Using a hose coupling

Abstract

Use of a hose coupling (1) with a coupling element (3) which is provided at one hose end of a flexible hose line (2), and with a coupling counter-element (4) which can be detachably connected to the coupling element (3), wherein at least one fluid channel (5, 6) is guided in each of the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4), wherein the fluid channels (5, 6) of the coupling element (3) and of the coupling counter-element (4) connected thereto are connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner when the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4) are in a holding position, wherein the coupling element (3) or the coupling counter-element (4) has a coupling head (7) which, in a pivoting position, can be inserted into a coupling head receptacle (8) of the respective other element (4;3) the hose coupling (1) can be inserted, and wherein the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4) can be pivoted relative to one another between the pivoting position and the holding position, in which holding position the coupling head (7) is held in the coupling head receptacle (8), characterized in that the hose coupling (1) is inserted into a sanitary water pipe;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the use of a hose coupling with a coupling element which is provided at a hose end of a flexible hose line, and with a coupling counter-element which can be detachably connected to the coupling element, wherein at least one fluid channel is guided in each case in the coupling element and in the coupling counter-element, wherein the fluid channels of the coupling element and of the coupling counter-element connected thereto are connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner in a holding position of the coupling element and the coupling counter-element, wherein the coupling element (3) or the coupling counter-element (4) has a coupling head (7) which, in a pivoting position, can be inserted into a coupling head receptacle of the respective other element (4;3) the hose coupling (1) can be inserted, and wherein the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4) are pivotable relative to one another between the pivoting position and the holding position, in which holding position the coupling head (7) is held in the coupling head receptacle (8);

[0002] Sanitary outlet fittings, toilet cisterns, washing machines, dishwashers, and other water consumption points are increasingly being connected to the water supply network via flexible hose lines. The hose lines are connected, for example, to the sanitary outlet fitting and / or the inlet water connection via a hose coupling of the type mentioned above. Previously known hose couplings comprise a coupling element that can be releasably connected to a coupling counter-element via a screw connection. The problem is that the coupling element provided at the end of the flexible hose line can only be screwed to the coupling counter-element with considerable effort in confined spaces, especially since the flexible hose line and the coupling element connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner appear to resist rotational movements around the hose's longitudinal axis.

[0003] DE 196 37 266 C1 already discloses a hose coupling used to connect a hose to a medical instrument, medical device, or other hose in the medical field. The previously known hose coupling consists of two detachably connectable coupling parts, one of which is assigned to a medical instrument, a medical device, or a hose in the medical field, and the other coupling part is to be connected to another hose. When coupled, one coupling part bears with a convex spherical surface against a concave spherical surface formed on the adjacent area of ​​the other coupling part. Both coupling parts are axially clamped against each other to form a seal.In order to enable the coupling of hoses under hygienic conditions using the known hose coupling and to provide an easy-to-use hose coupling that holds securely even at high pressures, the known hose coupling is designed so that the first coupling part can be pivoted into a receptacle on the second coupling part with its convex spherical surface resting against the concave spherical surface, and can be pivoted out of this receptacle to release the hose coupling. The two coupling parts of the known hose coupling can therefore be connected to and released from each other relatively easily by a simple pivoting action. The mutual contact of the spherical surfaces essentially automatically ensures correct alignment of the coupling parts, particularly during the connection process.

