Fluid line coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid line coupling (10) for the reversibly releasable connection of fluid lines, having a coupling plug (12), a locking element (30) which comprises at least one locking arm (32a-32d) with at least one locking extension (34) for locking the coupling plug (12) in a locking state of the fluid line coupling (10), a coupling housing (18), wherein in the locking state of the fluid line coupling (10), the locking element (30) and the coupling plug are arranged at least partially in the coupling housing (18), and a blocking ring (40) by means of which, in the locking state of the fluid line coupling (10), an unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d) is blocked.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a fluid line coupling according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0004] Generic fluid line couplings are used in various applications, particularly in the automotive industry, to connect fluid lines, such as hoses or pipes for cooling water, lubricants or fuel, in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0005] In practice, it has proven advantageous if the fluid lines are reversibly detachably connected by means of the fluid line coupling and the fluid line coupling can be unlocked to release the connection of the fluid lines.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2020 203 433 A1 discloses a fluid line coupling in which a coupling plug, which is connected to a first fluid line, is plugged into a coupling housing, which is connected to a second fluid line, and locked by means of a locking element, so that the fluid lines are securely connected to one another. By moving a locking ring, the locking can be released by means of the locking element, so that the coupling plug is released and can be pulled out of the coupling housing.

[0007] However, aging processes, and in particular the creep behavior of the materials of the fluid line coupling, often lead to the fluid line coupling's unlocking mechanism no longer functioning properly, and the coupling plug remains locked by the locking element despite the locking ring being actuated. Thus, the coupling plug is not released for removal from the coupling housing as intended. For this reason, disassembly of the fluid line coupling is prevented or at least impaired, which consequently complicates repair work and the replacement of fluid line and / or coupling components, for example.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is therefore to improve the unlocking mechanism of fluid line couplings.

[0009] The object is achieved by a fluid line coupling of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the locking element has at least one unlocking member, wherein the unlocking movement of the locking arm in an unlocked state of the fluid line coupling can be brought about by actuating the at least one unlocking member by means of the locking ring.

[0010] The fact that the unlocking movement of the locking arm can be brought about by actuating at least one unlocking element by means of the locking ring ensures that reliable unlocking of the fluid line coupling is always possible. Consequently, problems caused by faulty unlocking during the disassembly of fluid line couplings are avoided, which, for example, facilitates repair work on fluid line couplings or connected fluid lines.

[0011] The fluid line coupling is preferably designed as an SAE coupling with standardized geometries. By locking the coupling plug, an axial movement of the coupling plug relative to the coupling housing and / or the locking element can be limited and / or blocked. The coupling plug preferably comprises a locking collar, in particular a circumferential one, by means of which the coupling plug can be locked. The coupling plug preferably comprises a fluid line receiving area in which a fluid line can be connected to the coupling plug in a fluid-conducting manner. The coupling housing preferably comprises a fluid line receiving area in which a fluid line can be connected to the coupling plug in a fluid-conducting manner.Preferably, the fluid line coupling further comprises at least one seal which seals the fluid line coupling, in particular between the coupling plug and the coupling housing, in a fluid-tight manner, so that when a fluid flows through the fluid line coupling, no fluid can escape from the fluid line coupling.

[0012] The locking element can comprise a plurality of locking arms. Preferably, the locking element comprises four locking arms. The locking arms are preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the locking element. Preferably, two locking elements are arranged opposite each other. The locking arms preferably extend in the axial direction of the fluid line coupling. The locking arms each comprise at least one locking extension for locking the coupling plug.

[0013] Preferably, the locking projections prevent the coupling plug from moving out of the coupling housing, since the locking collar of the coupling plug strikes the locking projections and an axial movement of the coupling plug is consequently limited and / or blocked.

