Coupling sleeve with smooth seal
By adopting a decoupling design between the decoupling ring and the seal in the coupling sleeve, the problem of insufficient insertion force balance and rotation flexibility in the prior art is solved, which reduces production costs and improves the sealing effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410851291.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-20
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
The existing coupling sleeves are difficult to balance force when inserting the coupling plug, and the rotation flexibility of the head parts and seals are insufficient, and the production cost is high.
Manufactured separately from the head component and seal, and decoupled from the seal slot by an additional decoupling ring, it is designed to be rotatably symmetrical to achieve flexible connection and smooth insertion of the head component and seal.
The flexibility of the head component and the seal in the rotation direction and force balance during insertion are achieved, which reduces production costs and improves the sealing effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN119222410A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a coupling sleeve, comprising a sleeve body made of multiple parts and a sealing groove, which deviates from a pure rotational encirclement. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the coupling sleeve. Background Art
[0002] A coupling sleeve of this type is known from DE 20 2019 002 026 U1, in which the head part with its inward / inward end wall forms the outer groove wall of the sealing groove of the coupling sleeve. Therefore, the head part can also be regarded as a retaining ring, or the retaining ring and the head part are connected to each other in one piece. The shape of the sealing groove is configured as a trapezoid in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve, wherein the radially outer groove bottom is, for example, slightly wider than the radially inner groove. The head part is completely inserted into the seal so that it simultaneously receives the connecting plug and the retainer therein. The head part has latching projections on its outer surface, which correspond to corresponding notches in the seal and ensure that the head part is latched in the seal.
[0003] DE 20 2019 002 026 U1 describes a sealing ring which (at least when installed in the sleeve body) deviates from a rotationally symmetrical shape relative to the center axis of the coupling section. Depending on the circumferential position, this sealing ring has a longitudinal section whose center point of area is axially more outward or axially more inward, depending on the circumferential position. Due to the deviation from rotational symmetry, the axial forces required when moving the connection plug into the connection sleeve are balanced in the assumed displacement-force diagram, and the required maximum force is thus reduced. The deviation of the sealing ring and the sealing groove from rotational symmetry can be clearly seen in the longitudinal section of the connection sleeve. As a result, the connection sleeve or its seal is relatively smooth when the connection plug is inserted.
[0004] EP 2 206 943 B1 describes a coupling sleeve whose sealing groove is rotationally symmetrical. Although the head part is inserted into the seal and welded to it, it is not completely inserted into the seal, so that it is visible from the outside and the retainer is only received by the head part. The head part simultaneously forms a retaining ring for the sealing ring with its axially inward end wall. Since the contacting end walls are rotationally symmetrical, the head part and the seal can be rotated relative to each other almost arbitrarily about the center axis of the coupling section, thus achieving the desired flexibility in terms of the geometry of the coupling sleeve.
[0005] In contrast, in the case of DE 20 2019 002 026 U1, the head part cannot be rotated arbitrarily relative to the seal, on the one hand due to the latching connection and on the other hand due to the deviation of the sealing groove from rotational symmetry. Summary of the invention
[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a coupling sleeve which, on the one hand, offers great flexibility with regard to the rotation of the head piece relative to the seal and, on the other hand, is relatively smooth when inserting the coupling plug.
[0007] This object is achieved by a coupling sleeve according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the coupling sleeve or the sleeve body comprises a decoupling ring for decoupling the head part from the sealing groove, wherein the decoupling ring is manufactured separately from the head part so that the decoupling ring is not integrally connected to the head part, and wherein the decoupling ring forms at least a section of the outer groove wall with its axially inwardly facing back side.
[0008] Firstly, the invention is based on the recognition that the teaching of DE 20 2019 002 026 U1 is incompatible with the teaching of EP 2 206 943 B1. Therefore, the end faces of the head part and the seal have to be designed rotationally symmetrically in order for the head part and the seal to cooperate with each other in almost all rotational positions. At the same time, the sealing groove must deviate from the rotational symmetry in order to be able to achieve the above-mentioned equalization of the axial forces to be applied when the connection plug is inserted into the connection sleeve.
