Plug-in connector for connecting a first fluid line to a second fluid line
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HENN GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure AT2024060301_20022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Connector for connecting a first fluid line to a second fluid line
[0002] The invention relates to a plug connector for connecting a first fluid line to a second fluid line, wherein the plug connector comprises an inner sleeve with an open first inner sleeve end and an open second inner sleeve end connected to the first inner sleeve end, wherein the inner sleeve comprises a first connecting portion for connecting the first inner sleeve end to the first fluid line and a second connecting portion for connecting the second inner sleeve end to the second fluid line, wherein the plug connector comprises an outer sleeve for actuating a locking mechanism, wherein the outer sleeve is movable relative to the inner sleeve between a release position, in which the locking mechanism is deactivated and the second fluid line is detachable from the second connecting portion, and a locking position,in which the locking mechanism is activated and the second fluid line can be locked to the second connecting section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector assembly and a use of the connector.
[0003] Generic connectors are used in a wide variety of industrial sectors to connect two fluid lines, preferably in a sealed manner. This is usually done as part of the assembly process 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 media. Gaseous media can be, for example, (compressed) air or certain process gases. Liquid media can be, for example, water, lubricating oil, coolant, refrigerant, etc.
[0004] During the assembly process of a product, it may be necessary, for example, to connect an initial fluid line or fluid connection of a component to be assembled with a corresponding fluid line or fluid connection of the existing product. To avoid later leaks, it is essential that the connection is made correctly and with a high degree of reliability. Due to ever more efficient production processes, the throughput time in the assembly process is generally also shortened. This means that less and less time is available for the individual assembly steps. In addition to high reliability, a quick connection of the fluid lines using the connector is therefore also desired. As a rule, one side of the connector is connected directly to one of the two fluid lines and the other fluid line is first connected with an insert sleeve.To connect the two cables, the insertion sleeve is finally coupled to the connector, usually detachably.
[0005] Various connectors are known from WO 2018 / 144902 Al, WO 2018 / 102213 Al and EP 3 179 148 Al.
[0006] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a connector that enables a detachable and stable locking of a fluid line on the connector and that is as easy to use as possible.
[0007] The object is achieved with the plug connector mentioned at the outset in that the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element with a holding section and a locking section and an actuating element with at least one force transmission section and at least one actuating section, in that the inner sleeve comprises a holding projection for each locking element, wherein the at least one locking element is in a holding position in the release position of the outer sleeve, in which the holding section is held on the holding projection of the inner sleeve and the locking section is located outside an interior of the inner sleeve, wherein an actuating force exertable on the at least one actuating section of the actuating element is transferable via the at least one force transmission section to the holding section of the at least one locking element,whereby the holding portion is detachable from the holding projection and the outer sleeve is movable from the release position into the locking position, wherein the at least one locking element is in a locking position in the locking position, in which the locking portion protrudes into the interior of the inner sleeve. The locking mechanism can thus be easily activated by inserting the second fluid line, requiring less insertion force than with known connectors in which, for example, a locking spring is directly deflected by the second fluid line upon insertion of the second fluid line. The locking element is preferably made of a metallic material or another suitable high-strength material. In particular, a metallic material ensures high temperature stability and insensitivity to moisture.
[0008] This prevents a loss of strength during operation and reduces the associated risk of the locking mechanism becoming loose due to a loss of form fit.
[0009] Preferably, the inner sleeve comprises an actuating opening for each force transmission section of the actuating element, which connects an inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve to an outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve, and a locking opening for each locking element, which connects the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve to the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve, wherein the locking opening is closer to the second inner sleeve end than the actuating opening, wherein each force transmission section of the actuating element is received in the associated actuating opening, each actuating section of the actuating element is arranged in the interior of the inner sleeve, and the locking section of the at least one locking element is received in the associated locking opening.
[0010] The retaining projection is preferably provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve between the at least one actuating opening and the at least one locking opening. The retaining projection comprises a retaining surface facing the actuating opening, with the retaining portion of the at least one locking element resting against the retaining surface of the retaining projection in the retaining position. This design has proven advantageous in practice.
[0011] The holding section of the at least one locking element is preferably fixed to the outer sleeve. Optionally, at least one holding bracket can be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve, in which the holding section of the at least one locking element is rotatably received. The locking element, together with the holding section, can be rotated in the holding bracket about a rotation axis extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. This enables low-friction mounting of the locking element, thus enabling reliable locking with minimal effort.
