EP1409912A1

EP1409912A1 - Plug-in connection device, especially for fluid lines

Info

Publication number: EP1409912A1
Application number: EP02762382A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Axel Schneider
Original assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
Current assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
Priority date: 2001-07-26
Filing date: 2002-07-22
Publication date: 2004-04-21
Also published as: KR20040025703A; US20040245773A1; DE10136339C1; WO2003012332A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in connection device (1), especially for securing and tightening fluid couplings (11), comprising a holding device with a holder (14), a plug element (26) and a tension spring element in the form of an annular tension spring (23). Said annular tension spring (23) functions as a wedge between an annular surface (32) configured in the plug element (26) and an annular edge (19) configured in the holder (14). The annular tension spring (23) can carry out a rolling motion around the central axis (24) of the cable. Static friction is particularly low due to the fact that the annular tension spring (23) is supported on the annular edge (19), thereby enabling continuous automatic tensioning of the holding device (12).

Description

Plug-in device, in particular for fluid lines

The invention relates to a connector device which is provided for connecting parts. A preferred field of application of the plug connection device is the connection of fluid lines.

From US-PS 4,055,359 a connector for pipes is known which uses an annularly closed tension spring as a locking element. The two mutually connecting parts of these plug connection devices are Pipe ends that are pushed into each other. The outer tube end has a funnel-shaped edge that is angled outward at approximately 45 °, the conical outer surface of which serves as a contact surface for the ring spring. The inner tube end is provided with a flange, the outer edge of which is bent inwards in order to delimit an annular interior. The inwardly bent edge is conical. Its inner surface is parallel to the conical outer surface of the outwardly curved edge of the other pipe end at a distance. The ring spring is located between the two conical surfaces and thus forms a locking member which prevents the inner tube end from being pulled out of the outer tube end or the outer tube end being pulled off the inner tube end. In its locked position, the ring spring rests on the outer surface of the outer tube end. An axial bracing of the pipes ^¬ against each other does not take place.

A number of applications are known in which parts are not only to be connected to one another, but also to be clamped against one another in one direction. This, for example, in order to achieve a rattle-free connection or to make the connection tolerant of manufacturing tolerances and dirt. On the other hand, in some applications, the connection should be made in the simplest possible way, for example by merely bringing the parts to be connected together. This makes it possible to achieve considerable simplifications in production, for example in comparison to screw connections.

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to provide a connecting device which is simple to manufacture. Position of the connection between two parts allowed and which tensions the parts against each other in one direction.

This object is achieved with the plug connection device according to claim 1. This plug connection device is particularly suitable for securing two coupling parts of a fluid coupling device to one another. The connector device has a holding device which serves to hold the parts in the merged state. The holding device includes a holding element, a plug element and a clamping element. The plug element is to be inserted into a plug opening of the holding element. The holding element has an annular edge which is opposite an annular surface of the plug element. In the assembled state, the clamping element sits between the ring edge and the ring surface, which is thus supported on the ring edge and on the ring surface.

The support of the plug element on the part of the holding element only on one edge has the advantage that any static friction that occurs here is considerably less than in the case of a rather extensive intervention. This means that the clamping element can not only enter its clamping seat and tighten the holding element and the plug element against one another when the connection is being made, that is to say when the connection is being made, but it can also re-tension the connection, which is at rest. When the tension between the parts subsides, the clamping element can move in order to clamp the parts against each other again. This is due in part to the reduced static friction caused by the contact of the clamping element only on one edge. The clamping element is, for example, a slotted spring ring or another ring-shaped element. However, it is preferably designed as a closed ring which can be expanded in a resilient manner. This has the advantage that the ring edge and the ring surface are loaded equally at all points and that the locking device formed is essentially equally effective at all points of its circumference.