[0009] The present invention is based in particular on the recognition that the end side of the head component facing the seal can be decoupled from the sealing groove by an additional decoupling ring, which is contrary to the clear teaching of DE 20 2019 002 026 U1 and EP 2 206 943 B1. Because this requires an additional component in a separately manufactured form, which increases the production costs. In this way, first of all, an additional set of injection molds is required, and an additional manufacturing process is also required, that is, the decoupling ring is fastened in the seal. The important recognition of the inventor is that although the automotive supplier market is extremely sensitive to prices, this additional cost is still accepted. In particular, it has been found that by decoupling, the separate decoupling ring can be matched with the head component on the axially outward side, and can therefore be designed to be rotationally symmetrical, while the axially inward side of the decoupling ring can be matched with the sealing groove.
[0010] The idea of decoupling the head from the seal by an additional decoupling ring is an important component of the present invention. Although an additional "retaining ring" is already known from EP 1 600 683 B1, the retaining ring disclosed therein is used to retain the sealing ring during the injection molding process of the head. In particular, the retaining ring is used to shield the sealing ring from the molten material of the head during the injection molding process. If there is no retaining ring, the sealing ring will be buried in the molten material and will lose the necessary elasticity in the solidified material after the molten material solidifies. Therefore, the retaining ring or shielding ring is particularly important mainly in the case of manufacturing the head by injection molding. If injection molding is not performed, the retaining function (as in other known embodiments) can be simply integrated in the head.
[0011] Finally, the invention is based on the recognition that the decoupling of the head part is the best of all solutions that provide the two functions mentioned at the beginning. For example, the sealing ring can have a larger axial extension / dimension when viewed in longitudinal section, wherein the sealing ring is not compressed so much in the radial direction by the connecting plug at the same time. However, the inventors have recognized that smaller tolerances lead to higher costs than a separate decoupling ring. According to another abandoned solution example, the sealing ring or the connecting plug can be equipped with a sliding coating. However, in the case of a coated connecting plug, too much cost will be passed on to third parties and in particular to the automobile manufacturer. In particular, the mutual cooperation of the connecting plug and the connecting sleeve must be tested, which requires the cooperation of the supplier of the connecting plug (usually the supplier of the unit or the component connected to the fluid line) and ultimately the automobile manufacturer. In the case of a coated sealing ring, the price of the sealing ring increases many times due to the custom production in this case. In addition, due to the rubber-like material of the sealing ring and the contact with the fluid, the requirements for the coating are extremely high and the long-term stability is very limited. It is therefore found that the purpose mentioned at the beginning is achieved in a particularly satisfactory manner by the solution of the present invention.
[0012] The expression "its entire circumference, viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve, deviates at least partially from a vertical line perpendicular to the central axis" preferably means that this point deviates from the entire rotational symmetry about the central axis. Further preferably, this expression means that the circumference of the point is described by an additional axial and / or radial component in addition to the rotation in the circumferential direction.
[0013] The term "integrally / integrally" preferably means that the connection is not only one-piece (e.g. by welding), but is also formed by casting or injection molding using only one material source. In contrast, two-component injection molding (as long as a material connection occurs between the two parts) is not an integral connection, but a one-piece connection. The expression "one-piece connection" preferably means that two elements connected to each other by a material connection (welding or adhesive bonding) can only be separated from each other irreversibly or destructively. A reversible connection is, for example, a releasable latching connection or a screw connection. A welded connection can be a one-piece connection, but not an integral connection.
[0014] The directional specification "axially inwards" or "axially inwards" preferably refers to the axial direction from the coupling section to the connecting section. The directional specification "axially outwards" or "axially outward" preferably refers to the axial direction from the connecting section to the coupling section.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner groove wall is connected to the seal or the connecting section or the groove bottom or the at least one angle adjustment element in one piece and preferably in one piece. This allows for an advantageous stability of the seal or an economical production of the seal.
[0016] It is very preferred that the decoupling ring is manufactured separately from the seal, so that the decoupling ring is not connected to the seal in one piece. Therefore, the seal can be pre-fixed when manufacturing the connecting sleeve and the seal can be inserted more easily. The decoupling ring can be connected to the seal in a force-locking and / or form-locking and / or material-locking manner. The decoupling ring can be connected to the seal, for example, by a press fit and / or by locking and / or in one piece and in particular by welding (for example laser welding or spin welding). The decoupling ring can be arranged in the sleeve body in a non-contact manner with the head part. According to one embodiment, the decoupling ring contacts at least one complementary angle adjustment element of the head part.
