Receiving unit for a coupling device for fluid lines

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving unit (12) for a coupling device for a fluid line, comprising a closure element (34) which fluidly seals a fluid flow duct when in a closed position, which closure element (34) is preloaded into the closed position using a spring element (28), wherein the closure element (34) comprises a non-porous cylindrical portion (36), and wherein, when the closure element (34) is in a release position, the entire spring element (28) is located within an area (80) which is completely covered by the cylindrical portion (36) along its entire longitudinal extension, seen in radial direction of the cylindrical portion (36). The invention also relates to a corresponding coupling device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving unit for a coupling device for fluid lines, wherein the receiving unit is designed to be connected at a first end to a fluid line not belonging to the receiving unit and to define a fluid flow channel inside the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit comprises a closure element which, in a closed position, is designed to fluidically seal the fluid flow channel of the receiving unit between the first end and a second end of the receiving unit, the second end being opposite the first end with respect to the main flow direction along the fluid flow channel, wherein the closure element is displaceable between the closed position and a release position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a coupling device comprising a receiving unit according to the invention and a plug-in unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] From the prior art, coupling devices are known which are designed to couple two fluid lines to each other. However, this often leads to the problem that the fluid dynamics at the coupling point is significantly worse than the fluid dynamics of the remaining part of the fluid lines, since the components of the coupling device can cause turbulence and dead zones in the fluid to be guided. In particular when using elements which are preloaded into a certain position by spring elements, the spring elements used can cause a severe interruption of the fluid flow in the area of the coupling device.

[0003] Furthermore, the presence of dead zones can lead to fluids accumulating therein, which then, when the coupling device is detached, can flow out of the coupling device in an uncontrolled manner. This can lead to a contamination of the environment or, for example in the case of dangerous substances being transported within the fluid lines, can lead to damage to the environment and / or to the operator of the coupling device. SUMMARY

[0004] It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a receiving unit for fluid lines, the flow properties of which are improved while corresponding dead zones are reduced.

[0005] According to the application, the above object is achieved by a receiving unit for a fluid line, wherein the receiving unit is designed to be connected at a first end to a fluid line not belonging to the receiving unit and to define a fluid flow channel inside the fluid line, wherein the receiving unit comprises a closure element which, in a closed position, is designed to fluidically seal the fluid flow channel of the receiving unit between the first end and a second end of the receiving unit, which is opposite the first end, with respect to the main flow direction along the fluid flow channel, wherein the closure element is displaceable between the closed position and a release position, wherein the closure element is preloaded into the closed position using a spring element, wherein the closure element comprises a substantially cylindrical portion without perforations, wherein in the release position of the closure element the entire spring element is arranged in an area which is completely covered by the cylindrical portion along its entire longitudinal extent, viewed in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, wherein the closure element further comprises a section with perforations, wherein the perforations of this section are formed as window-like openings which fluidically connect the interior of the closure element to the exterior of the closure element.

[0006] The arrangement of the receiving unit according to the application is such that at least in the release position of the associated closure element of the receiving unit, which allows fluid to flow through the receiving unit, the spring element can be arranged separately from the fluid flowing through the receiving unit, whereby an improved fluid flow through the receiving unit can be achieved. Furthermore, in this way it can be prevented that fluid accumulates in the area in which the spring is arranged and, when the coupling device, i.e. the receiving unit of the complementary plug-in unit, is released, the fluid comes out of the receiving unit in an uncontrolled manner. The closure element can be configured in multiple parts, in particular two parts, the individual components of which can be connected to one another, for example via matching internal and external threads, thereby simplifying assembly of the closure element.

[0007] The receiving unit according to the application can in particular be designed to be connectable to a standard plug-in unit, in particular a standardized plug-in unit.

[0008] It should already be mentioned in this connection that the receiving unit or the entire superior coupling device can of course be designed for connecting smooth ducts and connecting corrugated ducts. In this case, it can be meaningful if the connection portion of the coupling device, i.e. the portion of the coupling device to which the corresponding fluid line is to be connected, has a sleeve element provided with a sawtooth profile. In addition, at least one recess can be provided on such a sleeve element, in which a sealing element, for example an O-ring, can be accommodated in order to seal the fluid line.

[0009] In order to better guide in the receiving unit, the closure element can have a plurality of ribs, in particular at least three ribs, on its outer circumference, which protrude radially outward from the closure element and can be in contact at their radially outer end with a corresponding portion of the surrounding receiving unit.

