Connectors for connecting lines for liquid or gaseous media

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tubular fitting for a plug connection on pipes and hoses, for connection with a tubular plug, as well as a plug connection on pipes and hoses using this fitting.

[0002] DE 102005050490 A1 discloses a generic fitting which, at one of its ends, can be connected to or formed with a pipe and / or a hose, and which, at its other end, can be inserted into a tubular plug, which is also connected to a pipe and / or a hose, in a sealing manner and can be axially locked in place. For this purpose, the fitting has at least one locking shoulder or locking edge, partially circumferential around its outer circumference, which is formed from a ramp rising from the outer circumference on the plug side and a locking surface adjoining it behind the outer circumference on the plug side. The locking surface is preferably oriented radially to the longitudinal axis of the fitting.A particular embodiment further provides a thin-walled ring slid onto a nozzle, on which a tab is provided that projects radially beyond the locking shoulder, locking edge, or locking spring groove and is machined from the material of the slid-on ring. Furthermore, a locking spring groove is machined into the slid-on ring. AT 17372 U1 discloses an arrangement for connecting components for liquid or gaseous media, wherein a connector body with an insertion section serves for insertion into a receiving opening of a connector. This connector body is provided with a locking shoulder or locking edge as a locking section for a locking spring or a locking clip and is designed as a sheet metal forming part, for example, as a deep-drawn part.Axially adjacent to and / or overlapping with a detent shoulder or detent edge or detent spring groove, an anti-rotation device in the form of at least one tab projecting radially beyond the detent shoulder or detent edge or detent spring groove is present.

[0003] US patent 2017 / 363237 A1 also discloses such a connector body, which is formed in one piece and as a monolithic structure with a circumferential bead or protrusion, which structures serve as detent sections for a detent spring or a locking bar.

[0004] US Patent 2018 / 283589A1 discloses a fluidic assembly comprising a hose and a connector equipped with a locking ring. This connector is designed for connection to a socket, thus forming a quick-connect system. The connector features locating lugs and a locking recess that interacts with a complementary element on the socket. The hose has an enlarged diameter at its free end, creating a sealing surface. The connector is secured to the hose via slots that deform the hose, preventing rotation. Additionally, a stop rib on the hose prevents the connector from slipping along the hose.

[0005] Previously known solutions use turned and milled parts for this purpose, such as those used in... Fig. 1 and Fig. 4as shown, and which entail significantly higher material costs and a weight disadvantage. Furthermore, the production process is correspondingly complex and time-consuming.

[0006] For certain applications, particularly in heat exchangers, such fittings often need to be attached using a soldering process, which precludes the use of conventional components with integrated or additional plastic elements. Current applications show an increasing use of fittings that are molded directly onto the tube, but these have the disadvantage that they cannot be equipped with an anti-rotation device.

[0007] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device that allows easy attachment to housings, pipes or hoses and can be easily equipped with an anti-rotation device if desired.

[0008] This task is solved by a device and a system according to the claims.

[0009] The device according to the invention, whose cam is formed on a separately manufactured locking ring firmly connected to the fitting, and wherein at least one recess is formed on the locking ring which, together with the detent surface on the fitting, forms a detent spring groove, is characterized according to the invention in that each cam is formed as an annular projection on the locking ring. This allows the fitting to be connected to pipes and hoses, as well as to a housing or similar structure, by either a soldering process or by press-fitting. The fitting is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, whereas the same flexibility and functionality would only be achievable with alternative manufacturing methods with increased effort, making it very expensive, or even technologically impossible. The term "housing" encompasses all types of containers or apparatus used for storing, keeping, transporting, and the like.suitable and designed for fluids.

[0010] Preferably, the locking ring is designed to be open towards the locking surface.

[0011] Preferably, the connector is made in one piece with at least one locking shoulder or locking edge and a locking surface which forms the plug-side wall of the locking spring groove.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle including the chamfer, the locking shoulder or locking edge or the locking spring groove is made of hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminium or stainless steel.

[0013] In order to avoid losing the possibility of attaching the nozzle by, for example, a soldering process, the locking ring is preferably made of metal, preferably hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0014] In the latter embodiment, optimal and secure attachment of the locking ring according to the invention can be achieved by pressing it onto the nozzle or soldering or welding it to it.

