Plug-in connection device for connecting conduits for a liquid or gaseous medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reversibly detachable coupling for plug-in connection of a pipe (3) and a hose for coupling with a pipe-shaped plug (1), wherein the plug (1) has at least one locking shoulder or locking edge (2) which is at least partially annular on the outer periphery. At least one locking element (5) is in a locking position when the plug (1) is fully inserted, in which locking position the locking part (7) is pivoted towards the plug (1) and fixedly engages from behind with the locking shoulder or locking edge (2) of the plug (1) by means of the locking edge. At this time, the entire locking part (7) is located inside the locking ring (6). The locking ring is thereby axially released. An elastic element (8) loads the locking ring (6) axially from the open position to a locking position which completely overlaps with the locking part (7). The locking element (5) can be pivoted relative to the coupling sleeve (4) about a pivot axis (S) between the open position and the locking position. The locking element has a lever-shaped part (9) extending in the circumferential direction of the coupling sleeve (4). The lever-shaped part is locked to the coupling sleeve (4) in the open position. When the plug (1) is inserted, the lever-shaped part (9) is released from the locking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reversibly detachable coupling for the plug-in connection of pipes and hoses, as described in the generic concept of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses, for example, a plug-in connection device for a plug-in connection in which a media conduit is captured and sealed. The plug-in connection device consists of a receiving part with a receiving opening for the plug-in part on the conduit side. In the region of the receiving opening, holding means and sealing means for capturing or sealing the peripheral surface of the plug-in part are provided. The receiving part consists of two parts surrounding the receiving opening, and the holding means are arranged in the inner part. Such a receiving part is movable axially relative to the base part between a first position and a second position. In the first position within the region of the holding means, in cooperation with the base part, a free inner cross-section that is large / equal to the outer cross-section of the peripheral surface of the plug-in part remains open. In the second position shifted in the plug-in direction, the holding means are engaged radially inwardly with respect to the peripheral surface of the plug-in part.

[0003] The locked state of the reversibly detachable fluid conduit coupling disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be automatically and advantageously easily controlled optically. The coupling has a coupling sleeve, a locking element, and a coupling plug with a locking flange. The locking element occupies a locking position when the plug is fully inserted. In the locking position, the locking part is pivoted towards the plug and fixedly cooperates with the locking shoulder or locking edge of the plug. At this time, the outside of the locking part is pushed into the inside of the coupling sleeve so that the outside of the locking part is located inside the locking ring. The locking element has an operating surface and / or a signal surface, and these surfaces can only be seen when the coupling is in the unlocked state. As soon as the locking element assumes the locking position, the locking ring can be moved axially from the open position to the locking position that completely overlaps the locking element by at least one elastic element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device that consists mostly of plastic parts but still ensures reliable locking of the fluid conduit and sealing of the fluid conduit under temperature loads.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Such problems are solved by the device described in the claims.

[0007] For this purpose, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the locking element is movable relative to the coupling sleeve between an open position and a locking position and has at least one lever-like part extending from the locking element, the lever-like part being locked relative to the coupling sleeve in the open position and, at a position spaced from the locking part, protruding into the insertion path of the locking shoulder or locking edge of the plug and being released from the locking position at the latest when the plug is fully inserted.

[0008] Advantageously, the locking element is pivotable relative to the coupling sleeve between the open position and the locking position about a tangential pivot axis. This makes it easier to exert a holding action on the locking ring via the locking element.

[0009] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the pivot axis of the locking element is located within the central part of the locking element and the part of the locking part opposite the pivot axis has an inclined part or a raised part, and the inside of the locking ring has a raised part, and when the locking ring is pushed to the open position against the action of the at least one elastic element, the raised part acts radially on the inclined part or the raised part of the locking element.

