Connecting device and connecting method for connecting pipe body and corresponding part of household appliance

Abstract

The connecting device is used for connecting the pipe body and a corresponding component of the household appliance and comprises a protruding part which is located on the outer surface of the pipe body and protrudes. The joint shell is arranged on the corresponding part and is provided with a front opening and a fluid opening; the first side arm and the second side arm extend along the side face of the joint shell and are located outside the joint shell; the clamping part is connected with the first side arm and the second side arm, a locking area is arranged in the middle of the clamping part and between the two side arms, a locking protrusion is formed in the locking area in the direction facing the front opening, and a pushing face is formed in the direction away from the front opening. The ends, away from the front opening, of the first side arm and the second side arm are fixedly connected with the joint shell to form a bent lever, when the bent lever is in a balanced state, the pipe body can be locked in the joint shell, and when the bent lever is bent and separates the locking protrusion from the protrusion, the pipe body and the joint shell are unlocked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a pipe body and a corresponding component of a household appliance and a method for connecting the pipe body to the corresponding component of the household appliance using the connecting device. Background Art

[0002] Connecting devices used to connect pipes to corresponding components to achieve fluid connections typically use clamps or brackets to securely attach the pipes to the corresponding components. This type of connection requires increased effort when securing and releasing the pipes. Consequently, existing technologies still present technical challenges in the assembly and maintenance of household appliances, such as safely and efficiently connecting water pipes to solenoid valves or other components, such as washing machines.

[0003] Typical connection methods rely on deformable tubing, typically made of EPDM synthetic rubber or corrugated PP with an overmolded TPE sleeve, sealed with additional clamps to ensure a tight seal. These require a tight fit between the tubing and the corresponding component, often requiring high assembly forces and the use of lubricants to reduce these forces. Furthermore, the additional clamps complicate the connection and may require special tooling. Due to the unpredictable deformation of elastic materials, automation of this assembly process is extremely challenging and virtually impossible to achieve with robotics.

[0004] Document DE 10031166 A1 describes a plug-in lock connection for a corrugated hose. This lock is achieved by attaching a corrugated hose with annular ribs to a connector having a retaining device. The retaining device comprises at least two plate-shaped fixing elements, each with radially extending locking tabs at its end. The tabs engage the annular ribs on the hose. These tabs can be moved radially outward by lever operation to disengage the tabs and allow the hose to be disconnected.

[0005] A disadvantage of prior art pipe connection systems is the relatively long length of these plate-like fixing elements relative to the connection diameter. This is particularly true for preferred embodiments, in which a lever for facilitating disconnection makes the entire connection area even longer. This problem is partially addressed in a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the lever is absent. However, in this embodiment, disconnection becomes cumbersome because a tool such as a thin flat-head screwdriver is required to pry open the lever. This is not a simple task, as the connection has at least two levers that need to be opened simultaneously. Furthermore, using such a tool carries the risk of overstretching the levers when disconnecting the pipe, as there is nothing to prevent the user from prying the levers to the point where internal stress exceeds the yield strength of the material. This could permanently compromise the reliability of the connection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the problem of creating a non-permanent connection for a corrugated hose, in particular for use in washing machines, washer-dryers, dryers, or dishwashers, with a simple locking mechanism that is compact and does not significantly increase the length of the connection area. It is designed in a way that prevents excessive stretching of the levers when disconnecting and can be easily operated by hand without tools, even by pressing only one of the levers. The invention does not increase the complexity of the production process for each component, thus keeping production costs at the same level while significantly reducing assembly costs. This is primarily due to the fact that the movement of the plate-shaped fixing element (side arm) can be tangential, rather than radial (as in the prior art), when viewed in the main direction of extension of the side arm.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve the connection and release mode between a pipe body and a corresponding component of a household appliance in a fluid connection.

[0008] The present invention solves this problem through the technical solutions of the independent claims.

[0009] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a pipe body and a corresponding component of a household appliance as claimed in claim 1, and a method for connecting a pipe body to a corresponding component of a household appliance using the connecting device as claimed in claim 14.

