plug-in coupling

Abstract

Plug-in coupling for detachable connection of two cable ends, consisting of a plug-in part (2) having a circumferential locking rib (13) and a socket part (1) having a locking element (12), • wherein the locking member (12) is movable by means of an actuating element (7) between a locking position engaging behind the locking rib (13), forming an axial pull-out protection, and a retracted unlocking position releasing the locking rib (13) and lifting the pull-out protection, • wherein the locking element (12) is radially movable between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of the actuating element (7), • wherein in the locking position the insertion part (2) is rotatably received in the socket part (1) about its axis, the insertion part (2) and the socket part (1) are provided at their free ends with terminals (4, 6) for connecting the conductor ends to be joined, and • wherein the sleeve part (1) consists of a first sleeve section (3) carrying the connection (4) and a second sleeve section (5) carrying the actuating element (7) and receiving the opposite end of the insertion part (2), the second sleeve section (5) being axially lockable in the first sleeve section (3) and being insertable into the first sleeve section (3) at different angles of rotation about a common axis (18), characterized in that • that the actuating element (7) and the locking member (12) are integrally formed on a radially elastically deflectable tab (11) connected to the second sleeve section (5), and that the actuating element (7) is movable in the circumferential direction of the second sleeve section (5) between the locking position and the unlocking position, and • that an anti-rotation device effective between the sleeve sections (3, 5) is provided, which is represented by an arrangement of ribs (17) on the outside of the second sleeve section (5) which can be locked into place with an arrangement of grooves in the inside of the first sleeve section (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug-in coupling according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such couplings are used in vehicle construction to connect the ends of media lines, vacuum lines, etc. and consist of a tubular insertion part intended for connection to one end of the line and a socket-like receiving part intended for connection to the other end of the line.

[0003] Document DE 10 009 050 076 B3 discloses such a plug-in coupling, in which a circumferential retaining rib is integrally formed on the plug-in part. When the plug-in part is inserted, this retaining rib engages with a locking element, which forms an axially effective pull-out protection device. The locking element, as well as an actuating element, forms part of a circumferentially extending housing tab. This tab is radially deflectable to represent a locking position, in which the locking element engages behind the retaining rib, and an open position, in which the locking element does not engage the retaining rib. The housing tab is otherwise connected to the receiving part. The actuating element is axially supported between two housing ribs, beyond which it does not project, thus preventing accidental actuation of the actuating element. Actuation of the actuating element occurs in a peripheral direction relative to the receiving part.

[0004] Another comparable plug-in coupling is known from document EP 1 405 002 B1, in which, again, a plug-in part is provided with a circumferential retaining rib that is operatively connected to a locking element within the receiving part. This locking element is movable radially between a locking position, in which the retaining rib engages with a locking element, and an unlocking position, in which this engagement is released. Also connected to the locking element is a position indicator that projects outwards from the receiving part, and the position of which indicates a correct locking state of the plug-in coupling. However, a tool is required to release the locking state using the position indicator.

[0005] A characteristic feature of these known plug-in couplings is that all the components required to achieve a locking or unlocking state are positioned at a specific point on the circumference of the receiving part. This fixed actuation position complicates any assembly and / or disassembly operations when the plug-in coupling is installed in a vehicle-specific location that is inaccessible or only accessible under difficult conditions.

[0006] A plug-in coupling of this type is known from DE 197 22 842 A1 and has an actuating element which is integrally formed on an annular component that can be inserted radially into the socket part. The actuating element is radially movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. This known plug-in coupling does not include an anti-rotation device that is effective between the socket sections.

[0007] The object of the invention is to design a plug-in coupling of the generic type with a simple structural design, provided that an adjustment option for actuating elements is available that is oriented to the existing installation conditions, so that their largely unobstructed accessibility is ensured. This object is achieved in such a plug-in coupling by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0008] The socket section consists of two parts, for example, nested within each other and connectable relative to each other based on different angles of rotation with respect to a common axis: a first and a second socket section, the latter of which can be axially locked into place within the first. The second socket section carries the actuating element and, in the assembled state of the plug-in coupling, its installation position is crucial for the accessibility of the actuating element, for example, for releasing the locking position.According to the invention, the second sleeve section can be arranged at different angles of rotation relative to the insertion part and the first sleeve section around their common axis, ensuring that the actuating position of the insertion coupling can always be adjusted with a view to optimal accessibility of the actuating element, thus enabling adaptation to difficult installation situations.

