CONNECTION DEVICE FOR MEDIA LINES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device for media lines, comprising at least one coupling element, at least one insert part, and at least one fastening element. The coupling element has at least one connection opening and at least one fluid channel. The insert part can be inserted at least partially into the connection opening, in particular in an axial direction oriented parallel or coaxial with a central axis of the connection opening. The insert part can be fastened to the coupling element by means of the fastening element.

[0002] Connecting devices for media lines are known in the prior art in a variety of designs. In such connecting devices, the connection openings serve to connect the fluid channel of the connecting device to a media line. For example, so-called press-in cartridges are inserted into the connection openings of a coupling element. These cartridges are firmly connected to the coupling element within the connection opening and provide a connection interface for a media line, for example, a receptacle for a connector plug.

[0003] The term "media line" generally refers to line connections for any flow and / or pressure media, such as gases or liquids. Media lines are generally pipes or hoses, as well as their connecting and connection elements, that are part of a system for conveying a medium. Such media lines are typically made of plastic.

[0004] US 5,683,117 A discloses a pipe connector with a retaining clip for securing a conduit. The retaining clip is arranged surrounding an opening and has a pair of resilient legs extending from an arcuate end portion. Each of the legs includes an end finger that forms an acute angle with an outer edge of the leg and that snaps around the outside of the connector housing when the retaining clip is inserted into one of two opposing slots or openings in the housing.

[0005] WO 01 / 36810 A1 discloses a connector for a fuel line for a vehicle. The connector has a lock comprising guide elements arranged opposite each other at a distance. Furthermore, the lock has pressure elements arranged vertically spaced from the opposite sides of the guide elements, and two pairs of corrugated elastic elements arranged at the upper and lower portions of the guide elements.

[0006] EP 2 799 751 A1 discloses a fluid line coupling for mechanically and fluidically coupling a fluid-conducting first component to a fluid-conducting second component. The fluid line coupling further comprises a tubular body, which the first component has or which can be attached to the first component, and a connecting piece which can be coaxially inserted into the tubular body and which the second component has or which can be attached to the second component.

[0007] The connection devices known from the prior art often require a high level of assembly effort and / or are not suitable for applying the holding forces required for pressure applications, which can lead to damage to the connection device. In addition, connection devices known from the prior art are prone to incorrect assembly.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a connecting device in which the assembly effort is reduced, with which large holding forces can be applied and which reduces the risk of incorrect assembly.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. The fastening element is movably held on the coupling element, in particular relative to a central axis of the connection opening, preferably in an imaginary plane of movement to which the central axis of the connection opening is a plane normal, and the fastening element has at least two control surfaces. When the insert part is introduced into the connection opening under the action of an assembly force, the insert part acts on the control surface in such a way that the fastening element is moved from an initial position, in which the fastening element would lock an insert part, against a restoring force, in particular relative to the central axis of the connection opening, preferably in the plane of movement.

[0010] The restoring force counteracting the movement of the fastening element caused by the insertion of the insert part is brought about by an at least partially elastic deformation of the fastening element, in particular caused by the movement. In particular, with sufficient assembly force, the insert part slides past the control surface, so that the fastening element is moved back in the opposite direction to its original position under the action of the restoring force and locks positively with the insert part. The fastening element is therefore in an original position, is temporarily deflected into an intermediate position by the insertion of the insert part, and then moves back to its original position under the action of the restoring force, whereby the insert part is positively locked. The insert part provides a connection interface for a media line.

[0011] The assembly force is typically between 70 N and 90 N, in particular approximately 80 N. This assembly force ensures that the insert part securely engages with the coupling element or fastening element. The restoring force of the fastening element is between 30 N and 60 N.

[0012] The assembly force acting essentially parallel to the center axis of the connection opening is sufficient if at least the portion of the assembly force acting on the control surface overcomes the restoring force until the insert can slide off or past the control surface, allowing the fastener to move in the opposite direction. Part of the assembly force is transferred to the fastener via the control surfaces, causing the fastener to move in a plane of movement. This movement, in turn, causes the fastener to deform, which creates the restoring force. The center axis of the connection opening is a plane normal to the fastener's plane of movement.The overall assembly force must be large enough to cause the fastener to move over the control surface, as well as to overcome the frictional forces on the insert and the fastener, as well as the deformation forces for the sealant on the insert during insertion.

