Device for connecting two tubular objects

Abstract

A device for connecting two tubular objects comprises a connector housing and a fixing element, the fixing element being shaped in a complementary manner relative to a receiving opening of the connector housing and rotatably arranged in the receiving opening and having an insertion opening for receiving the connector. The fixing element comprises fixing tabs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, each fixing tab having a radially inwardly facing fixing body adapted to engage with a shaped feature of the connector and move from a first position to a second radial position located radially outward. The connector housing comprises a radially inwardly inclined ramp surface for each fixing tab, the fixing tab resting on the ramp surface, the ramp surface and the support surface being shaped such that, upon rotation of the fixing element in a first direction, the fixing tab is pushed to the second radial position, and, in an unloaded state, the fixing tab springs back to the first position, and the fixing element is rotated back in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting two tubular objects. Background Art

[0002] Such devices are capable of connecting tubular objects that are primarily rigid and made of solid material. For this purpose, it is known to use a connector housing having a connector disposed thereon, which can be inserted into one of the tubular objects. The other tubular object can be configured as a connector or provided with such a connector. The connector is then inserted into the insertion end of such a device and locked therein.

[0003] In known devices, manual locking must be performed and visually monitored. However, this can be complex or difficult to do in difficult-to-access locations within complex technical systems. Furthermore, the use of three or more components makes known devices complex and therefore expensive to manufacture.

[0004] WO2005 / 047753A1 discloses a connecting device for connecting two rigid tubular objects, wherein the device comprises a socket part, a plug part and a sleeve-shaped element connectable therebetween, and a resilient tongue is used to snap the parts together. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for connecting two tubular objects, in which locking can be ensured reliably without requiring excessive effort and in which production is as cost-effective as possible. A device for connecting two tubular objects is provided, comprising a connector housing and a fixing element, wherein the connector housing has a sleeve portion with a receiving opening, wherein the fixing element is shaped in a complementary manner relative to the receiving opening and is rotatably arranged in the receiving opening, and wherein the fixing element has an insertion opening for receiving a connector, wherein the fixing element has fixing tabs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, and each fixing tab has a fixing body facing radially inwards, which is intended to engage in a shaped feature of an inserted connector and can be moved from a first radial position into a second radial position located radially outwards. According to the present invention, a connector housing is provided, wherein for each fixing tab, the connector housing has a radially inwardly inclined ramp surface, and the corresponding fixing tab and the support surface are placed on the ramp surface, wherein the ramp surface and the support surface are configured so that the fixing tab is pushed to the second radial position by rotating the fixing element in a first direction about the central axis of the connector housing, and, in an unloaded state, the fixing tab rebounds to the first position and the fixing element rotates back in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0006] Thus, the device is configured to connect two tubular objects together, one of which is connectable to the connector housing and the other of which has a connecting element, such as a connector, for insertion into the insertion opening of the fixing element. However, other configurations that can be configured on the connector housing are also conceivable. This configuration is not essential to the function of the device for the present invention and is not intended to be construed as limiting.

[0007] The fixing element is configured to secure the connecting element in its inserted state, preventing it from automatically sliding out due to vibration, inertial forces, or fluid flowing therethrough. To this end, the connecting element may have one or more circumferential grooves on its outer surface, and the fixing body of the fixing tab may be radially inserted into the circumferential grooves. The connecting element is then fixed in the axial direction.

[0008] The fixing element and the sleeve-shaped portion are designed to complement each other so that the fixing element can preferably be locked or fixed in the receiving opening in different ways. To this end, a radial recess can be provided in the connector housing, into which a portion of the fixing tab or element connected thereto can protrude. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0009] The fixing element may have a generally annular or sleeve-shaped base with an insertion opening. The fixing tab may extend axially on a side of the fixing element remote from the insertion opening. The base of the fixing element may be rotatably connected to the connector housing, such that the fixing tab can be moved in the circumferential direction of the connector housing by rotating the fixing element. It may be advantageous to distribute two, three, four, or more fixing tabs circumferentially.

