Coupling socket with easy running seal

Abstract

To provide a coupling socket having large flexibility with respect to rotation of a head part relative to a seal part and relatively easily operated when a coupling plug is introduced.SOLUTION: In a coupling socket 1, a socket body 2 includes a seal groove. The seal groove has a groove bottom, an inner groove wall 10, and an outer groove wall. The inner groove wall and / or the outer groove wall includes at least one point, the entire ring of which, seen in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket 1, deviates at least in sections from a perpendicular to the central axis. The socket body 2 has a head portion 12 and a sealing portion, wherein the head portion 12 and the sealing portion are manufactured separately from each other and are coupled to each other. The sealing portion includes a groove bottom and an inner groove wall 10. The coupling socket 1 has a separation ring 14, and the separation ring 14 is manufactured separately from the head part 12. The separating ring 14 forms at least a part of the outer groove wall with at least a part of its rear side 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling socket having a socket body manufactured from multiple parts and a sealing groove which deviates from a pure rotational toroid.The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing said coupling socket. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a coupling socket is known from German Utility Model 202019002026, in which the head part with its inner end wall constitutes the outer groove wall of the sealing groove of the coupling socket. The head part can therefore also be regarded as a retaining ring or the retaining ring and the head part are integrally connected to one another. The shape of the sealing groove is trapezoidal in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket, the radially outer groove bottom being approximately wider than the radially inner groove opening. The head part is fully inserted into the sealing part, so that it simultaneously accommodates the coupling plug and the retainer. The head part is provided with locking projections on its outer side, which correspond to corresponding recesses in the sealing part and ensure the locking of the head part in the sealing part.

[0003] German Utility Model 202019002026 describes a sealing ring which, in any case when inserted into the socket body, deviates from a rotationally symmetrical shape relative to the central axis of the coupling part. Depending on the circumferential position, the sealing ring has a longitudinal section whose surface center is axially further outward or axially further inward, depending on the circumferential position. Due to the deviation from rotational symmetry, the axial forces to be applied when introducing the coupling plug into the coupling socket are equalized in a virtual displacement-force diagram, thus reducing the maximum force required. The deviation from rotational symmetry of the sealing ring and the sealing groove is evident in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket. As a result, the coupling socket or its seal operates relatively easily when the coupling plug is inserted.

[0004] EP 2206943 describes a coupling socket in which the sealing groove is rotationally symmetrical. The head part is indeed inserted into the sealing part and welded to it. However, it is not completely inserted into the sealing part, so that it is visible from the outside and the retainer is only held by it. With its axially inner end wall, the head part simultaneously constitutes a retaining ring for the sealing ring. Due to the rotational symmetry of the contacting end walls, the head part and the sealing part can be rotated substantially arbitrarily relative to each other about the central axis of the coupling part, which provides the desired flexibility in terms of the geometry of the coupling socket.

[0005] In contrast, in the case of DE Utility Model No. 202019002026, any rotation of the head part relative to the sealing part is not possible, which is due on the one hand to the locking connection and on the other hand to the deviation from the rotational symmetry of the sealing groove. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 202019002026 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2206943 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 1600683 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a coupling socket which, on the one hand, offers great flexibility in terms of the rotational movement of the head part relative to the sealing part and, on the other hand, operates relatively easily when a coupling plug is introduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by a coupling socket according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the coupling socket or socket body has a separating ring separating the head part from the sealing groove, which is manufactured separately from the head part so that it is not integrally connected to the head part, and which forms at least part of the outer groove wall with its back surface facing axially inwards.

[0009] The finding underlying the present invention is that the teaching of DE 202019002026 is firstly incompatible with the teaching of EP 2206943. The end faces of the head part and the sealing part must each be rotationally symmetrically designed so that the head part and the sealing part fit together in essentially every rotational position. At the same time, the sealing groove must deviate from rotational symmetry so that said equalization of the axial forces to be applied when introducing the coupling plug into the coupling socket can be achieved.