[0015] The invention relates not only to the fitting itself but also to a fitting connection according to the invention for pipes and hoses, which serves to connect a tubular fitting to a tubular plug. In a known manner, the fitting and the plug can each be connected to a pipe and / or a hose at their ends and can be inserted into one another in a sealing manner at their other ends and locked together axially.

[0016] To solve the problem defined at the outset, such a plug connection is characterized according to the invention by a nozzle according to one of the preceding paragraphs.

[0017] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0018] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 A press-fit fitting according to the prior art without anti-rotation device as a turned-milled part; Fig. 2 The press-fit fitting of the Fig. 1 in longitudinal section; Fig. 3 A press-fit fitting according to the invention without anti-rotation device as a deep-drawn part; Fig. 4 The press-fit fitting according to the invention of the Fig. 3 in longitudinal section; Fig. 5 Another embodiment of a press-fit fitting according to the invention without anti-rotation device as a deep-drawn part; Fig. 6 The press-fit fitting according to the invention of the Fig. 5 in longitudinal section; Fig. 7 A conventional press-fit fitting with anti-rotation device as a turned and milled part; Fig. 8 The press-fit fitting of a known design of the Fig. 7 in longitudinal section; Fig. 9 A press-fit fitting according to the invention with anti-rotation device as a deep-drawn part assembly; Fig. 10 The press-fit fitting according to the invention of the Fig. 9in longitudinal section; Fig. 11 An application example without anti-rotation device; Fig. 12 An application example with anti-rotation device and the same coupling as Fig. 11 Fig. 13 Another application example without anti-rotation device with a different coupling; Fig. 14 Another application example with anti-rotation device and coupling as shown Fig. 13 ;

[0019] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0020] In the Fig. 1 The image shows a conventionally designed nozzle, i.e., a turned and milled part, in a view taken from a slightly oblique front angle. The design conforms to the specifications of the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry). Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the nozzle according to the state of the art in the same orientation as Fig. 1 .

[0021] According to the invention, the newly proposed nozzle 1, as in an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 3 in one view accordingly Fig. 1 The diagram shows a deep-drawn part, which is also based on the geometry of the VDA connector. The tubular connector 1 shown is for connection to a tubular plug 13 or 18 (see Figs. 11 to 14The device, designed to form a pluggable, axially locking, and damage-free detachable connection to pipes, hoses, or housings, is connectable to a pipe and / or a hose and / or a housing at a first end 2. A conical insertion chamfer is preferably formed at the outermost edge of the end 2, to which a press-fit or soldering area adjoins.

[0022] The opposite second end 3 of the nozzle 1 can be inserted into the tubular connector 13, 18 in a sealing manner and locked in place. The second end 3 also preferably has a conical insertion chamfer, to which a sealing area adjoins the center of the nozzle 1.

[0023] The fitting 1 has at least one locking shoulder or locking edge 4 that at least partially circumferentially surrounds its outer circumference. This locking edge 4 is formed at the pipe- or hose-side end of a ramp 5 rising from the plug-side outer circumference and transitions into a locking surface 6 behind it with respect to the plug-side outer circumference, which is oriented essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the fitting 1. This fitting 1 is a version without anti-rotation device and without classic locking spring grooves or slots. Instead, the locking edge 4 and the locking surface 6 serve as a bearing surface for at least one locking spring 16 on the plug 13.18, by which the plug connection is held together in the axial direction as soon as the sleeve 1 is fully inserted into the plug 13, 18, the locking spring 16 has been pushed over the locking edge 4 under elastic deformation, behind which it springs back onto the central axis of the sleeve 1 and thus prevents the sleeve 1 from being withdrawn. This functionality, which is implemented in a similar manner in all embodiments according to the invention, is well known in couplings of the generic type.

[0024] All parts of the nozzle 1, including the at least one locking shoulder or locking edge 4 and preferably the chamfer 5, are manufactured in one piece as a deep-drawn metal part.

[0025] As particularly in the longitudinal section of the Fig. 4As can be seen from the nozzle 1 described above, the first end 2 consists of two directly adjoining sections with different diameters, the section with the larger diameter preferably being located closer to the locking shoulder or locking edge 4. The shoulder 12, which forms the transition between the sections with different diameters, provides the contact surface for a tool for pressing the nozzle 1 into a housing or tube.

