EP2978079A1 - Coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling comprising a socket-side housing (2) and a pin-side housing (1) for mediating a contact between a socket element (3) and a pin element (4), wherein the housing (2,1) substantially along a central axis (M) extend and connectable via a plug-in movement (S). It is a self-locking connection (10) for detecting the housing (2,1) provided to each other, which comprises a first and a second latching element (12,13). The first latching element (12) is mounted on a radially with respect to the central axis (M) elastically deflectable finger element (11). The finger element (11) is overlapped by a coupling sleeve (14) displaceably mounted on the coupling between a first position and a second position, wherein the coupling sleeve (14) has an unlocking element (15) which engages the finger element (11) in the first Position befindlicher coupling sleeve (14) engages over and displaces upon displacement of the coupling sleeve (14) in the second position to release the self-locking connection (10), wherein the coupling sleeve (14) is guided on the finger element (11).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a coupling for the connection of elements, in particular of cables for the transmission of electrical energy or of tubes for the transmission of a fluid, wherein the coupling has a socket-side housing and a pin-side housing according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

From the GB 1 339 801 is a coupling with a female and a pin-side housing and with a slidably mounted coupling sleeve known. Next, a self-locking connection is shown, which comprises a recess and an elastically deflectable finger element with a latching nose. The locking can be canceled by actuation of the coupling sleeve.

However, this coupling is disadvantageous at least insofar as the finger element is designed to be freely movable in the coupling and thus a movement of the finger element takes place relatively uncontrolled.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Starting from this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a coupling for a connection of a socket and a pin-side housing is to be specified, which allows improved locking or unlocking of the self-locking connection.

This object is achieved by a coupling with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a coupling is proposed which comprises a socket-side housing for at least one socket element and a pin-side housing for at least one pin element for imparting a contact between the socket element and the pin element. The female and male members may be used to conduct an electrical current or to transmit a fluid. Accordingly, the contact may be an electrical or a fluidic. The socket-side housing and the pin-side housing extend substantially along a central axis and can be connected to one another via a plug-in movement along this central axis. The socket-side housing and the pin-side housing are further secured to each other via a self-locking connection, this self-locking connection comprises a finger element attached to the socket-side housing or the pin-side housing, which finger element extends substantially along the central axis and at least with a free end portion elastically radially with respect to the Central axis is deflectable and has a first deflectable locking element at the free end portion. The self-locking connection further comprises a on the other housing, to which the finger element is not fixed, attached and corresponding with said first locking element second locking element.

The finger element is at least partially covered by a between a first position and a second position slidably mounted along the central axis on the coupling coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve comprises an unlocking element, which is designed such that the coupling sleeve engages the finger element in befindlichem in the first position coupling sleeve so that upon displacement of the coupling sleeve in the second position, the finger element is moved to solve the self-locking connection. The object is achieved in that the coupling sleeve is guided on the finger element.

The coupling sleeve and the finger element are preferably by direct, i. guided by flat contact to each other. For this purpose, the sleeve and the finger element then have corresponding contact surfaces. These contact surfaces can be arranged on projections and corresponding recesses of the two components or on the components themselves.

The term "coupling" is understood to mean a plug-in housing with a socket-side and a pin-side housing, which, for example, for the connection of ends of cables for the transmission of electrical energy or for connecting tubes for fluid guidance is used.

Preferably, the male-side housing is the male-side and the female-side housing is the female part of the coupling.

The directions "proximal / distal" refer in each case to the housing described, wherein the housing facing the other housing during the insertion movement is the "distal side" and the distal side of the opposite side is the "proximal side" of the respective housing. On the proximal side of the housing, a cable or a tube is preferably led away in each case.

A "finger element" is a component comprising an elongated free end element (the finger), which elongated element is deflectable elastically with the free end in the radial direction with respect to the central axis, that is, movable toward or away from the axis. By this deflectability of the finger element and the first locking element is correspondingly deflectable and thus movable relative to the second locking element, whereby the first and second locking elements by this deflection in or out of the mutual engagement can be brought, ie locked or unlocked.

The invention is based on the finding that an advantageous influencing of the deflection movement of the finger element is possible by guiding the coupling sleeve by surface contact on the deflectable finger element. For example, the coupling sleeve can support the finger element against the pressure exerted by the housing carrying the second detent element, so that the finger element is optimally guided on this housing.

In addition, a connector is provided by such a configuration, which can be easily manufactured and solved by an axial movement. Due to the improved leadership, the connector is also designed such that it can be easily manufactured and solved by robots.

The corresponding locking elements are in this case two latchable elements, ie in particular latching lug and latching recess in general. It is preferred if the first latching element is a latching lug and the second latching element is a latching recess, but this can also be reversed. It can also engage behind two locking lugs.

The coupling sleeve and the finger element (and corresponding other elements) may be attached to either the female or female side housing.

The unlocking element is a hook element, which preferably by a circumferential edge of the finger element cross-coupling sleeve is formed, wherein the hook element is designed to encompass this finger element. Instead of a circumferential hook element, individual, finger-like hook elements project in the middle axis direction over the sleeve in order to engage over the finger element and, upon displacement of the sleeve, to grip, contact and move along the finger element.