[0004] DE 10 2004 056 600 A1 already discloses an arrangement for connecting fluid-carrying assemblies intended for use in internal combustion engines, for example, to connect a first pipe intended as a return line for the coolant to a coolant expansion tank. The arrangement previously known from DE 10 2004 056 600 A1 comprises a hose coupling having an insertion part configured as a plug receiving the first pipe, which can be inserted, with the section arranged opposite the first pipe, into an opening of a second coupling part in the second pipe or in the fluid tank.At least one tab is provided on the section of the second coupling part assigned to the first pipeline, wherein the outer contour of the at least one tab is larger than the cross section of the opening in the second coupling part provided for the second pipeline or in the fluid container, and wherein a locking projection is formed on the outer contour of the second pipeline or of the fluid container, and the at least one tab can be moved by pivoting the first pipeline into the free installation space between the outer contour of the second pipeline or of the fluid container and the assigned locking projection.In order to enable a connection between a first fluid-carrying pipeline and another fluid-carrying pipeline or a fluid container with minimal component, cost, and assembly effort, the insertion part of the known hose coupling is designed as a plug that receives the first pipeline, which plug can be inserted into an opening in the second pipeline or in the fluid container with the section arranged opposite the first pipeline, and which has at least one tab on the section associated with the first pipeline. The at least one tab can be moved into the free installation space between the outer contour of the second pipeline or the fluid container and the associated locking projection by pivoting the first pipeline.

[0005] US Pat. No. 5,950,985 A already discloses a hose coupling for quickly connecting and disconnecting fluid lines. The coupling comprises a first coupling part with a recessed seat and a seat through-bore communicating with the seat. A second coupling part for connecting the known hose coupling can be inserted into the seat with a protruding portion, and a seat surface is provided in the first coupling to seal contact with the seat. The two coupling parts of the known hose coupling are pivotable relative to one another between an angled and an aligned position, with a valve body opposite the seat assuming a closed position in a first pivot position, and the two coupling parts assuming their open position in an aligned pivot position.

[0006] However, the previously known hose couplings are not intended for use in the sanitary sector.

[0007] The object is therefore to create a hose coupling of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is characterized by a simple, quick and secure connection of the coupling element and the coupling counter element.

[0008] The solution to this problem according to the invention consists in the features of the applicable claim 1.

[0009] The hose coupling used according to the invention has a coupling element provided at a hose end of a flexible hose line. A coupling counter-element of the hose coupling can be detachably connected to this coupling element. At least one fluid channel is guided in each of the coupling element and the coupling counter-element, wherein the fluid channels located in the coupling element or in the coupling counter-element are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner when the coupling element and the coupling counter-element are in a holding position. The coupling element or the coupling counter-element of the hose coupling according to the invention has a coupling head which, in a pivoting position, can be inserted into a coupling head receptacle of the respective other element of the hose coupling.In order to connect the coupling element and the coupling counter-element in a liquid-tight manner, the coupling element and the coupling counter-element can be pivoted relative to one another between the pivoting position and the holding position, in which holding position the coupling head is held in the coupling head receptacle. Since, in the hose coupling according to the invention, the coupling element can be connected to the coupling counter-element simply by a pivoting movement into the holding position, and since a screw connection is not required to connect the coupling element and the coupling counter-element, the hose coupling according to the invention is characterized by the simple, quick, and secure connection of its coupling element and its coupling counter-element. The invention provides that the hose coupling used according to the invention is inserted into a sanitary water pipe.

[0010] In order to simplify the pivoting movement of the coupling head in the coupling head receptacle and to tightly connect the coupling element to the coupling counter-element in the holding position, the coupling head is designed as a ball head and the coupling head receptacle is designed as a preferably spherical joint socket.

[0011] The liquid-tight connection of the hose coupling used according to the invention in the region of its coupling element or the coupling counter-element is further promoted if the coupling head or the coupling head receptacle carries at least one circumferential seal which lies sealingly against the respective other element of the hose coupling.

[0012] For example, a circumferential groove can be provided in the coupling head holder in which a sealing ring is located, which sealing ring rests against the coupling head of the hose coupling.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment, in which a high degree of tightness is ensured in all pivoting positions of the coupling element and the coupling counter-element, provides that the coupling head carries a circumferential seal in a cross-sectional plane oriented transversely to the coupling head longitudinal axis, preferably in the region of the equator of the spherical shape of the ball head, which seal, in the holding position, lies tightly against a wall delimiting the coupling head receptacle.