[0009] The two sleeve sections are arranged to rotate around their common axis, thus ensuring optimal adaptability to different installation situations.

[0010] The locking element is radially movable between the locked and unlocked positions. In principle, any techniques familiar to a person skilled in the art can be used to constructively represent this movement.

[0011] The actuating element and the locking member are formed integrally with a tab, which connects to the second sleeve section. This component integration results in a clear and concise design that forms a single unit with the second sleeve section and allows for uniform handling.

[0012] A locking mechanism is provided between the sleeve sections. This mechanism can be configured to lock the sleeve sections at different angles of rotation, thus enabling an installation position that meets the need for good accessibility of the actuating element.

[0013] A concrete, constructive implementation of the anti-rotation device is achieved through a positive locking mechanism involving the engagement of ribs on one part and grooves on the other. This ensures backlash-free anti-rotation. Numerous configurations are conceivable, ranging from a single rib on one part engaging with a groove or groove arrangement on the other part to multiple ribs.

[0014] The features of claim 2 illustrate that, in conjunction with the movement of the locking element between the insertion part and the second sleeve section, a locking position can be represented under any rotational angles about the axis of said sleeve section.

[0015] According to the features of claim 3, the insertion part extends through the second socket section and into the first socket section when installed. This ensures stable guidance of the second socket section. The sealing element is arranged to form a seal between the media-carrying interior and the second socket section. Recesses can be provided in the opposing walls of the first socket section and the insertion part to secure the sealing element in place.

[0016] A window in a side wall of the second sleeve section according to the features of claim 4, axially in the vicinity of the locking element, provides simple possibilities for visual inspection of a correct locking state.

[0017] It can be seen from the foregoing explanations that the plug-in coupling according to the invention provides an assembly whose actuating position can be adapted to the respective installation situation in any way due to the selectable rotation angle of the second sleeve part, which carries the actuating element, relative to the plug-in part, with the aim of ensuring the most unimpeded access possible to the actuating element.

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a side view of a plug-in coupling according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a plug-in coupling according to the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the socket part according to the invention; Fig. 4 a flat view of the sleeve part corresponding to a viewing direction IV of the Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a front-facing planar view of the sleeve part corresponding to a viewing direction V of the Fig. 3; Fig. 6 a partial sectional view of the plug-in coupling corresponding to a plane VI - VI of the Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a planar view of the plug-in coupling according to a viewing direction VII of the Fig. 2; Fig. 8 a planar view of the plug-in coupling according to a viewing direction VIII of the Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a sectional view of the plug-in coupling corresponding to a plane IX - IX of the Fig. 7.

[0019] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 is designated by 1 as a socket part and by 2 as a plug-in part, each of which is designed at its free end for connecting adjoining pipe sections not shown in the drawing. This plug-in coupling, defined globally, is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for connecting the ends of all types of media lines in vehicles.

[0020] The socket section 1 consists of a first socket section 3, which directly has a connection 4 for a subsequent pipe section. A second socket section 5 is inserted into the end of the first socket section 3 opposite the connection 4 and axially locked in its insertion position. The design of this locking mechanism can be of any type familiar to those skilled in the art, so that it need not be discussed in detail here. It is essential that the angle of rotation of the socket section 5 relative to the socket section 3 in the insertion position with respect to the common axis 18 is selectable.

[0021] Terminal 6 is the terminal molded onto the plug-in part 2, located on the free end opposite terminal 4, and intended for a subsequent cable section. The connection technology used at terminals 4 and 6 can be of any type.

[0022] In the Fig. 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 are functional elements that correspond to those of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 are identical, numerically represented, so that a repeated description in this regard can be dispensed with.

[0023] Reference numeral 7 designates an actuating element which projects from a recess 10 axially bounded by two spaced-apart webs 8, 9 that extend radially from the sleeve section 5 and are integrally formed therein. The base body of the actuating element 7 is formed by a tab 11 extending circumferentially around the sleeve section 5, which is connected to the sleeve section 5 at one end.