[0010] According to a further variant of an embodiment of the invention, in which the locking element and the locking ring are held in the open position facing each other, here too the pivot axis of the locking element is located within the central part of the locking element and the part of the locking part opposite the pivot axis has a projection protruding radially outwards, and the inside of the locking ring has a shoulder, and when the locking ring is pushed to the open position against the action of the elastic element, the shoulder acts axially on the projection.

[0011] Advantageously for a compact structure of the coupling is an embodiment in which the lever-like part extending from the locking element extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling sleeve.

[0012] Advantageously, the coupling sleeve has a locking nose or a locking edge on the outside, and the lever-like part engages behind the locking nose or the locking edge at the release position of the locking element.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the locking ring acts on the locking element at the release position of the locking ring and holds the locking element in the release position. Instead of or in addition to this, the locking element also holds the locking ring in the release position of the locking ring at the release position of the locking element.

[0014] Advantageously, such an embodiment, instead of or in addition to the features of the preceding paragraph, is characterized in that the locking nose of the locking element, preferably facing radially outwards at the height of the locking part, engages behind the upper edge of the locking ring at the release position, or engages in the opening of the upper peripheral part to axially fix the locking ring.

[0015] A further embodiment of the coupling according to the present invention is characterized in that at least two locking elements are arranged on the peripheral surface of the coupling sleeve, preferably in a uniformly distributed state, and the lever-like parts of the locking elements located side by side overlap at the ends of the lever-like parts.

[0016] A further feature of any invention is that a raised portion is arranged on the coupling sleeve at the height of the central part of the locking element, the inner side of the central part of the locking element abuts against the raised portion, and the raised portion thereby defines the pivot axis.

[0017] In order to enable the coupling to be quickly and tool - free attached to the end of a pipe or a hose, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a locking joint exists between the coupling sleeve and the pipe or the hose.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one locking edge is formed on the coupling sleeve, and the locking edge engages from behind with the undercut of the pipe or hose.

[0019] Advantageously, an anti-rotation device may be provided between the pipe or hose and the coupling sleeve.

[0020] A particularly advantageous further embodiment of the invention is that at least one snap arm is arranged on the locking ring, the free end of the snap arm facing the plug being elastically deflectable radially outwards, the free end being supported on the locking edge of the coupling sleeve in the open position of the locking ring, and the free end being disengaged from the coupling sleeve by the locking element in the locking position of the locking element. Thereby, the locking mechanism is not inadvertently released, for example, by inadvertently gripping the locking ring. By the structure according to the invention, the snap arm directly supports the locking ring on the coupling sleeve in the open / unlocked state, thereby relieving the locking element of load. The locking element no longer needs to support the locking ring any further.

[0021] Advantageously, such a coupling has a coupling sleeve having at least one locking edge (30) oriented towards the pipe for supporting the free end of the snap arm, the snap arm holding the locking ring in the open position of the locking ring in the open position of the snap arm.

[0022] Advantageously, in an embodiment of the coupling according to the invention, the coupling sleeve, the locking element, and the locking ring, and possibly also the elastic element, at least mostly consist of plastic. Advantageously, the listed components entirely consist of plastic. Due to the above-described structure of the coupling, the plastic components are not deformed even when inserted in the open position, so that creep of the components under temperature load can be avoided.

[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings.

[0024] The drawings are each highly simplified schematic views.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] First, it should be noted that in the embodiments described as various different ones, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals or the same component numerals. The disclosure content included in the whole description can be correspondingly applied to the same parts having the same reference numerals or the same component numerals. Also, the descriptions regarding the selected positions in the description, such as up, down, side, etc., are related to the directly described and illustrated drawings, and when the positions change, these descriptions regarding the positions can be correspondingly applied to the new positions.