[0012] For a better hold, it may be advantageous if the at least one locking element comprises a fixing section in addition to the holding section, and if a second holding bracket is provided on the outer sleeve, in which the fixing section is rotatably received. Preferably, the outer sleeve is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the inner sleeve between the release position and the locking position. This allows for easy operation of the connector.
[0013] For a more stable locking, it is advantageous if two actuating openings, two locking openings and two holding projections are provided on the inner sleeve, that two locking elements are provided and that the actuating element has two actuating sections and two force transmission sections, each of which is received in one of the actuating openings.
[0014] To facilitate the displacement of the outer sleeve into the locking position, it is advantageous if the connector comprises at least one release spring, which, in the release position of the outer sleeve, exerts a release force on the outer sleeve directed toward the second inner sleeve end. The at least one release spring is preferably arranged between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, viewed in the radial direction. With a sufficiently large release force, the locking mechanism can be automatically activated.
[0015] The at least one trigger spring can, for example, comprise a substantially V-shaped profile, a substantially U-shaped profile, a substantially W-shaped profile, or a substantially Z-shaped profile, wherein a first free spring end of the trigger spring is connected to the inner sleeve and a second free spring end of the trigger spring is connected to the outer sleeve. The trigger spring can be arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve.
[0016] It may be advantageous if the at least one retaining projection is wedge-shaped and includes a wedge surface on a radially outer side that is inclined toward the second inner sleeve end. The wedge surface enables the locking portion to be guided toward the locking opening.
[0017] In order to provide a structurally simple design with sufficiently high strength and reliability, it is advantageous if the actuating element is designed as a metallic actuating bracket and / or if the locking element is designed as a metallic locking bracket. For example, a suitable spring steel can be used. Preferably, the actuating bracket comprises two force transmission sections and two actuating sections, a central arcuate prestressing section which connects the two actuating sections, wherein the actuating bracket comprises two straight end sections which are directed radially outwards with respect to the prestressing section and which are each connected to an actuating section and which each comprise one of the force transmission sections. As a result, the actuating bracket can advantageously actuate two locking elements, in particular locking brackets, simultaneously.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking bracket has a trapezoidal profile, wherein a short trapezoidal side of parallel trapezoidal sides of the trapezoidal profile comprises the holding section and a long trapezoidal side of the parallel sides of the trapezoidal profile comprises the locking section. The trapezoidal profile can be open in that the short trapezoidal side is interrupted by a profile recess, wherein free profile ends facing one another are provided in the region of the profile recess, wherein one of the free profile ends comprises the holding section and the other free profile end comprises the fixing section. This creates a simple embodiment that enables improved hold on the outer sleeve and reliable locking.
[0019] The outer sleeve can be made of plastic, for example, and can be elastically deformed in the radial direction by the actuating force, such that the holding portion can be released radially outward from the holding surface. This allows the elasticity to be advantageously utilized for release.
[0020] The first connecting section can comprise a first receiving space for receiving an end section of the first fluid line, and / or the second connecting section can comprise a second receiving space for receiving an end section of the second fluid line. This advantageously enables a direct seal between the two fluid lines within the connector. A suitable sealing element can be provided for sealing. Thus, the connector does not have to meet stringent requirements in terms of tightness.
[0021] For a simple and reliable connection of the first fluid line, it can be advantageous if the first connecting section has a plurality of elastic connecting tabs that are distributed around the circumference, wherein each connecting tab comprises a locking recess on its inner circumferential surface, wherein the locking recesses are designed to cooperate with corresponding locking projections on an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line for the positive connection of the first fluid line. The locking recesses can optionally penetrate the wall. Alternatively or additionally, each connecting tab can comprise a locking projection on its inner circumferential surface, wherein the locking projections are designed to cooperate with corresponding locking recesses on an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line for the positive connection of the first fluid line.
[0022] The plug-in reducer can be part of a plug-in connector assembly which, in addition to the plug-in connector, comprises a first fluid line which is connectable or connected to the first connecting section and / or comprises a second fluid line which is connectable or connected to the second connecting section, wherein the second fluid line comprises at least one circumferential groove in which the locking section of the locking element is received or receivable when the outer sleeve of the plug-in connector is in the locking position.