[0010] In particular, the spring element can be a wave spring. In comparison to a helical spring, a wave spring requires less installation space for the same spring force.

[0011] Advantageously, the spring element can be arranged radially outside the cylindrical portion. Thus, the cylindrical portion can separate the spring element from the flow channel radially inside on the inner circumference of the spring element.

[0012] In a refinement of the application, the perforation in the section can be designed as four window-like openings. In particular, the perforation is arranged such that, when the closure element has left its closed position, fluid flows through the perforation from the radially outer side to the radially inner side of the closure element or, in the case of the opposite flow direction, from the radially inner side to the radially outer side of the closure element. The non-perforated cylindrical portion of the closure element can also interact with a receiving unit, for example a projection of the receiving unit, so that substantially all fluid that reaches the perforated region in the closure element is guided through the perforation to the interior of the closure element and does not flow radially outward past the closure element.

[0013] The receiving unit can have a housing that accommodates the closure element, wherein the housing can have a radially inwardly extending projection that is designed to come into contact with the closure element, in particular with a sealing element arranged on the closure element, in the closed position of the closure element. The sealing element can be designed separately from the closure element, for example as an O-ring. As mentioned above, the projection can be designed to come into contact with the sealing element in the closed position of the closure element and, in particular, to come into contact with the cylindrical portion of the closure element in the released position of the closure element. In this case, the projection can in particular be designed integrally with the housing of the receiving unit.

[0014] To this end, the projection can have an inclined side such that the projection causes the cross section of the interior of the housing to gradually decrease in the direction from the released position to the closed position of the closure element. This type of projection allows the closure element to be guided and centered, for example when moving into the closed position. The inclined side can provide the sealing element with a defined sealing surface for the contact, so that a seal can be ensured by the sealing element. In addition, the inclined side can guide the fluid flow from the radially outer side through the perforation of the closure element to the radially inner side and thus improve it.

[0015] The housing of the receiving unit can be designed in multiple parts, in particular two parts. In particular, the housing of the receiving unit can be designed in multiple parts as viewed in the axial direction of the movement axis of the closure element between the closed position and the released position. In other words, the housing of the receiving unit can for example comprise a substantially tubular part with radially inwardly projecting protrusions and can also comprise a closure element at which a connection part for connecting to the first end of the fluid line, in particular a sleeve element, is designed. Splitting the housing into a tubular part and a closure element can enable the closure element to be inserted into and mounted within the receiving unit partly from one side of the receiving unit and partly from the other side of the receiving unit.

[0016] The first housing part comprising the first end can be connected to the second housing part comprising the second end in a fluid-tight manner, in particular using a spin welding process or a laser welding process. For example, the above-mentioned closure element can be connected to the tubular part in a fluid-tight manner on the end face of the tubular part.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one protruding web can be arranged on the housing, which is designed to define the released position of the closure element when in contact with the closure element. The released position of the closure element can in particular be defined by the contact of the closure element on the free end of the at least one web. The web can for example be arranged circumferentially around the orifice of the fluid flow channel formed on the radially inner side of the sleeve element and extend therefrom towards the tubular part of the housing of the receiving unit. This means that, when the closure element is in the released position, fluid from the fluid flow channel inside the sleeve element flows radially outwards between the webs, flows around the part of the closure element on which the sealing element is arranged, and from there flows radially inwards through the through-opening of the closure element and out of the receiving unit through the closure element.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application relates to a coupling device for fluid lines, comprising a receiving unit according to the present application and a plug-in unit designed to be connected at a first end to a further fluid line not belonging to the plug-in unit and to define a fluid flow channel inside the plug-in unit, wherein the plug-in unit has a contact surface designed to come into contact with a corresponding counter contact surface of a closure element of the receiving unit when the plug-in unit is inserted into the receiving unit, such that the closure element of the receiving unit is displaced from its closed position in the direction of a release position when the plug-in unit is continued to be inserted into the receiving unit, wherein a sealing device is arranged on the receiving unit and / or the plug-in unit, which is designed to be established between the receiving unit and the plug-in unit such that the fluid flow channel of the plug-in unit and / or the receiving unit is fluidically isolated from the outside of the coupling device, wherein the sealing device is arranged such that a fluid seal is established between the receiving unit and the plug-in unit before the contact surface of the plug-in unit comes into contact with the counter contact surface of the closure element.