[0013] The assembly force or the duration of the assembly force application is insufficient if the fastener is not moved far enough over the control surfaces for the insert to slide past or off the control surface. For this case, the restoring force is designed and selected so that the fastener is moved back to its original position under the action of the restoring force, and the insert is at least partially pushed out of the connection opening by the control surface. This ensures that incorrect assembly can be detected immediately.

[0014] In any case, the restoring force is selected and designed, for example, through the choice of fastener material and / or the degree of fastener deformation, so that the fastener does not remain in a self-locking intermediate position. Thus, when correctly installed, the fastener is either in its original position and locks the insert, or the fastener is back in its original position after deflection and has pushed the insert out of the connection opening in the opposite direction to the installation direction—along the center axis of the connection opening.

[0015] Furthermore, it is provided that the fastening element is guided in at least one recess on the coupling element. The recess at least partially surrounds the connection opening. The recess penetrates the wall surrounding the connection opening at least partially and / or completely. For stability reasons, it is provided that the recess has at least one web, preferably between two and five webs, and that the web(s) overlap the recess in a stabilizing manner.

[0016] The web or webs prevent the wall surrounding the recess from becoming excessively weakened in the region of the recess and prevent the remaining areas of the wall from separating, in particular in a direction parallel to the central axis of the connection opening. It is also preferably provided that at least one web, in particular two webs, preferably four webs, are arranged such that the mobility of the fastening element is limited by the webs, in particular such that the web or webs define the position of the intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the insert part can slide past the control surfaces so that the control surfaces are subsequently no longer subjected to a force, whereby the restoring force moves the fastening element into the starting position.

[0017] Furthermore, the fastening element is provided with at least two control surfaces that have an inclination of between 30° and 50° relative to the plane of movement of the fastening element. For uniform force transmission to the fastening element, it is advantageous if two control surfaces, in particular arranged side by side, are provided. The control surfaces are preferably identically designed and have identical inclinations.

[0018] It is also provided that the control surfaces are convex or concave. In any case, the control surfaces are designed such that a force directed parallel to the central axis of the connection opening on the control surfaces causes a movement of the fastening element, in particular in a plane of movement to which the force is directed orthogonally.

[0019] In particular, in order to increase the holding forces, it is provided that the fastening element has at least four, preferably at least six locking surfaces which, in the assembled state, interact in a form-fitting manner with the insert part, in particular a fastening collar on the insert part.

[0020] When the insert part is inserted, the locking surfaces are moved with the fastening element in such a way that the insert part can pass by them. When the insert part has then slid past the control surfaces and is inserted so deeply into the connection opening that the fastening element is moved back to its starting position under the action of the restoring force, the locking surfaces are also moved into positions in which they interact positively with the insert part, in particular a fastening collar on the insert part, and prevent the insert part from protruding in a direction parallel to the central axis of the connection opening, in particular opposite to the assembly direction. The locking surfaces are preferably arranged in such a way that, in the starting position, they pass through the recess in the wall of the coupling element surrounding the connection opening.

[0021] A further embodiment of the connecting device provides that at least one locking surface is formed on a projection of the fastening element, and that a control surface is also formed on the projection. The control surface is preferably formed adjacent to the locking surface. The fastening element preferably has at least two or a plurality of projections, and at least one locking surface and / or at least one control surface is formed on each projection. A locking surface is preferably formed on one side of a projection and a control surface is formed on an opposite side of the projection. By inclining the control surface, the control surface is formed in particular adjacent to the locking surface.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the connecting device, the fastening element is designed such that it at least partially encompasses the coupling element and thus also the inserted insert part in the assembled state, namely such that a first end region and a second end region of the fastening element are arranged opposite one another, in particular on opposite sides of the central axis of the connection opening. For this purpose, it has proven advantageous if the fastening element has a substantially C-shaped cross-section in plan view. The fastening element has, for example, two, in particular curved, legs and a, in particular curved, back connecting the legs. In plan view, the fastening element therefore extends over a circular arc with an angle between 250° and 270°.

[0023] Because the fastening element at least partially encompasses the coupling element, in particular is C-shaped, the two end regions of the fastening element are spread apart from one another during a movement from the starting position, whereby the restoring force is at least partially caused.