[0027] Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a reversibly detachable coupling according to the invention, which can be used, for example, for the plug-in connection of a pipe 3 or a hose. By means of the coupling, a pipe-shaped plug 1, which here exists in a configuration required, for example, on the basis of the guidelines of the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie), can be connected in a sealed and lockable manner to the pipe 3 or the hose. Such a plug 1 has at least one locking shoulder or locking edge 2 which is at least partially annular on the outer circumference. The locking shoulder or locking edge is preferably formed by an inclined portion rising from the outer circumference on the plug side and a locking surface provided following the inclined portion behind with respect to the outer circumference on the plug side.

[0028] A coupling sleeve 4 is assembled to the pipe 3 or is integrally formed at the end of the pipe 3. The plug 1 is inserted into the coupling sleeve, and in the coupling sleeve, the plug is subsequently held in a state where it is prevented from being pulled out by at least one locking element 5. A locking ring 6 can be axially slid along the coupling sleeve 4 between an open position and a locking position while surrounding the coupling sleeve 4 and the locking element 5 held in the coupling sleeve. At least one elastic element 8, preferably also a coil spring surrounding the coupling sleeve 4, loads the locking ring 6 towards the locking position.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the arrangement relationship between the plug 1 and the coupling, including at least the coupling sleeve 4, at least one locking element 5, the locking ring 6, and at least one elastic element 8, in the as-supplied state at the start of manufacturing a hermetic plug-in connection. The plug 1 has already been inserted into the coupling sleeve 4 to such an extent that the outside of the protrusion 22 is inserted into the complementary notch 23 of the coupling sleeve 4, thus providing prevention of relative rotation. The protrusion 22 can overlap with the locking shoulder or locking edge 2 of the plug 1. The front end of the plug 1 is already covered by a seal 21, preferably an irregular lip seal. The seal is held in a receiving groove in the front edge region of the pipe 3 or hose. In all cases, one or more O-rings can be used, which can also prevent twisting and reduce the joining force. This is specifically implemented in couplings corresponding to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

[0030] The coupling sleeve 4 is arranged as a separate component at the front end of the pipe 3 as a separate part and is preferably fixed at this location by locking joints 16, 17. In the lower edge region of the coupling sleeve 4, at least one locking nose or locking edge 16 protruding radially inward is formed in each case at the lower end of at least one elastically radially deflectable snap hook 24 as shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The locking edge 16 engages from behind with the undercut 17 or the limited locking protrusion of the pipe 3 or hose, thus axially fixing the coupling sleeve 4.

[0031] The locking edge portion 16 may be configured in an overall annular shape or, as can be clearly seen from the exploded view of FIG. 7, may be arranged on the elastic and flexible snap hooks 24 distributed on the circumferential surface of the coupling sleeve 4 by segments. At the height of the locking edge portion 16 or at the lower end of the snap hook 24, a flange 25 projects radially outward. In either case, each snap hook 24 is provided with a partial piece of the flange or a group of protrusions. In order to protect the locking connection from bouncing back, the distance between the inner wall of the locking ring 6, specifically the part reaching the height of the locking connection, and the flange 25 is smaller than the overlap between the locking edge portion 16 and the undercut 17 of the pipe 3 or the hose. Thus, the radial deflection of the locking edge portion 16 that releases the locking edge portion 16 is blocked by coming into contact with the locking ring 6 in advance. Such a structural configuration and the described size ratio can be clearly recognized in the enlarged detailed view of FIG. 5.

[0032] Similar to the possibility of providing an anti-rotation device between the plug 1 and the coupling sleeve 4, it is also possible to provide an anti-rotation device between the coupling sleeve 4 and the pipe 3 or the hose. An exemplary embodiment is also shown in FIG. 7. Between the nose-shaped portions of the undercuts 17 distributed circumferentially at the end of the pipe 3, a guide fin (Fuehrungsgrate) 26 extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 3 is arranged. The snap hooks 24 located at the pipe-side end of the lower side of the coupling sleeve 4 are distributed around the coupling sleeve 4. A predetermined interval is provided between adjacent snap hooks 24. This interval functions as a guide gap 27, and into this interval, when the coupling sleeve 4 is arranged as a separate part at the pipe end, the guide fin 26 engages. Regarding the number of the guide fins 26 or the guide gaps 27 and the angular interval between them, the individual angular positions between the pipe 3 and the coupling sleeve 4 can be selectively defined. The orientation of the coupling head in the circumferential direction should be as freely selectable as possible. Since the locking geometry in the media guide socket can be defined during manufacturing in the injection molding tool, a free angular position is possible.