[0010] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the present invention, a connecting device for connecting a tube body and a corresponding component of a household appliance includes a protrusion, which is located on the outer surface of the tube body and protrudes away from the tube body, wherein the protrusion forms a bulge in a first direction of the tube body and forms a pushing area in a second direction of the tube body opposite to the first direction. The connecting device also includes a coupling housing provided on the corresponding component, the coupling housing having a front opening for accommodating the tubular body and a fluid opening for fluid communication between the interior of the coupling housing and the corresponding component; at least one side arm extending along a side surface of the coupling housing, the side arm being located outside the coupling housing; and a clamping component connected to the side arm, the clamping component being arranged at least partially around a central axis of the coupling housing in an axial circumferential direction and being located outside the coupling housing, wherein the clamping component has a locking area, the locking area forming a locking protrusion toward the front opening and forming an inclined surface or a pushing surface toward a direction away from the front opening, wherein each of the at least one side arm is fixedly connected to the coupling housing at an end away from the front opening, thereby forming a bending lever, wherein when the bending lever is in a balanced state, the tubular body can be locked in or to the coupling housing, at which time the locking protrusion contacts the protrusion, and when the bending lever is bent and the locking protrusion is separated from the protrusion, the tubular body can be unlocked from the coupling housing.

[0012] Since one end of the lever is fixed and the other end (opposite the fixed end) can bend, the free end of the lever can be moved tangentially (trajectory) to the corresponding lever (side arm) by bending. This tangential movement can be performed relative to the virtual circle described by the movement of the moving (free) end of the side arm, with the fixed end of the side arm corresponding to the center / midpoint of this circle.

[0013] The connection device can provide an improved fluid connection system, in particular a connection between a pipe body and a component, for example in a washing machine, and a quick connection and release mechanism between the pipe body and the corresponding component.

[0014] The pushing area can be an inclined area. By pushing the pushing area toward the locking area, the latter can be deviated from the equilibrium state (transmitting a pushing force to bend the free end of the side arm, thereby moving tangentially) to open the front opening of the engagement housing and receive the tubular body.

[0015] The connection device takes into account the components required to provide a fluid connection for liquids in a household appliance, such as a pipe body and its related components and a counterpart (with an engaging housing) and its related components.

[0016] If the clamping member wraps around the front lower portion of the coupling housing or around the front opening of the coupling housing, the locking zone, located halfway along the length of the clamping member (at the turn), can be located at the bottom. If the clamping member extends around the side, the locking zone is located in the right or left area of the front opening. If the clamping member wraps around the front upper portion of the coupling housing or around the front opening of the coupling housing, the locking zone is located at the top.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the pipe body is a corrugated hose.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a first side arm and a second side arm, each of the first side arm and the second side arm extends along the side of the joining shell (and along the axial direction of the central axis of the joining shell) and is located outside the joining shell, and the clamping part is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm, is arranged at least partially around the central axis of the joining shell in the axial circumferential direction, and is located outside the joining shell, wherein the clamping part has a locking area between the side arms and in the center of the clamping part.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion is located at a preset distance from the front end of the tube body, and the second direction of the pushing area is toward the front end of the tube body, wherein the protrusion is a separate component connected to the tube body, or is integrally formed with the tube body.

[0020] The protrusions may be rigid or flexible.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the coupling housing includes at least one columnar bolt, which extends outward from the surface of the coupling housing at a limited distance from the front opening, the limited distance being located behind the clamping part or behind the locking area, and extends axially along the central axis of the coupling housing so as to limit the deflection of the clamping part when the bending lever is bent.

[0022] The studs limit deflection of the clamping members and side arms and prevent them from breaking if deformed during maintenance or when releasing the tubular connection from the engagement housing.

[0023] The stud bolt can also be set directly at the front opening (axial view).