[0010] The finding on which the present invention is based is that, in particular, the end face of the head part facing the sealing part can be separated from the sealing groove via an additional separation ring, which is contrary to the explicit teaching of DE 202019002026 and EP 2206943, since this requires another part in the form of a separately manufactured part, which increases the manufacturing costs. On the one hand, not only an additional injection molding tool is required, but also an additional manufacturing step in the form of fixing the separation ring in the sealing part. The inventors' key finding is that, despite the extremely price-sensitive automotive supply market, this extra cost is acceptable. In particular, it was found that, via the separation, an axially outer separate separation ring can be adapted to the head part, which is thus rotationally symmetrical, but the axially inner side of the separation ring can be adapted to the sealing groove.

[0011] The idea of ​​separating the head part from the sealing part via an additional separation ring is an important component of the present invention. Indeed, an additional "retaining ring" is already known from EP 1600683. However, the retaining ring disclosed here is used to retain the sealing ring during the process of overmolding the head part. In particular, the retaining ring is used to protect the sealing ring from the molten mass of the head part during the overmolding process. In the absence of the retaining ring, the sealing ring would be covered by the molten mass and would lose the necessary elasticity in the solidified mass after solidification of the molten mass. The retaining or protective ring is therefore especially meaningful when producing the head part by overmolding. Without overmolding, the retaining function can easily be integrated into the head part, as in other known embodiments.

[0012] Finally, the finding underlying the present invention is that the separation of the head part is the best of all solutions for providing both functions mentioned at the beginning. For example, the sealing ring can be provided with a larger axial extent in longitudinal section, while at the same time the sealing ring is not compressed so strongly by the fitting plug in the radial direction. However, according to the finding of the inventors, the smaller tolerances increase the costs even more than with a separate separating ring. According to another exemplary solution rejected, the sealing ring or the fitting plug can be provided with an anti-friction coating. However, in the case of a coated fitting plug, excessive costs would be transferred to third parties, in particular to the automobile manufacturer. In particular, the interaction between the fitting plug and the fitting socket has to be tested, which requires the cooperation of the fitting plug supplier (usually the supplier of the unit or of the components connected to the fluid line) and, ultimately, the automobile manufacturer. In the case of a coated sealing ring, the price of the sealing ring increases many times since it is a custom-made product. In addition, the coating is very demanding due to the rubber-like material of the sealing ring and the fluid contact, and has only a very limited long-term stability. It has been found that the problem set out at the outset is solved in a particularly satisfactory manner by the solution according to the invention.

[0013] The expression "the entire ring of points deviates at least partially from a perpendicular to the central axis, as seen in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket" preferably means that the points deviate from perfect rotational symmetry with respect to the central axis. This expression more preferably means that the ring of points is described by additional axial and / or radial components besides a circumferential rotation.

[0014] The term "integral" preferably means that the connection is not only integral (e.g. by welding) but also produced by casting or injection molding with one material source. In contrast, two-component injection molding (where a material bond is made between both components) is not an integral connection but an integral connection. The expression "integral connection" preferably means that two elements connected to each other by a material bond (welding or gluing) can only be separated irreversibly or destructively. A reversible connection means, for example, a separable locking connection or a screw connection. A welded connection can be an integral connection but not an integral connection.

[0015] The directional designation "axially inward" or "axially inward" preferably means the axial direction from the coupling part to the mating part. The directional designation "axially outward" or "axially outward" preferably means the axial direction from the mating part to the coupling part.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner groove wall is integrally, preferably integrally, connected to the sealing part or to the connecting part or to the groove base or to at least one angle element, which results in an advantageous stability of the sealing part or an inexpensive production of the sealing part.

[0017] It is very preferred that the separating ring is manufactured separately from the sealing part, so that it is not integrally connected to the sealing part. This allows pre-fixing of the sealing ring and easy introduction of the sealing ring during the production of the coupling socket. It is possible that the separating ring is connected to the sealing part by frictional engagement and / or by snap-fitting and / or by material bonding. The separating ring can be connected to the sealing part, for example, by press-fitting and / or by locking and / or integrally, in particular by welding, for example laser welding or rotation welding. It is possible that the separating ring is arranged in the socket body without contact with the head part. According to one embodiment, the separating ring contacts at least one complementary angle element of the head part.