[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a point of the axially inwardly facing back side of the decoupling ring deviates at least partially from a vertical line perpendicular to the central axis along (in particular over) the circumference, when viewed in longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve. This makes it possible for the outer groove wall to be parallel to the inner groove wall, so that a relatively constant pressing of the sealing ring is achieved. As a result, the force connection between the complementary coupling plug and the sealing ring along the circumference is formed very uniformly, so that the fluid finds almost no weak points on the sealing ring. Thus, a particularly good seal is achieved in this way.
[0018] Preferably, the inner groove wall and the outer groove wall are designed to be parallel to each other in the circumferential direction at least partially and preferably along the entire circumference. Preferably, in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve, a point of the outer groove wall and a point of the inner groove wall at the same radial height r define a distance A0 from each other, wherein the distance A(α) of the two points along the entire circumference (angle α around the center axis) does not deviate by more than 90% or 70% or 50% or 30% of the distance A0 in the longitudinal section: |A0-A(α)| / A0<Δ=0.9 or 0.7 or 0.5 or 0.3.
[0019] Advantageously, in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve, a point of the inner groove wall and / or the outer groove wall describes a circumferential path in the entire circumference. The circumferential path of the point preferably has at least one axially inwardly distal position (axial minimum) and at least one axially outwardly distal position (axial maximum). The axial difference D between the axial minimum and the axial maximum is preferably greater than 1 / 10 or 1 / 8 or 1 / 6 or 1 / 4 of the axial dimension of the cross-sectional area of the sealing ring in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve in the relaxed state.
[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the point of the inner groove wall comprises two axial minima and two axial maxima along the entire circumferential path in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve. Preferably, the two axial maxima are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the central axis. The two minima are expediently diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the central axis. Preferably, the axial maximum and the minimum of the circumferential path are arranged equidistant from each other on the circumferential path. Preferably, the axial position of the circumferential path varies in a wave-like manner with reference to the circumferential angle, so that axial minima and maxima are formed. The at least two axial minima and maxima enable a particularly stable fixing of the sealing ring in the sealing groove when the coupling plug is inserted.
[0021] The decoupling ring and / or the head and / or the seal suitably comprise plastic. Thus, these components can be manufactured by injection molding, which provides economical manufacturing compared to metal products. Preferably, the decoupling ring and / or the head and / or the seal have a plastic of at least 30 or 50 or 70 or 90% by weight. The decoupling ring, the head and the seal may have the same plastic or different plastics.
[0022] Preferably, the decoupling ring is in a form-fitting connection with the seal in the circumferential direction, in particular a form-fitting connection realized by a tongue-and-groove connection. This makes it possible to align the decoupling ring in a defined manner relative to the inner groove wall or the seal in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the decoupling ring comprises an angle fixing element. Advantageously, the seal has a complementary angle fixing element. The complementary angle fixing element is suitably designed to be complementary to the angle fixing element. Preferably, the angle fixing element forms a tongue-and-groove connection with the complementary angle fixing element. According to one embodiment, the angle fixing element is designed as a groove, into which the complementary angle fixing element in the form of a projection is embedded.
[0023] It is particularly advantageous that the coupling sleeve is configured so that the head part can be rotated about the central axis relative to the seal before being reversibly or irreversibly fastened to each other, thereby providing a plurality of possible angular positions between the head part and the seal. This makes it possible to have greater flexibility in production while having sufficient freedom to choose the angular position. For example, a seal that is angled in the longitudinal section can be assembled with the head part in different angular positions along the circumferential direction, thereby producing a corresponding number of different coupling sleeves. In the case of an integral coupling body, a set of expensive injection molds is required each time for these different coupling sleeves. However, due to the separate manufacture of the head part and the seal, only two sets of injection molds are required, but many different coupling sleeves can be realized by means of the modular design principle. In particular, the head part can also be combined with different seals. For example, the head part can also be combined with a seal that is only bent by 45° or not bent at all.
[0024] It is advantageous if only a determined or limited or discrete number of angular positions are provided. Preferably, the coupling sleeve comprises at least 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 8 or 10 or 12 or 15 determined angular positions. Particularly preferably, the angular positions represent equidistant angular differences along the circumferential direction. The coupling sleeve is advantageously configured so that the angular positions can be established by means of the angular adjustment element and / or the complementary angular adjustment element.