The clamping element is preferably a tension spring element, for example in the form of an annular tension spring. This has the essential advantage that it can perform a rolling movement about its central axis running in the circumferential direction. This central axis is also referred to as the line central axis. The design of the tension spring element as a closed ring spring has several advantages, in particular in connection with the configuration of the holding element and the plug element according to the invention. ^¬ The widening of the Ringfe when joining the plug connection can be done by the spring element is expanded by rolling over a conical portion of the male member. The rolling movement is relatively smooth due to the low friction associated with it. Short, steep cone areas and / or relatively hard tension springs can thus be used. However, the main advantage of an annular tension spring as a clamping element can be seen in the engaged state. The tension spring is supported with one flank on the ring surface and with the other flank on the ring edge. If the connection between the parts now relaxes, for example as a result of the shrinkage of a dirt covering enclosed between the parts, the tension spring has the tendency to move upwards under its own tension and to re-tension the connection between the parts. But first the Stiction that keeps them in place can be overcome. Since static friction, unlike sliding friction, is proportional to the contact surface, static friction is overcome practically ^immediately on the ring edge, while static friction remains on the ring surface. The tension spring can now move forward by rolling or rolling on the ring surface and sliding on the ring edge. The connection between the parts tightens almost unchecked. Retensioning is possible in particular because the distance between the ring surface and the ring edge becomes smaller as the diameter of the ring surface decreases. Characterized a narrowing arcuate portion is provided, the annular spring clamps in the under together ^¬ menziehung. The clamping member has to bridge which is less than the greatest distance between the ring surface and the annular edge and is greater than the smallest distance between the annular surface and the annular edge. A di ^¬ In the case of an annular spring, the thickness of the clamping elements ^¬ understood as the cord diameter.

The ring surface preferably changes its angle to the central axis of the plug element depending on the diameter. For example, the annular surface of two or more co ^¬ African surface sections may be composed. The ring surface can thus be made relatively wide overall, ie the area in which its distance from the ring edge is reduced can be long. This allows a clamping stroke of the holding device to be achieved which is relatively large. The annular surface is preferably curved. This allows the ring spring to roll evenly over the ring surface when re-tensioning the connection. The ring edge is formed on an annular shoulder of the insertion opening. The annular shoulder can be part of an annular groove in which the clamping element is held. The desired connection is thus established when the plug element and the holding element are put together. However, it is also possible to move the ring spring element or other clamping element into its clamping position with a separate actuating element.

In an advantageous embodiment, an indicator socket is seated in the plug-in opening and carries the clamping element on its outer surface. The clamping element sits in the ring groove and is held by the indicator bushing in this. This embodiment has the advantage that the clamping element cannot fall out of the annular groove or can get jammed while making the plug connection. Holding elements can be used which are very small and which would fall out of the plug opening in a relaxed state. Very hard clamping elements can also be used. Finally, the conical head of the plug element can be made short. Furthermore, the indicator shows the correct socket Her ^¬ position of the locking connection. If there is no correct detent, the indicator socket protrudes less from the plug opening. The dimensions can be matched to one another so that the indicator socket comes out completely from the plug opening when the connection is made correctly.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous in the application for securing fluid couplings to provide the plug element with a further ring shoulder in addition to the ring shoulder, which has a loose latching the parts ensure together before the actual desired connection is achieved. This has a significant security function. If, for example, the desired connection is not achieved when establishing a fluid connection because the parts to be connected are not brought together far enough, the additional latching step represents a catching step which holds the parts together when the system is put under fluid pressure. In particular in the case of fluid systems which are under very high pressure, for example air conditioning systems with C0 ₂ as coolant but also in other cases, the system is prevented from opening unintentionally explosively.

There we considered advantageous if element on the plug ^¬ an edge is formed, which lies with the top side of the retaining element in a plane. This edge can form a catch area for condensate that forms and thus protect against corrosion of the clamping element or the other parts involved.

The connector device according to the invention allows lateral play, so that the axial positioning of the parts relative to one another can be determined by other means, for example the coupling parts. This has advantages with regard to the sealing of the coupling parts against one another. Any sealing elements are thus evenly loaded in the radial direction.