[0018] According to one particularly preferred embodiment, the axially inner back surface point of the separating ring, in particular along the entire annulus, as viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket, deviates at least partially from a perpendicular to the central axis. This allows parallelization of the outer groove wall relative to the inner groove wall, whereby a relatively constant squeezing of the sealing ring is obtained. The frictional engagement between the complementary coupling plug and the sealing ring is then formed very uniformly along the annulus, whereby the fluid practically does not find any weak points in the sealing ring. As a result, this results in a particularly good sealing action.

[0019] It is preferred that the inner and outer groove walls are formed parallel to one another at least partially in the circumferential direction and preferably along the entire annulus. Preferably, in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket, a point of the outer groove wall and a point of the inner groove wall at the same radial height r define a distance A0 between one another, and the distance A(α) between these two points along the entire annulus (angle α about the central axis) does not deviate from the distance A0 in the longitudinal section by more than 90%, or 70%, or 50%, or 30%: |A0-A(α)| / A0<=0.9 or 0.7 or 0.5 or 0.3

[0020] Advantageously, in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket, the points of the inner and / or outer groove wall over the entire annulus describe a circular path. The circular path of the points preferably comprises at least one axially innermost point (axial minimum point) and at least one axially outermost point (axial maximum point). The axial difference D between the axial minimum point and the axial maximum point is preferably more than 1 / 10 or 1 / 8 or 1 / 6 or 1 / 4 of the axial extent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing ring in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket of the relaxed body.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the circular orbit of points of the inner groove wall in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket along the entire ring comprises two axial minimum points and two axial maximum points. Preferably, both axial maximum points are diametrically opposite to the central axis. Expediently, both minimum points are diametrically opposite to the central axis. It is preferred that the axial maximum points and the minimum points of the circular orbit are arranged equidistant from one another on the circular orbit. Preferably, the axial position of the circular orbit varies in a wave-like manner when plotted over the circumferential angle, so that the axial minimum points and maximum points are formed. The at least two axial minimum points and maximum points result in a particularly stable support of the sealing ring in the sealing groove while the coupling plug is introduced.

[0022] Expediently, the separating ring and / or the head portion and / or the sealing portion comprise plastic. This allows the manufacture of these components by injection molding, which provides cheaper manufacture compared to metal products. It is preferred that the separating ring and / or the head portion and / or the sealing portion comprise at least 30 or 50 or 70 or 90% by weight of plastic. The separating ring, the head portion and the sealing portion can comprise the same or different plastics.

[0023] Preferably, the separating ring is engaged in the circumferential direction with the sealing part, in particular via a tongue-and-groove joint. This allows a defined alignment of the separating ring in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner groove wall or the sealing part. It is expedient that the separating ring has an angle-determining element. Advantageously, the sealing part is provided with a complementary angle-determining element. Expediently, the complementary angle-determining element is formed complementary to the angle-determining element. Preferably, the angle-determining element and the complementary angle-determining element form a tongue-and-groove joint. According to one embodiment, the angle-determining element is formed as a groove into which a complementary angle-determining element in the form of a protrusion engages.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the coupling socket is formed in such a way that the head part can be rotated about a central axis relative to the sealing part before the reversible or irreversible fixing to one another takes place, whereby several possible angular positions are provided between the head part and the sealing part. This allows for greater flexibility in production, despite the sufficient freedom in the selection of the angular positions. For example, a sealing part bent in the longitudinal section can be assembled with the head part in different angular positions in the circumferential direction, which results in a correspondingly large number of different coupling sockets. For these different coupling sockets, in the case of a one-piece coupling body, expensive injection moulds are required each time. However, based on the separate production of the head part and the sealing part, only two injection moulds are required, whereas a large number of different coupling sockets are possible due to the principle of the modular system. In particular, it is also possible to combine the head part with different sealing parts. The head part can also be combined with a sealing part bent, for example, by 45° or not at all.

[0025] It is advantageous if a predefined or limited or discontinuous number of angular positions is provided. Preferably, the coupling socket has at least 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 8 or 10 or 12 or 15 predefined angular positions. It is particularly preferred if the angular positions exhibit equidistant angular differences in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, the coupling socket is designed in such a way that the angular positions can be produced via the angular adjustment element and / or the complementary angular adjustment element.

