Coupling device for connecting two fluid-carrying pipe sections

Abstract

Coupling device for connecting two fluid-carrying pipe sections, comprising a first coupling element (20) and a second coupling element (60) connectable to the first coupling element (20), wherein the coupling elements (20, 60) are each connectable to one of the pipe sections, wherein the first coupling element (20) is provided with at least one locking hook (22) and the second coupling element (60) comprises at least one recess (62) in which the locking hook (22) is received in a locking position (VP) of the coupling elements (20, 60), wherein the second coupling element (60) comprises at least a first wall section (64) extending in an axial direction (A) and a second wall section (66) extending in the axial direction (A),wherein the first wall section (64) and the second wall section (66) adjoin the recess (62) in the circumferential direction (U) and bear against the latching hook (22) in the locking position (VP), characterized in that the second coupling element (60) comprises a blocking section (68) and the first coupling element (20) has a recess (24) into which the blocking section (68) is received at least in the locking position (VP), wherein the second coupling element (60) further comprises a release section (70) which adjoins one of the wall sections (64, 66), wherein the blocking section (68) can be brought into contact with one of the walls (24a) bounding the recess (24) in a release position (EP).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting two fluid-carrying pipe sections, comprising a first coupling element and a second coupling element connectable to the first coupling element, wherein the coupling elements can each be connected to one of the pipe sections, wherein the first coupling element is provided with at least one locking hook and the second coupling element comprises at least one recess in which the locking hook is received in a locking position of the coupling elements, wherein the second coupling element comprises at least a first wall section extending in an axial direction and a second wall section extending in the axial direction, wherein the first wall section and the second wall section adjoin the recess in the circumferential direction and bear against the locking hook in the locking position.The coupling device according to the invention is used in particular for connecting two coolant nozzles of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Coupling devices comprising a first coupling element and a second coupling element are known from the prior art. These coupling devices further include a sealing ring, a retaining ring, and a locking spring. To connect the two coupling elements, they are axially pushed together. When the two coupling parts are joined, they are sealed externally by the sealing ring. The retaining ring is pressed onto one of the coupling parts in such a way that the sealing ring is held in position and prevented from coming loose. A secure connection is established during assembly by means of the locking spring. The locking spring snaps into a circumferential rib of the coupling device, thereby preventing accidental disconnection of the coupling elements of the pressurized coupling device.

[0003] The coupling devices known from the prior art allow the coupling parts to be connected manually without the use of a tool. However, the locking mechanism must be checked manually. Furthermore, the two coupling parts can only be disconnected with the aid of a tool, such as a screwdriver. Such a coupling device is known, for example, from German patent application DE 37 02 246 C1.

[0004] Furthermore, coupling devices are known from the prior art whose coupling elements are provided with locking hooks on one side and recesses on the other. The locking hooks can slide freely along the recesses by a relative rotational movement of the coupling elements relative to each other. Adjacent to the recesses are inclined side walls, which are designed such that the locking hooks slide out of the recesses by a relative rotational movement of the coupling elements. In this context, the generic German patent application DE 10 2014 211 844 A1 should be mentioned in particular. In contrast, German patent DE 39 33 590 C1 discloses a hose coupling with a retaining rib and an axially acting locking projection.However, all these coupling devices have the problem that pre-positioning or a radially limited release process in the radial direction of the two coupling elements cannot be unambiguously carried out because over-rotation of the coupling elements relative to each other can occur.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a coupling device that enables a simple and secure connection of both coupling elements, allows easy release of both coupling parts from each other without tools, and has a reduced overall height.

[0006] The problem is solved by a coupling device according to claim 1.

[0007] The coupling device according to the invention serves to connect two fluid-carrying pipe sections and is provided with a first coupling element and a second coupling element connectable to the first coupling element. Each coupling element can be connected to one of the pipe sections. The first coupling element is provided with at least one locking hook and the second coupling element with at least one recess into which the locking hook is received in a locking position of the coupling elements.

[0008] The second coupling element comprises at least a first wall section extending in an axial direction and a second wall section extending in the axial direction.

[0009] The coupling device according to the invention is characterized in that the second coupling element comprises a blocking section and the first coupling element has a recess in which the blocking section is received at least in the locking position, wherein the second coupling element further comprises an unlocking section which adjoins one of the wall sections, wherein the blocking section can be brought into contact with one of the walls bounding the recess in an unlocking position.

[0010] The coupling device according to the invention enables a simple and secure connection of both coupling elements. Furthermore, both coupling elements are held in a relative rotational position relative to each other. This means that both coupling elements can only be rotated relative to each other by applying a sufficiently high torque. The torque must be sufficiently high so that, depending on the direction of rotation, the locking hook overcomes either the first or the second wall section and leaves the locking position. The two coupling elements can then be separated. The design according to the invention particularly facilitates the relative positioning of both coupling elements relative to each other and prevents over-rotation of the two coupling elements relative to each other, thereby making it easier to disconnect them.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first wall section and the second wall section are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0012] This design facilitates the relative rotation of the coupling elements to each other and the sliding of the locking hook over one of the two wall sections.