Further details of advantageous embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the drawing, the descrip ^¬ bung or the dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the plug connection device according to the invention in a longitudinally sectioned basic illustration,

FIG. 2 shows the plug-in connection device according to FIG. 1 in a fragmentary, longitudinal section and on a different scale,

FIG. 3 shows the plug connection device according to FIG. 2 in a basic illustration to illustrate the geometry,

4 shows the connector device in a longitudinally cut ^¬, fragmentary representation during the joining operation,

FIG. 5-7 shows a modified embodiment of the plug connection device in a longitudinal section in different states,

FIG. 8 shows a modified embodiment of the plug connection device in a longitudinal section,

Figure 9 shows the connector device according to Figure 8 in the first latching stage in a longitudinal section and Figure 10 shows the connector device of Figure 8 in a longitudinal section, in the correctly connected state.

In Figure 1, a connector device 1 is illustrated, which serves to connect two fluid lines 2, 3. The fluid line 2 is, for example, a pipe or hose line that defines a fluid channel 4. The fluid line 3 is, for example, a bore 6 formed in a housing 5, which forms a fluid channel 7. The fluid channel 4 leads into a tubular extension 8, which forms a first coupling part. This is inserted into the bore 6, whereby the housing 5 forms a second coupling part. To seal the extension 8 against the wall of the opening 6 and thus to seal the fluid channels 4, 7 to the outside, the extension 8 is provided on its outer circumferential surface with at least one sealing element 9, for example in the form of an O-ring.

To ^¬ applied to hold the housing of the appendage 8 and the bore 6 5 fluid coupling 11 formed in the assembled state, a holding means 12 is provided. The holding device has a holding element in the form of a holder 14 which lies flat against a flat surface 15 of the housing 5 in use. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the holder 14 can extend laterally away from the fluid channel 4. The holder 14 has a Stecköff ^¬ voltage 16, which is for example a cylindrical through hole ^¬. The insertion opening 16 has a wall 17 on which an annular step 18 with an annular edge 19 is formed. The step 18 faces away from the flat surface 15 against which the holder 14 is to be clamped.

In the present embodiment, a further, oppositely directed step 21 is arranged above step 18, so that an annular groove is located between steps 18, 21 22 is formed. This supports an annularly closed ring tension spring 23, which forms a clamping element. Like an ordinary tension spring, the ring tension spring consists of a spring wire 25 which is helically wound around a central axis 24 of the cord, the ends of which are connected to one another. Overall, the ring tension spring 23 is thus approximately thorus-shaped.

Is also one of the retaining means is a plug member 26 for example as a bolt 27 with profiling system ^¬ head 28 is formed. The bolt 27 is screwed, for example, into a threaded blind bore 29 in the housing 5. The head of the bolt 27 has a smaller overall diameter than the plug opening 16, so that the holder 14 with its plug opening 16 can be pushed over the head 28. The head 28 has an annular shoulder 31 on its circumferential surface, which defines an annular surface 32 on its lower side facing the step 21 and thus the flat surface 15. The ring surface 32 lies opposite the ring edge 19. The conditions are shown in detail in FIG. The annular surface 32 is curved ^¬ forms. It can be curved in the form of a circular arc in longitudinal section. Advantageous, however, a curvature has been out ^¬ that follows an elliptical arc. The ring edge 19 can also be somewhat rounded. The annular surface 32 arranged coaxially to an axis of symmetry 33 of the bolt 27 is at a distance from the edge 19 which gradually decreases along the axis of symmetry 33. With a large diameter D1 there is a relatively large distance to the ring edge 19, while with a smaller diameter D2, D3 or D4 there is an ever decreasing distance A2, A3 or A4 to the ring edge 19. Thus, between the ring edge 19 and the curved annular surface 32 an annular space is formed, which narrows continuously along an arcuate path W. The path W has a constant radius R to an axis of curvature K about which the ring edge 19 curves. The path W is the path which the ring tension spring 23 or its central line axis travels at least in sections when it clamps the holder 14 on the bolt 27. The angle α of the ring surface 32 to the axis of symmetry 33 also decreases with decreasing diameter.

