Plug connector for connecting an insertion sleeve to a fluid line
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing plug connectors require high insertion forces to connect an insertion sleeve, which is undesirable and can lead to assembly difficulties, and reducing the insertion force often compromises the sealing effect, increasing the risk of leaks.
A plug connector design featuring a sealing ring and a displacement ring arranged next to each other, where the displacement ring is closer to the first sleeve end, allowing the sealing ring to move from a holding position to a sealing position using a transition section, reducing the maximum insertion force required and enhancing the sealing effect.
The connector system reduces the required insertion force while maintaining an effective seal, with the displacement ring facilitating the sealing ring's movement into its final position, ensuring a reliable connection with lower force and improved sealing performance.
Smart Images
Figure AT2024060218_12122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Plug connector for connecting an insert sleeve to a fluid line
[0002] The invention relates to a plug connector for connecting an insert sleeve to a fluid line, wherein the plug connector has a connecting sleeve with an open first sleeve end and an open second sleeve end connected to the first sleeve end, wherein in the region of the first sleeve end a first connecting section is provided for connecting the connecting sleeve to the insert sleeve and in the region of the second sleeve end a second connecting section is provided for connecting the connecting sleeve to the fluid line, wherein the first connecting section encloses a receiving space for receiving an end section of the insert sleeve. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plug connector system comprising a plug connector and an insert sleeve and to a use of such a plug connector system.
[0003] Generic connectors are typically used in a wide variety of industrial sectors to connect two fluid lines, preferably in a sealed manner. This often occurs as part of an assembly process during the manufacture of a specific fluid-carrying product. Depending on the specific application and the fluid used, the fluid lines can be essentially rigid pipes or flexible hoses. However, a fluid line can also be integrated into a component. The fluids used can be gaseous or liquid.
[0004] Gaseous media can include (compressed) air or certain process gases. Liquid media can include water, lubricating oil, coolants, refrigerants, etc.
[0005] Often, one side of the connector is connected directly to one of the two fluid lines, while the other fluid line is first connected to the insert sleeve. To connect the two lines, the insert sleeve can then be coupled, usually detachably, to the connector. A sealing ring is often provided to create a seal. The sealing ring can, for example, be pre-mounted on the connecting sleeve in a sealing position, and the insert sleeve can be inserted into the sealing ring during the connection process.
[0006] Various connectors are known from WO 2018 / 144902 A1, WO 2018 / 102213 A1, and EP 3 179 148 A1. Known connectors often have the disadvantage that a relatively high insertion force is required to connect the insertion sleeve to the connector. However, high insertion forces are inherently undesirable because they complicate assembly. While the insertion force can generally be reduced by using lubricants, lubricants are often not permitted or desired. Reasons for this include, for example, the increased susceptibility to contamination and incompatibility with materials or fluids.
[0007] Another method to reduce the insertion force is to reduce the radial overlap between the insert sleeve and the sealing ring. However, this may result in a reduced sealing effect, increasing the risk of leakage.
[0008] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a connector that requires a lower maximum insertion force.
[0009] This object is achieved with the plug connector mentioned at the outset in that the plug connector comprises a sealing ring and a sliding ring which are arranged next to one another in the receiving space, wherein the sliding ring is closer to the first sleeve end than the sealing ring, that the receiving space comprises a sealing section which is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end by a circumferential shoulder, a holding section which is closer to the first sleeve end than the sealing section and a transition section which connects the holding section to the sealing section, wherein the transition section forms a sliding surface for the sealing ring, wherein the sliding ring is displaceable in the direction of the second sleeve end by an actuating section of the plug-in sleeve when the plug-in sleeve is inserted into the receiving space,so that the sealing ring can be moved by means of the sliding ring from a holding position on the holding section over the sliding surface of the transition section into a sealing position on the sealing section.
[0010] The plug connector according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the maximum required insertion force because the sealing ring is initially arranged in a holding position in the region of the holding section before the insertion of the insertion sleeve. When the insertion sleeve is inserted, the sealing ring first moves the insertion sleeve relative to the sealing ring as long as the sealing ring is in the region of the holding section. Only when the insertion sleeve rests against the sliding ring has the sealing ring reached its final position relative to the insertion sleeve and no longer experiences any relative movement with respect to the insertion sleeve during the subsequent insertion process. The sliding ring is now further displaced by the insertion sleeve, whereby the sealing ring is moved into the final sealing position on the sealing section.