The hook element and the first latching element are designed so that from the axial displacement of the sleeve relative to the first latching element and the engagement of the hook element described above, a movement of the finger element in the radial direction, preferably to the outside results. This can be realized, for example, by corresponding oblique surfaces, which are formed in such a way that, upon displacement of the sleeve from the first position to the second position accumulate on each other and cancel the locking of the locking elements by the movement of the first locking element due to the deflection of the finger element ,

In one development, the finger element comprises an elastically deformable bending section for the elastic deflection of a part of the finger element which is directed radially with respect to the center axis. The coupling sleeve is designed such that it partially covers the bending section in the distally located first position against the deflection movement with a cover section, so that the effective bending region is shortened from the bent section to a bent section section. Here, the cover portion is fixedly connected to the coupling sleeve, preferably formed integrally therewith, so that the cover portion withdraws upon displacement of the sleeve in the second position in the proximal direction and the partially covered bending portion releases again, so that I the bending range from the bending portion of the bending section extended.

This ensures that the bending load during locking and in the solution of the locking by different portions of the finger element, ie by different bending areas, is recorded. Thus, a more precise movement of the finger element can be achieved. In addition, this has a longer life of the finger element result, since less material fatigue occurs locally in the bending area. Moreover, a shortened bending area during latching by mating of the housing along the plugging movement means that when the latching elements engage, the latching movement of the first latching element in order to engage the latching elements a comparatively greater force than when releasing this locking by the displacement of the sleeve must be applied.

The bending part section must therefore absorb more bending moment per unit length during the latching than the bending section, since the latter is longer and in each case the essentially the same radial deflection path of the first latching element must be covered.

In the solution of the latching sleeve releases the entire bending section by moving in the central axis direction, whereby the bending stress distributed in the deflection of the finger element over a longer bending area, which, in absolute terms, reduces the force for deflection.

The coupling sleeve preferably has the covering section for the above-mentioned partial overlapping of the bending section, wherein this covering section is in surface contact with the finger element and guided thereon.

It is preferred if the coupling sleeve is in communication with the socket-side housing or the pin-side housing and surrounds this circumference substantially completely. The coupling sleeve is thus preferably a hollow cylinder surrounding the central axis. This allows a robust construction with good tangibility of the sleeve.

The sleeve outer surface may be structured or coated in the central gripping area to improve the tangibility.

The first position of the coupling sleeve can be defined by a stop of the coupling sleeve on the finger element itself. This allows a particularly precise guidance of the sleeve on the finger element.

Preferably, the socket-side housing has a first engagement portion, which is guided in the insertion movement between a part of the pin-side housing (the second engagement element) and the finger element in a recess. This allows a tight and good contact between the two housings. For this purpose, the second engaging portion of the pin-side housing extending substantially parallel to the finger element projects distally over the finger element such that the first engagement portion of the socket-side housing contacts the second engagement portion of the pin-side housing in front of the finger element during the plug movement and the plug movement is guided by the two engagement portions , Preferably surmounted that is, the second engagement portion of the pin-side housing, the finger member in the distal direction, so that the first engagement portion of the socket-side housing is already performed on the second engagement portion, when the first engagement portion contacts the finger element. In the further course of the plug movement, the finger element is guided on the first engagement section and is then deflected by the latter.

In the recess formed between the finger element and the second engagement element for the first engagement portion sealing elements, such as circumferential O-rings, or contact elements, such as circumferential, electrically conductive contact blades may be provided. These contact blades serve to produce a shield continuity. Preferably, at least a first of these contact blades and / or at least one of the sealing elements is arranged in this recess, that the contact between the first and second engagement portion establishes the sealing contact or the electrical contact before the bending portion of the finger element deflected in the course of the plugging movement for locking becomes. At the same time, the two housings surround the inner elements (bushing and pin element, cable or tube) along the central axis, which provides optimum protection of the inner elements. The arrangement of a plurality of sealing elements can ensure the possibly necessary tightness of the coupling.

Moreover, it is advantageous if a circumferentially sealing first sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is provided between the second engagement section of the pin-side housing and the socket-side housing for sealing against fluids, in particular with respect to water. As a result, in particular a watertight plug connection can be provided. It is particularly preferred if the first seal is mounted on the pin-side housing so that the socket-side housing contacts the seal in the region of a free end portion of the socket-side housing for sealing.

The first sealing element can thus be arranged in the recess of the pin-side housing for the first engagement portion of the socket-side housing. Thus, the first sealing element is well protected in the pen-side housing, protected by the coupling sleeve and the finger element attached.

The coupling sleeve is preferably held in the distal-lying first position by means of a spring element which is resilient along the central axis, preferably a compression spring, and is displaceable against this spring element into the proximally situated second position. This allows easy and reliable handling of the housing when releasing the locking connection. If the coupling sleeve is actuated, ie pushed in the proximal direction, then force must be applied against this resilient element. As soon as one removes the hand from the sleeve, the resilient element automatically returns the sleeve to the first position, thus releasing the finger element automatically. In addition, the clutch is then ready for a re-plugging movement directly after said spring-actuated feedback.

In the first position, the coupling sleeve leaves the Verrastungseingriff the housing, while the coupling sleeve in the second position cancels this catch.

