DE102005058161B4 - Quick release for the installation area - Google Patents

Abstract

Quick-release closure (1) for the installation area for connecting a duct element (2) and a connection piece (3), wherein the quick-action closure (1) has an annular body (4) with means for relative axial fixation of the duct element (2) relative to the connection piece (3) , wherein the annular body (4) is variable in cross section, wherein for the axial fixation of the conduit element (2) and / or connecting piece (3) on the quick release (1) in the axial direction (A) at least one stop (7a, 8a) on the annular body ( 4), which in the assembled state cooperates with a corresponding stop (7b) on the line element (2) and / or stop (8b) on the connecting piece (3), wherein the ring body (4) has an interruption (5) in the circumferential direction (U) ), which extends between two opposite end portions (6a, 6b) of the annular body (4), characterized in that on the annular body (4) engaging means (9a, 9b) are formed, which are relatively so arranged and movable relative to each other, that the distance between the two end portions (6a, 6b) is changeable from each other, and the engagement means (9a, 9b) about a pivot axis (S1, S2) hinged lever (11a, 11b) are of a folded Condition can be pivoted radially outward or inward in a deployed state.

Description

The present invention relates to a quick release for the installation area for connecting a conduit member and a connector according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding connection arrangement with such a quick release, a conduit member and / or a fitting. Finally, the invention relates to a corresponding method for connecting a conduit member and a fitting using such a quick release according to the preamble of claim 19. A corresponding quick release describes, for example, the DE 937 680 ,

As a line element in the context of the invention, any element of any shape and of any material by which a medium, in particular a fluid, for example a gas, can be passed through. Such an element can be, for example, a pipe, a fitting, a fitting, a valve housing or the like. In particular, a tapping fitting is mentioned here as a line element.

In the context of the invention, the term connecting piece is furthermore understood to mean any element of any shape and of any material which can be connected to the previously mentioned line element, in particular a further line element of the type described above or a cover with which a line element can be closed. In particular, a tapping clamp is mentioned here as a connection piece.

From the prior art, a variety of ways to connect a tapping fitting with a tapping clamp or with other fittings known. Usually tapping fittings and tapping clamps are screwed by means of thread. However threaded connections have the disadvantage that they are very time consuming in the assembly.

It is also known to connect tapping valves and tapping clamps with each other by means of a bayonet lock. For this purpose, a connection flange of a component is inserted into a corresponding flange of the other component, wherein by rotating the two components against each other, the bayonet engages. Although this variant of the connection is less time consuming than screwing by means of thread. However, a bayonet lock is relatively expensive to construct and therefore expensive.

Other quick fasteners for connecting a line element and a connector are from the DE 197 56 987 A1 and the DE 42 05 539 A1 known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a quick release for the installation area, which is as simple as possible and allows a quick and secure connection of the individual components together.

The previously derived and indicated object is achieved according to a first teaching of the present invention in a quick release of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. In particular, the annular body is annular. In addition, the ring body is preferably interrupted at one point for ease of assembly, which will be explained in more detail below. Also, on the annular body attacking means, such as depressions, projections or levers may be formed, which further simplify the assembly and in particular disassembly, which will also be explained further below.

Such a quick release serves as a bush-shaped clamping element, which holds the two components to be connected to their respective connecting flanges and fixed in the axial direction against slipping. Preferably, the two components are also inserted with their connection flanges, which are designed to protect against twisting in particular as a polygon into one another.

The assembly is done by merely mating the respective connection flange with the ring body. In this case, the annular body, if it is annular, for example, in the unloaded state, an inner diameter which is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the respective connecting flange, so that the ring expands slightly during mating, thereby achieving a clamping effect.

According to the invention for axial fixation of the line member and / or fitting on the quick release in the axial direction at least one stop on the annular body is formed, which cooperates in the assembled state with a corresponding stop on the line element and / or stop on the connector. Such a stop may be formed, for example, by a radial projection or a radial recess, in particular a circumferential groove, on the annular body. In this case, preferably, the radial projection and the radial recess, in particular the circumferential groove, formed on the inside of the annular body. Accordingly, a corresponding stop in the connection region of the two components to be connected by a corresponding projection or a corresponding recess may be formed, in particular by a circumferential projection corresponding to a circumferential groove.

In this way, when assembling the conduit element or the connecting piece with the ring body first, its cross-section or diameter is increased so far that the ring body can be guided over the corresponding projection, wherein the ring body thereafter, as soon as the circumferential Projection on the flange in the designated groove in the ring body is, back to its initial state or at least substantially in its initial state can deform back. In other words, the quick release according to the invention cooperates due to the possibility of changing the cross section and the means for axial fixation with the conduit element and the connecting piece in the form of a latching or clamping connection. In this way, the fitter no longer has to make a time-consuming screwing by means of threading for the connection of, for example, a tapping fitting with a tapping clamp, but merely joining the two components together by means of the quick-action fastener. Even an expensive bayonet lock can be omitted in this way.