[0024] The aforementioned base body is simultaneously the carrier of a locking element 12 shaped like a circular segment and extending perpendicular to the axis 18, which in the assembled state of the plug-in coupling is designed to engage behind an annular locking rib 13 formed on the outside of the plug-in part 2, thus forming an axial pull-out protection.

[0025] The actuating element 7 can be manually deflected elastically in the direction of arrow 14, thereby allowing the locking member 12 to be deflected radially from a locking position engaging the locking rib 13 to an unlocking position releasing the locking rib 13. A restoring force, which returns the locking member 12 to its initial position, the locking position, is provided by the elastic deflection of the tab 11.

[0026] Reference numeral 17 designates an arrangement consisting of axially parallel, circumferentially evenly distributed ribs formed on the sleeve section 5, which project into grooves on the inside of the sleeve section 3 and thus form a locking mechanism for the relative angle of rotation of these two sections.

[0027] The number 19 designates detent windows of the sleeve section 3, by which, according to their number, a insertion division of the sleeve sections 3, 5 is constructively determined, whereby any rotational play remaining within the insertion division is suppressed by the detent of the ribs 17.

[0028] The sleeve section 5 can thus be inserted into the insertion part relative to the sleeve section 3 at different angles of rotation, whereby a locking state for the insertion part 2 in the insertion position can be achieved in any angle of rotation of these two parts. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angle of rotation of the sleeve section 5 relative to the insertion part 2 and the sleeve section 3, ensuring unobstructed access to the actuating element 7 for assembly and disassembly work, depending on the specific installation situation.

[0029] The number 15 designates a window in the sleeve section 5, which allows a visual inspection of the correct locking state of the sleeve section 5 and the insertion part 2.

[0030] The number 16 designates a sealing element effective between the socket section 3 and the insertion part 2. Reference symbol list: 1 socket part 2 Insert part 3 socket section 4 connection 5 socket section 6 connection 7 Actuating element 8 Bridge 9 Bridge 10 Exclusion 11 tab 12 Locking element 13 locking rib 14 Arrow 15 windows 16 Sealing element 17 ribs 18 axle 19 resting windows

Claims

[1] Plug-in coupling for detachable connection of two cable ends, consisting of a plug-in part (2) having a circumferential locking rib (13) and a socket part (1) having a locking element (12), • wherein the locking member (12) is movable by means of an actuating element (7) between a locking position engaging behind the locking rib (13), forming an axial pull-out protection, and a retracted unlocking position releasing the locking rib (13) and lifting the pull-out protection, • wherein the locking element (12) is radially movable between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of the actuating element (7), • wherein in the locking position the insertion part (2) is rotatably received in the socket part (1) about its axis, the insertion part (2) and the socket part (1) are provided at their free ends with terminals (4, 6) for connecting the conductor ends to be joined, and • wherein the sleeve part (1) consists of a first sleeve section (3) carrying the connection (4) and a second sleeve section (5) carrying the actuating element (7) and receiving the opposite end of the insertion part (2), the second sleeve section (5) being axially lockable in the first sleeve section (3) and being insertable into the first sleeve section (3) at different angles of rotation about a common axis (18), characterized by , • that the actuating element (7) and the locking member (12) are integrally formed on a radially elastically deflectable tab (11) connected to the second sleeve section (5), and that the actuating element (7) is movable between the locking position and the unlocking position in the circumferential direction of the second sleeve section (5), and • that an anti-rotation device effective between the sleeve sections (3, 5) is provided, which is represented by an arrangement of ribs (17) on the outside of the second sleeve section (5) which can be locked into place with an arrangement of grooves in the inside of the first sleeve section (3). [2] Plug-in coupling according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking element (12) has a circular ring-shaped form, enabling a locking position in any rotational angle positions between the insertion part (2) and the second sleeve section (5). [3] Plug-in coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in the insertion state the insertion part (2) projects into the first socket section (3) in the socket part (1) and that a sealing element (16) is arranged between the first socket section (3) and the insertion part (2). [4] Plug-in coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bya window (15) molded into the second sleeve section (5) to allow visual inspection of a correct locking state.

Images