[0025] It is very preferred that the seal comprises at least one angle adjustment element for adjusting the angular position between the seal and the head part in the circumferential direction, wherein the head part has at least one angle adjustment element complementary to the angle adjustment element. Preferably, the at least one angle adjustment element comprises a tooth shape and preferably adjacent notches in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the complementary angle adjustment element has a notch shape and preferably adjacent teeth in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the angle adjustment element extends in the circumferential direction at a maximum of 180° or 120° or 90° or 72° or 60° or 45° or 36° or 30°. The number of angle adjustment elements or complementary angle adjustment elements suitably determines the number of determined angular positions or the size of the angle adjustment elements or complementary angle adjustment elements in the circumferential direction. It is very preferred that the seal has a plurality of angle adjustment elements. The head part suitably comprises a plurality of complementary angle adjustment elements. Preferably, the number of angle adjustment elements corresponds to the number of complementary angle adjustment elements. The angle adjustment elements are advantageously configured to be identical to each other. Preferably, the complementary angle adjustment elements are configured to be identical to each other.
[0026] The decoupling ring preferably has an insertion surface, the contour of which (viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve) comprises at least one axial portion and one radial portion. This allows for better insertion of a complementary coupling plug. The insertion surface is preferably designed to be completely circumferential. Advantageously, the insertion surface defines a tapering opening in the axial inward direction. The insertion surface can be designed to be conical.
[0027] Advantageously, the groove bottom and / or the inner groove wall and / or the outer groove wall have, at least partially, an arcuately curved profile when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve. This makes it possible to fix the sealing ring more reliably. Preferably, the arcuately curved profile of the inner groove wall, when viewed in a longitudinal section, comprises an axially inwardly pointing bulge. The outer groove wall can comprise a straight profile or a profile extending only in the radial direction. The groove bottom, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve, can have a profile extending only in the axial direction.
[0028] The coupling sleeve advantageously comprises a display element for displaying the position of the coupling plug in the coupling sleeve. This provides greater assembly reliability. It is possible that the coupling sleeve is configured so that the display element displays that the coupling plug has been fully inserted into the coupling sleeve. According to one embodiment, the coupling sleeve is configured so that the display element displays that the coupling plug has not been fully inserted into the coupling sleeve. The display element can form an optical and / or tactile and / or electrical or electronic display signal. The display element can be designed, for example, as a two-dimensional code and / or as an element protruding from the coupling body and / or as a radio signal. Preferably, the display element is in direct or indirect contact with the coupling plug. It is possible that a sliding member on the outer surface of the coupling body can only slide axially when the coupling plug is fully inserted, so that the user can see an optical code, such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode. It is possible that the retainer has an indicator or an indicating element so that the retainer can only be inserted into the coupling body when the coupling plug is fully inserted, thereby generating an optical and tactile signal. It is possible that in the case where the coupling plug is not inserted, a circuit remains disconnected or connected so that a chip sends a corresponding radio signal.
[0029] Advantageously, the coupling sleeve is designed such that when the head piece and the seal are brought together in the axial direction, an increasingly stronger positive fit is achieved in the circumferential direction. This allows a reliable fit when the head piece and the seal are assembled together, and at the same time ensures a defined position of the head piece and the seal relative to each other in the circumferential direction. In addition, this also creates a tactile sensation, signaling to the user that the assembled parts are assembled in the expected manner.
[0030] The angle adjustment element is advantageously embedded in the complementary angle adjustment element when the head part and the seal are combined together in the axial direction. Very preferably, the angle adjustment element and the complementary angle adjustment element form a form lock when the head part and the seal are combined together in the axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction, so that when the head part and the seal are in abutment in the axial direction, movement between the head part and the seal in the circumferential direction is no longer possible. Preferably, the at least one angle adjustment element of the seal gradually becomes smaller or wider in the circumferential direction in the axial outward direction. Preferably, the at least one angle adjustment element and the at least one complementary angle adjustment element form a tongue-and-groove connection, the groove of which gradually becomes smaller towards the groove bottom.
[0031] The retainer can be configured as a wire rack or an injection molded part. A suitable retainer is thus provided. The retainer can be configured to be essentially U-shaped or completely surrounding. Preferably, the retainer configured as a wire rack is designed to be U-shaped and has two U-shaped legs and a U-shaped base. Advantageously, the retainer is configured to be separate from the sleeve body or the head part or the seal. Preferably, the retainer is movably supported in the sleeve body or the head part. The retainer appropriately determines the insertion direction along which the retainer is inserted into the sleeve body or the head part.