[0024] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if, according to a further embodiment, at least one guide projection is formed in the first end region and / or in the second end region of the fastening element, preferably at least two guide projections are formed at each end region. In the assembled state, the guide projection(s) preferably extend upwards and downwards in both end regions in a direction parallel to the central axis of the connection opening.

[0025] Corresponding to the guide projections, the coupling element has a guide surface for each guide projection, along which the respective guide projection slides when the fastening element moves from the starting position. In the starting position, the guide projections preferably lie flush against the guide surfaces. Through the structural arrangement and design of the guide projection itself and relative to the guide surfaces, the degree of elastic deformation of the fastening element during a movement in the plane of movement, starting from the starting position, can be determined and thus the magnitude of the restoring force can be adjusted. Advantageously, the guide surface is oriented essentially tangentially to an imaginary circle around the central axis and the connection opening.

[0026] The restoring force can therefore be adjusted by selecting the material of the fastener, the material thickness of the fastener in the deformed areas and / or the alignment of the guide lugs and the guide surfaces.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, it has also been found to be advantageous if it is provided that the guide surfaces interacting with the first end region and the second end region, in particular with the guide projections arranged there, are inclined opposite to one another.

[0028] In particular, in order to further increase the security of the fastening element, a further embodiment provides that the fastening element, in particular at least in the first end region and / or at least in the second end region, has at least one locking projection, and that each locking projection engages in a locking recess on the insert part in the assembled state, in particular that the locking projection or projections is / are movable in the radial direction. Because the locking projection is arranged at the first end region and at the second end region of the fastening element, it is also moved outwards when the legs of the fastening element are deformed due to the movement of the fastening element, whereby the insert part can be inserted.If the fastening element is moved back towards the starting position, the locking projections on the end regions of the fastening element are preferably moved substantially in the radial direction towards the central axis of the connection opening and then engage positively in locking recesses provided on the insert part.

[0029] Preferably, in order to reduce the installation space, according to a further embodiment of the connection device, the insert part has at least one flattened portion, in particular at least two or four oppositely arranged flattened portions, on the outer circumference, and the connection opening has at least one corresponding flattened portion, in particular at least two or four oppositely arranged flattened portions, on the inner circumference. With one flattened portion, the insert part can be inserted into the connection opening in only one orientation, and with two flattened portions, in two orientations. This has the advantage that twisting of the insert part is prevented after installation of the insert part in the connection opening. Furthermore, the flattened portion enables the structural design of a more compact connection device.

[0030] A further embodiment of the fastening element provides that the fastening element has at least one locking edge, in particular that the locking edge interacts positively with the coupling element in the assembled state. The locking edge is preferably arranged such that the locking edge is pressed into engagement with at least one edge of the coupling element by the pressure present in the fluid channel. The locking edge is therefore pressure-activated. The locking edge is further arranged on the fastening element such that the locking edge, by interacting with an edge of the coupling element, prevents the fastening element from widening and thus prevents the fastening element from becoming unintentionally loose, in particular during operation. Preferably, at least two, preferably at least four, locking edges are provided on the fastening element. In particular, the locking edges are arranged opposite one another on the fastening element.

[0031] It has also proven advantageous if the locking edge is provided on a shoulder of the fastening element, preferably adjacent to a control surface. The control edge extends, for example, essentially orthogonally to a locking surface. A locking edge has, for example, a height between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm. The height of the locking edge preferably corresponds to the extension parallel to the central axis A of the connection opening.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, handling during assembly of the connecting device is simplified in that the fastening element is designed and configured in such a way that it generates a locking sound each time the starting position is reached. This locking sound allows an installer to recognize that an insert part inserted into the connection opening has been properly installed. The locking sound is generated, for example, by two edges sliding off or by two surfaces striking each other, in particular the coupling element and the fastening element.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the penetration of, for example, dirt, paint, or small foreign objects between the fastening element and the coupling element is prevented in that the fastening element has at least one circumferential dirt-repellent edge on at least one side. The dirt-repellent edge extends beyond a base body of the fastening element and, when assembled, covers the gap between the fastening element and the coupling element. This prevents the penetration of paint during painting or of dirt. Preferably, the fastening element has a circumferential dirt-repellent edge on each of the opposite sides, so that both gaps between the fastening element and the coupling element are covered.