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the tube body has cylindrical symmetry, and the engagement housing has cylindrical symmetry along its central axis.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the tube body has a rigid front end portion, which extends from the front end of the tube body to the protrusion, and a preset distance between the front end and the protrusion is equal to or less than the length of the internal opening of the coupling shell.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the tube body comprises a sealing element, which is arranged around the rigid front end portion for sealing the front end within the inner opening of the engagement housing.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, when the bending lever is in a balanced state, the locking protrusion is located at a preset locking distance from the front opening of the coupling shell, within which the protrusion can be fixedly placed to prevent axial movement along the central axis of the coupling shell.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one side arm or the first side arm and the second side arm are each elastically fixedly connected to the coupling shell at one end thereof away from the front opening, and when the first side arm and the second side arm are in a balanced state, the tube body is locked in the coupling shell by the locking area, and when the first side arm and the second side arm are bent to a certain extent in a tangential bending manner relative to the axis (the long axis of the coupling shell), so that the locking area unlocks the axial movement of the protrusion along the central axis of the coupling shell (adjacent protrusions do not overlap), the tube body is in a detachable state.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding component is a water valve, and the household appliance is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one side arm or the first side arm and the second side arm each comprise a pushing area for placing a user's finger in order to bend the first side arm and / or the second side arm.

[0031] By the pushing area, the area where the force is applied to bend the side arm can be increased, and the position where the force is applied can be improved.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the engagement housing has an inclined edge within its inner opening, immediately adjacent to the front opening of the engagement housing.

[0033] The protrusion can be a locking ring that locks it into the joint housing, and the connection can be achieved without the need for close-fitting tools, clamps, or other independent locking parts that need to be connected or fixed separately. The connection device can adopt an innovative design of a valve with a cantilever joint and a corrugated polypropylene tube to improve flexibility and sealing, thereby simplifying assembly, facilitating disassembly, and improving the reliability and durability of the connection.

[0034] Furthermore, this specific structure reduces or eliminates axial relative movement of the tubular body, rather than relying on conventional tight-fitting tools and clamps. This innovation is achieved by utilizing a protrusion on the tubular body and a deformable engagement mechanism on a corresponding component, such as a valve, or vice versa, to secure the connection. This design principle, applied to various embodiments of the present invention, demonstrates its versatility and effectiveness in enhancing connection security.

[0035] The corresponding part of the coupling housing can accordingly be a valve sleeve, which is redesigned to include a deformable coupling element along its length, wherein the coupling element is characterized by its cantilevered curved clamping part, which has a single coupling tooth as a locking part, a first side arm and a second side arm as a double beam support, which acts as a leaf spring, in particular to resist tangential bending.

[0036] This special structure simplifies design and improves cost-effectiveness, for example by integrating the joint directly during the valve molding process, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0037] Furthermore, the tube body can be further optimized to enhance the integrity and flexibility of the connection. The tube body can be made entirely of polypropylene, with a rigid front end to ensure a stable connection and a corrugated midsection to maintain flexibility. A sealing element groove can be provided on the outer or inner wall of the rigid front end. The sealing element can be an O-ring.

[0038] The rigid front end of the tube fits smoothly into a coupling housing (e.g., a valve sleeve). The interaction between the protrusion and the deformable coupling element, which acts as a clamping element, creates a positive connection. Once the protrusion overcomes the locking ramp or push surface (which acts as the engaging ramp), the components are securely locked together. Disassembly is simple: simply applying pressure to the side arms (or bending just one of them) causes them to bend (tangentially) to release the connection.

[0039] In electrical equipment, the efficiency, reliability and durability of pipe connections can be significantly improved.

[0040] Furthermore, other alternative coupling forms can be used, such as multiple teeth (locking areas) or different spring mechanisms, to improve the security of the connection or the ease of assembly. In addition, advanced composite materials can be used to manufacture the pipe body and coupling housing to improve durability or flexibility.

[0041] Furthermore, the size or shape of the protrusion and the sealing element can be adjusted to improve sealing efficiency and compatibility with various pipe diameters.

[0042] Furthermore, asymmetric tube shapes (and engaging housings) can also be achieved by incorporating unique geometric features to prevent rotational movement and facilitate assembly in a specific orientation.