[0014] Preferably, the coupling housing, the locking element, the locking ring, and the coupling plug can be plugged together to form the fluid line coupling. To assemble the fluid line coupling, at least one seal and then the locking element are first inserted into the coupling housing. The locking ring is then pushed over the outside of the coupling housing, before finally the coupling plug is pushed into the coupling housing until the coupling plug is locked by the locking element arranged within the coupling housing. The locking element preferably has an axial opening that can accommodate the coupling plug. In addition, the coupling housing has an axial opening for receiving the locking element.The inner diameter of the axial opening of the coupling housing can be smaller than the outer diameter of the locking element, whereby insertion of the locking element into the coupling housing is preferably enabled by elastic compression of the locking arms. Furthermore, the coupling housing comprises radial openings through which the locking arms of the locking element can extend at least partially when plugged together. Preferably, the locking ring can be pushed axially onto the outer circumference of the coupling housing.

[0015] The coupling housing preferably has a circumferential support collar which can serve as a stop for the locking ring and / or on which the locking ring can rest and be axially supported when plugged together. The locking ring preferably has a support part, a spring part and a locking part. The support part allows the locking ring to be supported on the support collar of the coupling plug. The locking part of the locking ring can block the unlocking movement of the locking arm. The spring part enables an axial movement of the locking part and / or the support part relative to one another. The coupling housing, the coupling plug, the locking element and / or the locking ring are preferably made of a plastic. In particular, the coupling housing, the coupling plug, the locking element and / or the locking ring can be injection-molded parts.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the at least one unlocking member is arranged on the locking arm. The at least one unlocking member is preferably arranged on the outer side of the locking arm facing the coupling housing and / or the locking ring. The at least one unlocking member is preferably firmly connected, in particular by a material fit, to the locking arm. If the locking element comprises a plurality of locking arms, an unlocking member can be arranged on each of the locking arms. Preferably, an unlocking member is arranged on each of at least two oppositely arranged locking arms of the locking element. A locking arm can also comprise a plurality of unlocking members.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the at least one unlocking member is designed as a hook-shaped extension, wherein the at least one unlocking member preferably extends at least partially in the radial direction of the locking element. The unlocking member preferably has a curvature, wherein the angle of curvature is preferably between 20 degrees and 160 degrees, particularly preferably between 70 degrees and 120 degrees. Preferably, a first section of the unlocking member extends substantially in the axial direction of the locking arm, and a second section of the unlocking member extends substantially in the radial direction of the locking arm. The second section of the unlocking member extending in the radial direction of the locking arm preferably points outwards.Preferably, the second section of the unlocking member extending in the radial direction of the locking arm has an actuating surface by means of which the at least one unlocking member can be actuated by means of the locking ring in order to bring about the unlocking movement of the locking arm.

[0018] In a further development of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the locking ring comprises at least one unlocking extension for actuating the at least one unlocking member of the locking element in the unlocked state of the fluid line coupling. The locking ring can have a plurality of unlocking extensions. Preferably, the locking device has two oppositely arranged unlocking extensions, wherein the at least two oppositely arranged unlocking extensions are preferably configured to actuate at least two oppositely arranged unlocking members of the locking element to bring about the unlocking movement of the locking arms in the unlocked state of the fluid line coupling. Preferably, the unlocking extensions are arranged on the inside of the locking ring, in particular on the inside of the locking part of the locking ring.

[0019] The unlocking projections are preferably hook-shaped, with the hook-shaped unlocking projections preferably extending obliquely toward the spring part of the locking ring and the interior of the locking ring. The unlocking projections are preferably shaped to match the unlocking members of the locking arms. The unlocking projections preferably have an actuating surface by means of which the at least one unlocking member of the locking element can be actuated to bring about the unlocking movement of the locking arm.

[0020] Preferably, the unlocking projections are firmly connected to the locking ring, in particular to the locking part of the locking ring, in particular by a material bond. Upon axial movement of the locking ring, in particular of the locking part of the locking ring, the unlocking projections also perform an axial movement.

[0021] Furthermore, a fluid line coupling according to the invention is advantageous in which the unlocking extension of the locking ring and the unlocking member of the locking element each have an actuating surface, wherein the actuating surface of the unlocking extension can be brought into contact with the actuating surface of the unlocking member for actuating the unlocking member. The actuating surfaces are preferably aligned facing one another. Preferably, the actuating surfaces are aligned parallel to one another. Preferably, the actuating surfaces are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction in the locked state. The actuating surfaces can preferably be brought into contact with one another by an axial movement of the locking ring, in particular of the locking part of the locking ring. The actuating surfaces can be brought into contact over their entire surface or part of their surface.

