DEVICE FOR LOCKING A BAYONET LOCK

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for locking a bayonet closure, wherein the device (10) has a first connection partner (12) with at least one coupling projection (16) for locking the connection and a second connection partner (14) with at least one coupling channel (18), wherein the at least one coupling projection (16) and the coupling channel (18) form a bayonet closure, wherein the at least one coupling projection (16) can be inserted into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of a movement along a longitudinal axis (20) of the second connection partner (14) and a subsequent rotation in a first circumferential direction (46) about the longitudinal axis (20), wherein the first connection partner (12) has at least one first securing partner (32) and the second connection partner (14) has at least one second securing partner (34), wherein the at least one first securing partner (32) and the at least one second securing partner (34) are designed to lock a rotation in a second circumferential direction (48) opposite to the first circumferential direction (46) when the at least one coupling projection (16) is inserted into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis (20) and the rotation in the first circumferential direction (46). The invention provides an improved device (10) that enables a simpler assembly and is cost-effective.

Description

[0001] Device for locking a bayonet lock

[0002] The invention relates to a device for locking a bayonet lock.

[0003] Fluid lines are used to convey fluids between different positions in devices such as vehicles. During assembly, several fluid lines can be combined into a single fluid line. To connect the fluid lines, the end pieces of the fluid lines are connected with couplings. The couplings can be attached to connectors, which allow the fluid lines to be connected to each other in a fluid-communicating manner.

[0004] DE 10 2020 105 395 A1 discloses attaching the coupling pieces to the connector using a bayonet lock. This allows for quick coupling of the fluid lines.

[0005] To secure the connection between the coupling piece and the connecting piece, the coupling piece and the connecting piece can be welded together. For this purpose, a welding ring can be arranged inside the connecting piece. The object of the invention is to create an improved device that allows for simplified assembly and is cost-effective.

[0006] Main features of the invention are defined in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

[0007] In a device for locking a bayonet lock, wherein the device has a first connection partner with at least one coupling projection for locking the connection and a second connection partner with at least one coupling channel, wherein the at least one coupling projection and the coupling channel form a bayonet lock, wherein the at least one coupling projection can be inserted into the at least one coupling channel by means of a movement along a longitudinal axis of the second connection partner and a subsequent rotation in a first circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis, it is provided according to the invention that the first connection partner has at least one first securing partner and the second connection partner has at least one second securing partner,wherein the at least one first securing partner and the at least one second securing partner are designed to lock a rotation in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction when the at least one coupling projection is inserted into the at least one coupling channel by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis and the rotation in the first circumferential direction.

[0008] The invention provides a quick coupling between the first connection partner and the second connection partner, which is secured in a connected state by the at least one first securing partner and the at least one second securing partner. The connection between the first connection partner and the second connection partner cannot be released without the at least one first securing partner and the at least one second securing partner being released from one another. The first connection partner and the second connection partner are connected to one another by means of a bayonet lock. The at least one coupling projection of the first connection partner and the at least one coupling channel of the second connection partner are coupled to one another by a plug-and-turn movement.For this purpose, the at least one coupling channel can have a first channel section that extends along a longitudinal axis of the second connection partner, and a second channel section that extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis. The first channel section and the second channel section are connected to one another via a corner. The at least one coupling projection can similarly have a first projection section and a second projection section. The first projection section can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis and the second projection section can extend around the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second projection sections are connected to one another via a corner. The at least one coupling projection is then first inserted into the first channel section along the longitudinal axis of the second connection partner.At the corner, the at least one coupling projection can be inserted into the second channel section by rotating it around the longitudinal axis of the second connection partner in a first circumferential direction. As soon as the at least one coupling projection reaches its end position in the at least one coupling channel, the first securing partner on the first connection partner and the second securing partner on the second connection partner interact with each other. In doing so, they lock a rotation of the at least one coupling projection in a second circumferential direction, which is opposite to the first circumferential direction. The at least one coupling projection cannot therefore be moved out of the at least one coupling channel without the first and second securing partners releasing the lock. The device can have a plurality of coupling projections.Furthermore, the device then has a number of coupling channels corresponding to the number of coupling projections. For example, the device can have four coupling projections and four coupling channels. The coupling between the first and second connection partners can thus be easily locked. Welding of the coupling is not necessary. This eliminates the need for a cost-intensive welding device. Furthermore, the tolerances of the first and second connection partners can be reduced, so that the coupling can be achieved with less force. The invention thus creates an improved device that allows for simplified assembly and is cost-effective.