[0023] The plug connector is preferably used by connecting a second fluid line to the second connecting section by inserting the second fluid line into the interior of the inner sleeve, wherein an actuating force is exerted on the actuating section of the actuating element from a preferably conical section of the second fluid line, wherein the actuating force is transmitted from the force transmission section to the holding section of the locking element, wherein the holding section is released from the holding position on the holding projection, wherein the outer sleeve is displaced from the release position into the locking position, preferably by the triggering force of the trigger spring, and the locking element is displaced into the locking position, and wherein the locking section is received in a circumferential groove of the second fluid line in the locking position.
[0024] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.
[0025] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:
[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a connector assembly, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connector with transparent outer sleeve in the release position,
[0027] Fig. 3 a perspective view of the connector with transparent outer sleeve in the locking position,
[0028] Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through the connector with the outer sleeve in the release position,
[0029] Fig. 5 a longitudinal section through the connector with the outer sleeve in the locking position,
[0030] Fig. 6 a perspective view of an outer sleeve of the connector including locking elements,
[0031] Fig. 7 a perspective view of an inner sleeve of the connector including actuating element,
[0032] Fig. 8 shows an actuating element of an exemplary embodiment in plan view and side view,
[0033] Fig. 9 a locking element of an exemplary embodiment in plan view and side view,
[0034] Fig. 10 shows a release spring of an exemplary embodiment in plan view and side view,
[0035] Fig. 11 shows a longitudinal section through the connector in the area of the locking mechanism in a first state,
[0036] Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal section through the connector in the area of the locking mechanism in a second state,
[0037] Fig. 13 a longitudinal section through the connector in the area of the locking mechanism in a third state,
[0038] Fig. 14 shows a longitudinal section through the connector in the region of the locking mechanism in a fourth state, and Fig. 15 shows a connector assembly in the assembled state in a longitudinal section.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a connector 1 in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as well as a first fluid line 2 and a second fluid line 3. By means of the connector 1, the first fluid line 2 can be detachably connected to the second fluid line 3. The first fluid line 2 can, for example, be a tube made of a suitable plastic. The second fluid line 3 is preferably a standardized VDA plug-in sleeve, for example made of plastic or metal.
[0041] The VDA plug-in sleeve preferably has a cylindrical first sleeve section 44 with a first outer diameter and a cylindrical second sleeve section 46 with a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter. The first sleeve section 44 is connected to the second sleeve section 46 by a preferably conical third sleeve section 45. The VDA plug-in sleeve can have at least one circumferential groove 35, which serves to lock it onto the plug-in connector 1 by means of the locking mechanism described in more detail below.
[0042] The connector 1 has an inner sleeve 4 with an open first inner sleeve end 5 and an open second inner sleeve end 6 connected to the first inner sleeve end 5. The inner sleeve 4 has a first connecting section 7 for connecting the first inner sleeve end 5 to the first fluid line 2. Furthermore, the inner sleeve 4 has a second connecting section 8 for connecting the second inner sleeve end 6 to the second fluid line 3.
[0043] The first connecting section 7 can have a plurality of elastic connecting tabs 32 arranged distributed around the circumference. The connecting tabs 32 can each include a locking recess 33 on their inner circumferential surface. In the example shown, the locking recesses 33 connect an inner circumferential surface to an outer circumferential surface. The locking recesses 33 are designed to interact with corresponding locking projections 34 on an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line 2 for positively connecting the first fluid line 2 to the inner sleeve 4. However, the design could also be reversed, with locking projections 34 on the connecting tabs 32 and locking recesses 33 in the first fluid line 2.
[0044] Furthermore, the plug connector 1 comprises an outer sleeve 9 for actuating a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve 9 is displaceable relative to the inner sleeve 4 between a release position (Fig. 2 + Fig. 4) and a locking position (Fig. 3 + Fig. 5). In the example shown, the outer sleeve 9 can be moved in a longitudinal direction along the inner sleeve 4 between the release position and the locking position. In the release position of the outer sleeve 9, the locking mechanism is deactivated, so that the second fluid line 3 can be detached from the second connection section 8. In the locking position, the locking mechanism is activated, so that the second fluid line 3 can be locked on the second connection section 8.
[0045] The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element 12 with a holding section 13 and a locking section 14 and an actuating element 15 with at least one force transmission section 16 and at least one actuating section 17. In the example shown, the locking mechanism comprises, for example, two locking elements 12 which are arranged diametrically opposite one another and an actuating element 15 with two force transmission sections 16 and two actuating sections 17.
[0046] The actuating element 15 is preferably designed as a metallic actuating bracket. Alternatively or additionally, the locking elements 12 are preferably also designed as metallic locking brackets. An advantageous embodiment of the actuating bracket will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 8. An advantageous embodiment of the locking bracket will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 9.