Preferably, the second detent element is spaced from the free end portion on the first engagement portion of the female housing by first contacting the contact between the first contact blade and / or the first sealing member in the first engagement portion recess before the detent is made by the mating motion is. Moreover, it is preferred if the first engagement section already optimally guides the socket-side housing on the second engagement section when the two latching elements approach for latching. This is advantageous since the forces occurring during the deflection of the finger element can thus be optimally absorbed.

The latching can preferably be effected by a mounted in front of the second locking element ramp, which deflects the first locking element for engagement in the second locking element. The second latching element is preferably an annular circumferential recess behind the said ramp.

The at least one latching lug of the finger element can thus engage in the latching recess according to this exemplary embodiment and can be latched there. Preferably, a plurality of circumferentially distributed mounted bending sections is distributed with first locking elements on the finger element. As a result, the coupling can couple circumferentially throughout.

Preferably, the housings are each formed in two pieces (socket and socket for the inner elements), these two parts being designed such that they can be fixed to one another, for example via a safety or clamping ring. The finger element may preferably be clamped between these two parts. This allows easy assembly and a robust construction.

It may be at least one further circumferentially sealing second sealing element be provided between the coupling sleeve and the sleeve-side housing for sealing against fluids. This sealing element is preferably also an O-ring. The second seal member is preferably mounted such that the coupling sleeve distally contacts the second seal member as it moves from the second position to the first position and thus further seals the coupling when the coupling sleeve is in the first position.

Advantageously, a third sealing element, preferably also an O-ring, is provided on the coupling in such a way that a seal is produced between a distal end of the first-position coupling sleeve and the opposite housing. Preferably, the third sealing element is thus mounted on the housing, which is opposite to the housing carrying the coupling sleeve and arranged so that the coupling sleeve lying in the first position abuts the sealing element.

Moreover, the first contact blade can be provided before or after the first sealing element, so that the socket-side housing and the pin-side housing are in electrical contact with the clutch engaged. This serves to keep the two housings at the same electrical potential, that is, to establish a shielding continuity. Preferably, the first contact blade is provided in the recess for the first engagement portion of the socket-side housing. The first contact blade can, as each of the sealing elements, each be inserted in a circumferential groove. Thus, the first contact blade is optimally protected, well secured. Thus, for example, the first engagement section can be guided under full contact on the lamella.

A second or third, preferably also sleeve-shaped contact blade can be provided in each case to electrically contact the bushings of the first and the second housing with the respective socket of the first and the second housing. This serves to establish the shielding continuity. Each contact blade may be associated with a sealing element.

The invention also relates to a coupling according to the invention as described above with the at least one single- or multi-pole socket element and the at least one pin element for connection for cables, wherein the cable preferably has a cross section of 20 mm ² to 600 mm ² , in particular from 100 mm ² to 450 mm ² , has.

The coupling may further comprise a locking element which is designed such that it blocks the coupling sleeve in the first position, wherein the locking element for releasing the coupling sleeve is removable.

Likewise, this coupling can serve for the connection of fluid-carrying tubes. In this case, each housing may have one, two, three, four, five or more of such tubes, which are connected to corresponding tubes of the opposite housing. A cross-sectional area of such a tube may be 20 mm ² to 60 mm ² or more.

Moreover, the invention relates to a cable or tube arrangement, as described above, in particular for power transmission, with a coupling according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Ausführungsform eines stiftseitigen Gehäuses mit Stiftelement;

Fig. 2

die Explosionsdarstellung nach Fig. 1 aus einer anderen Perspektive;

Fig. 3

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht das stiftseitige Gehäuse mit Stiftelement nach Figuren 1 und 2;

Fig. 4

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht eine Ausführungsform eines zusammengesetzten buchsenseitigen Gehäuses;

Fig. 5

eine Explosionsdarstellung des buchsenseitigen Gehäuses mit Buchsenelement nach Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

die Explosionsdarstellung nach Fig. 5 aus einer anderen Perspektive;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf die Kupplung;

Fig. 8

einen L-L-Querschnitt durch die Kupplung nach Massgabe von Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

einen K-K-Querschnitt durch die Kupplung nach Massgabe von Fig. 7;

Figuren 10-15

einzelne Ausschnitte einer Steckbewegung S des stift- und des buchsenseitigen Gehäuses;

Fig. 16

eine Draufsicht auf die Kupplung;

Fig. 17

einen L-L-Querschnitt durch die Kupplung nach Massgabe von Fig. 16;

Fig. 18

einen K-K-Querschnitt durch die Kupplung nach Massgabe von Fig. 16;

Fig. 19

einen Ausschnitt nach Fig. 18 mit Kupplungshülse in einer ersten Position, wobei das Fingerelement mit Rastnase in Eingriff mit der Rastausnehmung ist; und

Fig. 20

den Ausschnitt nach Fig. 19, wobei die Kupplungshülse in einer zweiten Position ist und die Rastnase des Fingerelements zur Lösung der Verrastung aus der Rastausnehmung gehoben ist.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of an embodiment of a pin-side housing with pin element;

Fig. 2

the exploded view after Fig. 1 from another perspective;

Fig. 3

in a perspective view of the pen-side housing with pin element after FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 4

in a perspective view of an embodiment of a composite socket-side housing;

Fig. 5

an exploded view of the socket-side housing with female element after Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

the exploded view after Fig. 5 from another perspective;