[0011] The sealing section and the holding section can each be cylindrical and have the same inner diameter. The transition section is preferably also cylindrical and has the same inner diameter as the holding section and the sealing section. This creates an embodiment that is easy to manufacture.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing section is cylindrical and has a first inner diameter. The holding section is cylindrical and has a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter. The transition section tapers from the holding section toward the sealing section. The sealing ring can thus be compressed to a greater extent in the radial direction at the sealing section, thereby improving the sealing effect.
[0013] Preferably, the transition section comprises a conical sliding surface and / or a sliding surface curved outward in the radial direction. This enables improved sliding of the sealing ring.
[0014] The sealing ring can have a substantially I-shaped cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing ring can have at least one sealing lip on its inner circumferential surface, which is designed to cooperate with an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the insertion sleeve for sealing in the sealing position. Such sealing rings enable improved sealing and lower insertion force.
[0015] The sliding ring can have a contact portion on its inner circumferential surface that tapers toward the second sleeve end and is designed to interact with the actuating portion of the insert sleeve to slide the sliding ring. Preferably, the contact portion has a conical portion and / or a portion that is curved inward in the radial direction. This creates a relatively large contact surface and consequently enables improved force transmission from the insert sleeve to the sliding ring.
[0016] Preferably, the connector comprises a locking device for locking the
[0017] Insertion sleeve on the connecting sleeve. The locking device can comprise at least one through-opening that connects an outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve to the receiving space, and at least one locking element with at least one locking portion, wherein the at least one locking portion protrudes through the at least one through-opening into the receiving space, wherein the at least one locking portion is designed, upon insertion of the insert sleeve into the receiving space of the connecting sleeve, to first be displaced radially outwards out of the receiving space by the actuating portion of the insert sleeve and then to engage radially inwards into a locking recess of the insert sleeve. This enables simple and reliable locking of the insert sleeve.The locking device can advantageously be designed so that it is compatible with a standardized insert sleeve according to VDA standards (VDA = Association of the Automotive Industry).
[0018] Preferably, the sliding ring comprises at least one retaining surface facing the first sleeve end, and the at least one locking portion of the locking element is designed to interact with the at least one retaining surface of the sliding ring to limit displacement of the sliding ring toward the first sleeve end. This prevents the sliding ring and, if applicable, the sealing ring from becoming loose in the as-delivered state (i.e., without an insert sleeve).
[0019] It may be advantageous if the sliding ring comprises at least one retaining recess that connects an outer circumferential surface to an inner circumferential surface and is preferably open toward the first sleeve end, and if the at least one retaining recess encompasses the at least one retaining surface. This allows the sliding ring to be made longer, thereby improving guidance in the receiving space.
[0020] Preferably, the sliding ring comprises at least one guide projection on its outer circumference, which extends over part of the length of the sliding ring, and at least one guide recess is provided in the receiving space of the connecting sleeve, which extends from the first sleeve end over part of the length of the receiving space toward the second sleeve end. The at least one guide recess is designed to cooperate with the at least one guide projection to guide the sliding ring. This allows for defined guidance of the sliding ring in the axial direction and, at the same time, an anti-rotation lock.The at least one guide recess can also be delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end by a first boundary surface facing the first sleeve end, and the at least one guide projection can be delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end by a second boundary surface facing the second sleeve end. In the sealing position of the sealing ring, the second boundary surface of the at least one guide projection can rest against the first boundary surface of the at least one guide recess. This advantageously provides a defined stop for the sliding ring.
[0021] It may be advantageous if an anti-rotation recess is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space of the connecting sleeve. This recess extends from the first sleeve end over part of the length of the receiving space toward the second sleeve end and radially toward the outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve. The anti-rotation recess is designed to interact with an anti-rotation projection of the insert sleeve to form an anti-rotation lock. This allows a simple, anti-rotation connection to be created with the insert sleeve, particularly with an insert sleeve according to the VDA standard.
[0022] It may also be advantageous if the sliding ring is connected to the sealing ring, preferably by means of a form-fitting or material-fitting connection, particularly by means of an adhesive bond. This can simplify assembly, among other things.