The annular surface 32 forms a first latching step, to which a conical ramp section 34 adjoins above it. With the axis of symmetry 33, this includes a relatively flat rise angle. It serves to widen the ring tension spring 23 when joining the connection.

Above the ramp section 34, a second annular shoulder 35 is provided which is adjoined by a further portion ramps ^¬ 36th Between the ramp section 36 and the annular shoulder 35, an annular edge 37 is formed from ^¬ , the diameter of which is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the insertion opening 16 and which is approximately at the same height as a flat outer surface 38 of the holder 14.

The connector device 1 described so far functions as follows:

To produce the plug position of the plug connection device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the extension 8 is first inserted into the bore 6 and the holder 14 with its plug opening 16 is inserted over the head 28. postponed. The ramp section 36 expands the relaxed annular spring 23 lying in the annular groove 22 and projecting into the insertion opening 16. The ring tension spring 23 rolls over the ramp section 36 and first finds its way into a latching step via the ring edge 37. This state is illustrated in Figure 4. The holder 14 is not yet firmly clamped against the housing 5, but it is secured to such an extent that the extension 8 can no longer be pressed out of the bore 6.

In the further insertion process, the holder 14 is pushed further onto the head 28, so that the ramp section 34 now expands the ring tension spring 23, which has in the meantime contracted. The ring tension spring 23 in turn rolls along the lateral surface of the ramp section 34 until it has reached its end and jumps into the space between the ring surface 32 and the ring edge 19. This state is illustrated in Figure 2. Here the ring spring 23 wedges into the existing space and presses the holder 14 against the housing 5.

If there is oil, dirt or the like on the flat surface 15 and this disappears as a result of aging or vibration, the ring tension spring 23 can push the holder 14 further against the plane surface 15 by the ring tension spring 23 continuing on its way W (FIG. 3) penetrates the space between the annular surface 32 and the ring edge 19. Here, the Ringzugfeder 23 roll on the annular surface 32 with a rotation around its central axis line 24, ^¬ currency rend it slides on the annular edge 19th The static friction between the ring edge 19 and the ring tension spring 23 is extremely low, so that the connection is easily tightened. If, during the establishment of the connection, the latching process has remained incomplete and the ring tension spring 23 has not really penetrated into the space between the ring surface 32 and the ring edge 19, the further ring shoulder 35 forms a safety catch step. If the fluid channels 4, 7 are pressurized without the latching taking place securely, the extension 8 is moved a small distance out of the bore 6. The holder 14 thus moves away from the housing 5 until the ring tension spring 23 comes into the position illustrated in FIG. 4, ie comes into contact with the ring shoulder 35. Thus, the Fort ^¬ set 8 can not be pushed further out of the hole 6 and uncontrolled opening of the fluid channels is avoided.

In the joined state (FIG. 1), the ring edge 37 lies approximately at the level of the mouth of the plug opening 16 (FIG. 2). The distance between the ring edge 37 and the wall of the insertion opening 16 or its upper edge is very small and is preferably in the range of a few tenths of a millimeter. Condensate that collects in this area or moisture that acts from outside soon bridges this gap and is held here due to the capillary action. The penetration of moisture into the area of the ring tension spring 23 is thus avoided. This is an effective protection against corrosion.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a modified embodiment. Insofar as there is identical construction and function with the above-described plug connection device 1, the same reference numerals are used increased by the summand 100 and reference is made accordingly to the above description. Unlike the previous one described connector device 1, the connector device 101 has a stepped plug opening 116, which does not contain an annular groove. Thus, the ring spring 123 is not contained in an annular groove, but it can move out of the plug opening 116. It sits on a cylindrical extension 139, above the ramp section 134. In order to be able to move the ring tension spring 123 over the ramp section 134 and into the gap between the ring surface 132 and the ring edge 119, an actuating element 141 is provided. This has a multi-slit cylindrical section 142 which sits on the extension 139. Longitudinal slots set in axial direction ^¬ extending fingers 143 free, the slice at one end ^¬ 144 are held and are able to spring radially outwardly.