Fig. 7

a plan view of the coupling;

Fig. 8

an LL cross-section through the coupling in accordance with Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

a KK cross section through the coupling in accordance with Fig. 7 ;

Figures 10-15

individual sections of a plug-in movement S of the pin and the socket-side housing;

Fig. 16

a plan view of the coupling;

Fig. 17

an LL cross-section through the coupling in accordance with Fig. 16 ;

Fig. 18

a KK cross section through the coupling in accordance with Fig. 16 ;

Fig. 19

a section after Fig. 18 with coupling sleeve in a first position, wherein the finger element with locking lug is in engagement with the latching recess; and

Fig. 20

the clipping after Fig. 19 , wherein the coupling sleeve is in a second position and the latching lug of the finger element is lifted to solve the latching of the latching recess.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view along a central axis M of a first embodiment of a pin-side housing 1 and with a pin member 4th FIG. 2 shows this pin-side housing 1 with the pin member 4 in a further exploded view along the axis M from a different perspective.

In FIG. 1 is, from the top left (proximal case 1) to the bottom right (distally housing 1), first to see a socket 102 of the pin-side housing 1, followed by a third, provided in the form of an O-ring, sealing member 163, on which a locking ring 106 and provided in the form of a compression spring spring element 17 follow. After a spacer ring follows a second contact blade 191. The second contact element 191 is followed by a first sealing element 161 in the form of another O-ring and a coupling sleeve 14. The coupling sleeve 14 is followed by a finger element 11, which is a hollow cylindrical base member 114 with six distally projecting bending sections 110, wherein the bending sections 110 each have a radially with respect to the axis M deflectable latching lug 12. In the circumferential direction, the bending portions 110 may each be 5 ° to 15 ° wide. Next follow then the items of the pin-side element 4 with a pole protection element 41, followed by a sleeve 103 which is lockable by the retaining ring 106 in the socket 102 and carries a first contact blade 18.

The terms "distal / proximal" refer to the housing 1 or 2 just described.

FIG. 3 shows the composite pin-side housing 1 in a perspective view.

The socket 102 and the sleeve 103 form the base of the pin-side housing 1. The sleeve 103 is provided with a proximal end (left in FIG Fig. 1 , ie at the end facing away from the socket-side housing 2 during the insertion movement S, s. Fig. 8 ) can be introduced into a distal end of the socket 102 and fixed there with the retaining ring 106 against the proximal direction (see also FIG Fig. 8 ).

A proximal end of the base member 114 of the finger member 11 carries an inwardly directed toward the M axis, annular projection 1140. This projection 1140 engages in an annular recess between the sleeve 103 and the socket 102 and strikes in the distal direction of a projection 1030 of the sleeve 103 at. Thus, socket 102, sleeve 103 and finger element 11 are fixed to one another and secured by the securing ring 106.

Between the sleeve 103 and the socket 102 is a fourth, in a circumferential recess on the outside of the sleeve 103 inserted, circumferential sealing element 164 (an O-ring, s. Fig. 9 ) intended. This fourth sealing element 164 seals the annular gap between sleeve 103 and socket 102.

Distal of the fourth sealing element 164, the second, circumferential contact blade 191 is inserted into a circumferential recess on the outside of the sleeve 103. The second contact blade 191 establishes electrical contact between the sleeve 103 and the socket 102.

At a distal end of the socket 102, an annular circumferential recess for the third sealing element 163, also a circumferential O-ring, is provided. The third seal member 163 establishes a seal between the coupling sleeve 14 and the socket 102. For this purpose, the O-ring 163 is arranged on the socket 102, that the coupling sleeve 14 with a distal end circumferentially abuts the ring 163 about the M-axis and thus seals the recess 151 from the outside.

The sleeve 103 has, on the outer surface of a free, distal second engagement portion 105, a peripheral recess for the first sleeve-shaped contact blade 18 recessed from the distal end by 1 to 15 millimeters and in the proximal direction behind it a further circumferential recess for the first annular sealing element 161 on. The first contact blade 18 is used for production an electrical contact between a first engagement portion 20 of the female side housing 2 and the sleeve 103; the first sealing member 161, also a circumferential O-ring, serves to seal between the first engaging portion 20 of the female housing 2 and the sleeve 103.

In the sleeve 103, either the unipolar (not shown) or multi-pole pin element 4 is arranged with the pole protection element 41.

The finger member 11 having the hollow cylindrical base member 114 with the projection 1140 and fixed with this projection 1140 between the socket 102 and the sleeve 103, extends parallel and spaced from the second engagement portion 105 about the central axis M. Between the second engagement portion 105 and the base member 114 thus an annular recess 104 is formed (s. Fig. 10 ), in which the first contact element 18 and the first sealing element 161 are housed well protected. The recess 104 is formed so that the first engagement portion 20 of the sleeve-side housing 2 can fully engage and makes contact with the first contact blade 18 and the sealing ring 161. In addition, the first engagement portion 20 first contacts the second engagement portion 105, and then first contacts the finger member 11.

At the level of the center of the first contact blade 18, the finger element 11 projects radially outwardly with respect to the M-axis and thus provides a stop 113 for the projection 142 of the coupling sleeve 14. From this stop 113, the finger element 11 extends in the distal direction with the elastic bending portion 110, wherein at a free end of the bending portion 110, a radially inwardly projecting locking lug 12 is provided (s. Fig. 8 ).