[0032] The purpose described at the beginning is achieved by a fluid pipeline, wherein the fluid pipeline includes a coupling sleeve and a tube of the present invention. Therefore, the complexity of fluid technology is moved to the fluid pipeline, so that the design of the connecting plug can be much simpler. As a result, a simple connecting plug can be configured for the unit, thereby ensuring a clear division of responsibilities between different suppliers. Preferably, the weight percentage of plastics possessed by the tube and / or the coupling body is at least 30% or 50% or 70% or 90%. Preferably, the connecting section of the coupling body is configured as a plug-in section. It is possible that the tube is inserted or has been inserted into the connecting section, or is inserted or has been inserted into the connecting section. The connection between the tube and the connecting section is preferably designed to be force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked. For example, the tube can be inserted into the connecting section by press-fitting, thereby forming a force-locked and form-locked connection. The tube can also be inserted into the receiving portion of the connecting section so as to manufacture a material-locked connection in the second step. In particular, the material-locked connection can be manufactured by welding and preferably by laser welding.
[0033] The object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for manufacturing a coupling sleeve according to the invention, wherein a decoupling ring is fastened to a seal, wherein preferably a head piece is then fastened to the seal. Preferably, before the decoupling ring is fastened to the seal, a sealing ring is arranged in the seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention is explained in detail below with the aid of five drawings of an exemplary embodiment. The schematic diagram shows:
[0035] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the coupling sleeve of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve shown in the assembled state;
[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 A perspective view of the decoupling ring of the present invention is shown with a coupling sleeve;
[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and 2 A longitudinal section of the seal of the coupling sleeve, and
[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and 2 A perspective view of the head part of the coupling sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] according to Figure 1 , the coupling sleeve 1 comprises a sleeve body 2 and a retainer 3 and a sealing ring 7. The retainer 3 of this initial example preferably complies with VDA and can be designed as a U-shaped wire frame with a U-shaped base and two U-shaped legs. The sealing ring 7 preferably comprises an elastomer and is used to seal the coupling sleeve 1 with a force-locking seal relative to a complementary coupling plug not shown here.
[0041] The connection plug may have a groove or a shoulder on its outer surface, by means of which the connection plug can be locked on the holder 3 in the connection sleeve 1 in a known manner. Preferably, the holder 3 and / or the sealing ring 7 can be reversibly removed from the connection sleeve 1. The term "reversibly" preferably means non-destructive removal.
[0042] observe Figure 1 and 2 , the sleeve body 2 has a head part 12, a decoupling ring 14 and a sealing member 13. In this embodiment, preferably, the sealing ring 7 is first installed in the sealing member 13, and then the decoupling ring is appropriately installed in the sealing member 13 for pre-fixing the sealing ring 7 and for decoupling which will be described in detail below.
[0043] Preferably, after the decoupling ring 14 is fastened to the seal 13, the head part 12 is connected to the seal 13. Preferably, the head part 12 includes a contact section 22 for contacting the seal 13. The seal 13 advantageously has a contact section 23 for contacting the head part 12. In this embodiment, the contact section 22 of the head part 12 and the contact section 23 of the seal 13 are welded to each other, and in particular connected to each other by laser welding.
[0044] Preferably, the head piece 12, the decoupling ring 14 and / or the seal 13 are each made of plastic (particularly by means of injection molding). According to the invention, the head piece 12, the decoupling ring 14 and the seal 13 are made separately from each other. In this embodiment, the head piece 12, the decoupling ring 14 and the seal 13 form a one-piece sleeve body 2 due to two welds.
[0045] In this embodiment, the decoupling ring 14 is fastened on or in the seal 13 by a circumferential (preferably completely circumferential) welded connection on the radial outer surface 32 of the decoupling ring 14. The coupling sleeve 1 or the sleeve body 2 expediently comprises an end wall 21 which is assigned to the head piece 12 and faces the coupling plug to be inserted.