[0014] A structurally simple and particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention provides that the coupling element is sleeve-shaped, and that the portion of the coupling element facing the flexible hose line is designed as a connecting piece, onto which connecting piece the associated hose end of the hose line can be pushed. In order to secure the hose end encompassing the connecting piece against axial withdrawal from the coupling element, it can be advantageous if the connecting piece has a retaining profile on its outer circumference. So that the elastic material of the flexible hose line can dig into the retaining profile in the area of ​​the hose end, it is advantageous if the hose end pushed onto the connecting piece is enclosed by a pressed crimp or compression sleeve.By means of this pressed crimp or compression sleeve, the hose end of the flexible hose line is held firmly and securely on the connection piece of the coupling element.

[0015] In order to limit the sliding path when pushing the flexible hose line onto the connecting piece, it is advantageous if the coupling element has an annular flange or annular shoulder on the outer circumference, which serves as a sliding stop when pushing on the associated hose end of the hose line.

[0016] A particularly simple and expedient embodiment according to the invention provides that the coupling element carries the ball head on its sleeve end region facing away from the connecting piece.

[0017] To ensure that the coupling element is held securely and firmly in the coupling counter-element in the holding position, a preferred development according to the invention provides that a holding flange protrudes on the outer circumference in the sleeve portion of the coupling element that protrudes beyond the hose end of the hose line. In the holding position, this holding flange at least partially engages behind a holding wall, which holding wall is arranged in front of the coupling receptacle in the insertion direction. Since, in this further embodiment, the coupling element inserted into the coupling counter-element engages behind the holding wall with its holding flange protruding on the outer circumference, the coupling element is secured against unintentional axial withdrawal from the coupling counter-element.

[0018] In order to form the retaining wall securing the coupling element in the holding position in a simple manner, it is advantageous if a retaining groove is provided in front of the coupling receptacle in the insertion direction, the groove wall of which facing away from the coupling head receptacle is designed as a retaining wall.

[0019] The retaining flange can be easily restricted in the retaining groove until the retaining flange engages behind the groove wall designed as a retaining wall if the retaining groove has a trapezoidal or conical cross-section whose largest clear width is provided in the area of ​​the groove opening.

[0020] The coupling element can be easily fastened to the coupling counter-element in the holding position and secured against unintentional pivoting out of the holding position if the hose coupling is assigned at least one securing means by means of which the coupling element is held and secured on the coupling counter-element against pivoting out of the holding position.

[0021] The securing device can be designed as a cable tie, a tape, a Velcro strip, a U-bolt or a retaining clip.

[0022] A particularly simple and advantageous embodiment according to the invention provides that at least one holding eyelet for the securing means is provided on the coupling counterpart, and that the securing means looping around the hose line or the coupling element passes through the holding eyelet.

[0023] It can be advantageous if the hose coupling can be arranged at the water inlet or at the water inlet of a toilet cistern.

[0024] Further developments according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures in conjunction with the claims and the drawing. The invention is described in more detail below using preferred embodiments.