The bending portion 110 is thinned in the radial direction in the region of the stop 113, so that the desired deflectability is achieved. Distally he thickens again.

The bending portion 110 together with the latching lug 12 is thus deflectable radially with respect to the axis M. The radial thickness of the bending portion 110 increases in the distal direction after the thinning again to provide a robust, hook-like first locking element with locking lug 12.

The locking lug 12 has, viewed from the proximal free end, an inclined surface 120 running radially inwards against the axis M. The detent 12 also has a radially standing and directed in the proximal direction stop surface 121 at the end the bevel 120 ready (s. FIGS. 8 . 19, 20 ).

The base element 114 of the finger element 11 has circumferentially regularly distributed, six distally projecting bending sections 110 of a width of 2 to 10 millimeters, each elastic bending sections 110 each having a detent 12 described above for engagement in the recess 13.

The coupling sleeve 14 is a hollow cylindrical element, which is displaceable between the distal first position (s. Fig. 19 ) and the proximal second position (s. Fig. 20 ) is mounted on the pin-side housing 1. At the proximal end, the sleeve 14 closes radially in a substantially fluid-tight manner with the socket 102 via the third sealing element 163. The displaceably mounted sleeve 14 thus runs on the third sealing element 163. In the first position Fig. 19 closes the sleeve 14 with a distal end substantially fluid-tight on the second O-ring 162 from.

Here, a distal end of the sleeve 14 is generally preferably shaped such that the sleeve 14 presses both radially inwardly and distally forward onto the second O-ring 162. Since the contact with the second O-ring 162 is given only in the first position, this can be done by a corresponding to the axis M directed oblique surface at the distal end of the sleeve 14 (s. Fig. 10 ).

Centered along M, the coupling sleeve 14 has an offset to the M-axis gripping portion. At the distal end, the coupling sleeve 14, the circumferential hook member 15, which is formed as a hook-shaped projection of the distal end of the coupling sleeve 14 and the above-mentioned directed against the axis M inclined surface for sealing the O-ring 162 provides. In particular, this hook member 15 serves as an unlocking member 15 for releasing a catch between the pin-side and socket-side housings 1, 2, but also seals at the second O-ring 162 when the sleeve 14 is in the first position.

The coupling sleeve 14 covers substantially the entire finger element 11 (ie base portion 114 and bending portions 110). The coupling sleeve 14 has, in the middle in the M direction, a radially inwardly projecting annular projection 142, which is designed to abut stop 113 of the finger element 11. By this stop the first position of the sleeve 14 is defined. The coupling sleeve 14 is in this case formed so that it with the annular projection 142 and the distal thereto adjoining surface (the cover portion 152, s. Fig. 20 ) is guided on the finger element 11. Thus, the contact surfaces for guiding the coupling sleeve 14 on the finger element eleventh given. In addition, the coupling sleeve 14 is guided at its proximal end on the socket 102 and on the third sealing element 163.

By the distal hook member 15, the diameter of the sleeve 14 widens in the distal end region; in this recess, the recess 151 (s. Fig. 20 ), which is intended to receive the bending portion 110 of the finger element 11, in particular when the latter by the relative displacement of the coupling sleeve 14 on the finger element 11 encompassed by the hook element 15 and lifted over inclined surfaces 150 radially along the inclined surface 120 of the locking lug 12 to the outside becomes.

Radially between the coupling sleeve 14 and the finger element 11, a recess 115 is formed, which is bounded proximally by a stop 141 of the socket 102 and distally by the stop 140 of the annular projection 142. Due to the displaceability of the coupling sleeve 14 relative to the finger element 11, which is determined on the sleeve 103 and on the socket 102, the coupling sleeve 14 is also displaceable relative to the socket 102. Now, the coupling sleeve 14 from the first position according to Fig. 19 in the second position according to Fig. 20 pushed, so move the stop 141 of the socket 102 and the stop 140 of the projection 142 closer to each other and the recess 115 shortens along the M-axis.

In the recess 115, the helical spring 17 acting along the M axis is arranged and clamped between the axial stops 141, 140. The spring 17 thus pushes the coupling sleeve 14 in the first position. By example. Manual displacement of the sleeve 14 in the proximal direction, the spring 17 is compressed. After release of the sleeve 14, this automatically jumps back into the first position and allows the bending portions 110 back against the M-axis, the finger element 11 is then automatically released again. In addition, the inventive coupling is then automatically ready for a new insertion movement S between the two housings 1, 2nd

FIG. 3 further shows the socket member 4 in a perspective view, wherein between the socket member 4 and the coupling sleeve 14, a part of the finger element 11 with a latch 12 is visible. Between the socket member 4 and the coupling sleeve 14, the first engagement portion 20 of the sleeve-side element 2 is then inserted into the recess 104.

FIG. 4 shows the composite female side housing 2 with the multi-pole socket element 3. It is a sleeve 22 with an engaging portion 20 of the socket-side housing 2 recognizable. The first engagement portion 20 has the free end portion 200. On the first engagement portion 20 a circumferentially arranged on the outer surface ramp 201 is mounted, which increases continuously in the proximal direction radially from the axis M outwards and then drops steeply in the radial direction against the M-axis in the recess 13.