[0034] The assembly of the connecting device is simplified in that the coupling element has at least one alignment indicator for the insert part. The insert part has at least one corresponding alignment indicator, so that an installer recognizes that the insert part can be inserted in an orientation in which the two alignment indicators are aligned with each other. Preferably, the coupling element and the insert part each have two alignment indicators, so that the insert part can be mounted in two orientations.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the orientation of a connecting plug inserted into the coupling element can advantageously be determined by the coupling element having at least one anti-rotation device, and by the anti-rotation device being able to positively engage with the coupling element. For this purpose, the coupling element is placed onto the coupling element in the region of a connection opening and engages positively. The positive engagement is designed such that it can also transmit a moment about the central axis A. The connecting plug interacts positively with the anti-rotation device to determine its rotational orientation.

[0036] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a perspective view, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a detailed view, Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a top view, Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c shows an embodiment of a fastening element in various views, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a detailed view, Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a partially sectioned view, Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a perspective view, Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b show an embodiment of a fastening element in various views, Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a connecting device in a sectioned view, and Fig. 10 shows an enlargement of section B in Fig. 9 .

[0038] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

[0039] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a connecting device 1 in perspective view. The connecting device 1 has at least one coupling element 2, which in this embodiment is designed as a T-connector. The connecting device 1 further has at least one insert part 3 and a separately Fig. 4a bis 4c fastening element 4 shown. In this embodiment, the coupling element 2 has three connection openings 5, which enable the establishment of a connection to a Fig. 2 shown fluid channel 6.

[0041] The Fig. 1 The insert part 3 shown as an example can be inserted into the connection device 1 and connected to the Fig. 4a bis 4c The insert part 3 can be fastened to the coupling element 2 using the fastening element 4 shown. The insert part 3 provides a connection interface 8 for a media line, for example a receptacle for a connecting plug (not shown).

[0042] The fastening element 4 is between a Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 shown starting position, in which a positive locking of the insert part 3 also takes place when the insert part 3 is inserted, and one in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 shown intermediate position, in which the insert part 3 can be inserted deeper into the connection opening 5, is movably held on the coupling element 2. The fastening element 4 is according to the Fig. 4a bis 4c designed as a separate component and is movably attached to the coupling element 2.

[0043] According to the Fig. 4a bis 4c the fastening element 4 has two control surfaces 7 which are arranged according to the Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in the assembled state on the coupling element 2 are arranged in the connection opening 5 so as to cooperate with the insert part 3.

[0044] If an insert part 3 is used according to Fig. 1 under the effect of an assembly force M parallel to the central axis A of the connection opening 5 into the connection opening 5, the insert part 3 or the assembly force M acts on the control surfaces 7 in accordance with Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 that the fastening element 4 is moved from the initial position according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 is moved in an imaginary plane of movement B in the direction of the arrow R. By moving the fastening element 4 from the starting position relative to the central axis A, the fastening element 4 is at least partially elastically deformed, thereby causing a restoring force counteracting the movement.

[0045] If the assembly force M is sufficient, the insert part 3 can slide past the control surfaces 7 so that no further force acts on the control surfaces 7 and the fastening element 4 is then moved back to its original position under the action of the restoring force and can engage positively with the insert part 3. If the assembly force M is insufficient, the insert part 3 is at least partially pushed out of the connection opening 5 by the control surfaces 7 of the fastening element 4 under the action of the restoring force, counter to the assembly direction. This ensures that incorrect assembly is immediately detected.

[0046] The fastening element 4 is according to Fig. 2 , Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 guided in a recess 9 on the coupling element 2. Five webs 10 are arranged in the recess 9, which bridge the recess 9 in a stabilizing manner and prevent the recess 9 from expanding in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the connection opening 5 under pressure. Fig. 6 The movement of the fastening element 4 in direction R can be limited by the side surfaces 11 of the webs 10, which are arranged in the edge area.

[0047] The fastening element 4 has, according to the Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c , Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b six locking surfaces 12, which in the initial position according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 penetrate the recess 9 and cooperate with the insert part 3 in a form-fitting manner, in particular in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the connection opening 5, provided that an insert part 3 is inserted into the end opening 5 at a sufficient depth. The locking surfaces 12 act according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 with a fastening collar 13 on the insert part 3 by overlapping the fastening collar 13 on its upper side. The locking surfaces 12 and the control surfaces 7 are each formed on a total of six projections 22 on the fastening element 4. In the assembled state, the projections 22 extend essentially radially in the direction of the central axis A of the connection opening 5.