[0026] It is very preferred that the sealing part has at least one angular adjustment element between the sealing part and the head part, which sets the circumferential angular position, and that the head part comprises at least one angular adjustment element complementary to the angular adjustment element. It is preferred that the at least one angular adjustment element has a tooth shape and preferably circumferentially adjacent recesses. Preferably, the complementary angular adjustment element has a concave shape and preferably circumferentially adjacent teeth. Preferably, the angular adjustment element extends in the circumferential direction over a maximum of 180° or 120° or 90° or 72° or 60° or 45° or 36° or 30°. Expediently, the number of angular adjustment elements or complementary angular adjustment elements defines the number of predetermined angular positions or the circumferential extent of the angular adjustment elements or complementary angular adjustment elements. It is very preferred that the sealing part comprises a plurality of angular adjustment elements. Expediently, the head part has a plurality of complementary angular adjustment elements. It is preferred that the number of angular adjustment elements corresponds to the number of complementary angular adjustment elements. Advantageously, the angle adjustment elements are identically configured to one another. It is preferred that complementary angle adjustment elements are identically configured to one another.

[0027] Preferably, the separating ring has a lead-in surface, the contour of which, viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket, has at least one axial and one radial component, thereby allowing a better lead-in of the complementary coupling plug. The lead-in surface is preferably formed completely annular. Advantageously, the lead-in surface defines an opening tapering in the axially inward direction. The lead-in surface can be formed conically.

[0028] It is advantageous for the groove bottom and / or the inner groove wall and / or the outer groove wall, viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket, to have an at least partially curved contour. This allows a more secure accommodation of the sealing ring. It is preferred that the curved profile of the inner groove wall, viewed in a longitudinal section, has an axially inward bulge. It is possible for the outer groove wall to have a straight contour or a contour which extends only in the radial direction. It is possible for the groove bottom, viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket, to have a contour which extends only in the axial direction.

[0029] Advantageously, the coupling socket has an indicator element, which indicates the position of the coupling plug in the coupling socket. This provides a great assembly reliability. It is possible that the coupling socket is formed in such a way that the indicator element indicates that the coupling plug is fully inserted in the coupling socket. According to one embodiment, the coupling socket is formed in such a way that the indicator element indicates that the coupling plug is not fully inserted in the coupling socket. The indicator element can indicate an optical and / or tactile and / or electrical or electronic indicator signal. The indicator element can be formed, for example, as a QR code and / or as an element protruding from the coupling body and / or as a radio signal. It is preferred that the indicator element directly or indirectly contacts the coupling plug. It is possible that a sliding element on the outside of the coupling body can only be moved axially in the fully inserted state of the coupling plug, so that an optical code, for example a QR code or a bar code, becomes visible to the user. The retainer may be provided with an indicator or indicator element, whereby the retainer can be inserted into the fitting body only when the fitting plug is fully inserted, thereby generating an optical and tactile signal, and when the fitting plug is not inserted, the circuit remains open or is closed, so that the chip emits a corresponding wireless signal.

[0030] Advantageously, the joint socket is formed such that the head part and the sealing part have an increased circumferential fit when axially coupled. This allows a secure fit when assembled of the head part and the sealing part, while at the same time guaranteeing a predefined circumferential position of the head part and the sealing part relative to one another. In addition, this generates a tactile sensation signaling to the user that the assembled parts have been assembled as intended. Advantageously, the angular adjustment element engages with a complementary angular adjustment element when assembled axially of the head part and the sealing part. It is very preferred that the angular adjustment element and the complementary angular adjustment element engage axially and / or circumferentially when coupled of the head part and the sealing part, such that at the same time, at the axial abutment of the head part and the sealing part, a circumferential movement between the head part and the sealing part is no longer possible either. It is advantageous that at least one angular adjustment element of the sealing part tapers or expands in the axially outward direction with respect to its circumferential extent. Preferably, the at least one angular adjustment element and the at least one complementary angular adjustment element form a tongue and groove joint, the groove of the tongue and groove joint tapering towards a groove base.