[0009] According to one example, the at least one first securing partner and the at least one second securing partner can form an undercut in the direction of the second circumferential direction when the at least one coupling projection is introduced into the at least one coupling channel by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis and the rotation in the first circumferential direction.

[0010] Once the at least one coupling projection is coupled to the at least one coupling channel, the first securing partner and the second securing partner can abut each other via the undercut. In the second circumferential direction, the first and second securing partners are then connected to each other via a positive fit.

[0011] According to a further example, the at least one first securing partner and the at least one second securing partner can form a locking connection when the at least one coupling projection is inserted into the at least one coupling channel by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis and the rotation in the first circumferential direction.

[0012] The locking connection emits an acoustic signal when it engages, which can be used to indicate to the user that the device is locked. This further increases safety during installation of the device. The at least one first securing element can, for example, have a locking lug.

[0013] In a further example, the at least one first securing partner may have a locking lever and the at least one second securing partner may have a locking lug.

[0014] In this example, the at least one first securing partner can be tensioned when the at least one coupling projection is coupled to the at least one coupling channel. The locking lever can traverse the locking lug when the at least one coupling projection is inserted into the at least one coupling channel. Upon completion of the coupling between the at least one coupling projection and the at least one coupling channel, the locking lever can be released and engage the locking lug. For this purpose, a recess can be provided on the at least one coupling channel behind the locking lug, as seen along the first circumferential direction, into which recess the locking lever is moved by the pretension after the locking lever has overcome the locking lug.

[0015] Furthermore, the at least one first securing partner can, for example, be arranged separately from the at least one coupling projection on the first connection partner.

[0016] This allows the locking function to be separated from the coupling function on the first connection partner. The first channel section of the at least one coupling channel can then be designed to be wider in the circumferential direction, for example, than the width of the at least one coupling projection in the circumferential direction. The width of the first channel section can, for example, extend so far that a first securing partner, which is assigned to the at least one coupling projection and is arranged separately from the coupling projection, can also be inserted into the first channel section. Alternatively, the first channel section can have an intermediate wall that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. The coupling projection can be inserted on one side of the intermediate wall and the first securing partner on the other side of the intermediate wall.

[0017] According to one example, the at least one first securing partner can be arranged on the at least one coupling projection. Thus, the at least one first securing partner and the at least one coupling projection are directly connected to one another. They can then be manufactured as a single piece. Furthermore, the stability of the first securing partner can be increased.

[0018] According to another example, the first securing partner may be arranged at a rear end portion of the coupling projection in the first circumferential direction.

[0019] When attempting to release the locked coupling between the first and second connecting partners, a compressive force is exerted on the first securing partner, pushing it against the coupling projection. This increases the stability of the first securing partner.

[0020] According to one example, the at least one second security partner can be arranged on at least one coupling channel.

[0021] This allows for a simple and secure locking between the first and second securing partners. A separate channel for the first securing partner is therefore unnecessary. Furthermore, the first and second securing partners are protected by the coupling channel when locking the coupling. This prevents accidental release of the locking mechanism.

[0022] According to another example, the at least one second security partner may be arranged separately from the at least one coupling channel on the second connection partner.

[0023] In this case, a separate channel can be provided for the first securing partner, on which the second securing partner is then arranged. Alternatively, the first securing partner and the second securing partner can interact with each other on an outer surface of the device when the at least one coupling projection is inserted into the at least one coupling channel by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis and the rotation in the first circumferential direction.