To establish the connection, the holder 114 is pushed over the actuating element 141 and then over the head 128. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5, it initially lies loosely on the flat surface 115. To establish the connection, the actuating element 141 is now pressed down by exerting a force F on the end plate 144. This is illustrated in Figure 6. Spreading the fingers 143, the ring tension spring 123 is pushed over the ramp section 134 until it rolls beyond the end thereof and the space between the ring surface 132 and the ring edge 119 becomes. Here the Ringzugfe ^¬ der 123 clamps the connection, as described above in connection with the connector 1. This state is illustrated in Figure 7. The fingers 143 Kgs ^¬ NEN, if they are provided on their inside with a small locking groove, engage at the edge between the ramp portion 134 and the annular surface 132nd FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the plug connection device 1 as a plug connection device 201. For a description of the connector device 201, reference is made to the description of the connector device 1. The description applies accordingly. The reference numerals are increased by the summand 200.

In addition to the elements of the plug connection device 101 shown in FIG. 1, an indicator sleeve 245 is inserted into the plug opening 216 in the plug connection device 201. This has a double function. Your first task is to make the connection clearly visible from the outside. Their second function is to hold the ring tension spring 223 in its ring groove 222 as long as the head 228 is not yet seated in the insertion opening 216. For this purpose, the indica ^¬ torhülse 245 a hollow cylindrical portion 246 whose outer diameter corresponds approximately with the inside diameter of the plug hole 216th A section 246 is followed by a flange-like end disk 247, which extends radially outwards. The length of the cylindrical section 246 is so great that when the end disk 247 bears against the holder 214 it essentially covers the annular groove 222. The ring tension spring 223 thus lies against the lateral surface of the section 246 and is held by the ^¬ sem in the ring groove 222.

Section 246 is approximately tubular and encloses a recess 248 into which head 228 can enter somewhat. For this purpose, the recess 248 is widened in a funnel shape at its outer end. At its inner end it has a bottom 249, the position of which is so is fixed, that the lateral surface of the ramp section 234 does not just touch the funnel-shaped end of the recess 248 when the head 228 rests on the bottom 249.

The function of the indicator sleeve 245 results from FIGS. 8 to 10. Before the plug connection is made and at the beginning of the plugging process (FIG. 8), the section 246 covers the annular groove 222 and holds the annular tension spring 223 outside the insertion opening 216. It is therefore possible to use annular tension spring elements 223 find, the diameter is small in the relaxed state, so that they would protrude very far into the plug opening 216 or would fall out of this.

As the plugging process progresses, the head 228, as illustrated in FIG. 9, begins to push the indicator sleeve 245 out of the plug opening 216. As a result, the ring groove 222 is released at the same time and the ring tension spring 223 is located behind the ring shoulder 235 (FIG. 9). With further progress in the plug-in operation, the indicator sleeve 245 is pushed further 228 ^¬ from the Ste cköffnung 216 from the front surface of the head. In addition, ramp section 234 expands ring tension spring 223 again until it leaves section 234 and finds it behind ring surface 232. In this state, the holder 214 is tightened, as written above in connection with the holder 14 and Figure 1 be ^¬. In addition, the indicator sleeve 245 is pushed out of the insertion opening 216 to such an extent that it falls off or can be easily removed. This indicates the ord ^¬ voltage completely safe production of the connector.

A connector device 1, in particular for securing and clamping fluid couplings 11, has a holding device with a holder 14, a Steckele ^¬ element 26 and a tension spring element in the form of an annular tension spring 23. The Ringzugfeder 23 acts as a wedge between a groove formed on the plug element 26 annular surface 32 and a holder 14 formed on the annular edge 19. The Ringzugfeder 23 can be a rolling movement about its center axis Schnurmit ^¬ run 24th By supporting the ring tension spring 23 on the ring edge 19, a particularly low static friction is present here, which allows the holding device 12 to be continuously tensioned independently.

