Abstract: The coupler comprises a male part (10) and a female part (1, 3) having a closure valve (5) at its upstream end, which valve is opened when the female and male parts are coupled together, and is closed during uncoupling thereof. The male part (10) has an outside surface provided with a collar (14). A latch (7) is provided in the female part to move in a radial direction and it includes a bore extending in the axial direction of the female part and through which the male part passes. On the surface of its bore, the latch includes two half-collars (11, 12) at least one of which is formed by two conical surfaces that are essentially sickle-shaped. The surface facing upstream of the half-collar (12) is situated upstream from the collar (14) and is suitable for fitting closely over at least 180.degree. of the collar (14) of the male part when the male part is in a fully coupled position.

Abstract: A quick coupling conceived for conduits under pressure comprise a latch which permits the disengagement of a male portion (10) from a female portion (1, 3) in two phases. During the first phase the male portion (10) retracts a controlled distance from its fully engaged position and arrives in an intermediary position in which the valve (5) of the female portion (1, 3) is closed. It further comprises openings (27, 28, 29) for the escape of the fluid under pressure, which openings are situated downstream from the valve (5) and this openings are opened during the said first phase of disengagement.In the final phase, the male portion (10) is completely disengaged from the female portion.