[0043] Furthermore, automation-friendly features can be applied to optimize automated assembly lines, including improvements to facilitate robot operation and visual / tactile indicators for automatic positioning.

[0044] According to the present invention, a method for connecting a pipe body to a corresponding component of a household appliance using a connecting device comprises the following steps: inserting the front end of the pipe body into the front opening, pushing the rigid front end into the inner opening of the engaging housing, pushing the pushing area of the protrusion against the inclined surface or pushing surface of the locking area, thereby deflecting the locking area from a balanced state until the protrusion overcomes the locking area in the axial direction along the central axis of the engaging housing, after which the protrusion of the protrusion is locked in the axial direction by the locking projection of the locking area; and / or (when locking) pushing the at least one side arm from an unbent state (for example, downwardly or upwardly (tangentially)), thereby bending the at least one side arm out of the balanced position of the locking area (when pushing the arm downwardly or upwardly, in particular when pushing tangentially, the locking area will move because there is a rigid connection between the side arm and the clamping part), thereby separating the protrusion of the protrusion from the locking projection of the locking area to an unlocked position, in which the pipe body is pulled out of the engaging housing at least until the protrusion overcomes the locking projection of the locking area in the axial direction along the central axis of the engaging housing.

[0045] All mentioned features and their advantageous effects can also be applied to a corresponding method of operating and / or using the connecting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0047] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate comparative embodiments and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention and the intended benefits will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a connecting device for connecting a pipe body and a corresponding component of a household appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 middle Figure 22a, 2b and 2c are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the joint housing of the connecting device provided by the embodiment of the present invention, showing different stages of the insertion of the pipe body into the joint housing; Figure 3 is a diagram of a connection device in which the connection has been disconnected from the corresponding part of the household appliance; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The pipe body and corresponding parts structure diagram in which the pipe body and the joint shell are disconnected; Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tubular body with a protrusion and an adjacent locking area; Figure 6 A top view of a connecting device with an insert tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of a joint housing with a connecting device inserted into a tubular body; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a joint housing with corresponding components provided for another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a joint housing with corresponding components provided for another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 A flowchart of the steps of a method for connecting a pipe body to corresponding components of a household appliance provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Although the present invention has illustrated and described specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be used to replace the specific embodiments shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. In general, this application is intended to protect any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0050] Figure 1 The invention shows a connecting device for connecting a pipe body and a corresponding component of a household appliance provided by an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Specifically, Figure 1 Two adjacently arranged junction housings 3 are shown, which are each connected in a fluid-communicating manner to a corresponding valve and a liquid system, for example in a washing machine.

[0052] A connecting device 10 for connecting a pipe body 1 to a counterpart component CP of a household appliance 100 includes a protrusion 2 located on the outer surface of the pipe body 1, for example, in an annularly symmetrical pattern. Furthermore, a coupling housing 3 is mounted on the counterpart component CP. Its front opening 3a (facing the pipe body 1) is configured to receive the pipe body 1 and has a fluid opening (not shown) for enabling fluid communication between the interior of the coupling housing 3 and the counterpart component CP. In addition, the first side arm 5 and the second side arm 6 each extend along the side of the coupling shell 3 and are located outside the coupling shell 3. The clamping part 7 is connected to the first side arm 5 and the second side arm 6, and is arranged at least partially around the central axis of the coupling shell in the axial circumferential direction, and is located below the tubular body 1 and outside the coupling shell 3, wherein the clamping part 7 has a locking area 8 at the bottom of the clamping part 7, and the locking area 8 forms a locking protrusion 8a facing the direction of the front opening 3a and an inclined surface 8b facing away from the front opening 3a, wherein the first side arm 5 and the second side arm 6 are each fixedly connected to the coupling shell 3 at a fixed point FP at one end away from the front opening 3a, thereby forming a bending lever (arm) respectively, wherein when the bending lever is in a balanced state, the tubular body 1 can be locked in or locked to the coupling shell 3, and the locking protrusion 8a contacts the protrusion of the protrusion 2, and when the bending lever, the locking protrusion 8a is separated from the protrusion of the protrusion 2, the tubular body 1 can be unlocked from the coupling shell 3.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the pipe body 1 can be a corrugated hose.