Claims

Claims:

1. connector device (1, 101, 201), in particular for fluid lines (2, 102, 202, 3, 103),

with a first part (8, 108, 208) and with a second part (5, 105, 205) which are to be connected to one another,

with a holding device (12, 112, 212) which serves to hold the parts (5, 105, 8, 108, 208) in the assembled state in order to connect them to one another and which comprises:

a holding element (14, 114, 214) which is connected to one of the parts (5, 105, 205, 8, 108, 208) and which has an insertion opening (16, 116, 216) with a wall (17, 117, 217 ) on which an annular step (18, 118, 218) with an annular edge (19, 119, 219) is formed from ^¬ ,

a plug element (26, 126, 226) having an annular shoulder with an annular surface (32, 132, 232) de ^¬ ren distance from the annular edge (19, 119, 219) decreases with decreasing diameter, and

forms a clamping element (23, 123, 223), the ^annular-¬ and in the locking state between the annular edge (19, 119, 219) and the annular surface (32, 132, 232) is arranged.

2. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (23, 123, 223) is designed as a closed ring.

3. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (23, 123, 223) is a tension spring element (23, 123, 223) which has the shape of a torus with a circular cross section.

4. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tension spring element (23, 123, 223) is designed so flexibly that it can perform a rolling movement about its central line axis (24, 124, 224).

5. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (23, 123, 223) is designed as an annularly closed tension spring.

6. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (23, 123, 223) has a thickness which is smaller than the greatest distance (AI) between the ring surface (32, 132, 232) and the ring edge (19, 119, 219) and which is greater than the smallest distance (A4) between the ring surface (32, 132, 232) and the ring edge (19, 119, 219).

7. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular surface (32, 132, 232) at a point with a smaller diameter (D4) with the axis of symmetry (33, 133, 233) of the plug element (26, 126, 226) an angle (l), which differs from an angle (α2) that the ring surface (32, 132, 232) at another point with a larger diameter (Dl) with the axis of symmetry (33, 133, 233).

8. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular surface (32, 132, 232) is curved.

9. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element (14, 114, 214) in the wall of the plug opening (16, 116, 216) following the ring edge (19, 119, 219) has an annular groove

(22, 122, 222).

10. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug element (26, 226) above its ring shoulder (31, 231) has a cone or ramp section (34, 234).

11. The plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that an indicator sleeve (246) is seated in the plug opening (216) of the holding element (214) and carries the clamping element (223) on its outer lateral surface.

12. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator sleeve (245) is slidably mounted in the plug opening (216).

13. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug element (26, 226) above its ring shoulder (31, 231) has a further ring shoulder (35, 235).

14. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug element (26, 226) above its further ring shoulder (35, 235) has a further cone or ramp section (36, 236).

15. Plug connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that an annular edge (37, 237) is provided on the plug element (26, 226), which in the assembled state of the holding device (12, 212) in a common plane with an outer surface (38, 238 ) the holding element (14, 214).

16. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ring edge (37) is formed on the further ring shoulder (35).

17. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in

that the second part (5, 105) is a second coupling part (5, 105) which has a receiving opening (6, 106) which is connected to a second fluid channel (7, 107),

that the first part (8, 108, 208) a first coupling part (8, 108, 208) which forms in the Recordin ^¬ metering orifice (6, 106) in an insertion direction of insertion ^¬ cash extension (8, 108, 208) a , at which a second fluid channel (4, 104, 204) opens, that at least one sealing element (9, 109) which is effective between the first coupling part (8, 108, 208) and the second coupling part (5, 105, 205) is provided around the fluid channels (4, 104, 204, 7, 107) to seal on the outside, and

that the first fluid channel (4, 104, 204) is connected to the second fluid channel (7, 107) when the extension (8, 108, 208) is inserted into the receiving opening (6, 106).

18. Connector device according to claim 17, characterized in that the holding device (12, 112, 212) is arranged at a lateral distance from the first coupling part (8, 108, 208).

19. A connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the head (28, 128, 228) is less than the diameter of the Ste ^¬ cköffnung (16, 116, 216) so that the holding means (12, 112, 212) in allows lateral movements.