[0022] A fluid line coupling according to the invention is also preferred in which the unlocking movement of the locking arm can be brought about by an axial movement of the locking ring, wherein the axial movement of the locking ring in the unlocked state preferably causes an unlocking force in the axial direction on the at least one unlocking member of the locking element and / or on the locking arm of the locking element. Preferably, the at least one unlocking extension of the locking ring and the at least one unlocking member of the locking element are arranged at a distance from one another in the locked state.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one unlocking extension of the locking ring and the at least one unlocking member of the locking element are arranged at a constant distance from one another in the unlocked state. Preferably, the at least one unlocking extension of the locking ring moves toward the at least one unlocking member of the locking element due to the axial movement of the locking ring. The axial movement of the locking ring can be carried out, for example, by user intervention.

[0024] The unlocking movement of the locking arms is preferably effected by an unlocking force on the unlocking members, in particular a tensile or compressive force acting on the actuating surfaces, in the axial direction by the axial movement of the locking ring. The axial movement preferably takes place along an axial movement path, wherein the axial movement path is preferably a straight line. The axial movement path preferably runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fluid line coupling. The unlocking movement of the locking arms preferably runs along an unlocking movement path. The unlocking movement path can be linear and / or curved, at least in sections. The coupling plug is unlocked by the unlocking movement. In particular, the locking extension of the locking arm is removed from the locking collar of the coupling plug by the unlocking movement in order to release the latter.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the unlocking movement of the locking arm is a tilting movement of the locking arm along a tilting movement path about a tilting axis. Preferably, the tilting movement is a curved movement of the locking arm along a curved tilting movement path of the locking arm. The unlocking force of the unlocking extension on the unlocking member generates a moment acting on the locking arm. The moment acting on the locking arm preferably generates the tilting movement of the locking arm about a tilting axis. The tilting axis preferably runs orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fluid line coupling. The tilting axis can also run outside the locking arm. Preferably, the locking arms spread outward due to the tilting movement of the locking arms, so that the coupling plug is unlocked.

[0026] Furthermore, a fluid line coupling according to the invention is advantageous in which the locking arm has a material thickness that is reduced at least in sections in a bending region, wherein the bending region is elastically deformable by actuating the at least one unlocking member to bring about the unlocking movement of the locking arm. In the bending region, the unlocking movement causes an elastic deformation of the locking arm. The bending region with the material thickness that is reduced at least in sections can be arranged at least partially in a connection region of the locking arm to the locking element. The reduced material thickness in the bending region of the locking arm can reduce the required unlocking force that must be applied to unlock the fluid line coupling.In addition, the required unlocking force can be defined by changing the material thickness in the bending area.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the fluid line coupling comprises at least one locking indicator, which is configured to haptically and / or visually indicate a current locking state and / or unlocking state of the fluid line coupling through elastic deformation. By means of the at least one locking indicator, the presence of a locking state and / or unlocking state of the fluid line coupling can be determined, preferably from the outside. In particular, the locking state and / or unlocking state of the fluid line coupling can be determined visually, for example by a user or electronically by means of an optical detection device, and / or haptically, for example by a user feeling the locking indicator. The fluid line coupling preferably comprises at least two opposing locking indicators.

[0028] In a further development of the fluid line coupling according to the invention, the at least one locking indicator is a component of the locking ring and / or the at least one locking indicator can be actuated to indicate the current locking state and / or the current unlocking state by means of a locking collar of the coupling plug. The locking ring preferably comprises two opposing locking indicators. The locking indicators are preferably arranged in openings in the locking ring. In addition, the locking indicators are preferably firmly connected, in particular by a material fit, to the locking ring. The locking indicators preferably comprise at least one extension which projects into the interior of the locking ring when the fluid line coupling is in the unlocked state and / or when the coupling plug is not or not fully inserted.Preferably, the locking indicators are flush with the outer circumference of the locking ring when unlocked and / or when the coupling plug is not or not fully inserted. The locking indicators are preferably arranged on the locking part of the locking ring. In the locked state and / or when the coupling plug is inserted, the locking indicators protrude at least partially outward from the locking ring. Because the locking indicators protrude outward, they are visible and / or tangible from the outside, allowing the current locking state to be determined visually and / or haptically from the outside.