[0025] It shows: Fig. 1 a toilet cistern, the water inlet of which is connected to the water supply network via a flexible hose line, wherein the toilet cistern and the hose line are connected to one another via a hose coupling which has a coupling element and a coupling counter-element which can be releasably connected thereto, and wherein the coupling element and the coupling counter-element are pivotable relative to one another between a pivoting position and a holding position, in which holding position shown here the coupling element and the coupling counter-element are held against one another, Fig. 2 the toilet cistern according to Fig. 1 immovably held coupling counter element and the coupling element detachably connected to it in the holding position, Fig. 3 the sleeve-shaped coupling element of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown hose coupling before insertion into the coupling counter-element, wherein the sleeve end region of the coupling element facing the coupling counter-element is designed as a spherical coupling head and the sleeve end region facing away is designed as a connecting piece onto which the hose line can be pushed, Fig. 4 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 3 in a top view in the already in Fig. 3 shown position, Fig. 5 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 4 in a perspective view, wherein the coupling element is shown with its coupling head in a pivoting position in which the coupling head can be pivotally inserted into a coupling head receptacle on the coupling counter-element, Fig. 6 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 5 in the already in Fig. 5 shown swivel position in a plan view, Fig. 7 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 6 in a perspective view of the holding position of the coupling element and the coupling counter element, Fig. 8 which in the Fig. 1 to 7 shown hose coupling in the already in Fig. 7 shown holding position in a plan view, Fig. 9 which in the Fig. 1 to 8 shown hose coupling in the already shown Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown holding position in a longitudinal section, Fig. 10 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is provided on the coupling counter element with an upwardly open, but opposite the Fig. 1 to 9 simplified retaining clip is releasably secured in its holding position, Fig. 11 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is releasably secured to the coupling counter-element with a downwardly open retaining clip, Fig. 12 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is releasably secured to the coupling counter-element with a laterally open retaining clip, Fig. 13 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is secured to the coupling counter element with a cable tie, Fig. 14 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is secured to the coupling counter element with a tape or adhesive tape and Fig. 15 the hose coupling from the Fig. 1 to 9, wherein the coupling element is secured to the coupling counter-element with a U-shaped retaining bracket, in which the free webs of the U-shape arranged on both sides of the hose line can be additionally secured by means of a screw connection.

[0026] In Fig. 1 shows a hose coupling 1 which is provided at the end of a flexible hose line 2 which connects a water consumer or a water extraction point to a water supply. The hose coupling 1 has a coupling element 3 which is provided at the end of the flexible hose line 2. The coupling element 3 is detachably connectable to a coupling counter-element 4 of the hose coupling 1. In this case, at least one fluid channel 5, 6 is guided in the coupling element 3 as well as in the coupling counter-element 4, which fluid channels 5, 6 are arranged in the Fig. 1, 2 and 7 to 9 are connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 to 9, the coupling element 3 has a coupling head 7 which is arranged in the direction shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown pivot position into a coupling head receptacle 8 on the coupling counter element 4. The coupling element 3 and the coupling counter element 4 are between the in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown swivel position and one in the Fig. 7 to 9, in which holding position the coupling head 7 is held in the coupling head receptacle 8 and can be secured.

[0028] From the longitudinal section in Fig. 9 it is clear that the coupling element 3 is sleeve-shaped, wherein the sleeve portion of the coupling element 3 facing the flexible hose line 2 is designed as a connecting piece 9, onto which connecting piece 9 the associated hose end of the hose line 2 can be pushed. In order to hold the hose end pushed onto the connecting piece 9 on the coupling element 3, the coupling element 3 has a holding profile 10 on the outer circumference of its connecting piece 9. In order to ensure that the hose material of the flexible hose line 2, which is elastic on the inner circumference of the hose, digs firmly into the holding profile 10, and so that the hose end encompassing the connecting piece 9 cannot be inadvertently pulled off the connecting piece 9, the hose end of the hose line 2 can be secured on the connecting piece 9 by means of a pressed-in crimp sleeve 11 enclosing the hose end.

[0029] The coupling element 3 has an annular shoulder or annular flange 12 on its outer circumference, which serves as a sliding stop when sliding on the associated hose end of the hose line 2. In order to be able to pivot the coupling head 7 inserted into the coupling head receptacle 8 between the holding position and the pivoting position and to seal this area of ​​the water flow, the coupling element 3 has a spherical head 13 on its sleeve end area facing away from the connecting piece 9, which can be inserted into the coupling head receptacle 8 designed as a spherical joint socket. To further seal this area of ​​the hose coupling, the coupling head 7 or the coupling head receptacle 8 can carry at least one circumferential seal that bears sealingly against the other element 8, 7 of the hose coupling 1.In the embodiment shown here, the coupling head 7 carries a circumferential seal 14 in a cross-sectional plane oriented transversely to the coupling longitudinal axis, preferably in the region of the equator of the spherical shape of the ball head 13, which seal 14, in the holding position, rests against a wall of the coupling counter-element 4 delimiting the coupling head receptacle.