[0019] It should be expressly stated that all features, effects and advantages described with respect to the receiving unit according to the present application are applicable to the coupling device according to the present application and vice versa. As already mentioned above, for the sake of simplicity, mainly the flow direction from the receiving unit to the plug-in unit is discussed in the present specification, but the receiving unit according to the present application and the coupling device according to the present application are of course also applicable to the opposite flow direction. The coupling device can in particular be designed for a pressure of the fluid flowing therein of 2 bar to 5 bar.

[0020] Advantageously, the counter contact surface of the closure element of the receiving unit can be designed as a collar protruding in a radial direction from the closure element of the receiving unit. Due to the radial protruding collar, which is in particular designed on an end face of the cylindrical portion of the closure element facing the plug-in unit, the surface area of the counter contact surface can be increased, so that, for example, a sliding off of the contact surface of the plug-in unit from the counter contact surface can be prevented. The spring element preloading the closure element of the receiving unit into the closed position can be supported on the side of the collar opposite to the counter contact surface for contacting the plug-in unit. The other end of the spring element of the receiving unit can be supported, for example, on a protrusion of the housing of the receiving unit, in particular on a side face of the protrusion extending in a radial direction towards the housing of the receiving unit.

[0021] In one refinement of the application, the plug-in unit can also comprise a closure element which, in the closed position, is designed to fluidically seal the fluid flow channel of the plug-in unit between the second end and the first end, which is opposite the second end, of the plug-in unit, wherein the closure element of the plug-in unit is displaceable between the closed position and a release position, wherein the closure element of the plug-in unit is preloaded into the closed position using a spring element. The spring element can be arranged on the side of the closure element of the plug-in unit which is directed toward the first end. The spring element of the plug-in unit can also be a wave spring.

[0022] Like the multipart structure of the housing of the receiving unit described above, the housing of the plug-in unit can also have a multipart, in particular two-part, design. Here, too, the substantially tubular portion can be connected to the closure element in a fluid-tight manner at one end face, on which closure element the sleeve element for connecting to the fluid line is arranged.

[0023] The plug-in unit can in particular have a radially inwardly projecting protrusion on the end face of the tubular portion of the housing of the plug-in unit which is opposite the closure element, which protrusion can have an inclined side on which the closure element of the plug-in unit can be centered and which provides a corresponding contact surface for a sealing element arranged on the closure element of the plug-in unit, as described above with regard to the receiving unit.

[0024] The closure element of the plug-in unit can have an increasing diameter in the direction from the second end of the plug-in unit to the first end of the plug-in unit. For example, the closure element of the plug-in unit can comprise a first substantially cylindrical portion on the outer circumference of which a sealing element for sealing the housing of the plug-in unit is arranged. The first cylindrical portion can adjoin a conical portion on which the outer diameter of the closure element of the plug-in unit increases, viewed in the fluid flow direction from the receiving unit to the plug-in unit. This can be followed by a second substantially cylindrical portion which has an outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion. A perforation similar to a sector can be provided in the region of the conical portion, such that the second cylindrical portion, which is designed as a ring, can be connected to the first cylindrical portion only via the remaining web. This means that, in the release position of the closure element of the plug-in unit, fluid can flow past the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion of the closure element of the plug-in unit and then flow radially inwardly through the second cylindrical portion via the perforation in the conical portion.

[0025] This nozzle-like shape of the closure element of the plug-in unit can greatly reduce the turbulence of the fluid flow in the region of the plug-in element, so that high flow rates through the plug-in element can be achieved.

[0026] If the spring element rests against the free end face of the second cylindrical portion, the fluid also flows radially through the spring element from the inside.

[0027] Furthermore, the closure element of the receiving unit can have a central screw which has a free end extending in the direction of the second end of the receiving unit and which is designed to rest, in particular by means of the free end of the central screw, on a screw receiving surface formed on the closure element of the plug-in unit, such that, when the plug-in unit is inserted further into the receiving unit, the closure element of the plug-in unit or the closure element of the receiving unit is displaced from its closed position in the direction of the release position. The screw receiving surface can in particular be designed on the free end face of the first cylindrical portion of the closure element of the plug-in unit.

[0028] The screw of the closure element of the receiving unit and / or the screw receiving surface of the closure element of the plug-in unit can be dimensioned such that, when the housing of the plug-in unit comes into contact with a sealing device which is arranged on the receiving unit and which is designed to seal between the receiving unit and the plug-in unit, the screw is only in contact with the screw receiving surface, such that a leakage of fluid from the coupling device to the outside can be prevented.