[0031] It is possible for the retainer to be formed as a wire bracket or as an injection-molded part. This provides a suitable retainer. It is possible for the retainer to be formed substantially U-shaped or completely annular. Preferably, the retainer designed as a wire bracket is U-shaped and comprises two U-shaped legs and a U-shaped base. Advantageously, the retainer is formed separately from the socket body or the head part or the sealing part. Preferably, the retainer is movably supported in the socket body or the head part. Expediently, the retainer defines an insertion direction for inserting the retainer into the socket body or the head part.

[0032] The problem mentioned at the beginning is solved by a fluid line, which has a coupling socket and a pipe according to the invention. This transfers the fluid technical complexity to the fluid line, which allows the coupling plug to be constructed significantly simpler. As a result, the unit can be equipped with a simple coupling plug, which ensures a clear separation of the problems between different suppliers. It is preferred that the pipe and / or the coupling body comprises at least 30 or 50 or 70 or 90% by weight of plastic. The connecting part of the coupling body is preferably constructed as a plug-in part. The pipe can be fitted onto the connecting part or plugged into it. The connection between the connecting part and the pipe is preferably formed by frictional engagement and / or snap-fit ​​and / or material connection. For example, the pipe can be fitted into the connecting part by a press fit, which results in a connection by frictional engagement and snap-fit. It is also possible to plug the pipe into the receiving part of the connecting part in order to form a material connection in a second step. The material connection can in particular be formed by welding, preferably laser welding.

[0033] The problem mentioned at the outset is solved by a method for manufacturing a coupling socket according to the invention, in which a separating ring is fixed to the sealing part and preferably thereafter the head part is fixed to the sealing part, preferably the sealing ring is positioned in the sealing part before fixing the separating ring to the sealing part.

[0034] In the following, the invention will be explained in detail by means of five figures of examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a coupling socket according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] Longitudinal section of the fitting socket of Figure 1 in the assembled state [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separating ring according to the invention for the coupling socket of FIGS. 1 and 2 [Figure 4] A longitudinal section of the sealing portion of the fitting socket of Figs. 1 and 2 [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head portion of the coupling socket of FIGS. 1 and 2; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] According to Fig. 1, the coupling socket 1 comprises a socket body 2, a retainer 3 and a sealing ring 7. The retainer 3 in this first example is preferably VDA compliant and may be formed as a U-shaped wire bracket with a U-shaped base and two U-shaped legs. The sealing ring 7 preferably comprises an elastomer for sealing the coupling socket 1 by frictional engagement against a complementary coupling plug, not shown here.

[0037] The coupling plug may have a groove or shoulder on its outside, by means of which it can be locked in the coupling socket 1 in a known manner at the retainer 3. It is preferred that the retainer 3 and / or the sealing ring 7 are reversibly removable from the coupling socket 1. The term "reversible" preferably means non-destructive removal.

[0038] 1 and 2, the socket body 2 comprises a head portion 12, a separating ring 14 and a sealing portion 13. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 7 is preferably first inserted into the sealing portion 13 and then, expediently, the separating ring 14 is inserted into the sealing portion 13 for pre-fixing the sealing ring 7 and for separation as will be described in more detail below.

[0039] It is preferred that the head portion 12 is joined to the sealing portion 13 after fixing the separating ring 14 to the sealing portion 13. Preferably, the head portion 12 has a contact portion 22 which contacts the sealing portion 13. Advantageously, the sealing portion 13 comprises a contact portion 23 which contacts the head portion 12. In this embodiment, the contact portion 22 of the head portion 12 and the contact portion 23 of the sealing portion 13 are welded to each other, in particular joined to each other by laser welding.

[0040] Preferably, the head part 12, the separating ring 14 and / or the sealing part 13 each consist of plastic, in particular by injection molding. According to the invention, the head part 12, the separating ring 14 and the sealing part 13 are manufactured separately from one another. In this embodiment, the head part 12, the separating ring 14 and the sealing part 13 form the integral socket body 2 on the basis of two welds.