[0030] As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3 to 9, in the sleeve portion of the coupling element 3 projecting beyond the hose end of the hose line 2, a holding flange 15 protrudes on the outer circumference, which in the holding position at least partially engages behind a holding wall 16, which holding wall 16 is arranged in front of the coupling head receptacle 8 in the insertion direction Pf1. In order to form this holding wall 16 in a simple manner, a holding groove 17 is provided in front of the coupling head receptacle 8 in the insertion direction Pf1, while the groove wall facing away from the coupling head receptacle 8 is designed as a holding wall 16. So that the holding flange 15 easily finds its way into the holding groove 17 when the coupling element 3 is pivoted into the holding position, the holding groove 17 has a trapezoidal or conical cross-section, the largest clear width of which is provided in the region of the groove opening.

[0031] At least one retaining eyelet 18 for a securing means is provided on the coupling counterpart 4, with the aid of which the coupling element 3 can be held and secured against pivoting out of the holding position on the coupling counterpart. The securing means can be threaded through the retaining eyelet in such a way that the securing means looping around the hose line 2 or the coupling element 3 passes through the retaining eyelet.

[0032] From a comparison of the Fig. 1 to 15 it becomes clear that a wide variety of securing devices can be used. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, a retaining clip 19 is provided on the coupling counter-element 4, which has an upwardly open clip-in opening. By pivoting the coupling element 3 into the holding position, the free ends of the retaining clip 19 are widened in the area of ​​the clip-in opening until the coupling element 3 engages the retaining clip 19 and the free ends of the retaining clip can spring back.

[0033] The Fig. The embodiment of the hose coupling 1 shown in Figure 10 also has a retaining clip 19 which, compared to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, however, is simplified.

[0034] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, a downwardly open retaining clip 20 is used as a securing means.

[0035] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the securing means is formed by a laterally open retaining clip 21.

[0036] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the hose coupling 1 shown in Fig. 13, a cable tie 22 is used as a securing means, which cable tie 22 passes through the holding eyelet 18 and wraps around the hose line 2.

[0037] In Fig. 14, the securing means is formed by an adhesive tape or tape 23, which is releasably closable at least at its tape ends.

[0038] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the securing means is designed as a U-shaped bracket 24, wherein the free bracket ends of the U-bracket 24 protruding from the hose line 2 can be connected to one another and secured by means of a screw connection 25. In addition to the fastening options described above, the coupling element 3 can also be held magnetically to the coupling counter-element 4. For example, instead of the eyelet 18, a magnet could be attached, which interacts with a crimp sleeve made of ferromagnetic material or with a ferromagnetic counterpart that is attached to the hose line. Since these magnetically effective variants represent a relatively loose fixation compared to the fastening options described above, this is only useful for applications in which the hose coupling must be removed regularly and at short intervals.

[0039] The hose coupling 1 shown here can be advantageously used wherever fluids are to be conveyed, at least in sections, via a flexible hose line. However, the hose coupling 1 shown here is preferably used in a sanitary water line. Here, the hose coupling 1 can be arranged, for example, at the water inlet or water inlet of a toilet cistern 26. The coupling counter-element is held immovably on the toilet cistern 26, while the coupling element 2 of the hose coupling 1 is provided at the associated hose end of the flexible hose line 2. List of reference symbols 1 hose coupling 2 hose lines 3 Coupling element 4 Coupling counter element 5 Fluid channel 6 Fluid channel 7 Coupling head 8 Coupling head holder 9 connecting pieces 10 Holding profiling 11 Crimp sleeve 12 Ring flange 13 ball head 14 Seal 15 Retaining flange 16 retaining wall 17 Retaining groove 18 Retaining eyelet 19 Retaining clip (according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 10) 20 retaining clips 21 Retaining clip 22 cable ties 23 Adhesive tape or tape 24 U-bolts 25 screw connection 26 toilet cisterns Pf1 insertion direction