[0046] The decoupling ring 14 advantageously comprises an angle fixing element 26, which corresponds to a complementary angle fixing element of the seal 13. In this embodiment, the angle fixing element 26 is designed as a groove on the radial outer surface 32 of the decoupling ring 14. The complementary angle fixing element 27 is expediently designed as a tongue complementary to the angle fixing element 26. Preferably, the decoupling ring comprises an insertion surface 18, which is advantageously arranged on the front side or the axial outer side of the decoupling ring 14. The insertion surface 18 tapers in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve 1 in the direction of the axial inner side and has, for example, a conical shape, which is tapered in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve 1. Figure 2 The longitudinal section of the embodiment of the present invention shows an inclined profile 19.
[0047] The back side 15 of the decoupling ring 14 is preferably connected to the Figure 2 There are two inward sections 28 extending in the axial direction and expediently two axially outward sections 29. The sealing ring 7 thus extends in the installed state in a plurality of planes extending perpendicularly to the central axis M. As a result, the forces to be applied axially when inserting the connection plug are equalized in the force-displacement curve or are stretched in the sense of a "flattening of the curve", so that the insertion of the connection plug is smoother overall.
[0048] The head part 12 can have a holder receptacle 25 in a known manner, which holder receptacle is provided according to the invention. Figure 1 and 2In particular, the U-shaped legs of the holder 3 can be received therein. According to the invention, the head part 12 comprises at least a part of the coupling section 5. The coupling section 5 can be determined in particular by the maximum axial extension of the coupling plug in the coupling sleeve 1 and (as in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment) it can also extend up to the seal 13.
[0049] The head part 12 or the sleeve body 2 may include an anti-rotation mechanism 24, which prevents the connection plug from rotating in the sleeve body 2. The anti-rotation mechanism 24 may include at least one tongue or one groove, and according to Figure 1 In particular, two grooves may be present.
[0050] According to the present invention, the sealing member 13 includes a connecting section 4 for connecting to a pipe or a unit. The connecting section 4 can be configured to be connected to a pipe or a unit, but can also be already connected to the pipe or the unit. The connecting section 4 can be configured for insertion or insertion, and can include material locking, force locking and / or form locking. In the current embodiment, the connecting section 4 is configured with barbs or ribs on the outer surface to reliably fasten the pipe inserted thereon or the unit inserted thereon (neither the pipe nor the unit is shown). The connecting section 4 and the coupling section 5 are suitably fluidically connected to each other through the fluid channel 6 of the sleeve body 2.
[0051] In this embodiment, according to Figure 1 and 2 The coupling sleeve 1 is designed to be angled so that the center axis M of the coupling section 5 deviates from the center axis (not shown) of the connecting section 4 in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve 1. In particular, the center axis M forms a right angle with the center axis, for example. The curvature is preferably formed in the seal 13 so that the head part 12 can be connected to a plurality of different seals 13 having different curvatures.
[0052] Particularly preferably according to Figure 1 and 2 The seal 13 comprises at least one angle adjustment element 20. The head part 12 advantageously comprises at least one complementary angle adjustment element 31, see Figure 5. The seal 13 and / or the head part 12 suitably include a plurality of angle adjustment elements 20 or complementary angle adjustment elements 31. Preferably, when the head part 12 and the seal 13 are combined together, the angle adjustment elements 20 or the complementary angle adjustment elements 31 bite into or mesh with each other. Very preferably, the head part 12 and the seal 13 can be connected to each other at a plurality of rotational positions around the central axis M by means of the at least one angle adjustment element 20 or the at least one complementary angle adjustment element 31, so that the connecting section 4 can occupy a plurality of angular positions relative to the head part 12 or the retainer 3. In the current embodiment, the seal 13 includes sixteen angle adjustment elements 20 and the head part 12 includes sixteen complementary angle adjustment elements 31, so that the seal 13 and the head part 12 can be fastened relative to each other in steps of 22.5°.
[0053] according to Figure 4 As shown, the contact section 23 of the seal 13 comprises a head piece receiving portion 30, in which the contact section 22 of the head piece 12 is embedded, see Figure 2 In this exemplary embodiment, the two contact sections 22 , 23 are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, for example by laser welding.