In the proximal direction behind the ramp 201 so the annular circumferential recess is provided as a second locking element 13, in which the locking lugs 12 of the finger element 11 can engage.

Proximal behind the latching recess 13, the sleeve 22 extends further in the radially proximal direction outwards and provides an annular recess for the second O-ring 162, which is mounted on the sleeve 22 such that a distal end of the coupling sleeve 14 with latched coupling on this second O-ring 162 abuts and so the interface, ie seals the annular gap between the pin-side housing 1 and the socket-side housing 2 at this point fluid-tight.

The bushing and the pin element 3, 4, which in FIGS. 3 and 4 are visible, are formed correspondingly, can be unipolar (not shown) or multipolar (shown), so that in one embodiment of a plug-in movement S for mating the two housings 1, 2 (s. Fig. 8 ) engage the two elements 3, 4 to produce the desired contact.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view along the M-axis of the female side housing 2 after Fig. 4 From the top left (proximal case 2) down to the right (distally housing 2) is first a locking ring 23 can be seen, followed by a socket 21 of the socket-side housing 2. Thereafter follows a number of individual elements of the Jack member 3 having a pole protector 31, followed by a third contact blade 192 to make contact between the female side housing 2 and the pin-side housing 1.

The third contact blade 192 is followed by a fifth sealing element 165, likewise an O-ring, which serves to seal an annular gap between the bush 22 of the socket-side housing 2 and the socket 21 which can be secured in the socket 21 by means of the securing ring 23 (see also FIG Fig. 8 ).

The sleeve 22 has the distal first engagement portion 20, which includes a free end portion 200. Bottom right in FIG. 5 is finally the second one Seal member 162, also an O-ring shown, which can be pushed onto the sleeve 22 and inserted in a corresponding, annular recess (s. Fig. 8 ) and for sealing between the socket-side housing 2 and the coupling sleeve 14 of the pin-side housing 1 is used.

FIG. 6 shows the exploded view of the socket-side housing 2 with female element 3 according Fig. 5 from a different perspective.

FIG. 7 shows in a plan view the mated housing 1, 2 and defines the cutting lines K and L.

FIG. 8 then shows the KK cut according to Fig. 7 through the socket-side housing 2 with the socket element 3 and the pin-side housing 1 with the pin element 4.

FIG. 9 shows the LL section through the two housings 2, 1 with the corresponding elements 3, 4.

The insertion movement S is now based on the FIGS. 10 to 15 described in more detail, each of these figures each one step of this insertion movement S points.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged section of the region of the coupling sleeve 14 of the pin-side housing 1 and the first engagement portion 20 of the female housing 2 after FIGS. 8 and 9 ,

The first engagement portion 20 has the free end portion 200 for engagement in recess 104. Moreover, the ramp 201 with the locking recess 13 located proximally behind it and the second sealing element 162 are arranged on the first engagement section 200.

The pin-side housing 1 has the coupling sleeve 14 with the hook element 15, which is held in the first position via the spring element 17 in the recess 115, which presses against the stop 140. Between the projection 105 with the free end portion for engaging in the recess 210 of the socket-side housing 2 and the finger element 11 with the locking lug 12, the recess 104 of the pin-side housing 1 for the engagement of the first engagement portion 20 of the socket-side housing 1 is provided. In the recess 104, the first contact blade 18 and the first sealing member 161 are provided.

FIG. 11 shows a step of the plug-in movement S, wherein the first engagement portion 20 engages with the free end 200 in the recess 104 of the pin-side housing 1. The second engagement portion 105 of the pin-side housing 1 becomes in this case introduced into the annular recess 210 of the socket-side housing 2. In the Fig. 11 is also clearly visible that the first engaging portion 20 of the female side housing 2, the second engagement portion 105 of the pin-side housing 1 contacted and then, in the course of the insertion movement S, the two engagement portions 20, 105 led into mesh with each other before the first engagement portion 20 the Finger element 11 touched. This is made possible by the fact that the second engagement section 105 projects beyond the finger element 11 in the distal direction. This allows a good guide, which allows an increased number of mating cycles, since the material wear is minimized. Thus, the life of the clutch is extended.

FIG. 12 shows how now the locking lug 12 of the finger member 11 has a beveled end portion of the free end 200 of the first engagement portion 20 stripped. The chamfered surface of the free end 200 serves to guide an optionally slightly radially inwardly projecting engagement element 12 radially outward on its inclined surface 120 such that the two housings 1, 2 are plugged into one another. Then, the locking lug 12 runs on the outer surface of the first engagement portion 20 in the continuation of the insertion movement S against the ramp 201.

FIG. 13 shows how the free end 200 of the first engagement portion 20 of the female side housing 2 accesses the first contact blade 18 and produces electrical contact between the housings 1, 2.