[0033] Figure 1 further advantageously shows one of the plurality of locking elements 5 in its open position. In this open position, the plug 1 can be introduced into the coupling sleeve 4 without hindrance. For this purpose, the axially extending locking portion 7 is pivotally moved in a direction away from the plug 1, advantageously by a locking edge portion that projects radially inwardly in the direction of the plug 1.

[0034] On the outside of the locking element 5, locking noses 18 that face radially outward are formed, advantageously at the height of the locking portion 7. The locking noses engage from behind with the upper edge portion 19 of the locking ring 6 in the open position shown in Figure 1. Another embodiment can also provide an opening for each locking element 5 at the upper peripheral edge portion 20 of the locking ring 6. The locking nose 18 engages into the opening. In this way, the locking ring 6 is axially fixed in its open position, which is shifted in the direction of the pipe 3 by the locking element 5, and against the action of the elastic element 8.

[0035] Conversely, however, the locking ring 6 can also act on the locking element 5 in its open position and thereby hold the locking element in the open position. Such a function may be provided in addition to or instead of for the holding action of the locking element 5 on the locking ring 6.

[0036] The pivot axis S of the locking element 5 extends approximately within its central portion and extends tangentially with respect to the coupling sleeve 4. With respect to such a pivot axis S, the locking element 5 has a portion 11 that is axially opposed to the locking portion 7. The portion 11 extends as an inclined portion that rises in a direction away from the pivot axis S in the axial direction or has a raised portion. The locking ring 6 has a raised portion 12 on its inner side at a height that directly faces the portion 11 in the open position. When the locking ring 6 is pushed into the open position against the action of the elastic element 8, the raised portion 12 acts radially on the inclined portion or the raised portion of the locking element 5.

[0037] The further fixation of the locking element 5 in the open position is achieved by means of at least one lever-shaped part 9 of the locking element 5. The lever-shaped part 9 extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling sleeve 4 and partially surrounds the coupling sleeve 4. Such a lever-shaped part 9 is locked to the coupling sleeve 4 in the open position of the coupling. For this purpose, the coupling sleeve 4 has on its outer side locking noses 10 or locking edges in the region where the outer end of the lever-shaped part 9 of the locking element 5 will be located in its open position. When the locking element 5 is in its open position, the locking noses 10 or locking edges engage from behind so as to be locked by the end of the lever-shaped part 9 of the locking element 5. Thereby, a further precaution is taken to ensure that the coupling remains open unless the plug 1 is inserted.

[0038] During the insertion of the plug 1 into the coupling, but at the latest as soon as the plug 1 approaches the end of the pipe 3 or hose as closely as possible in the position shown in FIG. 2, the locking of the locking element 5 and the coupling sleeve 4 or the locking ring 6 reaches its locking position and then exerts the intended holding action on the plug 1.

[0039] The locking mechanism between the lever-shaped part 9 of the locking element 5 and the coupling sleeve 4 is such that during the insertion of the plug 1, the lever-shaped part 9 which projects into the insertion path of the locking shoulder or locking edge 2 of the plug 1 at a position remote from the locking part 7 is released from the locking position by the locking shoulder or locking edge 2 at the latest when the plug 1 is completely inserted and carried downward towards the pipe end. Such a position is shown in FIG. 2. The locking shoulder or locking edge 2 projects at this time through a notch 32, i.e. a notch 32 formed in the wall of the coupling sleeve 4 in the region of the outermost end of the lever-shaped part 9 of the locking element 5, or a radially projecting projection of such a lever-shaped part 9 projects through the notch 32 towards the plug 1. The advantage of the latter embodiment is that the notch 32 forms a forced guide for the lever-shaped part 9.