[0054] The tubular body 1 on the left side is locked in the engaging housing 3 , and there is no tubular body 1 on the right side, and the front opening 3 a of the engaging housing 3 is open.

[0055] At the fixing point FP, the side arms 5 and 6 cannot rotate, but can bend in an elastic manner on the side thereof opposite to the fixing point FP to release / unlock the protrusion 2 .

[0056] Figure 2 2a, 2b and 2c are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the joint housing of the connecting device provided by the embodiment of the present invention, which show different stages of the pipe body being inserted into the joint housing.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In a, the tube 1 has been placed into the inner opening IO of the coupling housing 3 so that the rigid front end 1a slides along the central axis CA of the coupling housing 3 but has not yet overcome the locking area 8. Figure 2In the situation shown in Figure a, the push area 2b (which may be an inclined area) of the protrusion 2 begins to contact the inclined surface 8b of the locking area 8, but has not yet significantly deflected the locking area 8 and the clamping component 7 from their equilibrium state, so the predetermined locking distance 8d (and the limiting distance b to the stud 9) remain at their initial value. The rigid front end 1a of the tubular body 1 may include a sealing element OR, through which the tubular body 1 can be pushed through the front opening 3a into the internal opening 10. The internal opening 10 may include a fluid opening 3b that leads to the rest of the corresponding component.

[0058] The engagement housing 3 includes at least one stud 9 extending outwardly from a surface of the engagement housing 3 behind the locking area 8 to limit deflection of the clamping member 7 when the bending lever is bent.

[0059] The first direction extends along the joint housing (axial direction) and extends outward.

[0060] exist Figure 2 FIG. 2 b shows another stage of placement of the tubular body 1. In this stage, the pushing area 2b of the protrusion 2 begins to push the inclined surface 8b of the locking area 8 downward (and away from the protrusion 2), causing the locking area 8 to deviate from equilibrium and shorten the locking distance to the stud 9. Because the protrusion 2 can be formed of a flexible material, the pushing area 2b and the protrusion 2a can deform slightly, but the locking area 8 is mainly deflected into the internal opening 10 of the engagement housing 3 by the movement of the tubular body 1.

[0061] exist Figure 2 Figure c shows a stage in which the tubular body 1 is in the locked position within the coupling housing 3, with the protrusion 2 positioned within the locking distance 8d. As the protrusion 2, with its protrusion 2a and push area 2b (which may be an inclined area), axially overcomes the inclined surface 8b and locking protrusion 8a, the locking area 8 returns to a state of equilibrium. At this stage, the side arms (not shown) push the locking area 8 and the clamping member 7 back to a state of equilibrium. The locking protrusion 8a partially overlaps the protrusion 2a of the protrusion 2 in height (vertical direction), locking the protrusion 2a axially outside the coupling housing 3. At this stage, the rigid front end 1a and its front end 1e face the fluid opening 3b of the coupling housing 3, with the sealing element sealing the front area to establish a fluid connection. At this stage, the predetermined distance d (the length of the rigid front end 1a) can be completely within the coupling housing 3. The coupling housing 3 may have an inclined edge IM at the front opening 3a to better accommodate the front surface (push area 2b) of the protrusion 2.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a diagram of a connection arrangement where the connection has been disconnected from the corresponding component of the household appliance.

[0063] exist Figure 3In the embodiment, the tube body 1 is locked in the engaging housing 3 of the counterpart CP. To release the connection / locking, the user can press the first side arm 5 or (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The side arm (shown) and second side arm 6, or both, resiliently deflect the side arm from its equilibrium position, thereby deflecting clamping member 7 downward, away from tubular body 1 and protrusion 2. Specifically, locking zone 8 can be deflected relative to protrusion 2, allowing protrusion 2 to be pulled out of locking zone 8 and axially overcome it. To achieve this, the side arm, clamping member 7, and locking zone 8 must be deflected to a sufficient degree to enable protrusion 2 and its protrusion to overcome the axial position of locking zone 8 (in this invention, "axial" means a direction along and opposite to the central axis of the coupling housing).