FIG. 14 shows how the first engaging portion 20 engages the first sealing member 161 and the locking lug 12 runs with its inclined surface 120 on the inclined surface of the ramp 201 and is slowly pressed radially outward, wherein the bent portion 112 (and not the entire bending portion 110) itself deformed to the height of the abutting portion of the coupling sleeve 14. The bending portion 112 is a distal end portion of the beige portion 110 (see FIG. Fig. 19 ). In this case, an elastic stress builds up in the shortened bending part section 112, which after reaching the highest point of the ramp 201, as in FIG. 15 shown, the locking lug 12 can snap back into the recess 13 of the first engagement portion 20. At the same time, the hook element 15 strikes the second sealing ring 162 and thus seals the annular gap formed there. Due to the shape of the locking lug 12 and the abrupt drop of the locking lug 12, the two housings 1 and 2 are locked by the finger member 11 into each other. The stop surface 121 of the locking lug 12 (s. FIG. 19 ) abuts the abutment surface 202 of the ramp 201.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the two latched housing 1 and 2. FIG. 16 also defines the two cutting lines K and L.

FIG. 17 shows the KK section according to Fig. 16 the nested and latched housing 1 and 2.

FIG. 18 shows the LL section according to FIG. 16 the mated and latched housing 1, 2. The FIGS. 17 and 18 moreover, show how the bushing element 3 and the pin element 4 are positioned interlocking and thus the contact between the two elements is made as desired.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show, as by actuation of the coupling sleeve 14, that is, by displacement of the coupling sleeve 14 from the first position to Fig. 19 in the second position Fig. 20 along the central axis M, the latching between the two housings 1, 2 can be canceled.

In this case, we moved by the displacement of the sleeve 14, the hook member 15 in the proximal direction of the pin-side housing 1, so that the hook member 15 strikes the obliquely outwardly directed inclined surface 150 on the obliquely inwardly directed inclined surface 120 of the locking lug 12. This has the effect that, on further displacement of the coupling sleeve 14 in the direction of the second position, the latching lug 12 is lifted outward into the recess 151 of the sleeve 14 in the radial direction. The locking lug 12 is thus levered out of the latching recess 13, whereupon the axial latching of the two elements 1, 2 is canceled.

In Fig. 19 It can also be seen that, in a preferred embodiment, the bending section 110 extends slightly radially outward towards the distal end. Furthermore, it can be seen that the radial material thickness of the bending section 110 increases in the distal direction, ie the bending section 110 becomes thicker. The increase in radial material thickness is continuous and is up to 20% to 300% of the initial radial material thickness of the bending portion 110. The club-shaped bending portion 110 is rounded at its distal end. In the region of the distal end of the portion 110, the radially inwardly projecting nose 12 is attached. The projection height of the nose 12 and the length along the M-axis of the nose 12 is about as large as the above-mentioned initial material thickness of the bending portion 110. The aforementioned thickening of the bending portion 110 in the distal direction and the nose 12 then provide an inclined surface 120 , which is so large that the bending portion 110 clean from Hook element 15 contacted with the inclined surface 150 and can be moved. This improves the guidance and increases the stability during the plug-in process, which enables a high number of mating cycles or a long service life of the coupling.

How out Fig. 20 can be seen, in the displacement of the sleeve 14 from the first position to the second position, a cover portion 152 of the sleeve 14, which forms a proximal end of the recess 151 and is in surface contact with the finger member 11, in the proximal direction of the housing first displaced, thereby releasing the entire bending portion 110, so that when deflecting the finger element 11 by the hook member 15 of the bending region in comparison to the deflection of the finger element 11 by driving on the ramp 201 (s. Fig. 14 ) extended. In the deflection with the ramp 201 so only the bending part portion 112 is deformed in the deflection by the sleeve 14 of the entire bending portion 110th

During the displacement of the sleeve 14 from the first to the second position, the abutment of the projection 142 of the sleeve 14 detaches from the stop 113 of the finger element 11 and the annular gap 116 opens in between. How out Fig. 20 can be seen, in this case the sleeve 14 is guided with the radially inwardly facing surface of the projection 142 and the cover 152 by surface contact on the finger element 11.

Extending this length of the bending piece portion 112 to the bending portion 110 may generally be about 10% to 50%, more preferably about 15% to 25%, or 20% of the total length of the bending portion 110.

Moreover, a locking element 19 may be provided, which serves to ensure that the coupling sleeve 14 located under spring pressure in the first position is not moved unintentionally into the second position. The locking element 19 (only in FIGS. 17 and 18 shown) is a locking ring which is disposed proximally behind the coupling sleeve 14, wherein on the sleeve 102, a stop 1020 is provided (s. Figures 17 and 10 ). The locking element 19 is arranged in the recess between the proximal end of the coupling sleeve 14 and the stop 1020. Since the locking element 19 substantially fills this recess, the coupling sleeve 14 is blocked when the locking element 19 is inserted. When the locking element 19 is removed, the sleeve 14 is displaceable from the first position in the proximal direction to the second position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 pen-side housing 120 Sloping surface of 12 102 Version of 1 121 Stop surface of 12 1020 Stop for 19 13 second 103 Rifle of 1 Locking element / locking recess 1030 attack 14 coupling sleeve 104 recess 140 distal spring stop 105 second engagement section 141 proximal spring stop from 103 142 Tab for stop 106 circlip 113 15 unlocking 2 socket-side housing 150 sloping surface 20 first engagement section of FIG. 2 151 recess 152 Overlap section of 200 free end section of 20 15 201 ramp 161 first sealing element / O-ring 21 Version of 2 210 recess 162 second sealing element / O-ring 22 Rifle of 2 23 circlip 163 third sealing element / O-ring 3 female member 164 fourth sealing element / O-ring 4 pin element 31.41 Polschutzelement 165 fifth sealing element / O-ring 10 Self-locking compound 11 finger member 17 spring element 110 Bending section of 11 112 Bending section of 110 18 first contact lamella 113 Stop for 14 at 11 19 locking 114 base element 191 second contact blade 1140 head Start 192 third contact lamella 115 recess 116 recess M central axis 12 first locking element / locking lug S plugging movement