[0029] In the locked state and / or when the coupling plug is inserted, the locking collar of the coupling plug contacts the extension of the locking indicator. The locking indicator is preferably pressed radially outward by the locking stud, in particular through the opening of the locking ring. The locking indicator preferably performs a tilting movement when pressed by the locking stud. The tilting movement preferably elastically deforms the locking indicator, in particular bends it in a bending region of the locking indicator. The locking indicator preferably returns to its original state when the fluid line coupling is moved from the locked state back to the unlocked state and / or when the coupling plug is partially or completely withdrawn from the coupling housing.Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a fluid line coupling according to the invention in the locked state in a sectional view;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in the unlocked state in a sectional view;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a locking ring of the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a locking element of the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a coupling housing of the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

[0035] Fig. 6 shows the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in the locked state in a further sectional view;

[0036] Fig. 7 shows the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 in the locked state in a side view;

[0037] Fig. 8 shows the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 with the coupling plug not inserted in a sectional view; and

[0038] Fig. 9 shows the fluid line coupling shown in Fig. 1 with the coupling plug not inserted in a side view.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a fluid line coupling 10, which comprises a coupling plug 12, a coupling housing 18, a locking element 30, and a locking ring 40. By means of the fluid line coupling 10, fluid lines, in particular hoses and / or pipes, can be connected to one another in a fluid-conducting and reversibly detachable manner. For this purpose, the coupling housing 18 comprises a fluid line receiving area 20, and the coupling plug 12 comprises a fluid line receiving area 16. Seals 28 arranged between the coupling plug 12 and the coupling housing 18 ensure that a flowing fluid cannot escape from the fluid line coupling 10.

[0040] In Fig. 1, the fluid line coupling is shown in a locked state, wherein the coupling plug 12, which is fully inserted axially into the coupling housing 18 and extends through an axial opening 24 of the coupling housing 18, is locked within the coupling housing 18 by means of the locking element 30 and unlocking is blocked by means of the locking ring 40 pushed externally over the coupling housing 18.

[0041] The coupling plug 12 comprises a circumferential locking collar 14, wherein the locking element 30 has locking arms 32a-32d extending in the axial direction of the fluid line coupling 10, which in the locking state each engage with a radially inwardly projecting locking extension 34 over the locking extension 14 of the coupling plug 12, wherein in this way an axial movement A of the coupling plug 12 upwards out of the coupling housing 18 is blocked and the coupling plug 12 is thus locked.

[0042] The locking ring 40 prevents unlocking of the coupling plug 12 in the locked state, with an unlocking movement E of the locking arms 32a-32d being blocked radially outward by the locking ring 40. The locking ring 40 is pushed over the coupling housing 18 from the outside and is axially supported on a support collar 22 of the coupling housing 18.

[0043] Furthermore, the locking arm 32c of the locking element 30 has an unlocking member 36a, and the locking arm 32d of the locking element 30 has an unlocking member 36b. In addition, the locking ring 40 has two opposing unlocking extensions 48a, 48b. The unlocking extensions 48a, 48b of the locking ring 40 can be used to actuate the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking arms 32c, 32d in order to unlock the coupling plug 12 by means of an unlocking movement E of the locking arms 32c, 32d. In the locked state, the unlocking projections 48a, 48b of the locking ring 40 are each arranged axially spaced from the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking arms 32c, 32d.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the fluid line coupling 10, wherein Fig. 2 illustrates an unlocked state of the fluid line coupling 10. In the unlocked state, the coupling plug 12 is fully inserted into the coupling housing 18, but the locking arms 32c, 32d are in an unlocked position, so that the locking collar 14 of the coupling plug 12 is not blocked by the locking extensions 34 of the locking arms 32c, 32d. In the unlocked state of the fluid line coupling 10, the coupling plug can thus be pulled upward out of the coupling housing 18 by an axial movement A of the coupling plug 12.