[0040] In such a locking position as shown in Fig. 2, the axially extending locking portion 7 of the locking element 5 (not visible in Fig. 2 as it is located within the notch of the coupling sleeve 4) is pivoted towards the plug 1. The locking portion 7 is fixedly engaged from behind with the locking shoulder or locking edge 2 of the plug 1 by a radially inward facing locking edge. Thereby, the locking nose 18 outside the locking portion 7 is pushed into the interior of the coupling sleeve 4 in the locking position until the radially outer boundary of the locking portion 7 is completely located inside the inner side of the locking ring 6. The locking ring 6 can thereby be axially displaced relative to the coupling sleeve 4 without interference. Specifically, the locking ring 6 can be displaced by the action of the elastic element 8 from the end of the pipe 3 towards the plug 1, covering the locking nose 18 in the terminal position when axially displaced, and thereby holding the locking element 5 in the locking position.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a coupling having two locking elements 5 facing each other in the circumferential direction. The lever-shaped portions 9 extend in the circumferential direction in a direction approaching each other vertically. The notches 32 formed in the wall of the coupling sleeve 4 adjacent to each other within the region of the outermost end of the lever-shaped portion 9 of the locking element 5 guide these lever-shaped portions in the same manner as already described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. In all cases, this ensures the position of the locking element 5 and also assists the pivoting about the tangential pivoting axis S.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a further embodiment of the coupling according to the invention, corresponding to Fig. 1. This embodiment is specifically for a sealed and detachably lockable connection of a media guide conduit based on the standards of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

[0043] In order to enable the plug 1 to be locked within the coupling sleeve 4 by means of only slightly more contact points on the plug 1, advantageously corresponding to circumferentially adjacent locking elements 5 which are uniformly distributed circumferentially, the outermost ends of the lever-shaped parts 9 are adapted to overlap one another circumferentially. Each one contact point of the plug 1 can act on two locking elements 5 by means of one notch 32 of the coupling sleeve 4. Alternatively, the radially projecting contact points of the plug 1 can be pivoted from the open position shown in FIG. 4 to a locking position corresponding to FIG. 2 of the VDA configuration by means of radially projecting protrusions provided on the lever-shaped parts 9 of the locking elements 5 which penetrate into the path of the radially projecting contact points of the plug 1. By means of the overlapping arrangement of the lever-shaped parts 9 of the locking elements 5, two adjacent locking elements 5 are operated simultaneously.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a specific embodiment with only two locking elements which face one another circumferentially. The locking elements can be pivoted in common by means of only one contact point of the plug 1, and in this way the plug 1 can be locked within the coupling sleeve 4.

[0045] Furthermore, from FIG. 4 another form of action of the locking ring 6 on the locking element 5 can be recognized. The locking ring 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has only a narrower inner shoulder in order to provide a ring-shaped working surface for the elastic element 8, whereas the corresponding shoulder 14 is drawn more widely radially inwards in accompaniment with the need for such a function of supporting the elastic element 8.

[0046] By the innermost edge region of the shoulder 14, the locking ring 6 acts on the radial projection 13 at the lower end of the locking element 5 in its lowest position in the open position, i.e., the position adjacent to the end of the pipe 3 or the hose, and axially presses such a radial projection 13 towards the pipe 3. Thereby, the locking element 5 is pivoted about the tangential pivot axis S, and the inner locking nose of the upper locking part 7 oriented towards the plug 1, as well as the outer locking nose 18, i.e., in the open position, and thus the open position occupied by the locking ring against the action of the elastic element 8, and thus the open position of the entire coupling device, the outer locking nose 18 that projects radially beyond the upper edge of the locking ring 6 and holds this upper edge is pivoted radially outwards. Based on the overlapping of the lever-like parts 9 of the adjacent locking elements 5, although not all the locking elements 9 need to have such a radial projection 13, this is advantageous for the balanced force introduction and the balanced reaction force on the locking ring 6.