[0024] In a further example, the first connection partner may comprise a coupling piece for a fluid line and the second connection partner may comprise a connecting piece for fluid lines.

[0025] The fluid lines can be used in a vehicle, for example, to connect various components of a cooling fluid circuit in a fluid-communicating manner. Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device in an exploded view;

[0027] Fig. 2a, b a schematic representation of the device;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the device;

[0029] Fig. 4a-d a schematic representation of the sequence for connecting the connection partners;

[0030] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative example of the first connection partner; and

[0031] Fig. 6a, b a schematic representation of another alternative example of the first connection partner.

[0032] The device for locking a bayonet closure is referenced in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 in Figure 1. The example in Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of the device 10.

[0033] The device 10 has a first connection partner 12 and a second connection partner 14. Furthermore, the device can have a sealing element 22 between the first and second connection partners 12, 14.

[0034] The first connection partner 12 can be designed as a coupling piece 28 for a fluid line. A first end portion of the coupling piece 28 can then be inserted into an opening in the fluid line to connect the fluid line to the coupling piece 28.

[0035] The first connection partner 12 has at least one coupling projection 16, which can be arranged on the end section of the coupling piece 28 opposite the first end section. In the example according to Figure 1, the first connection partner 12 has four coupling projections 16, which are distributed around the circumference of the first connection partner 12 at equal distances from one another. In this example, the coupling projection has an L-shape, with a first projection section 36 extending along the longitudinal axis 20 and a second projection section 38 extending around the longitudinal axis 20. The first projection section 36 and the second projection section 38 can be connected to one another via a corner.

[0036] The second connection partner 14 can have a connector 30 that can be coupled to another connector connected to another fluid line. A clamp 24 can be provided to secure the coupling between the connector 30 and the other connector.

[0037] The second connection partner 14 further comprises a coupling channel 18, which can be arranged in an inner wall of an opening of the second connection partner 14. The coupling channel 18 can comprise a first channel section 40 and a second channel section 42. The first channel section 40 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, and the second channel section 42 can extend around the longitudinal axis. The two channel sections 40, 42 can be connected to each other via a corner.

[0038] The width of the first channel section 40 in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis 20 corresponds to the extension of the coupling projection 16 in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis 20.

[0039] The extension of the second channel section 42 in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis 20 corresponds to the extension of the second projection section 38 in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis 20. The second channel section 42 can therefore accommodate the second projection section 38.

[0040] The at least one coupling projection 16 can therefore be inserted into the coupling channel 18 by means of a plug-in movement along the longitudinal axis and a subsequent rotational movement in a first circumferential direction 46 around the longitudinal axis. The coupling between the first connection partner 14 and the second connection partner 16 is thus achieved by means of a plug-in and rotational movement. The coupling projection 16 and the coupling channel 18 thus form a bayonet lock.

[0041] Thus, a fluid line connected to the first connection partner 12 or the coupling piece 28 can be connected to the connecting piece 30 in a fluid-communicating manner.

[0042] Furthermore, the first connection partner 12 has at least one first securing partner 32, which in this example is attached to at least one coupling projection 16. The second connection partner 14 has at least one second securing partner 34, which in this example is arranged on the coupling channel 18.

[0043] The first securing partner 32 and the second securing partner 34 cooperate when the at least one coupling projection 16 is inserted into the at least one coupling channel 18 by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis 20 and the rotation in the first circumferential direction 46. The two securing partners 32, 34 then lock the coupling between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14. The locking can be achieved by blocking or preventing rotation counter to the first circumferential direction 46, i.e., in a second circumferential direction 48.

[0044] The first connection partner 12 can have as many first securing partners 32 as coupling projections 16. Each first securing partner 32 is then connected to a respective coupling projection 16.