[0045] The unlocking state of the fluid line coupling 10 is brought about by a downward axial movement of the locking ring 40. When moving from the locked state to the unlocking state, the unlocking projections 48a, 48b of the locking ring 40 also perform a downward axial movement A due to the downward axial movement A of the locking ring 40, so that the unlocking projections 48a, 48b actuate the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking arms 32c, 32d by the unlocking projections 48a, 48b exerting a compressive force on the unlocking members 36a, 36b.

[0046] The compressive force on the unlocking members 36a, 36b generates a moment acting on the locking arms 32c, 32d. The moment acting on the locking arms 32c, 32d in turn results in the unlocking movement E of the locking arms 32c, 32d. The unlocking movement E is a tilting movement of the locking arms 32c, 32d outwards along a curved unlocking movement path about a tilting axis running orthogonal to the axial direction of the fluid line coupling 10, wherein the locking arms 32c, 32d are elastically deformed and spread outwards by the unlocking movement E. The unlocking movement E of the locking arms 32c, 32d creates the moment shown in Fig.2, in which the locking arms 32c, 32d are in an outwardly spread unlocking position, so that the locking collar 14 is released and the coupling plug 12 can be removed from the coupling housing 18 by pulling it upwards through the axial opening 24.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the locking ring 40 of the fluid line coupling 10. The locking ring 40 comprises a locking part 42, a spring part 44, and a support part 46. In the locked state, the locking part 42 blocks an unlocking movement E of the locking arms 32a-32d of the locking element 30. In the assembled state of the fluid line coupling 10, the support part 46 rests on the support collar 22 of the coupling housing 18. The spring part 44 enables an axial movement A of the locking part 42 by a compression of the spring part 44.

[0048] The locking ring 40 also comprises two oppositely arranged unlocking projections 48a, 48b, which are hook-shaped and arranged obliquely on the inner circumference of the locking part 42, aligned in the direction of the spring part 44 of the locking ring 40. The unlocking projections 48a, 48b comprise an actuating surface 30 (not shown) for actuating the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking element 30. By means of the axial movement A of the locking part 42, the unlocking projections 48a, 48b are also moved in the axial direction, so that the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking element 30 are actuated by the axial movement A by means of the unlocking members 36a, 36b of the locking element 30 to bring about the unlocking movement E.

[0049] Furthermore, the locking ring 40 comprises two locking indicators 50a, 50b arranged opposite one another and located inside the locking part 42, each having an extension 52a, 52b. The locking indicators 50a, 50b allow the current locking and / or unlocking state of the fluid line coupling 10 to be detected haptically and visually from the outside. By means of the locking collar 14 of the coupling plug 12, the locking indicators 50a, 50b are elastically pressed radially outward from the locking part 42 of the locking ring 40 by pressure on the extensions 52a, 52b, so that the locking indicators 50a, 50b protrude beyond the outer circumference of the locking ring 40 and become visible and noticeable from the outside when the coupling plug 12 is fully inserted into the coupling housing 18 and / or locked.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows the locking element 30 of the fluid line coupling 10. The locking element 30 has four locking arms 32a-32d, each with a locking extension 34, and is arranged inside the coupling housing 18 when the fluid line coupling 10 is assembled. The locking arms 32a, 32b and the locking arms 32c, 32d are arranged opposite one another and evenly distributed over the circumference of the locking element 30. By means of the locking element 30, the coupling socket 12 is locked within the coupling housing 18 by the locking extensions 34 blocking the locking collar 14 of the coupling socket 12 and thus preventing the coupling socket 12 from moving out of the coupling housing 18.