[0064] also, Figure 3 In the drawing, the clamping part 7 and the locking area 8 connect the side arms 5 and 6 in front of the front opening of the coupling shell 3, so that the clamping part 7 partially surrounds the tubular body 1 around the central axis of the coupling shell 3 in the axial circumferential direction.

[0065] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Structural diagram of the tube body and corresponding components, in which the tube body and the connecting shell are disconnected.

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the Figure 3 The system shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the connecting device 10 for connecting the corresponding component CP and the pipe body 1, but the difference is that the pipe body 1 is pulled out of the coupling housing 3 and its rigid front end 1a is also completely pulled out. After the pipe body 1 is unlocked and pulled out of the coupling housing 3 and the front opening 3a, when there is no external force acting on the side arms 5 and / or side arms 6, the side arms 5 and side arms 6 can be released again and deflected to a balanced state by overcoming the mechanical tension in the side arms and the fixing point FP.

[0067] Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-section of the tubular body with the protrusion and the adjacent locking area.

[0068] The protrusion 2 can be integrally formed with the corrugated tube body 1, and the protrusion 2 forms a protrusion 2a in a first direction of the tube body 1 and forms a pushing area 2b in a second direction of the tube body 1, which is opposite to the first direction. When the rigid front end portion 1a is placed in the coupling shell, in order to lock the protrusion 2 in the space b (8d, which can also be the distance to the columnar bolt 9) between the locking protrusion 8a of the locking area 8 and the coupling shell, the locking protrusion 8a and the protrusion 2a of the protrusion 2 must contact each other, thereby preventing the tube body 1 from moving axially in a direction away from the coupling shell (along the central axis of the coupling shell). Therefore, when viewed along the central axis direction of the coupling shell (i.e., the axial direction of the tube body 1), the locking protrusion 8a and the protrusion 2a of the protrusion 2 can overlap by a certain height H, for example, 1.5 mm. This height H holds true if the side arm is not bent and is in equilibrium. Figure 5 In the figure, the rear side of the locking projection 8a is shown (ie the surface extending toward the drawing plane), and the clamping member is not shown.

[0069] Figure 6 A top view of a connecting device with an insert tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the figure, the coupling housing 3 is shown from the top and in cross-section, allowing a view of the interior of the internal opening 10 in which the tubular body 1 is located. The coupling housing 3 can be rigidly connected to the rest of the counterpart component CP or formed integrally therewith. The tubular body 1 and the fluid connection within the internal opening 10 can be sealed by a sealing element provided on the tubular body 1. In the illustrated position, the tubular body 1 is locked by the locking area 8 and the specific position of the clamping element 7. Side arms 5 and 6 extend along the coupling housing 3, each of which is connected to the coupling housing 3 at one end at a fixing point FP and is otherwise spaced apart from the coupling housing 3.

[0071] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of a coupling housing with a connecting device inserted into a tubular body.

[0072] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the connection mode between the tube body 1 and the joint shell 3 is the same as that of Figure 6 Same, just Figure 7 is a side view. This view shows that the rigid front end portion 1a of the tubular body 1 is axially aligned, thereby forming two important contact points with the engaging housing 3: specifically, a first point F1 at the sealing element, which may be near the front end 1e, and a second point F2 near or located at the projection 2a of the protrusion. Because these two points F1 and F2 are located at a predetermined distance from each other, the axial alignment of the rigid front end portion 1a is improved.

[0073] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a joint housing with corresponding components provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , another form of the first side arm 5 and the second side arm 6 is shown, in which the length along the direction of the connection housing 3 is increased, and each of the specific side arms (5, 6) has a specific pressing area PA in the direction of the central axis of the connection housing 3 and in the front position of the connection housing 3. In this regard, Figure 1 Compared to the embodiment shown, for example, the clamping member 7 is at a greater distance from the front opening of the engagement housing. The locking area 8 is not as Figure 1 A block structure like the embodiment shown.