[0047] A retaining projection 19 is provided on the inner sleeve 4 for each locking element 12. In the release position of the outer sleeve 9, the locking elements 12 are each in a retaining position in which the retaining sections 13 are held on the respective retaining projection 19 of the inner sleeve 4 and the locking sections 14 are each located outside an interior space 18 of the inner sleeve.
[0048] On the inner sleeve 4, an actuating opening 10 is provided for each force transmission section 16 of the actuating element 15, which connects an inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4 with an outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4. In addition, a locking opening 11 is provided on the inner sleeve 4 for each locking element 12, which connects the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4 with the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4. The locking openings 11 are located closer to the second inner sleeve end 6 than the actuating openings 10, as can be seen in Fig. 1.
[0049] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the connector 1, with the outer sleeve 9 in the release position, in which the locking mechanism is deactivated. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the force transmission sections 16 of the actuating element 15 are received in the corresponding actuating openings 10. The actuating sections 17 of the actuating element 15 are arranged in the interior 18 of the inner sleeve 4, and the locking sections 14 of the locking elements 12 are received in the corresponding locking openings 11, but are located outside the interior 18 of the inner sleeve.
[0050] As can also be seen in Fig. 4, the retaining projections 19 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4 and are each located between an actuating opening 10 and a locking opening 11. The retaining projections 19 each comprise a front-side retaining surface 20 facing the actuating opening 10. The retaining sections 13 of the locking elements 12 rest against the retaining surfaces 20 of the retaining projections 19 in the holding position.
[0051] If a sufficiently large actuating force FB is exerted on the actuating sections 17 of the actuating element 15, the actuating force FB is transmitted via the force transmission sections 16 to the holding sections 13 of the locking elements 12.
[0052] As a result, the holding sections 13 can be released from the associated holding projections 19, in particular the holding surfaces 20, so that the outer sleeve 9 can be moved from the release position into the locking position.
[0053] Preferably, the outer sleeve 9 is made of a suitable plastic and is elastically deformable by the actuating force FB in the radial direction at least in sections such that the holding sections 13 can be released outwards from the holding surfaces 20 in the radial direction.
[0054] In the example shown, the retaining projections 19 are wedge-shaped and each have a wedge surface 23 on the radially outer sides, which is inclined toward the second inner sleeve end 6. The retaining sections 13 of the locking elements 12 can be guided along the wedge surfaces 23 during the movement from the release position to the locking position (and vice versa).
[0055] In order to support or, if necessary, automate the movement from the release position to the locking position, the connector 1 can comprise one or more release springs 21. The release spring(s) serve to exert a release force FA on the outer sleeve 9 in the release position of the outer sleeve 9, directed in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 6, as indicated in Fig. 2 by the corresponding arrow. In the embodiment shown, two release springs 21 are provided, for example, which are arranged diametrically opposite one another (see Fig. 1). The release spring(s) 21 can be arranged between the inner sleeve 4 and the outer sleeve 9, viewed in the radial direction, as can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.
[0056] Fig. 2 shows the connector 1 with the transparent outer sleeve 9 in the release position, and Fig. 3 shows the connector 1 with the transparent outer sleeve 9 in the locking position. A first free spring end 36 of the release spring 21 can be connected to the inner sleeve 4, and the second free spring end 37 of the release spring 21 can be connected to the outer sleeve 9, as shown in Fig. 2.
[0057] An advantageous embodiment of the release spring 21 is shown in Fig. 10, on the left in a top view and on the right in a side view. The release spring 21 can generally be made from a suitable spring steel. The release spring 21 has a substantially V-shaped profile with a first free spring end 36 and a second free spring end 37. “Substantially V-shaped” means that the shape is similar to the letter “V” in plan view, but does not necessarily have to be identical. The V-shaped profile comprises two legs 42 which are connected at their first ends by a curved connecting section 43. At their opposite ends, the legs 42 have the first free spring end 36 and the second free spring end 37, respectively. The spring ends 36, 37 are curved outwards here, whereby the V-shaped profile is symmetrical. As can be seen in the side view in Fig.10, the legs 42 are preferably arcuate, with a curvature diameter Dk of the legs 42 preferably lying in the region of the outer diameter of the inner sleeve 4, so that the legs 42 bear against the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4 in the circumferential direction, as can be seen in Fig. 2. Of course, the illustrated embodiment of the release spring 21 is only to be understood as an example. The release spring 21 could, for example, also comprise a U-shaped profile, a Z-shaped profile or a W-shaped profile. Another type of spring would of course also be conceivable. For example, a plurality of helical springs could be provided which extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner sleeve 4.