[0026] Another embodiment of a nozzle 1 according to the invention is described in the Figs. 5 and 6As shown. For locking with a tubular plug, the nozzle 1 has a locking spring groove 7, which is integrally formed with the entire nozzle 1, and the entire assembly is made of deep-drawn metal. Hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminum, or stainless steel are again preferred. The locking shoulder or locking edge 4 is again formed adjoining a chamfer 5, in the same manner as for the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 , and forms the upper edge of the plug-side wall 8 of the locking spring groove 7, as shown in the longitudinal section of the Fig. 6 This is clearly visible. The wall 8 corresponds here to the locking surface 6 of the previously described embodiment of the connector 1. The locking spring groove 7 limits the axial position of a locking spring 16 on the connector 13 or 18 in both directions.

[0027] The boundary of the locking groove 7, which is arranged opposite to the plug-side wall 8 of the locking groove 7, is formed by a locking ring 11 that is integrally formed with the socket 1. This eliminates the need for a separate locking ring that would have to be joined to the socket 1 in an additional manufacturing step.

[0028] Also the stub 1 according to the Figs. 5 and 6 preferably has a first end 2 consisting of two directly adjoining sections with different diameters, wherein preferably the section with the larger diameter is closer to the detent spring groove 7.

[0029] A conventional design of a nozzle 1 with integrated anti-rotation device by means of radially projecting cams or protrusions is described in the Fig. 7 in a view from a slightly oblique front view and in Fig. 8The longitudinal section is shown in the same orientation. This known embodiment is also a turned and milled part that is complex to manufacture.

[0030] A nozzle 1 according to the invention as a deep-drawn part, preferably made of hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminium or stainless steel, and with an anti-rotation device, is shown in an oblique side view in Fig. 9As shown, an axially adjacent to and / or overlapping with a detent shoulder or detent edge 4, or also with a possible detent spring groove 7 in other embodiments of the fitting 1, at least one cam 9 is provided as an anti-rotation device, projecting radially at least partially beyond the detent shoulder or detent edge 4 or detent spring groove 7. Preferably, two cams 9 are arranged diametrically opposite each other. In an embodiment not covered by the wording of the claims, the cam 9 can, for example, be manufactured from the material of the fitting 1 by cold forming, e.g., flanging or pressing out flaps.

[0031] In Fig. 9Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, according to which the at least one cam 9 is formed on a separately manufactured locking ring 10 that is firmly connected to the nozzle 1. This locking ring 10 is preferably made of metal, preferably of hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminum or stainless steel, and is advantageously pressed onto the nozzle 1 or soldered or welded to it.

[0032] How the longitudinal section of the Fig 10 As shown, the cams 9 are formed as ring-shaped protrusions on the locking ring 10. The locking ring 10 itself is open towards the detent surface 6. The locking ring 10 can advantageously also reduce or completely prevent any possible tilting of the coupling on the fitting 1.

[0033] Preferably, recesses 19 are formed at two opposite points along the circumference of the locking ring 10 on its outer front edge, extending over a portion of the circumference of the locking ring 10. These recesses 19 of the locking ring 10 form a detent groove 20 with the axially opposite circumferential section of the detent surface 6 of the fitting 1, similar to a detent groove 7 formed solely on the fitting 1 as in Fig. 5 or 6 The locking spring groove 20 also limits the axial position of a locking spring 16 on the connector 13 or 18 in both directions. In addition to the fitting itself, the invention also relates to a plug connection according to the invention for pipes and hoses, which is used to connect a tubular fitting 1 according to the invention, as exemplified in the Figs. 3 to 6 , 9 and 10As shown and described above, a tubular connector is used. In a known manner, the nozzle 1 and the complementary connector can each be connected at their ends to a housing, a tube, and / or a hose, or are formed thereon. At their other ends, the nozzle 1 and the connector can be inserted into one another in a sealing manner and locked axially, preferably by means of at least one locking spring 16 that engages behind the locking shoulder or locking edge 4 over at least a part of the circumference of the nozzle 1 or engages in the locking spring groove 7.

[0034] The Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows a plug 13 / socket 1 connection in the plugged-in state. A tubular socket 1 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6The connector 1 is inserted into a tubular plug 13, which is exemplified as a 90-degree hose barb. At least one sealing element 14, such as a lip seal or an O-ring, is used to provide a fluid-tight seal for the plug connection. A retaining ring 15 closes the sealing ring groove. A locking spring 16, held in corresponding retaining structures of the connector 13, lies behind the locking edge 4, at least over a portion of the circumference of the connector 1, when the nozzle 1 is fully inserted, within the locking spring groove 7, thus securing the connection between the connector 13 and the nozzle 1 in the axial direction.