[0013] Preferably, the first coupling element comprises several locking hooks evenly distributed over a partial circumference of the first coupling element, and the second coupling element comprises several recesses evenly distributed over its partial circumference.

[0014] This design enables a secure connection between both coupling elements.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the locking hook is suitable to slide from the recess over one of the wall sections onto the release section as a result of a relative rotational movement of the coupling elements.

[0016] This design makes it easier to separate the two coupling elements.

[0017] Preferably, the second coupling element has a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the unlocking section than in the area of ​​the recess.

[0018] This design makes it easier to separate the two coupling elements.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second coupling element has a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the blocking section than in the area of ​​the unlocking section.

[0020] Details and further advantages of the coupling device according to the invention are explained with reference to two exemplary embodiments described below. These illustrate: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a coupling device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2: another perspective view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment, showing different angular positions of the coupling elements relative to each other; Fig. 3: an exploded view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5: each a sectional view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6: another perspective view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 7: another perspective view of the coupling device according to the first embodiment, showing different angular positions of the coupling elements relative to each other; Fig. 8: an exploded view of the coupling device according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 9 and Fig. 10: each a sectional view of the coupling device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] The application relates to a coupling device 10 for connecting two fluid-carrying pipe sections, comprising a first coupling element 20 and a second coupling element 60 connectable to the first coupling element 20. The coupling elements 20 and 60 are each connected to one of the pipe sections. The coupling elements 20 and 60 can be bonded to the pipe sections, for example, by means of an adhesive bond. The first coupling element 20 is provided with at least one locking hook 22, and the second coupling element 60 comprises at least one recess 62 in which the locking hook 22 is received in a locking position VP of the coupling elements 20 and 60. This design is particularly evident from the Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 stand out.

[0022] The coupling device 10, as described in the application, is used in particular for connecting two coolant outlets of a motor vehicle. In this case, the pipe sections represent the coolant outlets of the motor vehicle. The pipe sections can be straight or angled. The pipe sections can be made of plastic.

[0023] The second coupling element 60 comprises at least a first wall section 64 extending in an axial direction A, and a second wall section 66 extending in the axial direction A. The first wall section 64 and the second wall section 66 border the recess 62 in the circumferential direction U and, in the locking position VP, bear against the locking hook 22.

[0024] The coupling device 10 according to the application enables a simple and secure connection of both coupling elements 20, 60. Furthermore, both coupling elements 20, 60 are held in a relative rotational position relative to each other. This means that both coupling elements 20, 60 can only be rotated relative to each other by applying a sufficiently high torque. The torque must be sufficiently high so that the locking hook 22, depending on the direction of rotation, overcomes either the first wall section 64 or the second wall section 66 and the locking hook 22 leaves the locking position VP. The two coupling elements 20, 60 can then be separated from each other. The coupling device 10 according to the application also allows for a reduction in overall height (approximately 10 to 15 mm).

[0025] The locking hooks 22 can extend towards the center of the first coupling element 20. The first coupling element 20 can comprise a base 21 and can further have a corresponding connecting web 23 for each locking hook 22, which is resiliently designed and connects the locking hook 22 to the base 21. The base 21 is preferably annular or cylindrical.

[0026] The recess 62 can thus be limited in the circumferential direction U by the wall sections 64, 66. Furthermore, the second coupling element 60 can have a detent surface 65 extending in the circumferential direction U, against which the detent hook 22 rests in the locking position VP in order to prevent the second coupling element 60 from being pulled away from the first coupling element 20 in the axial direction by means of a positive fit.

[0027] The resting surface 65 can form an undercut. The wall sections 64, 66 can extend axially to the resting surface 65.

[0028] The first wall section 64 and the second wall section 66 can be inclined with respect to the circumferential direction U. The wall sections 64 and 66 can have the form of a ramp, allowing the locking hooks 22 to slide away from the recess 22 over the wall sections 64 and 66.

[0029] The first coupling element 20 can comprise several locking hooks 22 evenly distributed over a partial circumference of the first coupling element 20, and the second coupling element 60 can comprise several recesses 62 evenly distributed over its partial circumference. The coupling device 10 according to both embodiments is designed with seven locking hooks 22 and seven recesses 62. The locking hooks 22 and the recesses 62 are arranged at a radial distance of 45° from each other.

[0030] The second coupling element 60 can have a locking section 68, and the first coupling element 20 can have a recess 24 into which the locking section 68 is received, at least in the locking position VP. The locking section 68 can be arranged on a partial circumference of the second coupling element 60 on which no recesses 62 are arranged. Correspondingly, the recess 24 can be arranged on a partial circumference of the first coupling element 20 that is free of locking hooks 22 and a connecting web 23.

[0031] The second coupling element 20 can further comprise a release section 70 adjacent to one of the wall sections 64, 66. A release section 70 can be arranged between each pair of adjacent recesses 62. Thus, a total of six release sections 70 are provided on the second coupling element 60. The locking hook 22 can rest on the release section 70 when the coupling elements 20, 60 are in a release position EP. The radial distance between the locking hook 22 and an adjacent release section 70 can be 22.5°.