[0058] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through the plug connector 1, wherein the outer sleeve 9 is in the locking position in which the locking mechanism is activated. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the locking elements 12 are each in a locking position in which the locking sections 14 protrude into the interior 18 of the inner sleeve. In the locking position, the locking sections 14 can be received in the circumferential groove 35 of the (not shown) second fluid line 3, in particular the standardized VDA plug sleeve (see Fig. 1), in order to lock the second fluid line 3 in the axial direction in a form-fitting manner on the inner sleeve 4 of the plug connector 1.
[0059] Furthermore, one or more anti-rotation recesses 40 can be provided on the inner sleeve 4, and one or more corresponding anti-rotation projections 41 (see Fig. 1) can be provided on the second fluid line 3. The anti-rotation projections 41 can be received in the anti-rotation recesses 40 in order to lock the second fluid line 3 in the circumferential direction, i.e., to create an anti-rotation feature.
[0060] As can further be seen in Fig. 5, the first connecting section 7 can comprise a first receiving space 30 for receiving an end section of the first fluid line 2 and the second connecting section 8 can comprise a second receiving space 31 for receiving an end section of the second fluid line 3. The second receiving space 31 simultaneously forms the interior space 18 of the inner sleeve 4. Thus, the first fluid line 2 can be inserted into the first receiving space 30 of the inner sleeve 4 for connection to the plug connector 1 and can preferably be held on the inner sleeve 4 by means of the cooperating locking recesses 33 and locking projections 34. The second fluid line 3, in particular the VDA plug-in sleeve, can be inserted into the second receiving space 31 of the inner sleeve 4 and locked on the inner sleeve 4 by means of the locking mechanism.
[0061] Figure 6 shows the outer sleeve 9 in a perspective view. The locking elements 12 can be fixed to the outer sleeve 9 by means of the holding sections 13. This allows the locking elements 12 to be pre-assembled, for example, on the outer sleeve 9. The locking elements 12 are designed here as locking brackets. The locking brackets can be made, for example, from a suitable spring steel.
[0062] Fig. 9 shows an advantageous embodiment of a locking bracket, on the left in a top view and on the right in a side view. The locking bracket has a substantially trapezoidal profile. “Substantially trapezoidal” means that the geometry is similar to a trapezoid, but does not have to correspond exactly to a trapezoid. The trapezoidal profile has a short trapezoidal side 26 and a long trapezoidal side 27 arranged substantially parallel thereto. The short trapezoidal side 26 and the long trapezoidal side 27 are connected by means of connecting webs that are inclined at an angle to one another. A central section of the long trapezoidal side 27 comprises the locking section 14 and the short trapezoidal side 26 comprises the holding section 13. The locking section 14 can, for example, be curved in the direction of the short trapezoidal side 26 in order to better adapt to a diameter of the circumferential groove 35 of the second fluid line 3.
[0063] The trapezoidal profile is preferably open, with the short trapezoidal side 26 interrupted by a profile recess 28. This simplifies production. Thus, facing free profile ends 29 are provided in the area of the profile recess 28.
[0064] One free profile end 29 comprises the holding section 13 and the other free profile end 29 comprises a fixing section 39.
[0065] As can be seen in Fig. 6, a holding bracket 22 can be provided for each locking element 12 on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve 9, in which holding bracket the holding section 13 of the respective locking element 12 is rotatably received. The locking elements 12 can thus be rotated with the respective holding section 13 about a rotation axis DA lying transversely to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve 9 in the holding bracket 22, as indicated for the lower locking element 12 by the arrow in Fig. 6. In the example shown, a fixing bracket 38 is also provided on the outer sleeve 9 for each locking element 12 or locking bracket. The fixing sections 39 of the locking brackets are rotatably received in the associated fixing bracket 38. This enables the locking elements 12 to be better held on the outer sleeve 9. A rotation axis of the fixing bracket 38 is preferably coaxial with the rotation axis DA of the holding bracket 22.
[0066] Fig. 7 shows the inner sleeve 4 in a perspective view. The inner sleeve 4 features two actuating openings 10, two locking openings 11, and two retaining projections 19. The actuating element 15 is designed here as an actuating bracket and can be made, for example, from a suitable spring steel. The actuating bracket has two force-transmitting sections 16 and two actuating sections 17.