Claims

[1] Use of a hose coupling (1) with a coupling element (3) which is provided at a hose end of a flexible hose line (2), and with a coupling counter-element (4) which can be detachably connected to the coupling element (3), wherein at least one fluid channel (5, 6) is guided in each case in the coupling element (3) and in the coupling counter-element (4), wherein the fluid channels (5, 6) of the coupling element (3) and of the coupling counter-element (4) connected thereto are connected to one another in a liquid-tight manner in a holding position of the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4), wherein the coupling element (3) or the coupling counter-element (4) has a coupling head (7) which, in a pivoting position, can be inserted into a coupling head receptacle (8) of the respective other element (4;3) the hose coupling (1) can be inserted, and wherein the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4) are pivotable relative to one another between the pivoting position and the holding position, in which holding position the coupling head (7) is held in the coupling head receptacle (8); characterized by that the hose coupling (1) is inserted into a sanitary water pipe. [2] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling head (7) is designed as a ball head (13) and the coupling head receptacle (8) is designed as a preferably spherical joint socket. [3] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the coupling head (7) or the coupling head receptacle (8) carries at least one circumferential seal which bears sealingly against the respective other element (8, 7) of the hose coupling (1). [4] Use of a hose coupling according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized bythat the coupling head (7) carries a circumferential seal (14) in a cross-sectional plane oriented transversely to the coupling head longitudinal axis, preferably in the region of the equator of the spherical shape of the ball head (13), which seal (14) in the holding position lies tightly against a wall delimiting the coupling head receptacle (8). [5] Use of a hose coupling according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the coupling element (3) is sleeve-shaped, and that the portion of the coupling element (3) facing the flexible hose line (2) is designed as a connecting piece (9), onto which connecting piece (9) the associated hose end of the hose line (2) can be pushed. [6] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 5, characterized bythat the coupling element (3) has an annular flange (12) or annular shoulder on the outer circumference, which serves as a sliding stop when pushing on the associated hose end of the hose line (2). [7] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the coupling element (3) carries the ball head (13) on its sleeve end region facing away from the connecting piece (9). [8] Use of a hose coupling according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that in the sleeve portion of the coupling element (3) projecting beyond the hose end of the hose line (2), a holding flange (15) projects on the outer circumference side, which holding flange (15) in the holding position at least partially engages behind a holding wall (16), which holding wall (16) is arranged in front of the coupling head receptacle (9) in the insertion direction (Pf1). [9] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 8, characterized bythat in the insertion direction (Pf1) in front of the coupling head receptacle (8) a holding groove (17) is provided, the groove wall facing away from the coupling head receptacle (8) being designed as a holding wall (16). [10] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 9, characterized by that the retaining groove (17) has a trapezoidal or conical cross-section, the largest clear width of which is provided in the region of the groove opening. [11] Use of a hose coupling according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the hose coupling (1) is assigned at least one securing means, with the aid of which the coupling element (3) is held and secured on the coupling counter-element (4) against pivoting out of the holding position. [12] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 11, characterized bythat the securing means is designed as a cable tie (22), as an adhesive tape or tape (23), as a Velcro strip, as a U-bracket (24), as a retaining clamp or retaining clip (19, 20, 21). [13] Use of a hose coupling according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that at least one holding eyelet (18) for the securing means is provided on the coupling counterpart (4), and that the securing means looping around the hose line (2) or the coupling element (3) passes through the holding eyelet (18). [14] Use of a hose coupling according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the hose coupling (1) is arranged at the water inlet or water inlet of a toilet cistern (26).

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