[0041] In this embodiment, the separating ring 14 is fixed on or in the sealing part 13 by means of an annular - preferably completely annular - welded connection of the radially outer side 32 of the separating ring 14. The coupling socket 1 or socket body 2 expediently has an end wall 21 assigned to the head part 12 and facing the coupling plug to be introduced.

[0042] Advantageously, the separating ring 14 has an angle-determining element 26 which corresponds to a complementary angle-determining element 27 of the sealing part 13. In this embodiment, the angle-determining element 26 is formed as a groove on the radially outer side 32 of the separating ring 14. Expediently, the complementary angle-determining element 27 is formed as a spring complementary to the angle-determining element 26. The separating ring preferably has a lead-in surface 18 which is advantageously arranged on the front or axially outer side of the separating ring 14. The lead-in surface 18 tapers axially inwards in one longitudinal section of the coupling socket and can, for example, have a conical shape which presents an oblique contour 19 in the longitudinal section according to FIG. 2.

[0043] The rear surface 15 of the separating ring 14 preferably and according to Fig. 2 has two axially extending inner parts 28 and expediently two axially outer parts, so that in the inserted state the sealing ring 7 extends over several planes extending perpendicularly to the central axis M. As a result, the forces to be applied axially when introducing the coupling plug are equalized in the force-displacement diagram or stretched in the sense of "flattening the curve", so that the introduction of the coupling plug generally operates more easily.

[0044] The head portion 12 can be provided in a known manner with a retainer receiving portion 25, which can in particular receive the U-leg of the retainer 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. According to the invention, the head portion 12 comprises at least a part of the coupling part 5. The coupling part 5 can in particular be defined by the maximum axial extent of the coupling plug in the coupling socket 1 and can extend up into the sealing part 13, as can be seen in the embodiment according to Figure 2.

[0045] The head part 12 or the socket body 2 can have an anti-rotation device 24 which prevents rotation of the fitting plug in the socket body 2. The anti-rotation device 24 can have at least one groove or protrusion, and in particular can be provided with two grooves according to FIG.

[0046] According to the invention, the sealing part 13 has a coupling part 4 for coupling with a pipe or unit. The coupling part 4 may be configured for pending coupling to a pipe or unit, or may already be coupled to the pipe or unit. The coupling part 4 may be configured for mounting or for plugging, and may include a material joint, a frictional engagement, and / or a fit. In this embodiment, the coupling part 4 is configured with barbs or ribs on the outside to securely fasten the pipe mounted thereon or the unit mounted thereon (neither shown). The coupling part 4 and the mating part 5 are expediently fluidly connected to each other via a fluid passage 6 in the fitting body 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the coupling socket 1 according to Figures 1 and 2 is formed with a bend, so that the central axis M of the coupling part 5 deviates from the central axis, not shown in the figures, of the connecting part 4 in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket 1. In particular, the central axis M and the central axis can be - for example - perpendicular to one another. The bend is preferably realised in the sealing part 13, so that the head part 12 can be connected to a number of different sealing parts 13, each having a different bend.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the sealing part 13 according to figures 1 and 2 has at least one angular adjustment element 20. Advantageously, the head part 12 has at least one complementary angular adjustment element 31 (see figure 5). Expediently, the sealing part 13 and / or the head part 12 have several angular adjustment elements 20 or complementary angular adjustment elements 31. It is preferred that, when the head part 12 and the sealing part 13 are connected, the angular adjustment elements 20 or complementary angular adjustment elements 31 interlock with each other or mesh with each other. It is very preferred that, by means of the at least one angular adjustment element 20 or the at least one complementary angular adjustment element 31, the head part 12 and the sealing part 13 can be connected with each other in several rotational positions about the central axis M, so that the connecting part 4 can take several angular positions relative to the head part or the retainer 3. In this embodiment, the sealing portion 13 has 16 angular adjustment elements 20 and the head portion 12 has 16 complementary angular adjustment elements 31, so that the sealing portion 13 and the head portion 12 can be fixed in increments of 22.5°.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the contact portion 23 of the sealing part 13 has a head portion receiving portion 30 into which the contact portion 22 of the head portion 12 engages (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, both contact portions 22, 23 are connected to each other by a material joint, which can be performed, for example, by laser welding.