[0029] The spring force of the spring element acting on the closure element of the plug-in unit can be lower, in particular significantly lower, than the spring force of the spring element acting on the closure element of the receiving unit, such that, when the plug-in unit is inserted into the receiving unit, first the closure element of the plug-in unit is displaced from its closed position into its release position, and then, when the plug-in unit is inserted further into the receiving unit, the closure element of the receiving unit is displaced from its closed position into its release position. In this way, assuming that the fluid flow direction extends through the coupling device from the receiving unit to the plug-in unit, it can be ensured that the fluid flow through the receiving unit and thus through the coupling device is only permitted when the plug-in unit has been completely opened, i.e. when the closure element of the plug-in unit is in the release position.

[0030] The coupling device can be fixed in its coupled state between the receiving unit and the plug-in unit, for example via a fixing element, in order to prevent the plug-in unit from being released from the receiving unit.

[0031] The receiving unit and / or the plug-in unit and / or the respective closure elements can be made of a plastic material, in particular of a polyamide, advantageously of PA6 GF30. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] In the following, the application will be described in more detail using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view of the connecting device according to the invention based on the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of the receiving unit according to the invention based on the first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of an insert element;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling device according to the invention according to the first embodiment, wherein fluid flow is blocked;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of the coupling device according to the invention, wherein fluid flow is permitted;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the receiving unit according to the invention in accordance with the second embodiment, wherein fluid flow is blocked;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of the receiving unit according to the invention, wherein fluid flow is permitted;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view of the enclosed element in the embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the connecting device according to the invention, based on the receiving unit of the second embodiment and the plug-in unit suitable for the receiving unit. Detailed Implementation

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, the connecting device according to the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 according to the first embodiment. The connecting device 10 includes a receiving unit 12 and an insertable unit 14. The receiving unit 12 includes a housing 16, which in turn includes a generally tubular portion 18 and a closing element 20, the closing element 20 being connectable to the end face of the tubular portion 18 (in...). Figure 1 (Seen on the left). In the first embodiment, a sleeve element 22 is formed on the sealing element 20, to which a fluid line (e.g., a smooth pipe) can be connected. A groove 24 is provided on the sleeve element 22 to receive a sealing element 26 (in this case, an O-ring).

[0043] A wave spring 28 is arranged inside the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12. One end of the wave spring 28 presses against a radially inwardly protruding protrusion 30 of the tubular portion 18 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit (see...). Figure 2 It is placed on the collar 32 of the closing element 34 at the other end.

[0044] The closure element 34 includes a cylindrical portion 36 adjacent to the collar 32, the cylindrical portion being designed without perforations, and the cylindrical portion being adjacent to a portion 40 having perforations 38 (in... Figure 1 (Centered on the left). On the side of the perforated portion 40 of the closure element 34 opposite to the cylindrical portion 36, a sealing element receiving portion 42 is provided, which is designed to receive the sealing element 44. The sealing element 44 is designed to isolate the closure element 34 from the inner wall (particularly the protrusion 30) of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the image, a sealing device 46 is shown on the right side of the closing element 34 of the receiving unit 12. The sealing device 46 is arranged inside the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12 or the tubular portion 18 of the housing 16 to isolate the insert unit 14 from the receiving unit 12, thereby preventing fluid from flowing outward between the receiving unit 12 and the insert unit 14.

[0046] The insert unit 14 includes a housing 48, which includes a generally tubular portion 50 and another closure element 52, which is designed to be generally similar to the closure element 20 of the receiving unit 12. The closure element 54 of the insert unit 14 is disposed within the housing 48 of the insert unit 14 (see also...). Figure 3 The sealing element includes a first cylindrical portion 56, a conical portion 60, and a second cylindrical portion 62. A sealing element 58 is accommodated on the first cylindrical portion 56. The outer diameter of the sealing element 54 of the insert unit 14 increases along the conical portion 60. The free end of the second cylindrical portion 62 of the sealing element 54 of the insert unit 14 (in...) Figure 1 The end shown on the right side is in contact with the wave spring 64 of the insert unit 14. This wave spring 64, supported on another closing element 52 of the insert unit 14, preloads the closing element 54. Figure 1 (From the middle to the left).

[0047] Figure 1A fixing element 66 is also shown, which can be releasably inserted in a radial direction with respect to the coupling device 10 through a receiving space 68 in the receiving unit 12 and into a receiving recess 70 in the plug-in unit 14 when the receiving unit 12 and the plug-in unit 14 are in the fully connected state, in order to prevent axial displacement of the plug-in unit 14 with respect to the receiving unit 12 and thus to prevent release of the coupling device 10.