[0047] Both embodiments of the VDA coupling in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7 and the SAE coupling in FIGS. 4 to 6 commonly have an advantageous configuration on the outside of the coupling sleeve 4 for defining the pivot axis S of the locking element 5. Further, on the outer wall of the coupling sleeve 4, at the height of the central part of the locking element 5, individual radial ridges 27 are arranged as pivot points. The inside of the central part of the locking element 5, which is provided following the locking nose 18 of the locking part 7, abuts against the ridge 27. The ridge thereby defines the pivot axis S of the locking element 5. Instead of the individual ridges distributed on the peripheral surface of the coupling sleeve 4 provided at the position of the locking element 5, an annular fin-like ridge may be provided.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows the front end of the pipe 3 of the embodiment according to the invention. The front end is configured to be coupled to a coupling sleeve 4 as shown, for example, in FIG. 9.

[0049] As already described above, the coupling sleeve 4 is arranged at the front end of the pipe 3 here as a separate component and is advantageously fixed here by a locking connection between the locking edge 16 of the coupling sleeve and the locking nose 17 of the pipe end. At least one locking nose or locking edge 16 protruding radially inwards is also formed here at the lower end of at least one elastically radially deflectable snap hook 24 and engages from behind with an undercut 17 or a limited locking projection of the pipe 3 or hose, thus axially fixing the coupling sleeve 4. The details of such a locking connection are advantageously already configured in accordance with the features described above and advantageously also have an anti-rotation device with guide fins 26 extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 3. The guide fins 26 cooperate with a guide gap 27. The guide gap is formed between adjacent snap hooks 24. The locking ring 6 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 also has at least one raised portion 12 per locking element 5 on its inner side, as shown in FIG. 11. The raised portion cooperates with the locking element at least when the locking ring 6 is pushed into the open position against the action of the elastic element 8. In the circumferential direction adjacent to such a raised portion, snap arms 28 are arranged with a free end 29 that is elastically deflectable radially. This free end is formed at the end of the snap arm 28 facing the plug 1. In any case, the snap arm 28 may be elastically pivotable as a whole about a tangential axis in order to deflect the free end 29 radially.

[0050] When the locking ring 6 is in its maximum retracted position where the coupling is in the open or unlocked state, the free end 29 of the snap arm 28 is directly supported on the coupling sleeve 4. Furthermore, the coupling sleeve 4 has at least one locking edge 30 oriented towards the pipe 3 formed thereon.

[0051] In the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 described initially, the locking element 5 is supported at the end of the lever-shaped part 9 towards the plug 1 against inward pivoting (locking), and the locking ring 6 prestressed by a spring is captured by the locking element 5 until the locking element is unlocked by the plug during the insertion into the coupling sleeve 4. By being supported by the coupling sleeve 4 by the snap arm 28, the locking element 5 is relieved of load and there is no need to additionally support the locking ring, and the coupling is prevented from being accidentally released without the insertion of the plug 1.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state where the plug 1 has not yet been fully inserted, in a plane obtained by sectioning the central part of the locking element 5. The plug 1 has not yet acted on the locking element 5. The locking element has not yet engaged from behind with the locking edge 2 of the plug 1. FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section of the arrangement relationship of FIG. 12, but FIG. 13 is shown in a plane rotated about the longitudinal axis. This plane extends through the snap arm 28. The free end 29 of the snap arm is supported by the locking edge 30 of the coupling sleeve 4 and holds the locking ring 6 in its rearward open position against the action of the compression spring 8. The holding action by the locking element 5 is not required here, but may exist as an additional guarantee based on a further embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 14, when the plug 1 is now fully inserted, the lever-shaped portion 9 of the locking element 5 is lifted radially outwards by the plug 1, so that the locking element 5 advantageously acts on the snap arm 28 radially outwards by means of the lever-shaped portion 9. The free end 29 of the snap arm 28 is thereby likewise deflected outwards and pushed out of the supported state in the coupling sleeve 4, i.e. the engagement with the locking edge 30 of the coupling sleeve 3 is released. Thereby, the device is unlocked, and then the locking element 5 is lifted via the locking nose 10 and can pivot inwards for locking the plug 1. And now the locking ring 6 can also be pushed axially towards the plug 1 into the closed or locking position. Advantageously, such a pushing is effected by the action of the compression spring 8 on the locking ring 6.