[0048] According to Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 the fastening element 4 encompasses the coupling element 2 and - if present - the insert part 3 at least partially, so that a first end region 14 and a second end region 15 - see also Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4c - are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to the central axis A.

[0049] According to Fig. 4c , Fig. 6 , Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b the fastening element 4 is designed in plan view with a substantially C-shaped cross-section. According to Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4c , Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b In the first end region 14 and in the second end region 15, two guide projections 16 are formed, which extend upwards and downwards in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the connection opening 5. When the fastening element 4 moves from the starting position in the direction R,in particular in the direction of the intermediate position, the guide lugs 16 slide outwards on corresponding guide surfaces 17 on the coupling element 2, whereby the first end region 14 and the second end region 15 are spread apart and the restoring force is caused, which corresponds to the movement of the fastening element 4 in the direction R, i.e. opposite to the direction R, counteracts.

[0050] The guide surfaces 17 are also, for example, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 The guide surfaces 17 are essentially aligned tangentially to an imaginary circle around the central axis A of the connection opening 5, see in particular Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 , whereby the degree of deformation, in particular the spreading, of the fastening element 4 and thus the restoring force can be adjusted by structurally changing the inclination of the guide surfaces 17. It is also provided that the guide surfaces 17 are at least partially curved.

[0051] In particular, in order to additionally secure the insert part 3 in the connection opening 5, the fastening element 4 has Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4c , Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b in its first end region 14 and in its second end region 15 each has a locking projection 18, which in the assembled state engages in the locking recesses 19 provided for this purpose - see for example Fig. 6 - engage on the insert part 3. By the positive engagement of the locking projections 18 in the locking recesses 19, the insert part 3 is additionally secured in the connection opening 5. By the fact that the first end region 14 and the second end region 15 are spread outwards when the fastening element 4 moves from the starting position by the interaction of the guide projections 16 and the guide surfaces 17, see for example Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 , the locking projections 18 are moved substantially in a radial direction towards and away from the central axis A of the connection opening 5. According to the embodiment of the Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b the locking projections 18 are formed on the guide lugs 16.

[0052] The insert part 3 has according to Fig. 1 on two opposite sides each have a flattening 20, which corresponds to flattenings 21 on the inner circumference of the connection opening 5 - see for example Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 . The insert part 3 can thus be inserted into the connection opening 5 in two orientations offset by 180° to each other.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a connecting device 1 in perspective view. The connecting device 1 has at least one coupling element 2, which in this embodiment is designed as a T-connector with three connection openings 5. The connecting device 1 further has at least one insert part 3 and two exemplary Fig. 7 in the unassembled state shown fastening elements 4. A corresponding fastening element 4 is also shown in the Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b presented separately and is described in more detail in this context.

[0054] The Fig. 7 The insert part 3 shown as an example can be inserted into the connection device 1 and connected to the illustrated or Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b The insert part 3 can be fastened to the coupling element 2 using the fastening element 4 shown. The insert part 3 provides a connection interface 8 for a media line, for example a receptacle for a connector plug (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the connection openings 5 ​​have four flattened portions 21, which interact with corresponding flattened portions 20 on the insert part 3 and, in the assembled state, hold the insert part 3 in the connection opening 5 in a tilt- and rotation-proof manner.

[0055] The fastening elements 4 according to Fig. 7 are - as before for the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 described - is held movable in the assembled state in order to interact with the insert part 3. The locking surfaces 12 of the fastening elements 4 interact in a form-fitting manner with a fastening collar 13 on the insert part 3. For guidance and stability reasons, four webs 23 are arranged on the fastening collar distributed over the circumference. The webs 23 are arranged in the area of ​​the flattened portions 20.

[0056] The fastening means 4 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b has a total of six projections 22, on which a control surface 7 is arranged on one side and a locking surface 12 on the other side. According to Fig. 8a the fastening element 4 has two guide projections 24, which serve to guide the movement of the fastening element 4 relative to the coupling element 2 and in corresponding guide recesses 25 - according to Fig. 7 - be guided on the coupling element 2.

[0057] In the embodiment of the Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b The fastening element 4 has a total of four locking edges 25, which are arranged in the areas of the fastening element 4 that spring outwards during a movement from the starting position. The locking edges 25 are formed in particular adjacent to the respective control surfaces 7. The function of the locking edges 25 will be explained in more detail in Fig. 10 described.