[0067] Fig. 8 shows the actuating bracket on the left in a top view and on the right in a side view. The actuating bracket comprises a central, arcuate preload section 24 that connects the two actuating sections 17. The actuating bracket has two straight end sections 25 directed radially outward relative to the preload section 24, each of which is connected to an actuating section 17 and each of which encompasses one of the force transmission sections 16. The preload section 24 serves to preload the actuating sections 17, including the end sections 25, radially inward.
[0068] As can be seen in Fig. 7, the actuating bracket can, for example, be arranged, in particular pre-assembled, on the inner sleeve 4 in such a way that a force transmission section 16 is received in an actuating opening 10 and the two actuating sections 17 are located in the interior 18 of the inner sleeve 4. The preloading section 24 can be received in a circumferential groove, which can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 4.
[0069] An advantageous use of the connector 1 according to the invention for connecting the second fluid line 3 is described below with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 14. The second fluid line 3 is preferably designed as a standardized VDA plug-in sleeve, as described above with reference to Fig. 1.
[0070] Fig. 11 shows a perspective longitudinal section through the plug connector 1 in the region of the locking mechanism in a first state during the connection of the second fluid line 3, in particular a VDA plug sleeve. Fig. 12 shows a perspective longitudinal section through the plug connector 1 in the region of the locking mechanism in a second state during the connection of the second fluid line 3. Fig. 13 shows a perspective longitudinal section through the plug connector 1 in the region of the locking mechanism in a third state during the connection of the second fluid line 3, and Fig. 14 shows a perspective longitudinal section through the plug connector 1 in the region of the locking mechanism in a fourth state during the connection of the second fluid line 3.
[0071] First, the second fluid line 3 can be inserted into the interior 18, in particular the second receiving space 31, of the inner sleeve 4, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 11. The outer sleeve 9 of the connector 1 is in the release position, so that the locking elements 12 are each in the holding position in which the holding section 13 is held on the holding projection 19 and the locking section 14 is located in the locking opening 11 outside the interior 18, as can be seen in Fig. 11.
[0072] Upon further insertion of the second fluid line 3, an actuating force FB can be exerted by the second fluid line 3, in particular the conical third sleeve section 45, on the actuating sections 17 of the actuating element 15, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Fig. 12. The actuating force FB can be transmitted via the actuating sections 17 to the force transmission sections 16 and from the force transmission sections 16 in a radially outward direction to the holding sections 13 of the locking elements 12.
[0073] As a result, the holding sections 13 of the locking elements 12 can be released from the holding position on the holding projections 19, which can optionally be made possible by sufficient elasticity of the outer sleeve 9, and the outer sleeve 9 can be displaced from the release position into the locking position, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 13. Preferably, the movement can be assisted by the release springs 21 or, if necessary, completely automated. In the embodiment shown, the locking elements 12, in particular the locking brackets, can be rotated on the holding sections 13 in the holding brackets 22 about the respective axis of rotation DA (see Fig. 6), whereby the locking sections can be displaced within the locking openings 11 in a radial direction inwards into the circumferential groove 35 of the second fluid line 3, as can be seen in Fig. 13. In Fig.14, the connection process is complete and the outer sleeve 9 is in the locked position. To release the locking of the second fluid line 3, the described process can be performed in reverse order. To avoid repetition, a separate description is omitted here.
[0074] Finally, Fig. 15 shows a connector assembly of an exemplary embodiment in the assembled state in a longitudinal section. The first fluid line 2 is connected to the first connection section 7 of the inner sleeve 4 by the locking projections 34 of the first fluid line 2 being engaged in the locking recesses 33 of the inner sleeve 4. The second fluid line 2, here a standardized VDA plug-in sleeve, is connected to the second connection section 8 of the inner sleeve and locked by means of the locking mechanism. The outer sleeve 9 of the connector 1 is thus in the locked position, in which the locking sections 14 of the locking elements 12 are received in the circumferential groove 35 of the second fluid line 3.
[0075] The connector assembly advantageously comprises a suitable sealing element 47 arranged in a sealing chamber 48. The sealing chamber 48 is formed between an inner circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line 2 and an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line 3, e.g., the first sleeve section 44 of the VDA plug sleeve. This allows a seal to be created between the first fluid line 2 and the second fluid line 3, whereby no special requirements need to be placed on the connector 1 with regard to sealing. The sealing element 47 can, for example, be a suitable O-ring or a profile sealing ring. The sealing element 47 can also be made up of several parts if necessary.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges 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.