In the quick release according to the invention, the ring body in the circumferential direction on an interruption, in particular a slot-shaped interruption, which extends between two opposite end portions of the annular body. Such an interruption or such a slot has the advantage that the annular body can be changed in a simple manner in its cross section. Such an interruption or such a slot may extend at least in sections in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the interruption may also have a course which is Z-shaped in a section in the circumferential direction, so that the end sections run parallel to one another at least partially in the circumferential direction.

In the quick release according to the invention attacking means are formed on the annular body, which are arranged and movable relative to each other so that the distance between the two end portions is changeable from each other. Preferably, each attacking means is arranged on one of the end sections.

The attacking means may each have a stop. Such a stop, for example, with a tool, such as a pair of pliers, cooperate, so that upon actuation of the pliers, the two engagement means relative to each other, for example, towards each other, to thereby change the distance between the two end sections from each other, for example, to enlarge. In this way, with simple means, an existing connection between a quick release and a plugged together line element or connector can be separated again. Alternatively, instead of a tool, the fitter can also move by hand, with bare fingers, the engagement means relative to each other, that the distance between the two end portions of the ring body changed, for example, increases.

Especially in the event that the installer wants to widen the ring body by hand, it is advantageous if the interruption, as previously shown, has a Z-shaped course in a section in the circumferential direction. In this way, namely, the engagement means can be arranged in such a way on the circumferentially parallel to each other end portions that a move toward each other of the engagement means causes the distance between the two end portions is larger, so the end portions are moved apart. If in this case the engaging means move away from one another, the distance between the two end sections becomes smaller again, ie the end sections are moved toward one another.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the engaging means are formed by depressions and / or projections. In these depressions or to the projections then a tool, such as the aforementioned pliers, are recognized or the fitter puts his fingers here, for example, thumb and forefinger to.

Preferably, the levers are folded outwards, since in this way an easily accessible attack area for the fingers of the technician or for a pair of pliers is formed. The force of the forceps or the fingers of the mechanic can be transmitted in this way on the unfolded lever on the ring body, so that it can expand.

Preferably, a projection is provided on the levers, which in the unfolded state comes into engagement with one of the opposite end faces of the end sections. In this way, the force exerted on the lever is transmitted via the projection on the end surfaces and thus on the end portions of the annular body. Since the levers are pivotally mounted about a pivot axis, the force can alternatively or additionally be transmitted via the bearing connection between the lever and ring body on the ring body.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the pivot axis extends in the circumferential direction. Since the levers are moved in the circumferential direction relative to each other for expanding the annular body, these can be in a circumferential direction extending pivot axis not so easily inadvertently swing back into the folded state.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the levers are retracted in the retracted state in a recess in the annular body. In this way, no components in the assembled state over the quick release to the outside over.

It is also particularly advantageous if the lever in the folded state, regardless of whether they are recessed in a recess in the annular body or not, engage each other in such a way that they are secured against displacement relative to each other in the circumferential direction. In this way, it is possible to connect the two components to be connected with the levers unfolded with the quick release and then secure the quick release against unintentional widening.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a single groove is provided to form a stop which cooperates with the respective projection on the connection flange of the components to be connected, which forms a stop both for the conduit element and for the connecting piece. Instead of a single groove and two or more grooves may be provided, one of which forms a stop for the line member and the other a stop for the connector.

The previously derived and indicated object is further achieved according to a second teaching of the present invention by a connection arrangement with a quick release closure, as described above, a conduit element, in particular a tapping fitting, and / or a connection piece, in particular a tapping clamp.

The previously derived and indicated object is further achieved according to a third teaching of the present invention in a method of the type mentioned using a quick release, in particular a quick release as described above, characterized in that a ring body of the quick release temporarily changed in cross section, preferably expanded, is and is placed with the modified cross section around a connecting flange of the conduit member and the connector, wherein the cross section thereafter changed again, preferably assumes its original state that fixing means of the annular body with corresponding fixing means on the conduit member and the connector cooperate, whereby the conduit member opposite the connector is fixed relative to the axial direction.

It should again be emphasized that with the quick-release closure and method according to the invention an axial fixation of the conduit element is to be achieved relative to the connector, and only by jamming means of the quick release. Although a sealing effect can also be achieved with the quick-release closure according to the invention, for example by sealing rings provided on the annular body, this is not absolutely necessary since a sufficient sealing effect can already be achieved by providing seals between the connecting flanges which are inserted into one another.