[0045] The interconnected connection partners 12, 14 are shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0046] Figure 2a shows a view into an opening of the connector 30. Another connector connected to a different fluid line can be inserted into this opening. In the view of Figure 2a, the clamp 24 is inserted into a slot 26 of the connector 14.

[0047] Figure 2b shows a view of an opening of the coupling piece 28, which is opposite the opening of the connecting piece 30 when the two connecting partners 12, 14 are coupled together.

[0048] The two securing partners 32, 34 are also visible. The at least one first securing partner 32 and the second securing partner 34 are designed as locking lugs in this example. The first securing partner 32 is arranged on the first projection section 36 at an end section 44 of the coupling projection 16, wherein the end section 44 is arranged at the rear of the first projection section 36 in the first circumferential direction 46 around the longitudinal axis 20.

[0049] In this example, the two securing partners 32, 34 form an undercut in the second circumferential direction 48. Both securing partners 32, 34 each have a radially extending edge. The two edges of the securing partners 32, 34 abut one another when the at least one coupling projection 16 is inserted into the at least one coupling channel 18 by means of the movement along the longitudinal axis 20 and the rotation in the first circumferential direction 46. They thus form a positive connection in the second circumferential direction 48.

[0050] The first projection portion 36 and thus also the rear end portion 44 are located in an entrance area of ​​the first channel portion 42. In particular, the first securing partner 32 is thus arranged to be accessible from the outside, so that the undercut between the first securing partner 32 and the second securing partner 34 can be overcome by means of a tool to release the locking mechanism.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the device, wherein when the two connection partners 12, 14 are coupled, a sealing element 22 can be arranged between the connection partners 12, 14. The sealing element 22 is mounted on a receptacle 52 of the first connection partner 14, which is arranged on an inner wall 50 of the coupling piece 28. The sealing element 22 protrudes partially beyond the receptacle 52 along the longitudinal direction 20. When the first and second connection partners 12, 14 are coupled, the part of the sealing element 22 that protrudes from the receptacle 52 in the longitudinal direction 20 rests against a contact surface 54 of the second connection partner 14. In this way, any gap leading outwards that may remain between the two connection partners 12, 14 when the two connection partners 12, 14 are coupled is sealed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0052] Thus, the sections of the first and second connecting partners 12, 14 that border the possible gap between the two connecting partners 12, 14 have no contact with the fluid flowing through the connecting partners 12, 14. These sections can therefore have different material properties than sections of the connecting partners 12, 14 that are in contact with the fluid.

[0053] The coupling process between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14 is explained in more detail in Figures 4a to 4d.

[0054] In Figure 4a, the two connecting partners 12, 14 are separated from each other. The first connecting partner 12 and the second connecting partner 14 are aligned with each other such that the coupling projections 16 and the first channel sections 40 are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 20.

[0055] Figure 4b shows a detailed view parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 into the first channel section 40. In this arrangement, the coupling projection 16 can be inserted into the first channel section 40 of the coupling channel 18 by moving the first connection partner 12 parallel to the longitudinal axis. In this case, the securing partners 32, 34 are arranged at a distance from one another and do not interact.

[0056] After inserting the coupling projection 16 into the first channel section 40, the second projection section 38 can be inserted into the second channel section 42 by rotating the first connection partner 12 in the first circumferential direction 46, as shown in Figure 4c. The securing partners 32, 34 do not interact during insertion because they are arranged further apart from each other. When the first connection partner 12 is rotated, the two securing partners 32, 34 are moved toward each other.

[0057] The rotation in the first circumferential direction 46 can continue until the second projection portion 38 has been fully inserted into the second channel portion 42. Before the second projection portion 38 has been fully inserted into the second channel portion 42, the first securing partner 32, which in this example is designed as a locking lug, sweeps over the second securing partner 34.

[0058] When the second projection portion 38 has been fully inserted into the second channel portion 42, the first securing partner 32 engages the second securing partner 34, as shown in Fig. 4d. In a view along the first circumferential direction 46, an edge of the first securing partner 32 oriented radially to the longitudinal axis 20 undercuts an edge of the second securing partner 34 oriented radially to the longitudinal axis 20. The edges may also have a different orientation.