[0079] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.
[0080] Reference symbol list
[0081] Connector 31 Second receiving space
[0082] First fluid line 32 connecting tab
[0083] Second fluid line 33 recess
[0084] Inner sleeve 34 locking projection
[0085] First inner sleeve end 35 circumferential groove
[0086] Second inner sleeve end 36 First free spring end
[0087] First connecting section 37 Second free spring end
[0088] Second connecting section 38 Fixation console
[0089] Outer sleeve 39 fixing section
[0090] Actuating opening 40 Anti-rotation recess
[0091] Locking opening 41 Anti-rotation projection
[0092] Locking element 42 legs
[0093] Holding section 43 Connecting section
[0094] Locking section 44 First sleeve section
[0095] Actuating element 45 Third sleeve section
[0096] Power transmission section 46 Second sleeve section
[0097] Actuating section 47 Sealing element
[0098] Interior 48 Sealing chamber
[0099] Holding projection FB Actuating force
[0100] Holding surface FA Release force
[0101] Release spring DA rotation axis
[0102] Holding bracket DK curvature diameter
[0103] wedge surface
[0104] Opening section
[0105] End sections short trapezoid side long trapezoid side
[0106] Profile recess
[0107] Free profile end
[0108] First recording room
Claims
P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A connector (1) for connecting a first fluid line (2) to a second fluid line (3), wherein the connector (1) comprises an inner sleeve (4) with an open first inner sleeve end (5) and an open second inner sleeve end (6) connected to the first inner sleeve end (5), wherein the inner sleeve (4) comprises a first connecting portion (7) for connecting the first inner sleeve end (5) to the first fluid line (2) and a second connecting portion (8) for connecting the second inner sleeve end (6) to the second fluid line (3), wherein the connector (1) comprises an outer sleeve (9) for actuating a locking mechanism, wherein the outer sleeve (9) can be moved relative to the inner sleeve (4) between a release position, in which the locking mechanism is deactivated and the second fluid line (3) can be released from the second connecting portion (8), and a locking position,in which the locking mechanism is activated and the second fluid line (3) can be locked and displaced on the second connecting section (8), characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element (12) with a holding section (13) and a locking section (14) and an actuating element (15) with at least one force transmission section (16) and at least one actuating section (17), that the inner sleeve (4) comprises a holding projection (19) for each locking element (12), wherein the at least one locking element (12) is in a holding position in the release position of the outer sleeve (9), in which the holding section (13) is held on the holding projection (19) of the inner sleeve (4) and the locking section (14) is located outside an interior space (18) of the inner sleeve,wherein an actuating force (FB) exertable on the at least one actuating section (17) of the actuating element (15) is transferable via the at least one force transmission section (16) to the holding section (13) of the at least one locking element (12), whereby the holding section (13) is detachable from the holding projection (19) and the outer sleeve (9) is movable from the release position into the locking position, wherein the at least one locking element (12) is in a locking position in the locking position, in which the locking section (14) protrudes into the interior (18) of the inner sleeve.
2. Plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner sleeve (4) comprises an actuating opening (10) for each force transmission section (16) of the actuating element (15), which opening connects an inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve (4) with an outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve (4) and comprises a locking opening (11) for each locking element (12), which connects the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve (4) to the outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve (4), wherein the locking opening (11) is closer to the second inner sleeve end (6) than the actuating opening (10), wherein each force transmission section (16) of the actuating element (15) is received in the associated actuating opening (10), each actuating section (17) of the actuating element (15) is arranged in the interior space (18) of the inner sleeve (4) and the locking section (14) of the at least one locking element (12) is received in the associated locking opening (11).
3. Plug connector (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding projection (19) is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve (4) between the at least one actuating opening (10) and the at least one locking opening (11), wherein the holding projection (19) comprises a holding surface (20) which faces the actuating opening (10), wherein the holding section (13) of the at least one locking element (12) rests against the holding surface (20) of the holding projection (19) in the holding position.
4. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding section (13) of the at least one locking element (12) is fixed to the outer sleeve (9).
5. Plug connector (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one holding bracket (22) is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve (9), in which the holding section (13) of the at least one locking element (12) is rotatably received, wherein the locking element (12) with the holding section (13) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (DA) lying transversely to a longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve (9) in the holding bracket (22).
