EP2839199A1

EP2839199A1 - Plug-in coupling for fluid lines

Info

Publication number: EP2839199A1
Application number: EP13709867.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steffen Scheicher; Artur Kari
Original assignee: Veritas AG
Current assignee: Veritas AG
Priority date: 2012-04-17
Filing date: 2013-03-12
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Also published as: DE102012007670A1; WO2013156209A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for fluid lines provided on hose assemblies or pipes. The plug-in coupling comprises a female line segment (2), into which a male line segment can be sealingly inserted, a locking device (3) surrounding the female line segment in a circumferential direction, at least in sections, and which can be switched between an unlocking position, in which the line segments can be detached from one another, and a locking position, in which the line segments are locked by way of the locking device, wherein in the locking position, a pretensioning device (4) applies a pretension force to the locking device. In order to configure the plug-in coupling to make installation and de-installation simple, an actuating device (5) is provided according to the invention to transfer the locking device to the unlocking position against the pre-tension force of the pretensioning device.

Description

Plug-in coupling for motor cables

The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for fluid lines, comprising a female line section, in which a male line section is sealingly inserted, and a locking device which surrounds the female Lettungsabschnitt at least partially in the circumferential direction, and between an unlocked position in which the line sections from each other detachable are and a Verriegelungssteliung, in which the line sections are locked by the locking device, can be transferred.

Plug-in couplings are used to connect pipes or hoses. Especially in the field of automotive such plug-in couplings are common. Thus, lines for fluids throughout the vehicle are connected by plug-in couplings. The plug-in couplings are always adapted to the respective installation position to meet the size of the space.

As a rule, these plug-in couplings are provided for simple and time-saving connection of the lines. In this case, so-called snap or snap hooks are used, but also hose ties or pipe clamps can be used. When used in the engine compartment or on the outer areas of a vehicle plug couplings are exposed to environmental influences, with mainly heat, cold, snow, ice and oil, diesel or gasoline can affect the lines and plug-in couplings. As a result, the materials and component constructions used must have good resistance and must have no leaks or defects over their service life.

Plug-in connectors for charge air ducts are also stressed by pressure fluctuations within the pipe, by vibrations and by the heat radiation of the engine components. Charge air lines connect the exhaust gas turbocharger, the intercooler and the intake tract of the internal combustion engine with each other. The assembly costs depend directly on the design of the plug-in coupling. If, in addition, cables are to be separated again after the installation has taken place, special tools may be necessary for this, or the plug-in connectors require an elaborate construction in order to make the connection detachable.

The patent GB 244 479 shows a plug-in coupling, which is provided on the female line section. The plug-in coupling uses claws to connect the two exhaust valves. A large number of claws is provided, which are moderately mounted on the circumference at the end of the line section. The jaws are individually held with a pivot axis, which is laid in the circumferential direction, on the line section and can be pivoted about this. The claws have on their the line axis facing side a toothing. At the outer diameter of the claws are held biased by individually associated springs. The springs are fixed by thru axles in the direction of the line, which are inserted parallel to the line direction in the outer wall of the female line section. The male Lertungsabschnitt has at its end a thread and is fitted with the outer diameter of the female line section. By pushing together both line sections, the claws are first pivoted outwards, engage with the teeth in the thread and fix the line sections together. To protect the plug-in coupling, a cover ring is finally attached over the female line section. To dismantle the connection of the male line section is unscrewed, so that the jaw connection is released.

Object of the present invention is to provide a plug-in coupling, which allows an application to a variety of cable diameters, without having to design a separate plug-in coupling specifically for each type of line. With this type of system solution, the connection technology should be simplified. Moreover, it is the object of the invention to provide a plug-in coupling, which has a low weight. Another object of the invention is the ease of handling during assembly and disassembly, without the need for auxiliary tools, the Steckkuppiung should be inexpensive to manufacture and assembly.