[0054] Also, as can be seen from the longitudinal sectional view of Fig. 15, in the case of a corresponding configuration of the coupling sleeve 4 having a further locking edge 31 located near the insertion opening, the snap arm 28 can still have the additional function of axially fixing the locking ring 6 even in the closed or locked state of the coupling.

[0055] Likewise, for all embodiments according to the invention, it applies that at least the majority of as many components as possible are made of plastic. This specifically applies to the coupling sleeve 4, the locking element 5, and the locking ring 6. Also with regard to the elastic element 8, this can be manufactured from an elastically deformable plastic and with the required spring constant.

[0056] These examples show possible implementation variations. Just to mention it here for the sake of completeness, the invention is not specifically limited to the shown implementation variations, but rather various combinations of the individual implementation variations are possible, and such changes are possible within the capabilities of a person skilled in this technical field based on the teaching content for the technical acts according to the invention.

[0057] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the specification and drawings can be used to interpret the claims. The individual features or combinations of features of the various different embodiments illustrated and described can themselves be independent solutions to the present invention. The problems underlying the independent solutions of the present invention are clear from the specification.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0058] 1 Plug 2 Locking Edge 3 Pipe 4 Coupling Sleeve 5 Locking Element 6 Locking Ring 7 Locking Portion 8 Elastic Element 9 Lever-like Portion 10 Locking Nose 11 Protrusion / Inclination 12 Protrusion 13 Radial Protrusion 14 Shoulder 15 End 16 Locking Edge 17 Undercut 18 Locking Nose 19 Upper Edge 20 Upper Peripheral Edge 21 Seal 22 Protrusion 23 Notch 24 Snap Hook 25 Flange 26 Guide Fin 27 Protrusion 28 Snap Arm 29 Free End of Snap Arm 30 Locking Edge of Coupling Sleeve 31 Further Locking Edge of Coupling Sleeve 32 Notch S Pivoting Axis

Claims

1. A reversibly detachable coupling for connecting a pipe (3) and a hose for coupling with a pipe-shaped plug (1), wherein the plug (1) has at least one locking shoulder or locking edge (2) which is at least partially annular on the outer periphery, and the locking shoulder or locking edge (2) is preferably formed by an inclined portion rising from the outer periphery on the plug side and a locking surface provided following the inclined portion with respect to the outer periphery on the plug side, the coupling having at least one coupling sleeve (4) arranged on the pipe (3) or the hose, at least one locking element (5), and a locking ring (6) surrounding the coupling sleeve (4), wherein the locking element (5) is in a locking position (Figure 2) when the plug (1) is fully inserted, and in this locking position, a locking portion (7) extending in the axial direction of the locking element (5) is pivoted towards the plug (1) and fixedly engages from behind with the locking shoulder or locking edge (2) of the plug (1) by a radially inward-facing locking edge, in the coupling, the outside of the locking portion (7) is displaced towards the inside of the coupling sleeve (4) at the locking position until the outside of the locking portion (7) is located inside the locking ring (6) and the locking ring (6) is axially released, and as soon as the locking element (5) assumes the locking position, the locking ring (6) is movable axially from an open position (Figures 1 and 3) to a locking position (Figure 2) that completely overlaps with the locking portion (7) by at least one elastic element (8), the locking element (5) is movable between an open position (Figures 1 and 3) and a locking position (Figure 2) with respect to the coupling sleeve (4), and has at least one lever-shaped portion (9) extending from the locking element (5), and the lever-shaped portion is locked with respect to the coupling sleeve (4) at the open position, the lever-shaped portion (9) projects into the insertion path of the locking shoulder or locking edge (2) of the plug (1) at a position spaced from the locking portion (7), and is released from the locking position at least when the plug (1) is fully inserted, characterized in that it is a coupling.

