the relative angular positioning of the male and female elements during their fit, it is not necessary that the corresponding cavity  211  of the ring  21  be geometrically identical to the cavities  212 A to  212 I, since this cavity  211  is a priori not intended to receive a ball  23 .     other means for removably connecting the pins  42  to the body  31  of the female element  3  may be envisaged; by way of example, it may be provided that these pins bear an outer threading complementary of a tapping provided in the orifices  35 A to  35 I, or that these pins be force-fitted in the orifices  35 A to  35 I, each being blocked at their front end, with respect to the female element  3  by a circlips or the like.     the grooves  122 A to  122 I/pins  42  arrangement may be inverted with respect to the male ( 1 ) and female ( 3 ) elements.     insofar as the pins of configuration  42  are “read” at the level of the ring  21 , i.e. are tested as to their possibility of passing through the cavities  212 A to  212 I on condition that these latter are not obturated, it is not necessary to provide, for each pin, an inherent groove  122 A to  122 I, all these grooves being able, on the contrary, to be replaced by a single peripheral hollowing of the running part  12  of the male element  1 , which would extend, in transverse section, over an arc corresponding to the arc which connects the groove  122 A to the groove  122 I, passing through the other grooves.     forms of configurable elements in relief other than the configuration pins  42  described hereinabove are possible; for example, these elements in relief may be constituted by studs removably connected to the female element  3  so as to extend, in length, in a radial direction with respect to axis Y-Y, with one end of each stud in radial projection from the inner face of the body  31 ; and/or     similarly, forms of configurable obturators other than the balls  23  are possible; for example, in place of the cavities  212 A to  212 I, the ring  21  may be axially traversed by cylindrical housings distributed over its periphery at the same locations as the cavities  212 A to  212 I and removable plugs would then be provided to obturate the aforementioned cylindrical housings, particularly by being introduced therein via the rear face  21   a  of the ring while the latter is not yet added on the male element  1 ; according to yet another embodiment of the invention, associated in particular with the variant example of the configurable elements in relief envisaged hereinabove, the configurable obturators are directly connected individually to the male element  1 , without using the ring  21 ; in that case, the body of the male element  1  directly defines the zones of passage of the pins  42  during fit of the elements  1  and  3 , functionally similar to cavities  212 A to  212 I and the obturators are in that case provided to selectively stop certain of these zones of passage, being for example screwed in the body of the male element  1  so that an end part of the obturators extend across the zones of passage selected, particularly in a radial direction with respect to axis X-X.