The object is achieved by the plug-in coupling for fluid lines according to claim 1, comprising a female conduit section, in which a male conduit section is sealingly inserted, and a locking device which surrounds the female conduit section in the circumferential direction at least in sections, wherein the locking device between a Entriegeiungsstellung, in which the line sections are detachable from each other and a locking position, in which the line sections are locked by the locking device, can be transferred; wherein the plug-in coupling further comprises a biasing means to apply a biasing force to the locking means in the locking position and an actuating means to transfer the locking means against the biasing force of the biasing means to the unlocking position. Advantages of the plug coupling according to the invention are the low height and the small diameter, which allows use in small spaces. Due to the small size also design-related line sections can be used for the plug-in coupling according to the invention, which have only a small free length in the line direction. In addition, the plug-in coupling according to the invention can be used in a retrofit to previous line sections. It is possible that existing grooves on the existing male line section can be used without having to make modifications. Another advantage is the simple construction of the plug-in coupling according to the invention. The assembly and assembly are done by attaching the components on the female line section, so that no additional thru axles or spring components must be positioned, whereby the assembly cost would be increased. The low number of parts and the lack of inserts material costs are saved and the simple structure of the assembly costs and weight are reduced. As a result, the probability of failure is reduced and a longer life can be achieved. By plug-in coupling according to the invention, both line sections can be easily solved from each other by the locking elements are moved radially outward. As a result, the removal of the male line section is possible, so that unscrewing is no longer necessary. In a further preferred embodiment, the pretensioning device may be self-contained or annular and completely surround the female conduit section in the circumferential direction to the plug-in axis. Thereby, the biasing force can be applied uniformly over the circumferential length of the locking device, wherein additionally the biasing device is held captive on the female line section. Preferably, the plug-in coupling comprises a male line section, which is sealingly inserted into the female Leitungsabschnttt and locked in the locking position by the locking device relative to the female line section. Preferably, the male line section is rotatably fixed relative to the female line section can be fixed.

It is advantageous if the biasing means applies the biasing force substantially in the radial direction to the line axis on the locking device. As a result, a direct introduction of force into the locking device can be ensured, so that jamming is prevented.

Advantageously, the locking device has at least two locking elements which engage in the locking position of the locking device through the wall of the female conduit section. The blocking elements can by webs in the circumferential direction be connected to each other and kept distributed over the webs on the circumference. Openings, recesses or holes in the wall simultaneously serve as a guide, wherein a space-saving mounting of the locking elements is made possible, and at the same time the plug-in coupling is held on the female line section. In this case, the openings, recesses or holes can be adapted in shape exactly the peripheral contour of the locking elements. As a result, the locking elements are supported and there must be a power line from the locking elements in the wall. Preferably, the locking device comprises at least two locking elements, in particular three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten locking elements, more preferably six to eight locking elements, which are preferably arranged in the circumferential direction at regular intervals.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pretensioning device has at least one elastic element, which preferably consists of metal, plastic, in particular rubber. This elastic element can apply a radial circumferential force to the blocking elements. In this case, metal in the elastic element can be used with particular preference if the permanent temperature is very high. Furthermore, there is the possibility to apply higher biasing force by a metal having elastic element. An elastic element made of plastic or rubber can have a chemical resistance especially against higher hydrocarbons and allows a longer life. The elastic element is preferably annular and / or band-shaped or annularly arranged, for example ring rubber / rubber ring.

The assemblies are arranged axially and radially to the line axis with each other, whereby the axial length and the radial dimension of the plug-in coupling can be made short to allow provision of the plug-in coupling according to the invention also on hose lines, which grout by design only over a short line section.

Advantageously, the actuating device is actuated such that it displaces the locking elements in the transfer of Verriegeiungseinrichtung from the locking position to the unlocked position and / or vice versa in the radial direction to the line axis. The advantage of this design is that no further components are needed, whereby the reliability of the plug-in coupling can be increased and the cost can be reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment, the locking device is brought by rotation of the actuating device in the circumferential direction to the line axis of the locking graduation in the unlocked position. The Verriegeiungseinrichtung automatically returns to the starting position. The twisting of the actuator is particularly favorable, If the space in which the plug-in coupling is provided with the two line sections, is very limited, and thus the handling would be difficult. By rotating the actuator, it is not necessary to provide protruding elements or levers for unlocking the Steckkuppiung, which would severely limit an operation in a confined space. This makes it possible with the plug-in coupling according to the invention to solve the line sections tool-free or without Hüfswerkzeuge from each other.

Advantageously, the locking elements can be displaced radially outward by wedging engagement with the actuating device. For example, the wedge engagement is accomplished by at least one control cam, which is preferably integrally formed on at least one of the locking elements, as well as by at least one wedge surface of the actuator, wherein the keying surface of the actuator relative to a tangent to a radius around the line axis may include a certain angle. Thus, the Entriegein is possible with a simple mechanism. By rotating the wedge surfaces, the control cams are preferably moved in the radial direction of the line axis together with the locking elements to the outside.

In a further preferred embodiment, the female line section and / or the male line section is designed as a charge air line and / or is connected to the exhaust gas turbocharger and / or the charge air cooler and / or to charge air lines between the internal combustion engine and the charge air cooler. This design makes it possible to separate these line sections easily and without damage already during initial assembly, but also for maintenance and inspection. The use of the plug-in coupling according to the invention particularly in these areas offers the advantage of being able to manufacture the plug-in coupling made of plastic.