[0023] The plug connector can be part of a plug connector system that additionally comprises an insert sleeve, wherein the insert sleeve comprises an open first insert sleeve end and an open second insert sleeve end connected to the first insert sleeve end, wherein the insert sleeve comprises a cylindrical first insert sleeve section with a first outer diameter and a cylindrical second insert sleeve section with a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the second insert sleeve section is closer to the second insert sleeve end than the first insert sleeve section, wherein an actuating section that tapers towards the second insert sleeve end, preferably a conical one, is provided between the first insert sleeve section and the second insert sleeve section, and wherein the insert sleeve can be inserted with the second insert sleeve end into the receiving space of the connecting sleeve of the plug connector,so that the sliding ring of the connector can be moved by the actuating section of the insertion sleeve in the direction of the second sleeve end and the sealing ring can be moved by means of the sliding ring from the holding position on the holding section over the sliding surface of the transition section into the sealing position on the sealing section.
[0024] Preferably, a locking recess is provided on the cylindrical first insertion sleeve portion of the insertion sleeve, which is designed to cooperate with the locking portion of the locking element of the locking device of the plug connector for locking the insertion sleeve, wherein the locking recess preferably comprises a circumferential groove.
[0025] The connector system is preferably used by inserting the plug-in sleeve with the second plug-in sleeve end into the receiving space of the connecting sleeve of the connector, wherein the sealing ring is in the holding position on the holding section, that the plug-in sleeve is moved relative to the sealing ring until the actuating section of the plug-in sleeve rests on the sliding ring of the connector, that the sliding ring of the connector is displaced by the actuating section of the plug-in sleeve in the direction of the second sleeve end and that the sealing ring is displaced by means of the sliding ring from the holding position on the holding section via the sliding surface of the transition section into the sealing position on the sealing section.
[0026] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.
[0027] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:
[0028] Fig. 1 shows a connector system with a connector and a plug-in sleeve in a perspective exploded view;
[0029] Fig. 2 shows the connector system of a first advantageous embodiment in a longitudinal section before inserting the insertion sleeve;
[0030] Fig. 3 shows the connector system of the first embodiment in a longitudinal section with the plug-in sleeve partially inserted; Fig. 4 shows the connector system of the first embodiment in a longitudinal section with the plug-in sleeve fully inserted;
[0031] Fig. 5 shows the connector system of a second advantageous embodiment in a longitudinal section before inserting the insertion sleeve;
[0032] Fig. 6 the connector system of the second embodiment in a longitudinal section with partially inserted insertion sleeve;
[0033] Fig. 7 the connector system of the second embodiment in a longitudinal section with the plug-in sleeve fully inserted.
[0034] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.
[0035] Reference is first made below to Fig.1 to Fig.4. Fig.1 shows a generic connector system of the invention comprising a connector and an insertion sleeve 2 in an exploded view. The connector and / or the insertion sleeve 2 can be made, for example, from a suitable plastic or a metallic material. Fig.2 to Fig.4 show the connector system according to the invention in a first embodiment, each in a longitudinal section along section line AA in Fig.1. In Fig.2, the insertion sleeve 2 is shown in a state before insertion. In Fig.3, the insertion sleeve 2 is shown in a partially inserted state. In Fig.4, the insertion sleeve 2 is shown in the fully inserted state.
[0036] The plug-in connector comprises a connecting sleeve 1 with an open first sleeve end 3 and an open second sleeve end 4 connected to the first sleeve end 3, as can be seen in Fig. 1. The sleeve ends 3, 4 are connected to one another via a flow channel. In the region of the first sleeve end 3, a first connecting section 5 is provided, which is designed to connect the connecting sleeve 1 to the plug-in sleeve 2. For this purpose, the first connecting section 5 encloses a receiving space 6 into which an end section of the plug-in sleeve 2 can be inserted, as can be seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
[0037] In the region of the second sleeve end 4, the connecting sleeve 1 can comprise a second connecting section 16 for connecting the plug-in connector to a fluid line (not shown). The second connecting section 16 is designed, by way of example, in Fig. 1 to establish a hose connection with a flexible hose. Depending on the application, the second connecting section 16 can be designed in a suitable manner. For the sake of simplicity, the second connecting section 16 is no longer shown in Figs. 2 to 4.