[0051] In addition, the oppositely arranged

[0052] Locking arms 32c, 32d each have an unlocking member 36a, 36b, wherein the unlocking members 36a, 36b are each arranged on the outer side of the respective locking arm 32c, 32d, which faces the locking ring 40 in the assembled state. The unlocking members 36a, 36b are designed as hook-shaped extensions of the locking arms 32c, 32d, each having a radially outwardly extending portion. The radially outwardly extending portion of the unlocking members 36a, 36b comprises an actuating surface 30 which, in the assembled state, is directed in the direction of the unlocking projections 48a, 48b of the locking ring 40 and is configured to be brought into contact with the unlocking projections 48a, 48b of the locking ring 40 by the axial movement A of the locking part 42 of the locking ring 40 to bring about the unlocking movement E in the unlocked state of the fluid line coupling 10.

[0053] When the unlocking members 36a, 36b are actuated, a moment acts on the locking arms 32c, 32d, causing them to be elastically bent in a respective bending region B and consequently to execute the unlocking movement E to release the locking of the coupling plug 12. In the bending region B, the material thickness of the locking arms 32a-32d is reduced compared to the remaining regions of the locking arms 32a-32d. Due to the reduced material thickness in the respective bending regions B of the locking arms 32c, 32d, the force required to effect the unlocking movement E when actuating the unlocking members 36a, 36b is reduced, since elastic deformation of the locking arms 32c, 32d is facilitated.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows the coupling housing 18 of the fluid line coupling 10 in a perspective view. The coupling housing 18 is designed as an axially extending cylindrical hollow body and has an axial opening 24 on its upper side. The locking element 30 and the coupling socket 12 can be inserted axially into the coupling housing 18 through the axial opening 24. When the locking element 30 is inserted into the coupling housing 18, the locking arms 32a-32d of the locking element 30 engage in radial openings 26 of the coupling housing 18, so that the locking element 30 cannot accidentally slip out of the coupling housing 18. The radial openings 26 of the clutch housing 18 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the clutch housing 18 and shaped such that the locking arms 32a-32d of the locking element 30 can extend radially therethrough at least in sections.

[0055] Extending further on the underside of the coupling housing 18 is a fluid line receiving area 20 for connecting a fluid line to the coupling housing 18. For example, an elastic hose can be pushed over the fluid line receiving area 20 so that it is fluidly connected to the coupling housing 18. Furthermore, the coupling housing 18 comprises a circumferential support collar 22, on which the locking ring 40 rests with its support part 46 in the assembled state. For this purpose, the locking ring 40 is pushed over the outer circumference of the coupling housing 18 until its support part 46 abuts the support collar 22 of the coupling housing 18.

[0056] In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the fluid line coupling 10 can be seen in the locked state with the coupling plug 12 fully inserted and locked. Fig. 6 shows the fluid line coupling 10 in a sectional view rotated by 90 degrees compared to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 7 shows the fluid line coupling 10 in a side view from the outside in the same orientation as the sectional view in Fig. 6.

[0057] The fluid line coupling 10 is in the locked state, in which the locking collar 14 of the coupling plug 12 is locked by means of the locking extensions 34 of the locking arms 32a-32d. The locking indicators 50a, 50b of the locking ring 40 provide visual and tactile confirmation from the outside that the coupling plug 12 is fully inserted into the coupling housing 18. The locking indicators 50a, 50b each comprise an extension 52a, 52b projecting radially into the interior of the coupling housing 18. The extensions 52a, 52b are contacted by the locking assembly 14 of the coupling plug 12, so that the locking indicators 50a, 50b are elastically pressed radially outward by a tilting movement.Because the locking indicators 50a, 50b are pushed outwards, they protrude visibly and noticeably beyond the outer circumference of the locking ring 40 pushed over the coupling housing 18, so that the complete insertion of the coupling plug 12 into the coupling housing 18 can be visually and haptically detected from the outside.