In the following, the embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to figures. Brief description of the figures It shows:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the structure of the plug-in coupling, Figure 2 an Ausführungsbeispte! the plug-in coupling as an assembly, FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment with an explanation of the effect of the actuating element,

Figure 4 is a schematic overview of an air circuit of an internal combustion engine. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the plug-in coupling 1 according to the invention. The female conduit section 2 has at the receiving opening 21 six substantially rectangular openings 22, which are evenly distributed on the circumference. On the outer side 23 is connected to a peripheral abutment edge 24 is formed. In the direction of the line axis A, the outer diameter then merges with a shoulder on the regular line cross section. On the inside of a paragraph is formed. Behind the heel, the inner diameter is tapered and merges into the regular inner pipe diameter. By the first paragraph, a sealing function with the male line section is possible. Between two openings 22, a groove extending in the axial direction (not shown) is formed on the inner wall to allow positioning of the plug-in male line section and rotationally fixed to fix the two line sections to each other. For this purpose, the male line section has a projection element which fits into the groove.

The inner diameter of the ring 5 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the pipe section 2. Six annular surfaces 51 distributed uniformly around the circumference of the ring 5 are arranged substantially rotationally symmetrically, with the adjacent wedge surfaces 51 each rise or fall in the same direction. In each case, there is a groove 52 between two adjacent wedge surfaces 51 for receiving a respective section 64 of the clamping ring 6.

The locking device 3 has six locking elements 31, which are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. In each case, three blocking elements 31 are connected by two parallel webs 32 extending in the circumferential direction. Overall, the locking device 3 thus consists of two substantially C-shaped locking elements 30 and has approximately an open ring shape. The locking elements 31 have radially on the inside facing away from the webs 32 edges in the axial direction on the inner diameter chamfers 34. Near the outer diameter of each blocking element 31 m line direction A on both sides control cam 33 is formed. Between the webs 32, grooves 35 extending in each case at the circumferential direction are formed on the locking elements 31. The biasing device 4 consists of an elastic element 41. In this case, the elastic element 41 in the exemplary embodiment is a closed band-shaped ring of rubber material.

The ring 6 has six webs 63, which extend on one side in the direction of line A and are integrally formed on the circumference. At the end of the webs 63 locking lugs 64 are formed, which are curved to the line axis A at the inner diameter of the webs 63. Between the webs 63 in the circumferential direction also six wedge surfaces 61 are formed, which are spaced by grooves 62. When the ring 6 with the webs 63 and the latching lugs 64 is in engagement with the grooves 52 of the actuating device 5 (see Fig. 2), the wedge surfaces 61 are preferably mirror-symmetrically aligned with the wedge surfaces 51 of the ring 5. In the circumferential direction a total of six handle segments 65 are formed, which are provided with a Riffeistruktur, each handle segment 65 is located between two webs 63.

The structure and operation of the plug-in coupling 1 according to the invention will be described in detail below. First, the ring 5 is mounted on the Leitungsabschnirt 2. In this case, the ring 5 comes with its repellent from the wedge surfaces 51 side of the trained Aniagekante 24 at Leitungsabschnttt 2 to the plant. The Verrtegelungseinnchtung 3 is attached to the line section 2, that the locking elements 31 are inserted with the chamfers 34 in the forward openings 22. In this case, the ring 5 is positioned such that the control cam 33 come to rest at the foot of the wedge surfaces 51. The elastic element 41 is now inserted into the grooves 35 of the locking elements 31 on the outer circumference, whereby the locking device 3 is held in the openings 22 on Leitungsabschnttt 2. The ring 6 is then positioned with the webs 63 in front over the locking device 3 and the biasing direction 4, so that the webs 63 engage on the detents 64 in the grooves 52 on the ring 5 and enclose the entire plug-in coupling 1.