[0075] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a joint housing with corresponding components provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] exist Figure 9 In FIG. 3 , a joint housing 3 having side arms 5 and 6 is shown, which is connected to the joint housing 3 and the side arms 5 and 6. Figure 8 The embodiment shown is very similar. The only difference is the shape of the side arms 5 and 6 along the direction of engagement with the housing 3. Starting from the pressing area PA, the upper and lower surfaces of the side arms 5 and 6 have a wave shape.

[0077] Figure 10 A flowchart of the steps of a method for connecting a pipe body to corresponding components of a household appliance provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] According to the method provided by the present invention for connecting a tube body to a corresponding component of a household appliance using a connecting device, the method includes the following steps: S1 inserting the front end of the tube body into the front opening, S2 pushing the rigid front end into the internal opening of the coupling shell, S3 pushing the pushing area of the protrusion toward the inclined surface or pushing surface of the locking area, thereby deflecting the locking area from a balanced state until the protrusion overcomes the locking area in the axial direction along the center axis of the coupling shell, after which the protrusion of the protrusion is locked in the axial direction by the locking protrusion of the locking area; and / or, S4 pushing at least one side arm from an unbent state, thereby S5 bending at least one side arm so that it comes out of the balanced position of the locking area, thereby separating the protrusion of the protrusion from the locking protrusion of the locking area to an unlocked position, in which S6 pulls the tube body out of the coupling shell, at least until the protrusion overcomes the locking protrusion of the locking area in the axial direction along the center axis of the coupling shell.

[0079] In the above detailed description, various features are grouped together and described in the form of one or more examples or examples in order to simplify the disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not restrictive. It is intended to cover all possible alternatives, modifications, and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A connecting device (10) for connecting a pipe body (1) and a corresponding component (CP) of a household appliance (100), characterized in that: include: a protrusion (2) located on the outer surface of the tube body (1) and protruding away from the tube body (1), wherein the protrusion (2) forms a bulge (2a) in a first direction of the tube body (1) and forms a pushing area (2b) in a second direction of the tube body (1) opposite to the first direction; a joining housing (3) provided on the corresponding component (CP), having a front opening (3a) for accommodating the tube body (1), and having a fluid opening (3b) for fluid communication between the interior of the joining housing (3) and the corresponding component (CP); At least one side arm (5, 6) extends along the side of the coupling shell (3) and is located outside the coupling shell (3); and a clamping component (7) is connected to the side arm (5, 6) and is arranged at least partially around the central axis of the coupling shell (3) in the axial circumferential direction and is located outside the coupling shell (3), wherein the clamping component (7) has a locking area (8), the locking area (8) forms a locking protrusion (8a) in the direction of the front opening (3a), and forms an inclined surface or a pushing surface (8b) in the direction away from the front opening (3a), wherein the at least one side arm (5, 6) is connected to the side arm (5, 6) and is arranged at least partially around the central axis of the coupling shell (3) in the axial circumferential direction, and is located outside the coupling shell (3), wherein the clamping component (7) has a locking area (8), the locking area (8) forms a locking protrusion (8a) in the direction of the front opening (3a), and forms an inclined surface or a pushing surface (8b) in the direction away from the front opening (3a), wherein 6) Each of the tubes (1) is fixedly connected to the coupling housing (3) at one end away from the front opening (3a), thereby forming a bending lever, wherein when the bending lever is in a balanced state, the tube body (1) can be locked in the coupling housing (3) or locked to the coupling housing (3), at which time the locking protrusion (8a) is in contact with the protrusion (2a), and when the bending lever is bent and the locking protrusion (8a) is separated from the protrusion (2a), the tube body (1) can be unlocked from the coupling housing (3).

2. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The tube body (1) is a corrugated tube.

3. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The invention also includes a first side arm (5) and a second side arm (6), wherein the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6) each extend along a side surface of the coupling shell (3) and are located outside the coupling shell (3); the clamping component (7) is connected to the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6), is arranged at least partially around the central axis of the coupling shell (3) in the axial circumferential direction, and is located outside the coupling shell (3); wherein the clamping component (7) has a locking area (8) between the side arms (5, 6) and at the center of the clamping component (7).

4. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The protrusion (2) is located at a preset distance (d) from the front end (1e) of the tube body (1), and has the second direction of the pushing area (2b) facing the front end (1e) of the tube body (1), wherein the protrusion (2) is a separate component connected to the tube body (1) or is integrally formed with the tube body (1).

5. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The coupling housing (3) includes at least one cylindrical bolt (9), which extends outward from the surface of the coupling housing (3) at a limited distance (b) from the front opening (3a), the limited distance (b) being located behind the clamping part (7) or behind the locking area (8), and extending axially along the central axis of the coupling housing (3) so as to limit the deflection of the clamping part (7) when the bending lever is bent.

6. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The tube body (1) has cylindrical symmetry, and the joint shell (3) has cylindrical symmetry along its central axis.

7. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The tube body (1) has a rigid front end portion (1a), the rigid front end portion (1a) extending from the front end (1e) of the tube body (1) to the protrusion (2), and a preset distance (d) between the front end (1e) and the protrusion (2) is equal to or less than the length of the internal opening (IO) of the joint shell (3).

8. The connecting device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The tube body (1) comprises a sealing element (OR) which is arranged around the rigid front end (1a) and is used to seal the front end (1e) within the internal opening (IO) of the joint housing (3).

9. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When the bending lever is in a balanced state, the locking protrusion (8a) is located at a preset locking distance (8d) from the front opening (3a) of the coupling housing (3), and within the locking distance (8d), the protrusion (2) can be fixedly placed to prevent axial movement along the central axis of the coupling housing (3).

10. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The at least one side arm (5, 6) or the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6) are each elastically fixedly connected to the coupling shell (3) at one end thereof away from the front opening (3a); when the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6) are in a balanced state, the tube body (1) is locked in the coupling shell (3) by the locking area (8); when the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6) are bent to a certain extent so that the locking area (8) unlocks the axial movement of the protrusion (2) along the central axis of the coupling shell (3), the tube body (1) is in a detachable state.

11. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The corresponding component (CP) is a water valve, and the household appliance (100) is a washing machine or a dishwasher.

12. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The at least one side arm (5, 6) or the first side arm (5) and the second side arm (6) each comprise a push area (PA) for placing a user's finger in order to bend the first side arm (5) and / or the second side arm (6).

13. The connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The joint housing (3) has an inclined edge (IM) within its inner opening (IO) and adjacent to the front opening (3a) of the joint housing (3).

14. A method for connecting a pipe body (1) to a corresponding component (CP) of a household appliance (100) using a connecting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: (S1) inserting the front end (1e) of the tube body (1) into the front opening (3a), (S2) pushing the rigid front end (1a) into the internal opening (IO) of the coupling shell (3), (S3) pushing the pushing area (2b) of the protrusion (2) toward the inclined surface or pushing surface (8b) of the locking area (8), thereby deflecting the locking area (8) from the equilibrium state until the protrusion (2) overcomes the locking area (8) in the axial direction along the central axis of the coupling shell (3), after which the protrusion (2a) of the protrusion (2) is locked in the axial direction by the locking protrusion (8a) of the locking area (8); and / or (S4) pushing the at least one side arm (5, 6) from an unbent state, thereby (S5) bending the at least one side arm (5, 6) to move it out of the equilibrium position of the locking zone (8), thereby separating the protrusion (2a) of the protrusion (2) from the locking protrusion (8a) of the locking zone (8) to an unlocked position, in which (S6) the tube body (1) is pulled out of the coupling shell (3), at least until the protrusion (2a) overcomes the locking protrusion (8a) of the locking zone (8) in the axial direction along the central axis of the coupling shell (3).

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