2. The locking element (5) is pivotable about a tangential pivot axis (S) between an open position (Figs. 1 and 3) and the locking position (Fig. 2) with respect to the coupling sleeve (4), the coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The pivot axis (S) of the locking element (5) is located within the central part of the locking element, and the part (11) facing the locking part (7) with respect to the pivot axis (S) has an inclined part or a raised part. The locking ring (6) has a raised part (12) on the inside, and when the locking ring (6) is pushed to the open position against the action of the elastic element (8), the raised part (12) acts radially on the inclined part or the raised part of the locking element (5), the coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The pivot axis (S) of the locking element (5) is located within the central part of the locking element, and the part (11) facing the locking part (7) with respect to the pivot axis (S) has a protrusion (13) protruding radially outwards. The locking ring (6) has a shoulder (14) on the inside, and when the locking ring (6) is pushed to the open position against the action of the elastic element (8), the shoulder (14) acts axially on the protrusion (13), the coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. The lever-shaped part (9) extending from the locking element (5) extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling sleeve (4), the coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The coupling sleeve (4) has a locking nose (10) or a locking edge on the outside, and the lever-shaped part (9) engages behind the locking nose (10) or the locking edge in the open position of the locking element (5), the coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The locking ring (6) acts on the locking element (5) in the open position (Figs. 1 and 3) of the locking ring, holds the locking element in the open position, and / or the locking element (5) in the open position holds the locking ring (6) in the open position, the coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The locking element (5) preferably has a locking nose (18) facing radially outwards at the height of the locking part (7), which in the open position engages from behind with the upper edge (19) of the locking ring (6) or engages in an opening in the upper peripheral edge (20) for axially fixing the locking ring (6). The coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. At least two locking elements (5) are arranged on the peripheral surface of the coupling sleeve (4), preferably in a uniformly distributed state. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever-shaped parts (9) of the locking elements (5) located side by side overlap at the ends (15) of the lever-shaped parts.

10. On the coupling sleeve (4), a raised part (27) is arranged at the height of the central part of the locking element (5), and the inner side of the central part of the locking element (5) abuts against the raised part (27), and the raised part (27) thereby defines the pivot axis (S). The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that there are locking joints (16, 17) between the coupling sleeve (4) and the pipe (3) or the hose.

12. The coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one locking edge (16) is formed on the coupling sleeve (4) and engages behind the undercut (17) of the pipe (3) or the hose.

13. The coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that an anti-relative rotation device is provided between the pipe (3) or the hose and the coupling sleeve (4).

14. At least one snap arm (28) is arranged on the locking ring (6), and the free end (29) of the snap arm (28) facing the plug (1) is elastically bendable radially outwards. The free end (29) is supported by the locking edge (30) of the coupling sleeve (4) in the open position of the locking ring (6), and the free end (29) is disengaged from the coupling sleeve (4) by the locking element (5) in the locking position of the locking element (5). The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that.

15. The coupling sleeve (4) has at least one locking edge (30) facing the pipe (3) for supporting the free end (29) of the snap arm (28). The coupling according to claim 14, characterized in that the snap arm (28) in the open position holds the locking ring (6) in the open position.

16. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling sleeve (4), the locking element (5), the locking ring (6) and optionally the elastic element (8) are at least mostly made of plastic.

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