[0048] Figure 2 An enlarged side view cross-section of the receiving unit 12 is now shown in its assembled state. It can be seen here that the wave spring 28 preloads the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 into the closed position Figure 2 shown. In this closed position of the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12, the sealing element 44 creates a fluid seal between the closure element 34 and the protrusion 30 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12. Fluid, which is assumed here to flow in the flow direction indicated by the arrow A, is thus prevented from flowing through the sealing element 44.

[0049] It can also be seen from the side view cross-section of Figure 2 that the closure element 34 has a central bolt 72, which protrudes in the direction of the side of the receiving unit 16, via which the plug-in unit 14 can be inserted into the receiving unit 12.

[0050] Figure 3 A side view cross-section of the plug-in unit 14 is shown. Again, the spring 64 preloads the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 towards its closed position, i.e. into a position in which the sealing element 58 is in contact with the tubular portion 50 of the housing 48 of the plug-in unit 14, so that fluid can be prevented from passing through. A bolt receiving surface 74 is formed on the free end face of the first cylindrical portion 56 of the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 (see below for a detailed description of Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0051] Figure 4 A coupling device 10 according to the application is shown in a partially connected state, i.e. in a state in which the plug-in unit 14 has been partially inserted into the receiving unit 12 and the outer periphery of the tubular portion 50 of the housing 48 of the plug-in unit 14 has also at least partially come into sealing contact with the sealing means 46 of the receiving unit 12. However, in the partially connected state of the coupling device 10 Figure 4 , the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 are both still in their respective closed positions, so that fluid is prevented from passing through the coupling device 10. In Figure 4 , the central bolt 72 has already come into contact with the bolt receiving surface 74 of the plug-in unit 14.

[0052] If the plug-in unit 14 is now further displaced into the receiving unit 12, a fully connected state according to Figure 5 is reached at the end of the insertion. In this Figure 5 , both the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 are arranged in their release position, so that fluid can flow through the coupling device 10 in the fluid flow direction indicated by the arrow A.

[0053] Although not shown, it is assumed for the embodiment of the coupling device 10 according to the application shown in the drawing that the spring stiffness of the wave spring 64 of the plug-in unit 14 is lower than the spring stiffness of the wave spring 28 of the receiving unit 12, so that, in the position according to Figure 4 , upon further insertion of the plug-in unit 14 into the receiving unit 12, first the wave spring 64 is compressed, so that the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 is displaced by the action of the stud 72 from its closure position to the release position shown in Figure 5 . If the wave spring 64 has reached its maximum compression or if the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 comes into contact with the corresponding stop, further insertion of the plug-in unit 14 into the receiving unit 12 displaces the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 from its closure position to the release position. Only at this point in time fluid is allowed to flow past the sealing element 44 arranged on the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and into the plug-in unit 14.

[0054] In its release position, the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 according to the first embodiment is pressed against the web 76 protruding from the closure element 20 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12. The release position is defined by the contact between the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and the web 76.

[0055] With reference to the position of the coupling device 10 shown in Figure 5 , fluid flows into the receiving unit 12 through a fluid line (not shown), i.e. through a fluid flow channel designed inside the closure element 20 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12, from there radially outwardly to between the webs 76 and radially outwardly around the sealing element 44 and the corresponding portion of the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 (see the curved arrow A in Figure 5 ), then the fluid flows from the receiving unit 12 radially inwardly via the perforation 38 in the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and along the central stud 72 into the plug-in unit 14. In the plug-in unit 14, the fluid flows radially outwardly around the first cylindrical portion 56 of the closure element 54 of the plug-in unit 14 and the sealing element 58, then through the sector-shaped perforation 78 (see Figure 1The fluid flows through the interior of the wave spring 64 and out of the coupling device 10 into the fluid line (also not shown) via a fluid flow channel designed inside the closure element 52 of the housing 48 of the insert unit 14.

[0056] Especially from Figure 5 It can be seen that, Figure 5 In the fully engaged state of the connecting device 10, the spring 28 is arranged within the receiving space 80, which is radially inwardly defined by the non-perforated cylindrical portion 36 of the closing element 34 of the receiving unit 12, radially outwardly defined by the tubular portion 18 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12, and axially defined at the front and rear by the collar 32 of the closing element 34 of the receiving unit 12 and the protrusion 30 of the housing 16 of the receiving unit 12. Therefore, when the closing element 34 of the receiving unit 12 is in the released position, the wave spring 28 can be separated from the fluid flow path, preventing the discontinuous structure of the wave spring 28 from causing any turbulence in the fluid flow occurring inside the receiving unit 12.