6. Plug connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one locking element (12) comprises a fixing section (39) in addition to the holding section (13) and that a fixing bracket (38) is provided on the outer sleeve (9), in which the fixing section (39) is rotatably received.
7. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the outer sleeve (9) is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the inner sleeve (4) between the release position and the locking position.
8. Plug connector (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that two actuating openings (10), two locking openings (11) and two holding projections (19) are provided on the inner sleeve (4), that two locking elements (12) are provided and that the actuating element (15) has two actuating sections (17) and two force transmission sections (16), which are each received in one of the actuating openings (10).
9. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connector (1) comprises at least one release spring (21) which, in the release position of the outer sleeve (9), exerts a release force (FA) on the outer sleeve (9) directed in the direction of the second inner sleeve end (6), wherein the at least one release spring (21) is preferably arranged between the inner sleeve (4) and the outer sleeve (9) as seen in the radial direction.
10. Connector (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one release spring (21) comprises a V-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, a W-shaped profile or a Z-shaped profile, wherein a first free spring end (36) of the release spring (21) is connected to the inner sleeve (4) and a second free spring end (37) of the release spring (21) is connected to the outer sleeve (9).
11. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one retaining projection (19) is wedge-shaped and comprises on a radially outer side a wedge surface (23) which is inclined in the direction of the second inner sleeve end (6).
12. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the actuating element (15) is designed as a metallic actuating bracket and / or that the locking element (12) is designed as a metallic locking bracket.
13. Connector (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating bracket comprises two force transmission sections (16) and two actuating sections (17), wherein the actuating bracket has a central arcuate prestressing section (24) which connects the two actuating sections (17), and comprises two straight end sections (25) which are directed radially outwards with respect to the prestressing section (24), which are each connected to an actuating section (17) and which each comprise one of the force transmission sections (16).
14. Connector (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the locking bracket has a trapezoidal profile, wherein a short trapezoidal side (26) of parallel trapezoidal sides of the trapezoidal profile comprises the holding section (13) and a long trapezoidal side (27) of the parallel sides of the trapezoidal profile comprises the locking section (14).
15. Connector (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the trapezoidal profile is open in that the short trapezoidal side (26) is interrupted by a profile recess (28), wherein in the region of the profile recess (28) mutually facing free profile ends (29) are provided, wherein one of the free profile ends (29) comprises the holding section (13) and the other free profile end (29) comprises the fixing section (39).
16. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the outer sleeve (9) is made of plastic, wherein the outer sleeve (9) is elastically deformable in the radial direction by the actuating force (FB) such that the holding section (13) can be released from the holding surface (20) in the radial direction outwards.
17. Plug connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first connecting section (7) comprises a first receiving space (30) for receiving an end section of the first fluid line (2) and / or that the second first connecting section (8) comprises a second receiving space (31) for receiving an end section of the second fluid line (3).
18. Plug connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first connecting section (7) has a plurality of elastic connecting tabs (32) which are arranged distributed around the circumference, wherein each connecting tab (32) comprises a locking recess (33) on its inner circumferential surface, wherein the locking recesses (33) are designed to cooperate with corresponding locking projections (34) on an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line (2) for the positive connection of the first fluid line (2) and / or wherein each connecting tab (32) comprises a locking projection (34) on its inner circumferential surface, wherein the locking projections (34) are designed to cooperate with corresponding locking recesses (33) on an outer circumferential surface of an end section of the first fluid line (2) for the positive connection of the first fluid line (2).
19. Connector assembly (1) comprising a connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, a first fluid line (2) which is connectable or connected to the first connection section (7) and / or a second fluid line (3) which is connectable or connected to the second connection section (8), wherein the second fluid line (3) comprises at least one circumferential groove (35) in which the locking section (14) of the locking element (12) is received or can be received when the outer sleeve (9) of the connector (1) is in the locking position.
20. Use of the plug connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a second fluid line (3) is connected to the second connecting section (8) by introducing the second fluid line (3) into the interior (18) of the inner sleeve (4), wherein an actuating force is exerted on the actuating section (17) of the actuating element (15) from a preferably conical section of the second fluid line (3), wherein the actuating force is transmitted from the force transmission section (16) to the holding section (13) of the locking element (12), wherein the holding section (13) is released from the holding position on the holding projection (19), wherein the outer sleeve (9), preferably by the release force (FA) of the release spring (21),is displaced from the release position into the locking position and the locking element (12) is displaced into the locking position and wherein the locking portion (14) is received in the locking position in a circumferential groove (35) of the second fluid line (3).