[0054] In particular, it can be obtained from Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the decoupling ring 14 has an axially inwardly facing back side 15. Figure 2 No vertical line or a sequence of multiple vertical lines is formed in the longitudinal section of the back side 15. Preferably, the contour of the back side 15 is Figure 2 The longitudinal section is designed to be curved. Figure 1 and 3 The back side 15 of the decoupling ring 14 can also be clearly seen in the figure. Therefore, the back side 15 of the decoupling ring 14 in this embodiment comprises a continuous strip, which forms the outer groove wall 11 in the assembled state of the coupling sleeve 1, see Figure 3 .exist Figure 2 It can be seen that the back side 15 has the largest extension / dimension in the radially upper region and the radially lower region in the axially inward direction. In contrast, the back side 15 of the decoupling ring 14 has a maximum extension / dimension in the radially upper region and the radially lower region in the axially inward direction. Figure 2 In the longitudinal section of the embodiment, the minimum extent / dimension is present in two radially central regions in the axially inward direction.
[0055] Especially in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the coupling sleeve comprises a sealing groove 8, in which the sealing ring 7 is arranged. The sealing groove 8 comprises a radially outer groove bottom 9 as well as an axially inner groove wall 10 and the already mentioned axially outer groove wall 11. According to the invention, at least a portion of the back side 15 of the decoupling ring 14 forms at least a portion of the outer groove wall 11.
[0056] exist Figure 4 The inner groove wall 10 can be better seen in the figure, because the sealing ring 7 has been omitted here to better show the sealing groove 8. Preferably and in the present embodiment, the inner groove wall 10 is Figure 4 The seal 13 has an arc-shaped curved shape in the radial direction - along the entire longitudinal section of the seal 13. In addition, in order to better show the remaining components of the sealing groove 8, Figure 4 The decoupling ring 14 is also omitted. In contrast, the outer groove wall 11 is marked with a dashed line. Preferably, the inner groove wall 10 and the outer groove wall 11 define a notch 16 in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve 1 or the seal 13, which is also schematically indicated by a dashed line. The inner groove wall 10, the outer groove wall 11, the groove bottom 9 and the notch 16 suitably define a longitudinal section 17 (shown here by shading) of the sealing groove 8. This longitudinal section 17 can be equipped with an area center point. In this embodiment, the area center point of the longitudinal section 17 deviates from a vertical line perpendicular to the center axis M when viewed in the longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve along the circumference around the center axis M.
[0057] from Figure 2 and more from Figure 4 It can be seen that in this embodiment, any point of the contour of the inner groove wall 10 along the entire circumference around the central axis M does not remain in a plane perpendicular to the central axis M. Instead, the inner groove wall 10 is preferably parallel to the outer groove wall 11, so that any point of the contour of the inner groove wall 10 is parallel to another arbitrary point of the outer groove wall 11 during the entire circumference. In particular, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the radially outer region of the inner groove wall 10 is arranged axially more inwardly, while the two radial regions, which are therefore closer to the center axis M, are arranged axially more inwardly. Figure 4 In the longitudinal section, it is arranged more outward in the axial direction.
[0058] In contrast, the front side or the axial outer side of the decoupling ring 14 preferably does not deviate from the rotationally symmetrical design. The decoupling ring 14 thus allows the head part 12 to be decoupled from the seal 13 or the sealing groove 8. As a result, compatibility with the head part 12 is always ensured.
[0059] The sealing ring 7 can have the shape of a torus, and in particular an ideal rotating torus. If the sealing ring 7 is inserted into the sealing groove 8 and is pre-fixed by the decoupling ring 14, the sealing ring 7 - preferably without changing its longitudinal section - approximately takes on the course of the sealing groove 8. Figure 2 This can be seen most clearly in .