[0010] In an area overlapping the fixing tab, the connector housing has a ramp surface on which the associated support surface of the fixing tab rests. In this case, the ramp surfaces are each inclined radially inward, so that the support surface slides on them when the fixing element is rotated. Due to the radially inward inclination of the ramp surfaces, the fixing tab moves radially outward by rotating in a first direction and the resulting sliding. Upon releasing the fixing element, the support surface presses against the associated ramp surface, allowing the fixing element to pivot back in a second, opposite direction. Simultaneously, the fixing tab returns to the first position. The support and sliding surfaces are designed to allow unimpeded pivoting.

[0011] Therefore, a particular advantage of the device according to the present invention is that it allows for simple assembly and disassembly of a connector inserted into an opening. The user simply rotates the fixing element in the first direction, thereby forcing the fixing tabs radially outward, thereby releasing or inserting the connector or a different connecting element. Since the fixing element is then rotated back and the fixing tabs are forced into the first radial position, the user does not have to perform any further work steps after inserting the connector. Thus, the device according to the present invention can be arranged on a connecting element of a subassembly in such a way that it can then be attached to another tubular object in the final assembly. The design of the device ensures that the device will not release from the connector. Therefore, the relevant subassemblies can be assembled in a simplified manner. The automatic locking ensures that the device is always in the closed state, i.e., connected or disconnected. Therefore, it is impossible for the device to remain in the open state.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the fixing tabs are designed to be radially elastic. For example, radial elasticity can be ensured by selecting a suitable plastic material. The fixing tabs have the basic shape that the fixing element adopts in the unloaded state. If the fixing tabs are subjected to outwardly acting radial forces while sliding on the ramp surface, they can follow the forces by performing a radial deflection movement. In this case, it is advantageous to allocate a special area for this purpose. As described further below, the area can be provided at the free end of each fixing tab.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the ramp surface has a first, radially outer portion and a second, radially inner portion, wherein the first portion extends in a linear manner and the second portion is inclined radially inwards to a greater extent than the first portion. The first portion thus has a continuously linear, flat surface. The first portion thus forms a linear section in a plane extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the connector housing. To this end, the second portion extends at an angle and is inclined inwards to a greater extent. This means that the second portion moves radially inwards to a greater extent in the direction of extension of the ramp surface than the first portion. When the fixing element is rotated, the bearing surface initially contacts the second portion and then slides onto the first portion. The second portion causes a greater initial bending of the fixing tab, wherein the subsequent increase in bending, i.e. when reaching the first portion, becomes slightly weaker.

[0014] The first portion can define a directional axis passing through the central axis in a plane positioned perpendicular to the central axis. Thus, the first portion can define a circular segment on the connector housing having a central angle significantly less than 180°. For example, the angle of the first portion relative to a tangent formed at the radially outer end of the ramp surface and located on the circumferential surface of the connector housing can be significantly less than 45°.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing element has a radial recess for each fixing tab, wherein the ramp surface is arranged in the recess and terminates at a circumferential end of the recess. Such a recess is suitable for receiving a fixing tab. The fixing tab can then be at least partially pushed radially outward, wherein the fixing tab has sufficient freedom of movement due to the recess. The recess can also be configured such that the device can be assembled by pushing the fixing element and the connector housing together, and the fixing tab is retained on the connector housing by a shaped feature adapted to the fixing tab.

[0016] It is particularly preferred if the ramp surface at the circumferential end has a first angle relative to a first radius line, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the central axis and extends centrally through the recess, wherein the first angle ranges from 72° to 74°. The first radius line can form a line of symmetry or a center line and extends centrally through the recess in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The ramp surface is arranged at the circumferential end of the recess, and the fixing tab with the support surface must move toward the circumferential end, so that the support surface is forced radially outward by the ramp surface. The size of the first angle is selected to enable the support surface to move radially outward. To prevent tilting or jamming, the angle is selected from the above-mentioned range.

[0017] Preferably, a rounded transition section can be arranged between the first and second sections, the rounded transition section adjoining the first and second sections in a tangentially constant manner. The rounded transition section can facilitate the transition of the bearing surface from the second section to the first section. The rounded design improves the sliding of the bearing surface on the ramp surface.