[0038] The receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1 comprises a sealing section 7, which is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end 4 by a circumferential shoulder 8. In the example shown, the sealing section 7 is cylindrical and has a first inner diameter d1 (see Fig. 3). An annular end face 8a is provided on the circumferential shoulder 8, which faces the first sleeve end 3 (see Fig. 2). Furthermore, the receiving space 6 comprises a holding section 9, which is closer to the first sleeve end 3 than the sealing section 7. In the example shown, the holding section 9 is also cylindrical and has a second inner diameter d2, which is the same size or essentially the same size as the first inner diameter d1 (see Fig. 3). The holding section 9 and the sealing section 7 are connected by a transition section 10, which forms a sliding surface for the sealing ring 11, which will be described in more detail below.In the illustrated first embodiment, the sealing section 7, the holding section 9 and the intermediate transition section 10 can be formed by a common cylindrical peripheral surface.
[0039] The connector further comprises a sealing ring 11 and a sliding ring 12, which are arranged longitudinally next to one another in the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1. The sliding ring 12 is arranged closer to the first sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1 than the sealing ring 11, as can be seen in Fig. 2. According to an advantageous embodiment, the sliding ring 12 and the sealing ring 11 can be connected to one another, e.g., at the mutually facing end faces. The connection can, for example, be form-fitting or material-fitting, for example, by means of an adhesive connection. In the as-delivered state of the connector, i.e., before the connector is connected to the insertion sleeve 2, the sealing ring 11 is preferably located in the region of the holding section 9.
[0040] The insert sleeve 2 can comprise an open first insert sleeve end 21 and an open second insert sleeve end 22 connected to the first insert sleeve end 21, as shown in Fig. 2. The insert sleeve 2 preferably has a cylindrical first insert sleeve section 23 with a first outer diameter D1 and a cylindrical second insert sleeve section 24 with a second outer diameter D2 that is smaller than the first outer diameter D1, as can be seen in Fig. 2. The second insert sleeve section 24 is located closer to the second insert sleeve end 22 than the first insert sleeve section 23.
[0041] An actuating section 13 tapering toward the second insert sleeve end 22 can be provided between the first insert sleeve section 23 and the second insert sleeve section 24. The actuating section 13 is preferably conical. Preferably, the actuating section 13 directly connects the first insert sleeve section 23 to the second insert sleeve section 24. Depending on the manufacturing process, radii may, of course, be provided at the transitions, similar to the transition section 10 of the connector.
[0042] When inserting the insert sleeve 2 into the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1, an insertion force FS can be transmitted to the displacement ring 12 via the preferably conical actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Fig. 3. The insertion force FS allows the displacement ring 12 to be displaced within the receiving space 6 in the direction of the second sleeve end 4 or in the direction of the sealing section 7. The insertion force FS can be further transmitted from the displacement ring 12 to the sealing ring 11. As a result, the sealing ring 11 can be displaced by means of the displacement ring 12 from the holding position on the holding section 9 shown in Fig. 3 via the sliding surface of the transition section 10 into a sealing position on the sealing section 7. The sealing position of the sealing ring 11 is shown in Fig. 4.
[0043] When inserting the insert sleeve 2, a relative movement is initially carried out between the (moving) insert sleeve 2 and the (stationary) sealing ring 11 until the actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2 rests on the sliding ring 12. As soon as the actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2 rests on the sliding ring 12, the relative movement between the insert sleeve 2 and the sealing ring 11 is completed and the sealing ring 11 is in its final position with respect to the insert sleeve 2. When the insert sleeve 2 is pushed in further, the insertion force FS is now transferred from the sliding ring 12 to the sealing ring 11. As a result, the sealing ring 11, the sliding ring 12 and the insert sleeve 2 are moved in a common relative movement relative to the connecting sleeve 1 in the direction of the second sleeve end 4.The sealing ring 11 is pushed from the holding section 9 over the sliding surface of the transition section 10 into its final sealing position on the sealing section 7.
[0044] The sealing ring 11 can, for example, have a substantially I-shaped cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing ring 11 can have one or more sealing lips 14 on its inner circumferential surface, which are designed to cooperate, in the sealing position, with an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the insertion sleeve 2 for sealing, in particular with the second insertion sleeve portion 24, as can be seen in Fig. 4.