[0032] When the coupling elements 20, 60 assume the locking position VP, the blocking section 68 can be arranged centrally in the recess 24 and may not be in contact with any of the walls 24a bounding the recess 24. In the unlocking position EP, the blocking section 68 can rest against one of the walls 24a bounding the recess 24. In the embodiment according to both exemplary embodiments, the blocking section 68 and the recess 24 each allow a relative rotation in both directions by 22.5° to reach the unlocking position EP.

[0033] The locking hook 22 may be suitable to slide from the recess 62 over one of the wall sections 64, 66 onto the release section 70 as a result of a relative rotational movement of the coupling elements 20, 60.

[0034] The wall sections 64, 66 allow the locking hooks 22 to slide from the locking position VP to the unlocking position EP onto the unlocking sections 70 during a relative movement of the two coupling elements 20, 60. The locking hooks 22 are thereby pressed outwards and pre-tensioned by the web sections 23. Pressing the locking hooks 22 outwards lifts their tips from the recess 62, and in the unlocking position EP, they rest on the unlocking section 70 in the outwardly pressed position. In this position, the locking hooks 22 remain deflected to overcome the detent surface 65 when the two coupling elements 20, 60 are released from each other in the axial direction A. Further over-rotation of the two coupling elements 20, 60 relative to each other is prevented by the fixing section 68 and the recess 24.

[0035] The first coupling element 20 can have a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the unlocking section 70 than in the area of ​​the recess 62.

[0036] The first coupling element 20 can have a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the blocking section 68 than in the area of ​​the unlocking section 70.

[0037] The second coupling element 60 can have a substantially cylindrical connecting section 67. The second coupling element 60 can have a sealing ring 69 that rests on the outside of the connecting section 67 and on the inside of the base 21.

[0038] According to the first embodiment, the second coupling element 60 can further comprise at least one retaining ring 71, which bears against the sealing ring 69 and, on its outer side, against the connecting section 67. The retaining ring 71 can be frictionally connected to the connecting section 67 and positively lock the sealing ring 69 in position. Furthermore, the sealing ring 69 can bear against a radial surface 27 of the base 21 and thus be positively locked in place by the radial surface 27 and the retaining ring 71. This embodiment is particularly evident from the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 stands out.

[0039] The coupling device 10 according to the second embodiment comprises a second coupling element 60, which has a sealing ring 69 that is positively engaged in a groove 29 formed in the base 21. The groove 29 eliminates the need for a retaining ring 71.

[0040] The two coupling elements 20, 60 can each be made of different materials or be implemented in a hybrid design. The coupling elements 20, 60 can be made of a single plastic. The base 21 and a collar section 21a adjoining the base 21 can, for example, be made of different materials.

[0041] The connecting web 23 and the locking hooks 22 can also be made of a material different from that of the base 21 and / or the collar section 21a. The collar section 21a can be made of a material with high stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability. The connecting webs 23 and the locking hooks 22 can be made of a material that is not brittle and can withstand deflection during assembly and disassembly. The ring consisting of the connecting webs 23 and the locking hooks 22 can be fitted onto the second coupling element 60 (press fit).

Claims

[1] Coupling device for connecting two fluid-carrying pipe sections, comprising a first coupling element (20) and a second coupling element (60) connectable to the first coupling element (20), wherein the coupling elements (20, 60) are each connectable to one of the pipe sections, wherein the first coupling element (20) is provided with at least one locking hook (22) and the second coupling element (60) comprises at least one recess (62) in which the locking hook (22) is received in a locking position (VP) of the coupling elements (20, 60), wherein the second coupling element (60) comprises at least a first wall section (64) extending in an axial direction (A) and a second wall section (66) extending in the axial direction (A),wherein the first wall section (64) and the second wall section (66) adjoin the recess (62) in the circumferential direction (U) and rest against the locking hook (22) in the locking position (VP), , characterized by , that the second coupling element (60) comprises a blocking section (68) and the first coupling element (20) has a recess (24) into which the blocking section (68) is received at least in the locking position (VP), wherein the second coupling element (60) further comprises a release section (70) which adjoins one of the wall sections (64, 66), wherein the blocking section (68) can be brought into contact with one of the walls (24a) bounding the recess (24) in a release position (EP). [2] Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first wall section (64) and the second wall section (66) are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction (U). [3] Coupling device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first coupling element (20) comprises several locking hooks (22) evenly distributed over a partial circumference of the first coupling element (20) and the second coupling element (60) comprises several recesses (62) evenly distributed over its partial circumference. [4] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one locking hook (22) is suitable to slide from the at least one recess (62) over one of the wall sections (64, 66) onto the release section (70) as a result of a relative rotational movement of the coupling elements (20, 60). [5] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second coupling element (60) has a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the unlocking section (70) than in the area of ​​the at least one recess (62). [6] Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second coupling element (60) has a larger outer diameter in the area of ​​the blocking section (68) than in the area of ​​the unlocking section (70).

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