[0060] Reference numerals list
[0061] 1 Coupling sleeve
[0062] 2 Sleeve body
[0063] 3 Retainer
[0064] 4 2 connection section
[0065] 5 2 connection section
[0066] 6 2 fluid channels
[0067] 7 Sealing ring
[0068] 8 2 Sealing groove
[0069] 9 8 groove bottom
[0070] 10 8 inner groove wall
[0071] 11 8 outer groove wall
[0072] 12 Head parts
[0073] 13 Seals
[0074] 14 Decoupling ring
[0075] 15 14 back side
[0076] 16 8 notch
[0077] 17 8 longitudinal section
[0078] 18 14 Insertion Surface
[0079] 19 18 outline
[0080] 20 13 Angle adjustment element
[0081] 21 End wall of 1, 2, 12
[0082] 22 12 contact section
[0083] 23 13 contact section
[0084] 24 1 Anti-rotation mechanism for connecting plug
[0085] 25 Retainer receiving portion
[0086] 26 14 Angle fixing element
[0087] 27 13 complementary angle fixing elements
[0088] 28 15 inward segment
[0089] 29 15 outward segment
[0090] 30 13, 23 head component receiving portion
[0091] 31 12 complementary angle adjustment elements
[0092] 32 14 radial outer surface
[0093] M Central axis
Claims
1. A coupling sleeve (1), comprising a sleeve body (2) and a retainer (3), wherein the sleeve body (2) comprises a connecting section (4) and a connecting section (5), the retainer (3) being arranged in the connecting section (5), the connecting section (5) being configured to receive a complementary connecting plug in the connecting section, the connecting section (4) being capable of or already being connected to a pipe or a unit, a fluid channel (6) of the sleeve body (2) connecting the connecting section (5) and the connecting section (4) to each other in a fluid manner, the center axis (M) of the connecting section (5) defining the axial direction, radial direction and circumferential direction of the connecting section (5), The coupling sleeve (1) comprises at least one sealing ring (7), the coupling sleeve (1) having a sealing groove (8), the sealing ring (7) being arranged in the sealing groove (8), the sealing groove (8) comprising a groove bottom (9) and an inner groove wall (10) and an outer groove wall (11) in the axial direction, wherein: When viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve (1), the inner groove wall (10) and / or the outer groove wall (11) has at least one point or each has at least one point, the entire encirclement of which, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve (1), deviates at least partially from a vertical line perpendicular to the center axis (M), The sleeve body (2) comprises a head part (12) and a sealing part (13), which are manufactured separately from each other and connected to each other, wherein the head part (12) at least partially comprises a connecting section (5), wherein the sealing part (13) at least partially comprises a connecting section (4), wherein the sealing part (13) comprises the groove bottom (9) and an inner groove wall (10), It is characterized in that The coupling sleeve (1) or the sleeve body (2) comprises a decoupling ring (14) for decoupling the head part (12) from the sealing groove (8), wherein the decoupling ring (14) is manufactured separately from the head part (12), so that the decoupling ring (14) is not integrally connected to the head part (12), wherein the decoupling ring (14) forms at least one section of the outer groove wall (11) with at least a part of the back side (15) facing inward in the axial direction.
2. The coupling sleeve (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The inner groove wall (10) is connected in one piece and preferably in one piece to the seal (13) or the connecting section (4).
3. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The decoupling ring (14) is manufactured separately from the sealing member (13), so that the decoupling ring (14) is not connected to the sealing member (13) in an integral manner.
4. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When viewed in longitudinal section through the coupling sleeve (1), a point of the axially inwardly facing back side (15) of the decoupling ring (14) lies along a vertical line that deviates at least partially from the central axis (M).
5. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The decoupling ring (14) and / or the head piece (12) and / or the seal (13) comprise plastic.
6. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The decoupling ring (14) is in a positive-locking connection with the seal (13) in the circumferential direction, in particular a positive-locking connection realized by a tongue-and-groove connection.
7. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The coupling sleeve (1) is designed so that the head part (12) can be rotated relative to the seal (13) about a center axis (M) before being reversibly or irreversibly fastened to each other, thereby providing a plurality of possible angular positions between the head part (12) and the seal (13).
8. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The sealing member (13) comprises at least one angle adjustment element (20) for adjusting the angular position between the sealing member (13) and the head member (12) along a circumferential direction, wherein the head member (12) comprises at least one angle adjustment element (31) complementary to the angle adjustment element (20).
9. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The decoupling ring (14) has an insertion surface (18), the contour (19) of which, viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve (1), comprises at least one axial portion and one radial portion.
10. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The groove bottom (9) and / or the inner groove wall (10) and / or the outer groove wall (11) have, at least in places, an arc-shaped curved contour when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling sleeve (1).
11. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The coupling sleeve (1) comprises a display element for displaying the position of the coupling plug in the coupling sleeve (1).
12. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The coupling sleeve (1) is designed so that the head piece (12) and the sealing element (13) form an increasingly stronger positive fit in the circumferential direction when they are assembled together in the axial direction.
13. The coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The holder is designed as a wire rack or as an injection-molded part.
14. Fluid line comprising a coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a pipe.
15. Method for producing a coupling sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The decoupling ring (14) is fastened to the seal (13), wherein the head piece (12) is preferably then fastened to the seal (13).