[0018] As mentioned above, the fixing tab can have a free end remote from the insertion opening and provided with a corresponding bearing surface on the free end. Thus, the elasticity of the fixing element is allowed and the radial movement of the bearing surface is facilitated or provided.

[0019] The bearing surface may further comprise an introduction portion and a transition portion, wherein the introduction portion is inclined radially inwardly and the transition portion is inclined radially outwardly. The transition portion may provide a smooth transition to the introduction portion. The introduction portion is in planar contact with the ramp surface and ensures radial deflection.

[0020] Preferably, the introduction section and the transition section enclose a curved section, which adjoins the introduction section and the return section in a tangentially constant manner. The arrangement of the curved section in a tangentially constant manner prevents the fixing tab from getting stuck and does not counteract a simpler sliding movement.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the lead-in portion is arranged on a circumferentially defined edge of the associated fixing tab and forms a second angle with respect to a second radial line, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the central axis and extends centrally through the fixing tab, wherein the second angle ranges from 55° to 65°. The second angle facilitates rotation back into the first position.

[0022] The transition portion may further enclose a third angle with the second radius line ranging from 73° to 80°.

[0023] Furthermore, in the second position, the fixing tab can protrude radially outward beyond the recess and serve as a display element for indicating an open device. In this case, if a portion of the fixing tab protrudes through the recess, the user can immediately recognize that the device is not fully closed. This can mean, for example, that the connecting element is not fully inserted and the fixing body is not fully radially engaged therein.

[0024] Finally, in an advantageous embodiment, the fixing element can have at least one gripping element for initiating the rotation. Thus, initiating the rotation is significantly simplified for the user by gripping the connector housing with one hand and the gripping element with the other, thereby enabling the rotation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the description and the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of the device is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the device;

[0028] Figure 3 A detailed view of the device is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A detail of a longitudinal section of the device is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view with a cutting plane transverse to the central axis;

[0031] Figure 6 A plan view showing the fixing element; and

[0032] Figure 7 A detailed view is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A partially cutaway three-dimensional view of a device 2 for connecting two tubular objects is shown. The device 2 comprises a connector housing 4 and a fixing element 12 inserted into the connector housing 4. The connector housing 4 has a sleeve portion 6 with a receiving opening 8, into which the fixing element 12 is inserted. For connection to a first tubular body, the connector housing 4 comprises a connector portion 10, which, by way of example, is provided with a groove profile that can be wedged into the first tubular body.

[0034] The fixing element 12 is rotatably arranged in the receiving opening 8 and has an entry opening 14 for receiving a connecting piece. Figure 4. In addition, the fixing element 12 has fixing tabs 16, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and in each case have fixing bodies 18 facing radially inwards. These fixing bodies are used to engage in complementary shaped grooves of the connecting piece arranged in the insertion opening 14. The fixing tabs 16 are also elastically deformable and can be moved from a first radial position (shown here) to a second radial position radially outside. The connecting piece inserted into the insertion opening 14 can be locked to the fixing bodies 18 accordingly. The fixing tabs 16 also have a fixed end 30 and a free end 28 in each case. The fixing tabs are elastic as a whole so that the free end 28 can be moved radially.

[0035] The connector housing 4 has a radially inwardly inclined ramp surface 20 for each securing tab 16. The respective securing tab 16 rests on a radially inner bearing surface 22 on the respective ramp surface 20. In this case, the ramp surface 20 and the bearing surface 22 are configured so that the securing tabs 16 are forced into a second radial position by rotating the securing element 12 in a first direction about the central axis 24 of the connector housing 4. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first direction corresponds to a clockwise rotation. When the securing element 12 is in an unloaded state, i.e., when the securing tabs 16 are released and spring back into the first position, the securing tabs 16 are simultaneously rotated back into a second direction, opposite the first direction. Thus, the second direction corresponds to a rotation opposite the clockwise direction. By rotating the securing element 12 in one direction, the device 2 is configured to release the connector from the insertion opening 14 and automatically return to the locked state without further action, with the securing tabs 16 pivoting radially inward. Thus, the device 2 is self-locking.