[0057] It should be added that, as an alternative or supplement to bringing the bolt 72 and the bolt receiving surface 74 into contact, the contact surface 82 of the insert unit 14 (see...) Figure 3 and Figure 5 As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the contact surface 82 (formed on the housing 48 of the insert unit 14) can contact the opposing contact surface on the closure element 34 of the receiving unit 12 (in the drawings, the opposing contact surface is formed on the side of the collar 32 of the closure element 34 opposite to the spring 28) so as to cause displacement of the closure elements 34 and 54 when the insert unit 14 is inserted into the receiving unit 12.

[0058] In the following text, refer to Figure 6 This paper describes a second embodiment of the receiving unit 112 according to the present invention, which is a variation of the previously described receiving unit 12, such that in further processing, only the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed in more detail, and for all other features and functions, reference will be made to the first embodiment. Therefore, all features, effects, and advantages disclosed with respect to the first embodiment of the receiving unit 12 (or associated connecting device 110) can be equally applied to the second embodiment of the receiving unit 112 (or associated connecting device 110), and vice versa.

[0059] Figure 6This is a side cross-sectional view of the receiving unit 112 of the second embodiment in its assembled state, where fluid flow is blocked as shown in the illustration. Compared to the receiving unit 12 of the first embodiment, the closing element 120 of the receiving unit 112 lacks a groove and sealing element at its first end; however, a groove and sealing element may be optionally provided. Similar to the sealing device 46 of the first embodiment, a sealing device 146 (O-ring and spacer not shown here) is also provided in the receiving unit 112, which seals the receiving unit 112 from the outside relative to the insert unit 114.

[0060] The difference between the closing element 134 of the receiving unit 112 and the closing element 34 of the first embodiment lies primarily in its multi-part structure. In this case, the closing element 134 includes internal and external threads arranged parallel to the flow direction A, which are collectively designated by reference numeral 135. The end 190 of the closing element 134 and the sub-element 133 of the closing element 134 are attached to each other via these internal and external threads. During the assembly of the closing element 134, the end 190 and the sub-element 133 may alternatively or supplementarily connect to each other, for example by welding, riveting, or caulking, to ensure a completely sealed connection between the end 190 and the sub-element 133. The end 190 has a radially outwardly extending web 194 (see...). Figure 8 The free ends of the webs 194 are arranged close to or in contact with the inner surface of the housing 116. The end 190 preferably has at least three webs 194, and according to the second embodiment shown herein, has four webs 194. A tapered surface is arranged on the free ends of the webs 194, which presses against the housing 116 when the closure element 134 is in the closed position. This prevents the closure element 134 from shifting beyond the closed position or the sealing element 144 from being damaged or displaced from its seat.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the closed position of the shown closure element 134, the sealing element 144, housed between the end 190 and the sub-element 133, creates a fluid seal between the flow space upstream of the closure element 134 and the flow space downstream of the closure element 134. The use of the end 190 has the additional advantage that the web 194 of the end 190 prevents the O-ring 144 from shifting from its seat.

[0062] Similar to Figure 5 The release position of the receiving unit 12 described herein, and the closing element 134 of the receiving unit 112 in Figure 7 The middle section is shown in the release position, thereby allowing fluid to flow along the entire length of the receiving unit 112 in the flow direction A. Compared to the first embodiment, no web 76 is provided in the closure element 120 of the housing 116 because the fluid flows through the opening 196 at the end 190 (see...).Figure 8 ; not shown in Figure 7 is guided. The fluid then flows radially outward around the immediate portion of the sealing element 144 and the sub-element 133 depending on the further course of the tubular portion 118 of the receiving unit 112. Via the perforations 138 the fluid reaches the radial interior, then flows past the central bolt 172 within the cylindrical portion 136 of the closure element 134. Due to the axial arrangement of the bolt 172 the previously radially running flow is converted into an axially running flow, thus reducing or even avoiding undesired turbulence or chocking effects. The further course of the fluid takes place within the plug-in unit 114, which is not shown here and is described below.

[0063] Figure 8 A perspective view of the closure element 134 comprising the end portion 190 and the sub-element 133 as described above is shown. It can be seen here that the end portion 190 comprises a plate-like base portion 192 and a plurality of webs 194, here four, protruding radially from the base portion 192. Perforations 196 through which fluid can pass when the closure element 134 is in the release position are arranged between the individual protruding webs 194. Figure 8 The arrangement of the window-like perforations 138 in the sub-element 133 is also shown, which are designed to establish a fluid connection between the outside and the inside of the closure element 134.