[0045] Preferably, the connector also has a locking device for locking the insertion sleeve 2. The locking device can, for example, comprise a through-opening 17 that connects an outer peripheral surface of the connecting sleeve 1 to the receiving space 6, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the locking device can comprise a locking element 18 with a locking section 19, wherein the locking section 19 protrudes through the through-opening 17 into the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1, as can be seen in Fig. 2.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 1), for example, two groove-shaped through-openings 17 are provided, which are arranged diametrically opposite one another on the connecting sleeve 1 and which each extend in the circumferential direction over part of the circumference of the connecting sleeve 1. The locking element 18 is designed here as a substantially U-shaped clamp which can be pushed onto the connecting sleeve 1 in the radial direction. The clamp has two legs 18a, each leg having an angled end. Each leg 18a also comprises a locking section 19. Sections located centrally with respect to a longitudinal extent of the respective leg 18a function as locking sections 19, as indicated in Fig. 1.The clamp can be arranged on the connecting sleeve 1 in such a way that the legs 18a are received in the groove-shaped through openings 17 essentially tangentially with respect to the connecting sleeve 1 and the locking sections 19 are each located in the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1, as can be seen in the sectional views according to Fig.2.
[0047] It may be advantageous if the sliding ring 12 comprises one or more retaining surfaces 12b, each facing the first sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1. The locking section(s) 19 of the locking element 18 can each interact with a retaining surface 12b of the sliding ring 12 to limit displacement of the sliding ring 12 toward the first sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1. This can prevent unwanted detachment of the sliding ring 12 from the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1.
[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the sliding ring 12 can have a number of retaining recesses 12a, each connecting an outer circumferential surface of the sliding ring 12 to an inner circumferential surface. The retaining recesses 12a are preferably each open in the direction of the first sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1, as can be seen in Fig. 1. The retaining recesses 12a can each comprise one of the above-mentioned retaining surfaces 12b. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the sliding ring 12 can be arranged in the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1 such that the locking sections 19 of the locking element 18 protrude radially through the retaining recesses 12b of the sliding ring 12 into the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1 and each cooperate with the corresponding retaining surface 12b to limit movement of the sliding ring 12 in the direction of the first sleeve end 3.
[0049] A locking recess 20 can be provided on the insert sleeve 2, in particular on the first insert sleeve section 23. The locking recess 20 can, for example, comprise one or more circumferential grooves, each extending in the circumferential direction over a portion of the insert sleeve 2. A circumferential groove can also be provided, preferably extending around the entire circumference of the insert sleeve 2. When the insert sleeve 2 is inserted into the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1, the locking sections 19 of the locking element 18 can initially be contacted by the preferably conical actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2 (see Fig. 3) and can each be displaced in the radial direction out of the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1.
[0050] Upon further insertion of the insertion sleeve 2, the locking sections 19 can then snap into the available locking recesses 20 of the insertion sleeve 2, as can be seen in Fig. 4. For this purpose, the locking element 18, in particular the clamp, can be pre-tensioned inwards in the radial direction, for example. This allows the insertion sleeve 2 to be positively locked to the connector. The locking can be released, for example, using a suitable tool. In principle, however, the locking could also be designed so that it can no longer be released, e.g. if release after connection is undesirable. Of course, the locking design shown is only an example. A person skilled in the art can select a suitable structural design depending on the specific application.
[0051] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the sliding ring 12 can have a contact section 15 on its inner circumferential surface that tapers toward the second sleeve end 4. The contact section 15 is designed to interact with the actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2 to displace the sliding ring 12. The contact section 15 can, for example, have a conical contact surface and / or a contact surface that is curved inward in the radial direction (convex). As a result, the actuating section 13 bears against a relatively large area of the sliding ring 12, enabling good force transmission with a low risk of damage to the sliding ring 12.
[0052] Furthermore, the sliding ring 12 can comprise one or more guide projections 25 on its outer circumference, each of which extends over part of the length of the sliding ring 12. One or more guide recesses 26 can be provided in the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1, each of which extends from the first sleeve end 3 over part of the length of the receiving space 6 in the direction of the second sleeve end 4. The guide recesses 26 are designed to cooperate with guide projections 25 for guiding the sliding ring 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the sliding ring 12 has, for example, four guide projections 25, which are each spaced 90° apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The connecting sleeve 1 has four corresponding guide recesses 26.The guide recesses 26 can each be delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end 4 by a first boundary surface 26a facing the first sleeve end 3, as can be seen in Fig. 1. The guide projections 25 can each be delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end 4 by a second boundary surface 25a facing the second sleeve end 4. When the sealing ring 11 is in the sealing position on the sealing section 7, the second boundary surfaces 25a of the guide projections 25 bear against the first boundary surfaces 26a of the guide recesses 26. This can prevent the sealing ring 11 from being subjected to excessive longitudinal stress, which could potentially lead to undesired deformation and a concomitant reduction in the sealing effect, even to the point of damage to the sealing ring 11.