[0050] From FIG. 2 in particular, it can be seen that the separating ring 14 has an axially inwardly facing rear surface 15, which in the longitudinal section according to FIG. 2 does not constitute a perpendicular line or a succession of perpendicular lines. Preferably, the contour of the rear surface 15 in the longitudinal section according to FIG. 2 is formed curved. In addition, the rear surface 15 of the separating ring 14 can also be seen well in FIGS. 1 and 3. The rear surface 15 of the separating ring 14 thus has a smooth belt which in this embodiment constitutes the outer groove wall 11 in the assembled state of the coupling socket (see FIG. 3). It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the rear surface 15 extends axially inward most in the radially upper as well as in the radially lower area. In contrast, the rear surface 15 of the separating ring 14 extends axially inward least in the radially central two areas in the longitudinal section according to FIG. 2.

[0051] 2 it can be seen that the joint socket has a sealing groove 8 in which a sealing ring 7 is arranged. The sealing groove 8 has a radially outer groove bottom 9, an axially inner groove wall 10 and the already mentioned axially outer groove wall 11. According to the invention, at least a part of the back surface 15 of the separating ring 14 forms at least a part of the outer groove wall 11.

[0052] The inner groove wall 10 is better visible in FIG. 4, since the sealing ring 7 has been omitted here in order to better illustrate the sealing groove 8. Preferably and in the embodiment, the inner groove wall 10 has a curved shape in the longitudinal section of the sealing part 13 in FIG. 4 - along the entire longitudinal section of the sealing part 13. In addition, the separating ring 14 has been omitted in FIG. 4 in order to better illustrate the remaining components of the sealing groove 8. In contrast, the outer groove wall 11 is shown with dashed lines. Preferably, the inner groove wall 10 and the outer groove wall 11 define a groove opening 16 in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket 1 or the sealing part 13, which groove opening is also depicted with dashed lines. Expediently, the inner groove wall 10, the outer groove wall 11, the groove bottom 9 and the groove opening 16 define a longitudinal section surface 17 of the sealing groove 8, which is illustrated here with hatching. A surface center can be assigned to the longitudinal section surface 17. The surface centre of the longitudinal section surface 17 deviates from the perpendicular to the central axis M along a ring centred on the central axis M, in this embodiment, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket.

[0053] From Figure 2 and also from Figure 4 it can be seen that in this embodiment any point of the contour of the inner groove wall 10 along the entire ring about the central axis M does not remain in a plane perpendicular to the central axis M. Instead, the inner groove wall 10 is preferably parallel to the outer groove wall 11, so that any point of the contour of the inner groove wall 10 is parallel to the ring of any other point of the outer groove wall 11 over the entire ring. In particular, in Figure 4 the radially outer region of the inner groove wall 10 is arranged further axially inwards, whereas the two regions radially and therefore closer to the central axis M are arranged further axially outwards in the longitudinal section according to Figure 4.

[0054] In contrast, the front or axially outer side of the separating ring 14 preferably does not deviate from the rotationally symmetrical form, so that the separating ring 14 allows the separation of the head part 12 from the sealing part 13 or the sealing groove 8. As a result, this ensures that compatibility with the head part 12 is always ensured.

[0055] The sealing ring 7 may have a torus shape, in particular an ideal torus of revolution. When the sealing ring 7 is inserted into the sealing groove 8 and pre-fixed by the separating ring 14, the sealing ring 7 essentially follows the course of the sealing groove 8 without changing its longitudinal cross-sectional profile in a purposeful manner. This is best shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Fitting Socket 2 Socket body 3 Retainer 4. Joint of 2 5 Joint part of 2 6 2 fluid passages 7 Seal ring 8 2 seal groove 9 8 groove bottom 10 8 inner groove wall 11 8 outer ditch wall 12 Head part 13 Seal part 14 Separation Ring 15 14 back 16 8 groove opening 17 8 longitudinal section 18 14 Introduction 19 18 Contours 20 13 Angle Adjustment Elements 21 End walls of 1, 2, 12 22 12 contact points 23 13 contact area 24 in 1 anti-rotation device for fitting plug 25 Retainer housing 26 14 Angle Determinants 27 13 complementary angle determinants 28 15 inner part 29 15 outer part 30 13,23 Head part storage 31 12 complementary angle adjustment elements 32 Radial outer side of 14 M center axis