[0058] In Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the fluid line coupling 10 with the coupling plug 12 not fully inserted can be seen in a sectional view and in a side view in the same orientation as in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0059] The fluid line coupling 10 is not locked because the coupling plug 12 is not fully inserted into the coupling housing 18 and the locking collar 14 of the coupling plug 12 is accordingly not locked by the locking extensions 34 of the locking arms 32a-32d. The locking indicators 50a, 50b of the locking ring 40 provide external visual and tactile confirmation that the coupling plug 12 is not fully inserted into the coupling housing 18, since the extensions 52a, 52b are not contacted by the locking assembly 14 of the coupling plug 12, so that the locking indicators 50a, 50b are flush with the outer circumference of the locking ring 40 and do not protrude outward. In this way, it is visually and haptically recognizable from the outside that the coupling plug 12 is not fully inserted into the coupling housing 18 and is therefore not locked. Reference symbol hste

[0060] 10 Fluid line coupling

[0061] 12 coupling plugs

[0062] 14 Locking collar

[0063] 16 Fluid line receiving area

[0064] 18 Clutch housing

[0065] 20 Fluid line receiving area

[0066] 22 Support collar

[0067] 24 axial opening

[0068] 26 radial openings

[0069] 28 seals

[0070] 30 locking element

[0071] 32a-32d locking arms

[0072] 34 locking processes

[0073] 36a, 36b release links

[0074] 38 operating surface

[0075] 40 locking ring

[0076] 42 locking part

[0077] 44 Spring part

[0078] 46 Support part

[0079] 48a, 48b Unlocking processes

[0080] 50a, 50b Locking indicators

[0081] 52a, 52b Processes

[0082] A axial movement

[0083] B Bending area

[0084] E Unlocking movement

Claims

Claims 1. A fluid line coupling (10) for reversibly releasably connecting fluid lines, comprising a coupling plug (12), a locking element (30) comprising at least one locking arm (32a-32d) with at least one locking extension (34) for locking the coupling plug (12) in a locked state of the fluid line coupling (10), a coupling housing (18), wherein the locking element (30) and the coupling plug (12) are arranged at least partially in the coupling housing (18) in the locked state of the fluid line coupling (10), and a locking device (40) by means of which an unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d) is blocked in the locked state of the fluid line coupling (10), characterized in that the locking element (30) has at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b),wherein the unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d) in an unlocking state of the fluid line coupling (10) can be brought about by actuating the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) by means of the locking ring (40).

2. Fluid line coupling (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) is arranged on the locking arm (32a-32d).

3. Fluid line coupling (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) is designed as a hook-shaped extension, wherein the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) preferably extends at least partially in the radial direction of the locking element (30).

4. Fluid line coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking ring (40) comprises at least one unlocking extension (48a, 48b) for actuating the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) of the locking element (30) in the unlocked state of the fluid line coupling (10).

5. Fluid line coupling (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking extension (48a, 48b) of the locking ring (40) and the unlocking member (36a, 36b) of the locking element (30) each have an actuating surface (38), wherein the actuating surface (38) of the unlocking extension (48a, 48b) can be brought into contact with the actuating surface (38) of the unlocking member (36a, 36b) for actuating the unlocking member (36a, 36b).

6. Fluid line coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d) can be brought about by an axial movement (A) of the locking ring (40), wherein the axial movement (A) of the locking ring (40) in the unlocking state preferably exerts an unlocking force in the axial direction on the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) of the locking element (30) and / or on the locking arm (32a-32d) of the locking element (30).

7. Fluid line coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d) is a tilting movement of the locking arm (32a-32d) along a tilting movement path about a tilting axis.

8. Fluid line coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking arm (32a-32d) has a material thickness which is at least partially reduced in a bending region (B), wherein the bending region (B) is elastically deformable by the actuation of the at least one unlocking member (36a, 36b) to bring about the unlocking movement (E) of the locking arm (32a-32d).

9. Fluid line coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid line coupling (10) comprises at least one locking indicator (50a, 50b) which is designed to haptically and / or optically indicate a current locking state and / or unlocking state of the fluid line coupling (10) by elastic deformation.

10. Fluid line coupling (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one locking indicator (50a, 50b) is a component of the locking ring (40) and / or for indicating the current locking state and / or the current unlocking status by means of a locking collar (14) of the coupling plug (12) can be actuated.

Images