Claims (16)

A coupling comprising: a socket-side housing (2) in particular for at least one electric current conductive socket element (3) or in particular for a fluid-conducting socket element (3), a pin-side housing (1) in particular for at least one electric current conductive pin element (4) or in particular for a fluid-conducting pin element (4) for mediating an electrical or a fluidic contact between the socket element (3) and the pin element (4), wherein the socket-side housing (2) and the pin-side housing (1) substantially along one Extending central axis (M) and via a plug-in movement (S) along the central axis (M) are connected to each other,
wherein the socket-side housing (2) and the pin-side housing (1) can be fixed to one another via a self-locking connection (10), wherein the self-locking connection (10) comprises: - A on the socket-side housing (2) or on the pin-side housing (1) mounted substantially along the central axis (M) and extending at least with a free end portion (110) elastically radially with respect to the central axis (M) deflectable finger element (11) with a first latching element (12), and a second detent element (13) attached to the other housing (1; 2) and corresponding to the first detent element (12), wherein the finger element (11) is at least partially overlapped by a coupling sleeve (14) mounted on the coupling, said coupling sleeve (14) being displaceably mounted between the first position and a second position along the central axis (M), and the coupling sleeve ( 14) has an unlocking element (15) such that the unlocking element (15) moves the finger element (11) when the coupling sleeve (14) is displaced from the first position to the second position for releasing the self-locking connection (10), characterized in that
the coupling sleeve (14) is guided on or on the finger element (11). Coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first latching element (12) is a latching lug and the second latching element (13) is a latching recess. Coupling according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unlocking element (15) is a preferably formed by a peripheral edge of the coupling sleeve (14) hook element for embracing the finger element (11). A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the finger member (11) comprises an elastically deformable bend portion (110) for resilient deflection radially with respect to the central axis (M), the coupling sleeve (14) being formed to be in the first position partially overlaps the bend portion (110) such that the effective bending area is shortened to a flexure portion (112), and wherein the coupling sleeve (14) releases the partially covered bend portion (110) upon displacement to the first position. A coupling according to claim 4, wherein the coupling sleeve (14) for partially covering the bending portion (110) comprises a cover portion (152), said cover portion (152) being in surface contact with and guided on the finger member (11). Coupling according to one of claims 1 to 5, the coupling sleeve (14) with the pin-side housing (1) or the socket-side housing (2) is in communication and this circumferentially substantially completely surrounds. Coupling according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first position of the coupling sleeve (14) via a stop (113) of the coupling sleeve (14) on the finger element (11) is defined. Coupling according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the socket-side housing (2) has a first engagement portion (20), which first engagement portion (20) during the insertion movement (S) in a recess (104) of the pin-side housing (1) is guided wherein said recess (104) is defined at least partially by said finger member (11) and by a second engagement portion (105) of said pin-side housing (1). Coupling according to claim 8, wherein the socket-side housing (2) and the pin-side housing (1) are in electrical contact with a closed clutch via a first contact blade (18), wherein the first contact blade (18) is preferably arranged in the recess (104) , A coupling according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second engagement portion (105) of the pin-side housing (1) protrudes distally over the finger member (11) so that the first engagement portion (20) of the socket-side housing (2) during the insertion movement (S) second engagement portion (105) of the pin-side housing (1) in front of the finger element (11) contacted and the plug movement (S) by the two engagement portions (20, 105) is guided. A coupling according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a circumferentially sealing first sealing member (161), preferably an O-ring, is provided between the first engaging portion (20) of the female housing (2) and the male housing (1) for sealing against fluids is. A coupling according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the first sealing element (161) and / or the first contact blade (18) is arranged on the second engagement element (105) such that a contact between the first sealing element (161) and the first Contact blade (18) with the first engagement portion (20) is made before the first engagement portion (20) contacts the finger element (11). Coupling according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling sleeve (14) via a along the central axis (M) spring element (17), preferably a compression spring, held in the first position and against this spring element (17) is displaceable in the second position , Coupling according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the socket-side housing (2) formed in two pieces, wherein these two parts (102,103) are formed such that they are lockable to each other and that the finger element (11) between these two parts (102,103) can be clamped is and / or wherein a circumferentially sealing second sealing element (162) between the coupling sleeve (14) and the socket-side housing (2) is provided for sealing against fluids. A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a third seal member (163), preferably an O-ring, is mounted on the opposed housing (2; 1) such that a seal is provided between the coupling sleeve (14) and the opposed housing (2 1) is made when the coupling sleeve (14) is in the first position and the two opposed housings (1,2) are mating, wherein said seal, a distal end of the coupling sleeve (14) on the third sealing element (163) abuts. A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a locking element (19) is provided which is adapted to block the coupling sleeve (14) in the first position, the locking element (19) being removable to release the coupling sleeve (14) is.

Images