[0053] Furthermore, one or more anti-rotation recesses 27 can be provided on an inner circumferential surface in the receiving space 6 of the connecting sleeve 1. In the longitudinal direction, the anti-rotation recesses 27 extend from the first sleeve end 3 over a portion of the length of the receiving space 6 in the direction of the second sleeve end 4. In the radial direction, the anti-rotation recesses 27 each extend in the direction of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve 1. The anti-rotation recesses 27 are each designed to interact with an anti-rotation projection 28 of the insertion sleeve 2 in order to form an anti-rotation device. In order to allow sufficient depth in the radial direction, the connecting sleeve 1 can have an increased wall thickness in the region of the anti-rotation recesses 27, e.g. in the form of integral projections, as can be seen in Fig. 1.
[0054] The shape, size, and position of the anti-rotation recesses 27 can be determined, for example, depending on the design of the plug-in sleeve 2. This allows the connector to be advantageously adapted to a standardized VDA plug-in sleeve. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug-in sleeve 2 comprises, for example, two anti-rotation projections 28, which are arranged diametrically opposite one another on the first plug-in sleeve section 23 of the plug-in sleeve 2. The connecting sleeve 1 accordingly comprises two diametrically opposed anti-rotation recesses 27. The anti-rotation recesses 27 can essentially be viewed as grooves, and the anti-rotation projections 28 as tongues of a tongue-and-groove connection. In the example shown, the locking recess 20 of the plug-in sleeve 2, which runs in a groove-like manner around the circumference, comprises two separate circumferential grooves separated by the two anti-rotation projections 28.
[0055] 5 to 7 show the plug connector system according to the invention in a second embodiment, each in a longitudinal section along section line AA in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5, the plug-in sleeve 2 is shown in a state before insertion, analogous to Fig. 2. In Fig. 6, the plug-in sleeve 2 is shown in a partially inserted state, analogous to Fig. 3. In Fig. 7, the plug-in sleeve 2 is shown in a fully inserted state, analogous to Fig. 4. In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment are described in detail. Furthermore, the second embodiment can be designed in the same way as the first embodiment. A repetition of the individual features is therefore omitted and reference is made to the above explanations for Fig. 2-Fig. 4, which also apply to the second embodiment.
[0056] The sealing section 7 is cylindrical and has a first inner diameter d1. The holding section 9 is also cylindrical and has a second inner diameter d2 that is larger than the first inner diameter d1. Thus, in contrast to the first embodiment, the transition section 10 is no longer cylindrical, but tapers from the holding section 9 toward the sealing section 7, as can be seen in Fig. 5. The transition section 10, in turn, forms the sliding surface for the sealing ring 11.
[0057] The sliding surface can, for example, comprise a conical sliding surface and / or a sliding surface that is curved outward in the radial direction. Preferably, the transition section 10 connects the holding section 9 essentially directly to the sealing section 7. "Essentially" here means that, if necessary, a radius, e.g., due to manufacturing reasons, can be provided at the transition between the holding section 9 and the transition section 9 or at the transition between the transition section 9 and the sealing section 7.
[0058] When inserting the insert sleeve 2, a relative movement is again carried out between the (moving) insert sleeve 2 and the (stationary) sealing ring 11 until the actuating section 13 of the insert sleeve 2 rests against the sliding ring 12. When the insert sleeve 2 is pushed in further, the insertion force FS is now again transferred from the sliding ring 12 to the sealing ring 11. As a result, the sealing ring 11, the sliding ring 12 and the insert sleeve 2 are moved in a common relative movement relative to the connecting sleeve 1 in the direction of the second sleeve end 4. The sealing ring 11 is now held by the holding section
[0059] 9 is moved over the, for example, conical sliding surface of the transition section 10 onto the sealing section 7, where it reaches its final sealing position. In the second embodiment, the sealing ring 11 can be compressed more strongly in the radial direction than in the first embodiment, thereby achieving an improved sealing effect.
[0060] The sealing ring 11 of the first embodiment and the sealing ring 11 of the second embodiment can essentially be identical, but could also be different. To achieve a sufficiently high sealing effect in the first embodiment, the sealing ring 11 could, for example, have a slightly larger outer diameter than the sealing ring 11 of the second embodiment (with otherwise identical second inner diameters d2 of the holding sections 9).