[0036] The device 2 further comprises a sealing element in the form of a sealing ring 26 which is arranged in the connector housing 4 and is configured to contact flush with the front face of the connector inserted into the insertion opening 14. The fluid connection between the connector and the connector part 10 is thereby sealed.

[0037] exist Figure 2, the device 2 is shown from different angles. Here, the fixing element 12 has not yet been fully inserted into the receiving opening 8. The projections 48 of the fixing tabs 16 are visible, each having a radially inwardly inclined introduction surface 50, the shape of which complements the radially outwardly inclined guide surface 52 on the receiving opening 8. By being inserted onto the fixing element 12, the fixing tabs 16 are forced radially inwardly so that when the fixing element 12 is fully inserted, the projections 48 enter the recesses 36 on the circumferential side of the connector housing 4. The fixing element 12 is thus assembled and can perform the above-described function. The fixing element 12 can have a type of stop ring 54, which is located radially inside the projection 48 and limits the radially inwardly directed movement of the projection 48.

[0038] Figure 3 A detailed view of the projection 48 of the fixing tab 16 is shown, wherein the bearing surface 22 rests on the ramp surface 20 of the connector housing 4. It can be seen here that the shapes of the bearing surface 22 and the ramp surface 20 correspond to one another. When the fixing element 12 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the fixing tab 16 moves radially outward.

[0039] Figure 4 The fixing element 12 is shown in an inserted state in the connector housing 4. An inserted connector 56 is located in the insertion opening 14, the connector 56 having a circumferential groove 58 as a formed feature. The circumferential groove is configured such that the fixing body 18 of the fixing tab 16 engages in the groove 58. In this view, the fixing tab 16 is shown in a first position, i.e. radially inwards. By rotating the fixing element 12, the protrusion 48 is moved radially outwards so that the fixing body 18 leaves the groove 58. This unlocked state is maintained as long as the user rotates the fixing element 12 in the first direction or holds it in the rotated position. As soon as the fixing element 12 is released, the fixing tab 16 springs back into place. Figure 4 The status shown.

[0040] exist Figure 5 , a cross-sectional view of the connector housing 4 is shown in a cutting plane perpendicular to the central axis 24, wherein the cutting plane extends adjacent to the ramp surface 20. Shown here is a first angle α between the ramp surface 20 and a first radius line r1, which lies on a plane perpendicular to the central axis 24 and extends centrally through the recess 36. The first angle α is preferably in the range of 72° to 74°. The first radius line r1 is a line of symmetry or a center line. The support surface 22 is oriented in a direction parallel to the ramp surface 20. Figure 3The way is similar to the way it is designed.

[0041] In this case, the ramp surface 20 is arranged at the circumferential end 38 of the recess 36, and when the support surface 22 is pressed against the ramp surface 20, the support surface must move in the direction of the circumferential end 38. The projection 48 is then forced radially outward by the sliding surfaces 20 and 22. The fixing body 18 follows this movement and leaves the groove 58 of the inserted connecting piece 56.

[0042] Figure 6 A plan view of the front side of the fastening element 12 facing the connector housing 4 is shown. The fastening tabs 16 or the projections 48 provided thereon are visible here. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two fastening tabs 16 are arranged 180° apart in the circumferential direction. Two opposing gripping elements 46 are each spaced 90° apart in the circumferential direction, allowing the user to rotate the fastening element 12.

[0043] at last, Figure 7 An enlarged view of the projection 48 with the bearing surface 22 is shown. This forms a lead-in portion 40, followed by a curved portion 44 and a transition portion 42. While the second angle β is selected similarly to the first angle α, the transition portion 42 can be selected relatively randomly. In this case, the transition portion has a third angle γ, which encloses an angle ranging from 73° to 80° with the second radius line r2.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways.

[0045] All features and advantages arising from the description and the drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, are essential to the invention per se and in very different combinations.