[0059] The bayonet lock formed by the at least one coupling projection 16 and the at least one coupling channel 18 is then locked by the two securing partners 32, 34.

[0060] In this example, the first securing partner 32 is arranged at the rear end portion 44 of the first projection portion 36 and projects into the entrance region of the first channel portion 42.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the device 10. In this example, the first securing partners 32 are arranged separately from the coupling projections 16. Furthermore, the first securing partners 32 are designed as locking levers.

[0062] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a third embodiment of the device 10. Therein, the first securing partners 32 are designed as locking levers that are connected to the coupling projections 16, as shown in Figure 6a. The first securing partners 32 protrude along the second circumferential direction 48 from the rear end portion 44 of the first projection portion 36.

[0063] According to Figure 6b, the first securing partners 32, designed as locking levers, can protrude in the second circumferential direction 48 as an extension of the second projection sections 38. Furthermore, the first securing partners 32 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 only along a portion of the first projection section 36. After the coupling projections 16 have been inserted into the first channel sections 40, the first securing partners 32 are arranged within the coupling channel 18 at a distance from the inlet region of the first channel section 40.

[0064] When the bayonet lock is locked, the first securing partners 32 can only be reached from the outside with increased effort using a tool, compared to the embodiments in which they extend into the entrance area. Releasing the locking mechanism can therefore only be achieved with increased effort, thus increasing the connection security between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14.

[0065] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0066] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.

[0067] Reference numerals list Device for locking a bayonet lock First connection partner Second connection partner Coupling projection Coupling channel Longitudinal axis Sealing element Clamp Slot Coupling piece Connecting piece First securing partner Second securing partner First projection section Second projection section First channel section Second channel section End section First circumferential direction Second circumferential direction Inner wall Receptacle Contact surface

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for locking a bayonet fitting, wherein the device (10) has a first connecting partner (12) with at least one coupling projection (16) for locking the connection and a second connecting partner (14) with at least one coupling channel (18), wherein the at least one coupling projection (16) and the coupling channel (18) form a bayonet fitting, wherein the at least one coupling projection (16) can be inserted into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of a movement along a longitudinal axis (20) of the second connecting partner (14) and a subsequent rotation in a first circumferential direction (46) about the longitudinal axis (20), characterized in that the first connecting partner (12) has at least one first locking partner (32) and the second connecting partner (14) has at least one second locking partner (34),wherein the at least one first locking partner (32) and the at least one second locking partner (34) are designed to lock a rotation in a second circumferential direction (48) opposite to the first circumferential direction (46), when the at least one coupling projection (16) is introduced into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of movement along the longitudinal axis (20) and rotation in the first circumferential direction (46).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first locking partner (32) and the at least one second locking partner (34) form an undercut in the direction of the second circumferential direction (48) when the at least one coupling projection (16) is introduced into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of movement along the longitudinal axis (20) and rotation in the first circumferential direction (46).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first locking partner (32) and the at least one second locking partner (34) form a latching connection when the at least one coupling projection (16) is inserted into the at least one coupling channel (18) by means of movement along the longitudinal axis (20) and rotation in the first circumferential direction (46).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one first locking partner (32) has a locking lever and the at least one second locking partner (34) has a locking lug.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one first securing partner (32) is arranged separately from the at least one coupling projection (16) on the first connecting partner (12).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one first securing partner (32) is arranged on the at least one coupling projection (16).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first securing partner (32) is arranged in the first circumferential direction (46) on a rear end section (44) of the coupling projection (16).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one second safety partner (34) is arranged on the at least one coupling channel (18).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one second locking partner (34) is arranged separately from the at least one coupling channel (18) on the second connection partner (14).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first connecting partner (12) has a coupling piece (28) for a fluid line and the second connecting partner (14) has a connecting piece (30) for fluid lines.