[0061] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.
[0062] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.
[0063] All information on value ranges in this description are to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to
[0064] 10 is to be understood as including all sub-areas starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, ie all sub-areas begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10. For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.
[0065] Reference symbol list
[0066] Connecting sleeve 26a First boundary surface
[0067] Insert sleeve 27 Anti-rotation recess
[0068] First sleeve end 28 Anti-rotation projection
[0069] Second sleeve end FS insertion force
[0070] First connection section dl First inner diameter
[0071] Receiving space d2 Second inner diameter
[0072] Sealing section Dl First outer diameter
[0073] Circumferential shoulder D2 Second outside diametera End face
[0074] Retaining section 0 Transition section 1 Sealing ring 2 Sliding ring 2a Retaining recess 2b Retaining surface 3 Actuating section 4 Sealing lip 5 Contact section 6 Second connecting section 7 Through opening 8 Locking element 8a Leg 9 Locking section 0 Locking recess 1 First plug-in sleeve end 2 Second plug-in sleeve end 3 First plug-in sleeve section 4 Second plug-in sleeve section 5 Guide projection 5a Second limiting surface 6 Guide recess
Claims
P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A connector for connecting an insert sleeve (2) to a fluid line, wherein the connector has a connecting sleeve (1) with an open first sleeve end (3) and an open second sleeve end (4) connected to the first sleeve end (3), wherein a first connecting section (5) for connecting the connecting sleeve (1) to the insert sleeve (2) is provided in the region of the first sleeve end (3), and a second connecting section (16) for connecting the connecting sleeve (1) to the fluid line is provided in the region of the second sleeve end (4), wherein the first connecting section (5) encloses a receiving space (6) for receiving an end section of the insert sleeve (2), characterized in that the connector comprises a sealing ring (11) and a sliding ring (12) which are arranged next to one another in the receiving space (6), wherein the sliding ring (12) is closer to the first sleeve end (3) than the sealing ring (11),that the receiving space (6) comprises a sealing section (7) which is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) by a circumferential shoulder (8), a holding section (9) which is closer to the first sleeve end (3) than the sealing section (7), and a transition section (10) which connects the holding section (9) to the sealing section (7), wherein the transition section (10) forms a sliding surface for the sealing ring (11), and wherein the displacement ring (12) is displaceable in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) by an actuating section (13) of the insert sleeve (2) upon insertion of the insert sleeve (2) into the receiving space (6), so that the sealing ring (11) can be displaced by means of the displacement ring (12) from a holding position on the holding section (9) via the sliding surface of the transition section (10) into a sealing position on the sealing section (7).
2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing section (7) is cylindrical and has a first inner diameter (dl) and that the holding section (9) is cylindrical and has a second inner diameter (d2) which is the same size as the first inner diameter (dl).
3. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing section (7) is cylindrical and has a first inner diameter (dl), that the holding section (9) is cylindrical and has a relative to the first inner diameter (dl) larger second inner diameter (d2), wherein the transition section (10) tapers from the holding section (9) in the direction of the sealing section (7).
4. Connector according to claim 3, characterized in that the transition section (10) comprises a conical sliding surface and / or a sliding surface curved outwards in the radial direction.
5. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing ring (11) has a substantially I-shaped cross-section.
6. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing ring (11) has on its inner circumferential surface at least one sealing lip (14) which is designed to cooperate in the sealing position with an outer circumferential surface of the end section of the insertion sleeve (2) for sealing.
7. Plug connector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sliding ring (12) has on its inner circumferential surface a contact section (15) tapering in the direction of the second sleeve end (4), which is designed to cooperate with the actuating section (13) of the plug-in sleeve (2) for sliding the sliding ring (12), wherein the contact section (15) preferably comprises a conical contact surface and / or a contact surface curved inwards in the radial direction.
8. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connector comprises a locking device for locking the plug-in sleeve (2) on the connecting sleeve (1).
9. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device comprises at least one through-opening (17) which connects an outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve (1) with the receiving space (6), and at least one locking element (18) with at least one locking section (19), wherein the at least one locking section (19) protrudes through the at least one through-opening (17) into the receiving space (6), wherein the at least one locking section (19) is designed to when inserting the insert sleeve (2) into the receiving space (6) of the connecting sleeve (1), it is first displaced radially outwards from the receiving space (6) by the actuating section (13) of the insert sleeve (2) and then engages radially inwards into a locking recess (20) of the insert sleeve (2).
10. Connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the sliding ring (12) comprises at least one holding surface (12b) which faces the first sleeve end (3) and that the at least one locking section (19) is designed to cooperate with the at least one holding surface (12b) of the sliding ring (12) in order to limit a displacement of the sliding ring (12) in the direction of the first sleeve end (3).
11. Connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the sliding ring (12) comprises at least one holding recess (12a) which connects an outer peripheral surface to an inner peripheral surface and which is preferably open in the direction of the first sleeve end (3), and in that the at least one holding recess (12a) comprises the at least one holding surface (12b).
12. Plug connector according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sliding ring (12) comprises at least one guide projection (25) on the outer circumference, which extends over part of a length of the sliding ring (12), that in the receiving space (6) of the connecting sleeve (1) at least one guide recess (26) is provided, which extends from the first sleeve end (3) over part of a length of the receiving space (6) in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) and that the at least one guide recess (26) is designed to cooperate with the at least one guide projection (25) to guide the sliding ring (12).
13. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least one guide recess (26) is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) by a first delimiting surface (26a) facing the first sleeve end (3), that the at least one guide projection (25) is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) by a second delimiting surface (25a) facing the second sleeve end (4), and that the second delimiting surface (25a) of the at least one guide projection (25) in the sealing position of the sealing ring (11) rests against the first boundary surface (26a) of the at least one guide recess (26).
14. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (6) of the connecting sleeve (1) an anti-rotation recess (27) is provided, which extends from the first sleeve end (3) over a part of a length of the receiving space (6) in the direction of the second sleeve end (4) and extends in the radial direction in the direction of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve (1) and that the anti-rotation recess (27) is designed to cooperate with an anti-rotation projection (28) of the plug-in sleeve (2) in order to form an anti-rotation device.
15. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sliding ring (12) is connected to the sealing ring (11), preferably in a form-fitting or material-fitting manner, in particular by means of an adhesive connection.
16. A connector system comprising a connector according to one of claims 1 to 15 and an insertion sleeve (2), characterized in that the insertion sleeve (2) comprises an open first insertion sleeve end (21) and an open second insertion sleeve end (22) connected to the first insertion sleeve end (21), wherein the insertion sleeve (2) comprises a cylindrical first insertion sleeve section (23) with a first outer diameter (D1) and a cylindrical second insertion sleeve section (24) with a second outer diameter (D2) that is smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein the second insertion sleeve section (24) is closer to the second insertion sleeve end (22) than the first insertion sleeve section (23), wherein between the first insertion sleeve section (23) and the second insertion sleeve section (24) there is a preferably conical,Actuating section (13) is provided and wherein the plug-in sleeve (2) with the second plug-in sleeve end (22) can be inserted into the receiving space (6) of the connecting sleeve (1) of the plug-in connector, so that the sliding ring (12) of the plug-in connector can be displaced by the actuating section (13) of the plug-in sleeve (2) in the direction of the second sleeve end (4), so that the sealing ring (11) by means of the, The sliding ring (12) can be moved from the holding position on the holding section (9) over the sliding surface of the transition section (10) into the sealing position on the sealing section (7).
17. Connector system according to claim 16 with a connector according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a locking recess (20) is provided on the cylindrical first plug-in sleeve section (23) of the plug-in sleeve (2), which is designed to cooperate with the locking section (19) of the locking element (18) of the locking device of the connector for locking the plug-in sleeve (2), wherein the locking recess (20) preferably comprises at least one circumferential groove.
18. Use of a plug connector system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve (2) is inserted with the second plug-in sleeve end (22) into the receiving space (6) of the connecting sleeve (1) of the plug connector, wherein the sealing ring (11) is in the holding position on the holding section (9), that the plug-in sleeve (2) is moved relative to the sealing ring (11) until the actuating section (13) of the plug-in sleeve (2) rests on the sliding ring (12) of the plug connector, that the sliding ring (12) of the plug connector is displaced by the actuating section (13) of the plug-in sleeve (2) in the direction of the second sleeve end (4), and that the sealing ring (11) is displaced by means of the sliding ring (12) from the holding position on the holding section (9) via the sliding surface of the transition section (10) into the sealing position on the sealing section (7).