[0058] The fastening element 4 has according to Fig. 8a a protective edge 26 which extends circumferentially between the two guide projections 16. The protective edge 26 prevents the penetration of dirt or paint into the gap between the fastening element 4 and the coupling element 2 in the assembled state and thus also ensures the mobility of the fastening element 4.

[0059] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a coupling element 2 according to Fig. 7 with three mounted insert parts 3 in the three connection openings 5. The coupling element 2 has a holding element 34, which is designed as a metal angle and has a mounting opening 27. The holding element 34 is inserted with a leg 28 into a recess 29 on the coupling element 2 and serves to fasten the coupling element 2. The insert parts 3 are held by the fastening elements 4 in their respective starting positions. The locking surfaces 12 cooperate in a form-fitting manner with the fastening collar 13 of the respective insert part 3. The insert parts 3 according to Fig. 9 each have a single seal 35 which, when assembled, seals in the connection opening 5.

[0060] Fig. 10 shows an enlargement in area B according to Fig. 9 . The insert part 3 is held in the connection opening 5 of the coupling element 2 by the interaction of the fastening collar 13 and the locking surfaces 12 of the fastening element 4. In the operating state, the insert part 3 is pressed out of the connection opening 5 by the applied pressure - according to Fig. 10 upwards. The fastening element 4 counteracts this. As a result, the locking edge 25 of the fastening element 4 is pressed into engagement with the coupling element. As a result, the locking edge 25 prevents the fastening element 4 from moving laterally - according to Fig. 10 to the left - thereby increasing operational reliability. The locking edges 25 prevent the fastening element 4 from spreading unintentionally. Furthermore, the protective edge 26 is formed on the outside, which prevents dirt from penetrating between the fastening element 4 and the coupling element 2. The presence of the protective edge 26 ensures that the locking edge 25 can act on the inside, since the fastening element 4 can rest against the coupling element 2 without being disturbed by foreign bodies, and the locking edge 25 thus achieves its locking effect.

[0061] According to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 An anti-rotation device 30 is mounted in the area of ​​a connection opening 5, which enables the rotational alignment and fixation of a connector (not shown). The anti-rotation device 30 is positively engaged with the coupling element 2. Furthermore, the anti-rotation device 30 interacts with recesses 31 on the coupling element 2 to transmit a torque about the central axis A.

[0062] According to Fig. 7 Two alignment indicators 32 are arranged opposite one another on the circumference in the edge region of the connection opening 5. An insert part is then aligned for insertion into the connection opening 5 when the alignment indicators 32 of the coupling element 2 are aligned with corresponding alignment indicators 33 on the insert part 3.

[0063] The coupling element 2 is according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 Here, for example, it is designed as a substantially T-shaped connector piece with three connection openings 5 ​​for the insertion of three insert parts 3. Other configurations, such as straight or L-shaped connector pieces, are also provided. Furthermore, a configuration of the coupling element as a plate-shaped connector is also possible, in particular according to the disclosure of DE 10 2017 106 676, to which reference is hereby expressly made. Bezugszeichenliste

[0064] 1Connection device 2Coupling element 3Insert 4Fastening element 5Connection openings 6Fluid channel 7Control surfaces 8Connection interface 9Recess 10Webs 11Side surfaces 12Locking surfaces 13Fastening collar 14First end area 15Second end area 16Guide lugs 17Guide surfaces 18Locking projections 19Locking recesses 20Flat 21Flat 22Lugs 23Webs 24Guide projections 25Locking edge 26Protective edge 27Mounting opening 28Legs 29Recess 30Anti-twist device 31Recess 32Alignment indicator of coupling element 2 33Alignment indicator of insert 3 34Retaining element 35Seal ACenter axis BMovement plane MAssembly force RDirection