Claims

1. A fitting socket (1) having a socket body (2) and a retainer (3), the socket body (2) having a coupling portion (4) and a fitting portion (5), the retainer (3) being disposed within the fitting portion (5), the fitting portion (5) being configured to receive a complementary fitting plug therein, the coupling portion (4) being coupleable or coupled to a pipe or unit, a fluid flow passage (6) in the socket body (2) fluidly connecting the fitting portion (5) and the coupling portion (4) to each other, and a central axis (M) of the fitting portion (5) defining axial, radial and circumferential directions of the fitting portion (5); The coupling socket (1) has at least one sealing ring (7), the coupling socket (1) has a sealing groove (8), the sealing ring (7) is arranged in the sealing groove (8), the sealing groove (8) has a groove bottom (9) and has an inner groove wall (10) and an outer groove wall (11) in the axial direction, the inner groove wall (10) and / or the outer groove wall (11) have at least one point or each have at least one point, the entire ring of points deviating at least partially from a perpendicular to the central axis (M) when viewed in the longitudinal section of the coupling socket (1), A coupling socket, the socket body (2) comprising a head portion (12) and a sealing portion (13), the head portion (12) and the sealing portion (13) being manufactured separately from each other and joined to each other, the head portion (12) at least partially comprising the coupling portion (5), the sealing portion (13) at least partially comprising the joining portion (4), the sealing portion (13) comprising a groove bottom (9) and an inner groove wall (10), A coupling socket (1), characterized in that the coupling socket (1) or the socket body (2) has a separation ring (14) separating the head portion (12) from the seal groove (8), the separation ring (14) being manufactured separately from the head portion (12) so as not to be integrally connected to the head portion (12), and the separation ring (14) forms at least a part of the outer groove wall (11) with at least a part of its axially inwardly facing back surface (15).

2. 2. A coupling socket (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner groove wall (10) is integral, preferably integrally connected, to the sealing part (13) or to the connecting part (4).

3. 3. A coupling socket (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating ring (14) is manufactured separately from the sealing part (13) such that the separating ring (14) is not integrally connected to the sealing part (13).

4. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket (1), a point of the axially inner back surface (15) of the separating ring (14) along the annulus at least partially deviates from a perpendicular line to the central axis (M).

5. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the separating ring (14) and / or the head portion (12) and / or the sealing portion (13) comprise plastic.

6. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating ring (14) fits circumferentially into the sealing part (13), in particular via a tongue-and-groove joint.

7. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling socket (1) is formed such that the head portion (12) is rotatable about a central axis (M) relative to the sealing portion (13) before reversible or irreversible fixing to each other takes place, thereby providing a plurality of possible angular positions between the head portion (12) and the sealing portion (13).

8. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sealing portion (13) has at least one angular adjustment element (20) for setting a circumferential angular position between the sealing portion (13) and the head portion (12), and the head portion (12) has at least one angular adjustment element (31) complementary to the angular adjustment element (20).

9. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the separating ring (14) has a lead-in surface (18) whose contour (19), when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket (1), has at least one axial and one radial component.

10. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the groove bottom (9) and / or the inner groove wall (10) and / or the outer groove wall (11) have an at least partially curved profile, when viewed in a longitudinal section of the coupling socket (1).

11. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling socket (1) has an indicator element indicating the position of the coupling plug in the coupling socket (1).

12. The joint socket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the head portion (12) and the seal portion (13) are formed such that the circumferential fit is increased when the head portion (12) and the seal portion (13) are connected in the axial direction.

13. A coupling socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retainer is formed as a wire bracket or an injection moulded part.

14. A fluid line comprising a pipe and a coupling socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method for manufacturing a joint socket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating ring (14) is fixed to the sealing part (13) and, preferably thereafter, the head part (12) is fixed to the sealing part (13).

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