There are now a large number of possibilities for designing and developing the quick-release closure according to the invention, the connection arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention. For this purpose, for example, referenced on the one hand to the claim 1 subordinate claims, on the other hand to the description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a quick release

2a) u. b) a side view and sectional view of the quick release 1 ;

3a) C) is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention;

4 a detailed perspective view of another embodiment of a quick release according to the present invention; and

5 a section through the connection arrangement 3 ,

1 shows a quick release 1 for the installation area for connecting a conduit element through which a medium can flow 2 and a connector 3 , In the present case, it is the line element 2 around a tapping fitting and the fitting 3 around a tapping clamp. The tapping fitting, so the line element 2 , and the tapping clamp, so the connector 3 , are also in the 3 to 5 will be discussed in more detail below.

The in 1 shown quick release 1 has an elastic and variable in diameter ring body 4 with means for axially fixing the conduit element 2 and the connector 3 on the quick release 1 on.

The ring body 4 has an interruption in a Z-shaped cut in the circumferential direction 5 on, in two sections in the axial direction A and extends in a lying between the two sections subsection in the circumferential direction U. By this Z-shaped course, the end portions extend 6a and 6b of the ring body 4 at least partially in the circumferential direction U parallel to each other. Further, as a means of appeal 9a and 9b for a tool or the fingers of a fitter two formed by radially outwardly facing projections stops 10 intended. By the Z-shaped course of the interruption 5 it is possible the two means of attack 9a and 9b each on the outermost end of the two end sections 6a and 6b to place, so when squeezing the two attacking means 9a and 9b relative to each other, the distance between the two end portions 6a and 6b is increased from each other, so the end portions are moved apart.

For axial fixation of the conduit element 2 and the connector 3 relative to each other and the quick release 1 is one in the ring body 4 inside circumferential groove 15 provided, whose lateral walls stops 7a and 8a for corresponding attacks 7b on the line element 2 and 8b at the connection piece 3 form. The corresponding attacks 7b and 8b be there, like 5 shows, by circumferential projections on the flange of the respective component 2 respectively. 3 educated. The two projections engage in the assembled state in the groove 15 one.

The previously based on 1 described quick release is in the 2a) and b) in section and in side view. On average in 2a) is clearly the groove 15 to recognize which the two stops 7a and 8a for the circumferential overhangs on the line element 2 or connecting piece 3 forms. 2 B) also shows in side view, the two protruding from the annular body attack means 9a and 9b which enable the ring body 4 expand in a simple manner, for example, by means of a quick release according to the invention 1 to solve compound connection arrangement again.

Furthermore, in 2 B) illustrated that the elastic annular body is formed annularly in the illustrated embodiment. However, it is also conceivable that other cross sections are provided here, as long as it is ensured that the annular body can be widened.

The 3a) to c) show an embodiment of a connection arrangement using a quick release 1 according to the present invention, which in some details of the above with reference to the 1 and 2 described quick release 1 different. The basic principle of operation is the same in both cases.

Thus, a connection flange of the conduit element 2 , here the tapping fitting, as well as a connection flange of the connection piece 3 , here the tapping clamp, each in the quick release 1 stuck, with the quick release 1 when inserting the flanges briefly widens and then moves back to its original state. plea 9a and 9b serve to support the expansion and possibly later dissolution, as previously also on the basis of 1 and 2 has been described.

In 3a) is the quick release 1 already with the connection piece 3 , that is, the tapping clamp, connected, wherein the conduit element 2 , that is the tapping fitting, via the quick release 1 with the connector 3 to be connected.

First, the quick release is different 1 in the 3 illustrated embodiment of the previously described in that the interruption 5 has no Z-shaped, but a straight course in the axial direction A.

Another difference is that the two means of appeal 9a and 9b as a hinged lever 11a and 11b are executed, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis S1 and S2 from a folded state radially outward in an unfolded state and vice versa.

As 3a) can also be seen, the connecting flanges of the two components to be joined are formed as a polygon, wherein the connecting flange of the tapping fitting is formed as a polygon and the external flange of the connection clamp as a corresponding polygon. In this way, the components are secured in the connected state against rotation.

In 3b) the connected state is shown, in which the line element 2 and the connector 3 put together and additionally on the quick release 1 connected and secured against axial displacement. Finally, the final backup will be like 3c) shows, the folding handles brought into a folded state in which the levers 11a and 11b engage in such a way that they are secured against displacement relative to each other in the circumferential direction. In this way, also the elastic ring body 4 no longer be easily widened.

The operating principle of the lever 11a and 11b will now be based on 4 explained. The lever 11a is about a circumferential axis U extending pivot axis S1 and the lever 11b about an extending in the circumferential direction U pivot axis S2 between a deployed state and the in 4 shown folded state pivoted. In this folded state, the levers engage 11a and 11b into each other and block a movement in the circumferential direction. Further, the two levers 11a and 11b in the folded state in such a depression 12 in the ring body 4 sunk that they are no longer out of the body of the quick release 1 stand out and inadvertently lead to a release of the connection.