[0035] A plug connection of a socket-shaped plug 13 as in Fig. 11 with a nozzle 1 with anti-rotation device according to an embodiment according to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 is in Fig. 12The fluid tightness is ensured again by at least one sealing element 14 and, if necessary, a retaining ring 15, and a detent spring 16 secures the plug connection in the axial direction by at least partially engaging behind the detent edge 4 on the nozzle 1.

[0036] As already mentioned in connection with Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 As explained, a locking ring 10 is connected to the nozzle 1. A portion of the circumference of the locking ring 10 can, on its side facing the detent edge 4, form a receiving groove together with the detent surface 6, which functionally corresponds to the detent spring groove 7.

[0037] Cams 9 formed on the locking ring 10 come into contact with recesses 17 on the inner edge of the plug 13 when the nozzle 1 is correctly positioned in the circumferential direction, thus ensuring a precisely defined circumferential alignment of plug 13 and nozzle 1 to each other.

[0038] Fig. 13shows a plug connection of a nozzle 1 in an embodiment according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 with a different than in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 further embodiment of a connector 18. This connector type is used, for example, for coolant hose connections in the automotive industry.

[0039] How Fig. 14 As shown, such a plug connection of a plug 18 with a socket 1 can also be, for example, in a design according to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 be equipped with an anti-rotation device, which is formed, for example, by incorporating at least one cam 9 on a locking ring 10 into a receptacle 17 on the plug 18. Reference numeral list

[0040] 1. Nozzle 2. First end 3. Second end 4. Detent edge 5. Incline 6. Detent surface 7. Detent spring groove 8. Wall of detent spring groove 9. Cam 10. Locking ring 11. Detent ring 12. Shoulder 13. Plug 14. Lip seal 15. Retaining ring 16. Detent spring 17. Recess 18. Plug 19. Cutout 20. Detent spring groove

Claims

1. A tubular connecting piece (1) for a plug connection on pipes and hoses, for connection to a tubular plug (13, 18), wherein the connecting piece (1) can be connected with one end (2) to a pipe and / or a hose and / or a housing and with the other end (3) can be mutually plugged and latched in an axially securing manner into the tubular plug (13, 18), wherein the connecting piece (1) has at least one latching shoulder or latching edge (4) which runs at least partially around the outer circumference and is formed from a slope (5) which rises from the outer circumference on the plug side and a latching surface (6) which adjoins behind the outer circumference on the plug side, wherein the connecting piece (1), including the at least one latching shoulder or latching edge (4), is configured in one piece as a deep-drawn part made of metal, wherein axially adjacent to and / or overlapping with a latching shoulder or latching edge (4) or latching spring groove (7) there is an anti-rotation device in the form of at least one cam (9) projecting radially beyond the latching shoulder or latching edge (4) or latching spring groove (7), wherein the cam (9) is formed on a separately manufactured locking ring (10) which is firmly connected to the connecting piece (1), and at least one recess (19) is formed on the locking ring (10) which, together with the latching surface (6), forms a latching spring groove (20), characterized in that each cam (9) is formed as an annular elevation on the locking ring (10).

2. The connecting piece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking ring (10) is configured to be open towards the latching surface (6).

3. The connecting piece (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting piece (1) is configured in one piece with at least one latching shoulder or latching edge (4) and a latching surface (6), which forms the wall of the latching spring groove (7) on the plug side.

4. The connecting piece (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting piece (1), including the slope (5), the latching shoulder or latching edge (4) or the latching spring groove (7), is made of hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

5. The connecting piece according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking ring (10) is made of metal, preferably hot-dip galvanized sheet steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

6. The connecting piece according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking ring (10) is pressed onto the connecting piece (1) or soldered or welded to it.

7. A plug connection on pipes and hoses, for connecting a tubular connecting piece (1) to a tubular plug (13, 18), wherein the connecting piece (1) and the plug (13, 18) can each be connected by their ends (2) to a pipe and / or a hose and can be mutually plugged in a sealing manner and be mutually latched in an axially securing manner by their other ends (3), characterized by a connecting piece (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.