[0046] Reference Signs List

[0047] 2 devices

[0048] 4 Connector housing

[0049] 6 sleeve part

[0050] 8 receiving openings

[0051] 10 Connector part

[0052] 12 fixing elements

[0053] 14 Insert opening

[0054] 16 fixed tabs

[0055] 18 fixed body

[0056] 20 Sloping surface

[0057] 21 Part 1

[0058] 22 Support surface

[0059] 24 Central Axis

[0060] 26 sealing ring

[0061] 28 free end

[0062] 30 fixed end

[0063] 32 bases

[0064] 34 Transition

[0065] 35 Part 2

[0066] 36 Depression

[0067] 38 circumferential side end

[0068] 40 Import section

[0069] 42 Transition

[0070] 44 bending part

[0071] 46 grip elements

[0072] 48 protrusions

[0073] 50 Import Surfaces

[0074] 52 guide surface

[0075] 54 stop ring

[0076] 56 connectors

[0077] 58 grooves

[0078] α first angle

[0079] β second angle

[0080] γ third angle

[0081] r1 first radius line

[0082] r2 second radius line

[0083] r2' is a line parallel to the second radius line.

Claims

1. A device for connecting two tubular objects, comprising a connector housing (4) and a fixing element (12), wherein the connector housing (4) has a sleeve portion (6) with a receiving opening (8), wherein the fixing element (12) is shaped in a complementary manner relative to the receiving opening (8) and is rotatably arranged in the receiving opening (8), and the fixing element (12) has an insertion opening (14) for receiving a connector (56), wherein the fixing element (12) has fixing tabs (16) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and each fixing tab (16) has a fixing body (18) facing radially inwards, the fixing body (18) being intended to engage in a shaped feature (58) of an inserted connector (56) and being movable from a first radial position to a second radial position located radially outwards, characterized in that For each fixing tab (16), the connector housing (4) has a ramp surface (20) inclined radially inwardly, and the supporting surface (22) of the corresponding fixing tab (16) is placed on the ramp surface (20), wherein the ramp surface (20) and the supporting surface (22) are formed so that the fixing tab (16) is pushed to the second radial position by the fixing element (12) rotating about the central axis (24) of the connector housing (4) in a first direction, and in an unloaded state, the fixing tab (16) rebounds to the first radial position and the fixing element (12) rotates back in a second direction opposite to the first direction; The support surface (22) has an introduction portion (40) and a transition portion (42), wherein the introduction portion (40) is inclined radially inwardly and the transition portion (42) is inclined radially outwardly; and the introduction portion (40) is arranged on a defined edge of the associated fixing tab (16) on the circumferential side and forms a second angle (β) with respect to a second radius line (r2), the second radius line (r2) being located on a plane perpendicular to the central axis (24) and extending centrally through the fixing tab (16), wherein the second angle (β) ranges from 55° to 65°.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing web (16) is designed to be radially elastic.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The ramp surface (20) has a radially outer first portion (21) and a radially inner second portion (35), wherein the first portion (21) extends linearly and the second portion (35) is inclined radially inwardly to a greater extent than the first portion (21).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing element (12) has a radial recess (36) for each fixing tab (16), wherein the ramp surface (20) is arranged in the radial recess (36) and ends at a circumferential end (38) of the radial recess (36).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The ramp surface (20) forms a first angle (α) at the circumferential side end (38) relative to a first radius line (r1), the first radius line (r1) being located on a plane perpendicular to the central axis (24) and extending centrally through the radial recess (36), wherein the first angle (α) ranges from 72° to 74°.

6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that A rounded transition portion (34) is provided between the first portion (21) and the second portion (35), which adjoins the first portion (21) and the second portion (35) in a tangentially constant manner.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing tab (16) has a free end (28) facing away from the insertion opening (14) and a corresponding bearing surface (22) is arranged on the free end.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The introduction section (40) and the transition section (42) surround a curved section (44), which adjoins the introduction section (40) and the transition section (42) in a tangentially constant manner.

9. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that In the second radial position, the fixing tab (16) protrudes radially outward beyond the radial recess (36) and acts with the fixing tab (16) on a display element of the device indicating that the device is open.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing element (12) has at least one gripping element (46) for initiating rotation.

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