The levers 11a and 11b each also have a projection 13 on, in the unfolded state of the lever, each with one of the opposite end faces 14a and 14b the end sections 6a and 6b engages. If now a force is introduced into this when the levers are deployed, the force on the projections 13 on the end surfaces 14a and 14b be transmitted and eventually leads to a widening of the ring body 4 , As already explained above, can with such a widened annular body 4 a connection arrangement of the type described easily be solved again.

In 5 Finally, in a section is a connection arrangement according to the present invention using a quick release 1 presented as previously based on the 3 and 4 has been described. On average, it can be clearly seen how the two connecting flanges, more precisely their projections, enter the groove 15 the elastic ring body 4 engage and thus axially fixed. Such a connection arrangement is, as described above, in a simple manner thereby releasable again by the elastic annular body 4 by hand or with the aid of a tool, such as a pair of pliers, is widened for a short time, whereby the connecting flanges of the conduit element 2 or of the connection piece 3 be released again.

Claims (19)

Quick release ( 1 ) for the installation area for connecting a line element ( 2 ) and a connector ( 3 ), the quick release ( 1 ) a ring body ( 4 ) with means for relative axial fixation of the conduit element ( 2 ) opposite the fitting ( 3 ), wherein the annular body ( 4 ) is variable in cross-section, wherein for the axial fixation of the conduit element ( 2 ) and / or fitting ( 3 ) on the quick release ( 1 ) in the axial direction (A) at least one stop ( 7a . 8a ) on the ring body ( 4 ) is formed, which in the mounted state with a corresponding stop ( 7b ) on the line element ( 2 ) and / or stop ( 8b ) on the connector ( 3 ), wherein the annular body ( 4 ) in the circumferential direction (U) an interruption ( 5 ), which between two opposite end portions ( 6a . 6b ) of the ring body ( 4 ), characterized in that on the annular body ( 4 ) Plea ( 9a . 9b ) are arranged, which are arranged and movable relative to each other such that the distance of the two end portions ( 6a . 6b ) is changeable from one another, and the 9a . 9b ) about a pivot axis (S1, S2) hinged lever ( 11a . 11b ), which can be pivoted from a folded state radially outward or inward in an unfolded state. Quick release ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular body ( 4 ) is elastic. Quick release ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the annular body ( 4 ) is circular. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one formed in the axial direction (A) stop ( 7a . 8a ) on the ring body ( 4 ) is formed by a radial projection or a radial recess. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop ( 7a . 8a ) by a circumferential groove ( 15 ) is formed. Quick release ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the radial projection or the radial recess, in particular the circumferential groove ( 15 ), inside the ring body ( 4 ) is trained. Quick release ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a single groove ( 15 ) is provided, both for the line element ( 2 ) as well as for the connector ( 3 ) forms a stop. Quick release ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that two grooves ( 15 ) are provided, one of which is a stop for the line element ( 2 ) and the other a stop for the connector ( 3 ). Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption ( 5 ) is slot-shaped. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption ( 5 ) extends at least in sections in the axial direction (A). Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption ( 5 ) has a Z-shaped in a section in the circumferential direction (U), so that the end sections ( 6a . 6b ) at least partially in the circumferential direction (U) parallel to each other. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one ( 9a . 9b ) at one of the end sections ( 6a . 6b ) is arranged. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attacking means ( 9a . 9b ) one stop each ( 10 ) exhibit. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the levers ( 11a . 11b ) in the folded state in a recess ( 12 ) in the ring body ( 4 ) are sunk. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the levers ( 11a . 11b ) each have a projection ( 13 ) is provided, which in the unfolded state with one of the opposite end surfaces ( 14a . 14b ) of the end sections ( 6a . 6b ) comes into engagement. Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the levers ( 11a . 11b ) engage in the folded state in such a way that they are secured against displacement relative to each other in the circumferential direction (U). Quick release ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (S1, S2) in the circumferential direction (U). Connecting arrangement with - a quick release ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17, - a conduit element ( 2 ) and / or - a fitting ( 3 ). Method for connecting a line element ( 2 ) and a connector ( 3 ) using a quick release ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17 with a ring body ( 4 ) with means for relative axial fixation of the conduit element ( 2 ) opposite the fitting ( 3 ), characterized in that the annular body ( 4 ) of the quick release ( 1 ) is temporarily changed in cross section and with the changed cross section around a connecting flange of the conduit element ( 2 ) and the connector ( 3 ), wherein the cross section then changes again in such a way that the fixing means of the annular body ( 4 ) with corresponding fixing means on the line element ( 2 ) and at the connector ( 3 ), whereby the line element ( 2 ) opposite the fitting ( 3 ) is fixed relative to the axial direction.

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