[0064] Figure 9 is a side view cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a coupling device 110 according to the invention. In comparison to the first embodiment of the coupling device 10, the coupling device 110 has the above-mentioned receiving unit 112 and a plug-in unit 114 in which a closure element 154 is accommodated, similar to the plug-in unit 14. The housing 148 of the plug-in unit 114 is designed here in two parts, comprising a tubular portion 150 and a further closure element 152, similar to the further closure element 52, which is connectable to a fluid line (not shown) and can optionally have a sealing element for this purpose, wherein the fluid outlet (or fluid inlet when the flow direction is reversed) of the closure element 152 is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the coupling device 110, in this case at a right angle. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that although the plug-in unit 114 is shown in Figure 9 at an angle in the drawings, this does not necessarily have to be the case. The tubular portion 150 and the further closure element 152 are connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner.

[0065] The wave spring 164 is accommodated within the plug-in unit 114 and preloads the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114 into its closed position. The wave spring 164 is held in a spring seat 163 which is integrally formed with the other closure element 152 and projects in the interior thereof in the shape of a ring. During the displacement of the closure element 154 from its release position into its closed position, the sealing element 158, which is accommodated radially outside on the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114, first comes into contact with a conical contact surface 165, so that the sealing element 158 is compressed radially inwards. Due to the action of the wave spring 164, the closure element 154 is further displaced until a stop surface 167 of the closure element 154 hits a corresponding stop surface 169 designed on the housing 148 of the plug-in unit 114. The closed position of the closure element 154 is thus defined by the contact of the stop surface 167 and the opposing stop surface 169. In this closed position, the sealing element 158 rests against a cylindrical sealing surface 171, the elastic restoring force of the sealing element 158 acting substantially orthogonally to the sealing surface 171 supporting this sealing effect. Of course, a cylindrical sealing surface of this type can likewise be provided on the receiving unit which interacts with the sealing element 144.

[0066] The connection process of the coupling device 110 will now be described in more detail below. If the plug-in unit 114 is inserted into the receiving unit 112, the contact surface 151 of the closure element 134 of the receiving unit 112 first contacts the opposing contact surface 153 of the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114. During the further insertion of the plug-in unit 114 into the receiving unit 112, at least one of the two closure elements 134, 154 is displaced from its closed position towards its release position, depending on the design of the spring force of the wave springs 28, 164. In the example shown, the spring force of the wave spring 164 is smaller than the spring force of the wave spring 28, so that the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114 is first displaced from its closed position into its release position. Then, the contact surface 132 of the closure element 134 of the receiving unit 112 contacts the opposing contact surface 182 of the housing 148 of the plug-in unit 114, so that the closure element 134 is also displaced from its closed position towards its release position. Figure 9 In the example shown, the spring force of the wave spring 164 is smaller than the spring force of the wave spring 28, so that the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114 is first displaced from its closed position into its release position. Then, the contact surface 132 of the closure element 134 of the receiving unit 112 contacts the opposing contact surface 182 of the housing 148 of the plug-in unit 114, so that the closure element 134 is also displaced from its closed position towards its release position.

[0067] If the fluid is now to be conveyed from the Figure 9The receiving unit 112 shown on the left deflects the fluid radially outwardly along the plug-in unit 114 as it flows into the plug-in unit 114, whereupon the fluid is deflected by the wedge-shaped base 159 and then flows through the opening 161 into the closure element 152 of the plug-in unit 114. In the released position of the closure element 154, the annular spring seat 173 of the closure element 154, in which the free end of the wave spring 164 not accommodated in the spring receiving portion 163 is accommodated, contacts the spring receiving portion 163 or is at least arranged adjacent thereto, thereby defining the released position of the closure element 154. Due to the contact or close proximity of the two annular portions, i.e. the spring seat 163 and the spring seat 173, the wave spring 164 is taken out of contact with the flowing fluid, such that by not allowing the fluid to contact the wave spring 164, the turbulence in this region of the plug-in unit 114 is minimized and fluid accumulation on the wave spring 164 is not possible.

[0068] The closure element 154 is guided within the tubular portion 150 of the housing 148 at its free end (shown on the left in Figure 9 a radial thickening.

[0069] The latching device 175 is formed on the radially outer side of the closure element 154 of the plug-in unit 114 and is designed to be latched on the receiving unit 112 in order to prevent an undesired separation between the receiving unit 112 and the plug-in unit 114.