During assembly of the male conduit section (not shown), the latter is inserted into the receiving opening 21 of the female conduit section 2 and secured against rotation with respect to the female conduit section 2 via a projection element which fits into a groove (not shown). When the male line section is inserted, the blocking elements 31 are displaced radially outwardly by the radially inwardly disposed chamfers 34. In this case, the elastic element 41 is widened. After the insertion of the male line section this comes with a peripheral groove formed on the outer circumferential groove (not shown) on the axial position of the locking elements 31 for abutment, wherein the locking elements 31 engage under bias of the elastic member 41 in the groove. This completes the assembly process. The mounting state of the plug-in coupling is shown in Fig. 2. In Figure 3, an embodiment of the plug-in coupling is shown schematically to explain the function of the Betätigungssefements in the disassembly of the line sections. Here, a wall portion of the female pipe portion 2 is shown. The wall portion has an opening 22 for receiving the locking element 31 of the locking device 3. In this case, the blocking element 31 is guided in the opening 22 and is acted upon from the outside by the biasing device 41 shown in Figure 3 with a biasing force. Around the line section 2 fitting the ring 5 is arranged. This rests on the outer circumference 23 of the line section 2 and has in the region around the opening 22 and the blocking element 31 paragraphs. The paragraphs form a stop 53 on one side of each locking element 31 and on the other side of each locking element 31 a wedge surface 51. To transfer the locking element 31 from the locking position shown here to the unlocking position, this is displaced in the radial direction to the outside. By a rotation of the actuating device 5, 6 about the line axis A from the Verriegeiungsstellung shown here simultaneously the wedge surface 51 (and the Keiifläche 61 not shown) in the direction of the respectively associated control cam 33 of the locking element 31 is rotated by the further rotation of the actuator 5, 6 relative to the female line section 2, the wedge surface 51 (and the wedge surface 61 not shown) comes into contact with the respectively associated control cam 33 and displaces it outwards, so that the blocking element 31 is moved radially outward to the line axis. As a result, the blocking element 31 is brought out of engagement with the male line section and the plug-in coupling is in the unlocked position. After the disassembly and the elimination of the actuating force, the biasing means 41 and the actuator 5, 6 automatically returns to the locked position by the existing biasing force.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary air circuit for a P W internal combustion engine. In this case, initially air is sucked in from the environment on the suction side and passed through the air filter 7. Subsequently, the air reaches the exhaust gas turbocharger 8 which is driven by the exhaust gas side and compresses the air, which heats up as a result of the compression. To increase the performance of the intake air therefore undergoes a charge air cooler 9 before it is fed into the combustion chamber in the engine 10.

After the combustion process, the air is passed on the exhaust side through the exhaust gas turbine 11 of the exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas stream is used to compress the Ansaugiuft. After passing through the exhaust aftertreatment 12, the air is returned to the environment. The intake air is heated to very high temperatures particularly exhaust-side within the circuit shown. For this reason, the plug-in coupling according to the invention is provided especially on the suction side, there are the requirements for the temperature resistance below that of the exhaust gas side. It is possible to use the plug-in coupling according to the invention to couple the exhaust gas turbocharger 8 with the intercooler 9 with a line 14. Here, the corresponding components can first be installed in the space provided, and are then subsequently connected to the lines 14 by means of the plug-in coupling. Another line area in which the plug-in coupling can be used is the area between the charge air cooler 9 and the internal combustion engine 10, wherein the plug-in coupling in the region of the line 15 serves to connect the line sections. As a result, with the plug-in coupling after the successful installation of the internal combustion engine and the corresponding intake module, a simple mountable cable connection can be made.

In summary, the invention provides a plug-in coupling for fluid couplings, which serves for the tool-free, sealing and positive connection and separation of two flood-carrying lines by means of elastically mounted, radial locking elements 31. The connection is made via radially arranged locking elements 31, which sit in openings in the connector housing and are held by an elastic ring 41 in position. When plugging the locking elements 31 are moved to the outside and then engage by the restoring force of the ring 41 in the groove of the male nozzle. The disassembly is carried out by the locking elements 31 are moved via an externally mounted actuator 5, 6 over inclined planes to the outside. If the actuator 5, 6 is released, it slides back to the starting position and the line can be re-inserted.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiment, numerous modifications are vorsteflbar within the scope of the claims.

Claims

claims

1. plug-in coupling (1) for Fluidieitungen comprising

a female conduit section (2) into which a male conduit section is sealingly insertable,

- A Verriegeiungseinrichtung (3) which surrounds the female line section (2) in the circumferential direction at least partially and which are locked between an unlocking position in which the line sections from each other and a locking position in which the line sections by the locking device (3) , is convertible,

a biasing means (4) for applying a biasing force to the locking means (3) in the locking position;

- An actuator (5) to transfer the locking device (3) against the biasing force of the biasing means (4) in the unlocked position.

2. plug-in coupling (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the biasing means (4) applying the biasing force substantially in the radial direction to the line axis (A) on the locking device (3).

3. Plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (3) has at least two locking elements (31) which engage in the locking division by the wall of the female conduit section (2), wherein the blocking elements ( 31) are preferably interconnected by webs (32) in the circumferential direction.

4. plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing means (4) has at least one elastic element (41), which preferably consists of metal, plastic, in particular rubber.

5. Plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (5) can be actuated in such a way that it releases the locking elements (31) during the transfer of the locking device (3) from the locking device (3). gelungsste! ment in the Entriegelungssteilung and / or vice versa in the radial direction to the line axis {A) displaced.

6. Plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Verriegeiungseinrichtung (3) by turning the actuating device (5) in the circumferential direction from the locking position into the unlocking position can be transferred.

7. plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking elements (31) by a wedging engagement (51) with the actuating device (5) are displaced radially outward.

8. Plug-in coupling (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female line section (2) and / or the male line section is designed as a charge air line and / or loader to the exhaust turbo and / or the intercooler and / or charge air lines is connected between the engine and the intercooler.