Claims

1. Connecting device (1) for media lines, with at least one coupling element (2), at least one insertion part (3) and at least one attachment element (4), wherein the coupling element (2) has at least one connection opening (5) and at least one fluid channel (6), wherein the insertion part (3) can be inserted at least partly into the connection opening (5), and wherein the insertion part (3) can be secured to the coupling element (2) with the attachment element (4), wherein the attachment element (4) is movably held on the coupling element (2), wherein the attachment element (4) features at least two control surfaces (7), wherein upon insertion of the insertion part (3) into the connection opening (5) under the effect of an assembly force, the insertion part (3) acts upon the control surfaces (7) such that the attachment element (4) is moved from an initial position against a restoring force, wherein the restoring force is effected by an at least partial elastic deformation of the attachment element (4), and wherein with sufficient assembly force, the insertion part (3) slides past the control surfaces (7) so that the attachment element (4) is moved back into the starting position due to the effect of the restoring force and snaps in an form-fitting manner with the insertion part (3), wherein when the assembly force is not sufficient, the attachment element (4) is moved under the effect of the restoring force back into the initial position and the insertion part (3) is pressed at least partly out from the connection opening (5) by means of the control surfaces (7), wherein the insertion part (3) provides a connecting interface (8) for a media line, wherein the attachment element (4) is guided in at least one recess (9) on the coupling element (2), wherein the recess (9) has at least one web (10), wherein the web (10) overlaps and stabilizes the recess (9), wherein the attachment element (4) has at least four snap-in surfaces (12), which in the snapped-in assembly state interact in an form-fitting manner with the insertion part (3), and wherein the control surfaces (7) feature an inclination of between 30° and 50° to a plane of motion (B) of the attachment element (4) or the control surfaces (7) are arched convex or concave.

2. Connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment element (4) features between two and five webs (10), in particular that at least one web (10) limits the movement of the attachment element (4).

3. Connecting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment element (4) features at least six snap-in surfaces (12), which in the snapped-in assembly state interact in an form-fitting manner with the insertion part (3), in particular with an attachment collar (13) on the insertion part (3).

4. Connecting device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one snap-in surface (12) is formed on a lug (22) of the attachment element (4), and that also at least one control surface (7) is formed on the lug (22), in particular at least one control surface (7) is formed adjoining the snap-in surface (12).

5. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the attachment element (4) at least partly overlaps the coupling element (2) so that a first end region (14) and a second end region (15) of the attachment element (4) are disposed opposite each other, in particular that the attachment element (4) in a top view features an essentially C-shaped cross section.

6. Connecting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that in the first end region (14) and / or in the second end region (15) of the attachment element (4), at least one guide lug (16) is formed, in particular at least two guide lugs (16) are formed, and that during a movement from the initial position the guide lug (16) slides along at least one corresponding guide surface (17), in particular along at least two guide surfaces (17), of the coupling element (2), in particular so as to deform the attachment element (4) elastically, in particular that the guide surface (17) is aligned tangential to a notional circle around the middle axis (A) of the connection opening (5).

7. Connecting device (1) according claim 6, characterized in that the guide surfaces (17) cooperating with the first end region (14) and with the second end region (15) are inclined oppositely to each other.

8. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the restoring force is adjusted by means of the selection of the material of the attachment element (4) and / or by the alignment of the guide lugs (16) and the guide surfaces (17).

9. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the attachment element (4), in particular at least in its first end region (14) or at least in its second end region (15), features at least one snap-in protrusion (18), in particular two snap-in protrusions (18), and that the snap-in protrusion (18) in the assembled state engages in a snap-in setback (19) at the insertion part (3), in particular that the snap-in protrusion (18) can move in a radial direction towards the middle axis (A).

10. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insertion part (3) features at least one flat section (20), in particular at least two or four oppositely arranged flat sections (20), and that the connection opening (5) features at least one corresponding flat section (21) at the inner perimeter, in particular at least two or four oppositely arranged flat sections (21).

11. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the attachment element (4) features at least one blocking edge (25), in particular that the blocking edge (25) in the assembled state cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the coupling element (2), preferably that the blocking edge (25) features a height of between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm.

12. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the attachment element (4) produces a snap-in noise upon reaching the starting position.

13. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the attachment element (4) features on at least one side, at least one circumferential guard edge (26), preferably that the attachment element (4) features at least one circumferential guard edge (26) on two sides.

14. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the coupling element (2) features at least one alignment indicator (32), preferably two alignment indicators (32), for the insertion part (3), preferably that the insertion part (3) features at least one alignment indicator (33) corresponding to the alignment indicator (32) of the attachment element (4), preferably features two corresponding alignment indicators (33).

15. Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one rotation lock (30) is present, and that the rotation lock (30) can snap into the coupling element (2) in a form-fitting manner.