Claims

1. A connection device for a fluid pipeline, comprising a receiving unit and a insertion unit, The receiving unit is designed to connect at a first end to a fluid line not belonging to the receiving unit and to define a fluid flow channel within the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a sealing element designed to fluidly seal the fluid flow channel between the first and second ends of the receiving unit in a closed position, with the second end opposite the first end for the main flow direction of the fluid flow channel. The sealing element is displaceable between the closed and released positions, wherein a spring element preloads the sealing element into the closed position. The sealing element includes a cylindrical portion without perforations, wherein in the released position, the entire spring element is arranged within an area completely covered by the cylindrical portion along its entire longitudinal range when viewed radially from the cylindrical portion. The sealing element also includes a perforated section, wherein the perforation of the section is formed as a window-like opening that fluidly connects the interior of the sealing element to the exterior of the sealing element. The insert unit is designed to connect at a first end to another fluid line not belonging to the insert unit, and defines a fluid flow channel inside the insert unit. The insert unit has a contact surface designed to contact a corresponding opposing contact surface of the closing element of the receiving unit when the insert unit is inserted into the receiving unit, such that as the insert unit continues to be inserted into the receiving unit, the closing element of the receiving unit shifts from its closed position toward the release position. A sealing device is arranged on the receiving unit and / or the insert unit, designed to fluidly isolate the fluid flow channel of the insert unit and / or the receiving unit from the outside of the coupling device between the receiving unit and the insert unit. The sealing device is arranged to establish a fluid seal between the receiving unit and the insert unit before the contact surface of the insert unit contacts the opposing contact surface of the closing element. The relative contact surfaces of the closure element of the receiving unit are designed as a collar protruding from the closure element of the receiving unit in the radial direction; and The receiving unit's closure element has a central bolt with a free end extending in the direction of the second end of the receiving unit, and the central bolt is designed to rest against a bolt receiving surface formed on the closure element of the insert unit when the insert unit is inserted into the receiving unit, such that as the insert unit continues to be inserted into the receiving unit, the closure element of the insert unit or the closure element of the receiving unit shifts from its closed position toward the released position.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that The insert unit further includes a closure element designed to fluidly seal the fluid flow channel of the insert unit between the second end and the first end when in the closed position, wherein the second end of the insert unit is opposite to the first end for the main flow direction of the fluid flow channel, and wherein the closure element of the insert unit is displaceable between the closed position and the released position, wherein the closure element of the insert unit is preloaded into the closed position using a spring element.

3. The coupling device of claim 2, wherein, The closing element of the insert unit has an increasing diameter in the direction from the second end of the insert unit to the first end of the insert unit.

4. The coupling device of claim 2, wherein, The spring force acting on the closing element of the insert unit is lower than the spring force acting on the closing element of the receiving unit, such that when the insert unit is inserted into the receiving unit, the closing element of the insert unit first moves from its closed position to its released position, and then, as the insert unit continues to be inserted into the receiving unit, the closing element of the receiving unit moves from its closed position to its released position.

5. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The spring element is a wave spring.

6. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The spring element is arranged radially outward of the cylindrical portion.

7. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The perforation in the segment is designed as four window-shaped openings.

8. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The receiving unit has a housing that accommodates the closure element, wherein the housing has a radially inwardly extending protrusion that is designed to contact the closure element when the closure element is in the closed position.

9. The connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that The protrusion has an inclined side, such that the protrusion causes the cross-section of the interior of the housing to gradually decrease in the direction from the release position of the closure element to the closed position.

10. The connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that The housing of the receiving unit is designed as multiple parts.

11. The connecting device according to claim 10, Its features are, A first housing portion, including the first end of the receiving unit, is fluid-tightly connected to a second housing portion, including the second end of the receiving unit.

12. The connecting device according to claim 8, Its features are, At least one protruding web is arranged on the housing, the at least one protruding web being designed to define the release position of the closure element when in contact with the closure element.

13. The connecting device according to claim 1, Its features are, The center bolt is designed such that, when the insert unit is inserted into the receiving unit, the free end of the center bolt rests against the bolt receiving surface formed on the closure element of the insert unit.

14. The connecting device according to claim 8, Its features are, The protrusion is designed to contact a sealing element disposed on the closure element when the closure element is in the closed position.

15. The connecting device according to claim 11, Its features are, The first housing portion is connected to the second housing portion using a rotary welding process or a laser welding process.

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