Connection piece housing for connection to a fluid line and system including the connection piece housing

Abstract

A connector housing (10) for connection to a fluid line, comprising: a sleeve portion (12) having an opening (20) for inserting a connector (40) along a longitudinal axis (14), a wall (16) extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis (14), and an inner surface (18) defining the opening (20), the inner surface (18) having a recess (22) for receiving a locking tab (34) of a locking member (32) insertable into the opening (20) for the purpose of locking the connector (40) inserted into the connector housing (10) through the locking member (32); and a receptacle (24) for receiving at least a portion of the securing tab (34), wherein the recess (22) extends axially from an axial entrance (26) at a periphery (28) of the opening (20), the receptacle (24) is axially spaced from the periphery (28) of the opening (20), and a locking element (30) for locking the securing tab (34) in the receptacle (24) is disposed between the receptacle (24) and the recess (22), the receptacle (24) being circumferentially offset relative to the recess (22). The present invention provides an improved connection piece housing (10), wherein a connection piece (40) locked to the connection piece housing (10) can have an increased axial tensile force.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection piece housing for connection to a fluid line and to a system comprising the connection piece housing. [Background technology]

[0002] The device having a connecting piece and a connecting piece housing can be used to connect fluid lines. One of the fluid lines to be connected, for example, a pipe, is connected to the connecting piece, and the other, for example, a hose, is connected to the connecting piece housing. The connecting piece can be introduced into an opening in the connecting piece housing and locked to the connecting piece housing by a fixing member.

[0003] German Patent Application No. 10 2020115021 discloses a system having a connecting piece housing in which the connecting piece is locked by a locking element. The locking element has a locking tab arranged axially in a channel and an opening axially adjacent to the channel and having a circumferentially extending latching edge. When the locking tab is introduced into the opening, it latches into the opening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector housing that allows for increased axial tension on a connector locked within the connector housing. The main features of the invention are set out in claims 1 and 6. Design embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 5 and claims 7 to 8.

[0005] A connection piece housing for connection to a fluid line comprises: a sleeve portion having an opening for introducing a connection piece along a longitudinal axis; and a wall extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and defining the opening by an inner surface, the inner surface having a clearance for passing a fixing tab of a fixing member introduceable into the opening to lock the connection piece introduced into the connection piece housing with the fixing member; and a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the fixing tab, the clearance extending axially from an axial access at the periphery of the opening, the receptacle being axially spaced from the periphery of the opening; a locking element for locking the fixing tab in the receptacle being disposed between the receptacle and the clearance; and according to the present invention, the receptacle is disposed so as to be circumferentially offset from the clearance.

[0006] The present invention provides a connecting piece housing in which the function of introducing the fixing tab of the fixing member and the function of locking the fixing tab circumferentially around the longitudinal axis are spatially separated. The connecting piece housing is provided with a fixing member or connecting piece for introduction. The connecting piece housing has an inner surface of a wall defining an opening, which has a clearance through which the fixing tab of the fixing member can be introduced axially. Furthermore, a receptacle is arranged so as to be circumferentially offset from the clearance. In order to place the fixing tab introduced into the clearance into the receptacle, the fixing member, together with the fixing tab, must be rotated circumferentially toward the receptacle. Due to the circumferential offset of the receptacle, axial retention of the fixing tab in the receptacle is independent of the position of introduction into the clearance. As a result, the receptacle can be designed to be more axially stable, and the connecting piece locked in the connecting piece housing can withstand a greater tensile force compared to the prior art.

[0007] The locking of the fixing tab to the connecting piece housing is achieved here by an insertion and twisting action similar to that of a bayonet fastener. A locking element that locks the fixing tab in the clearance is disposed between the clearance and the receptacle. Here, the locking by the locking element prevents the fixing tab, and thus the fixing member, from rotating circumferentially from the receptacle toward the clearance. This rotation is in the opposite direction to the rotation that moves the fixing tab from the clearance into the receptacle. The terms axial, radial, and circumferential each refer to the longitudinal axis of the opening.

[0008] According to one example, the locking element can have an axially extending latch edge axially spaced from the access. When the locking tab is pulled axially, the latch edge is subjected to less stress than the circumferentially extending receptacle edge.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the receptacle may comprise a release device for disengaging the securing tab from the connecting piece introduced into the opening. The release device releases or unlocks a connection piece secured by a securing member locked within the connection piece housing for removal from the securing member and the connection piece housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the release device may have, for example, an inclined surface that is inclined radially inward relative to the axis. The inclined surface can be disposed on a side of the receptacle opposite the clearance. The locking tab can be moved on the inclined surface by rotating it in a direction away from the clearance. As a result, the locking tab can be moved radially outward by the inclined surface. This disengages the locking tab from the connecting piece, releasing the connecting piece.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the wall extending axially from the receptacle outwardly of the opening may have a greater radial thickness than the wall extending radially from the clearance. The greater radial thickness allows the wall to absorb additional axial tensile forces transmitted by the locking tabs located on the receptacle.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a fluid line connection system comprising a connection piece housing according to the above description, a fixing member introduceable into the opening, and a connection piece lockable in the connection piece housing by the fixing member, wherein the fixing member has at least one fixing tab for locking the connection piece in the opening, the fixing tab being introduceable axially into the clearance through the access, the fixing tab changing from an initial position to a position offset radially inward when introduced into the clearance, and being at least partially positioned in a receptacle by rotating the fixing member circumferentially from the clearance, the fixing member changing to its initial position when rotated into the receptacle.

[0013] The advantages, effects and improvements of this system result from the advantages, effects and improvements of the connecting piece housing described above, and in this respect reference is therefore made to the preceding description. According to one embodiment, the connection piece housing can comprise at least one release device for disengaging the fixing tab from the connection piece introduced into the opening, and by rotating the fixing member towards the inclined surface, the fixing tab changes from its initial position to a radially outward position, releasing the connection piece locked in the opening.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the fixing tab can have a locking member that interacts with the locking element such that circumferential rotation of the fixing member from the receptacle to the clearance is locked when the locking member is disposed in the receptacle. In the receptacle, the locking member can be axially supported by a circumferentially extending wall portion, and because the receptacle is circumferentially offset relative to the clearance, the wall portion can be formed to be strong enough to withstand increased tensile forces compared to the prior art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] Other features, details and advantages of the invention can be derived from the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a connecting piece housing. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic view of a connecting piece housing with a fixing member. [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic view of a connecting piece housing with a fixing member. [Figure 2c] 1 is a schematic view of a connecting piece housing with a fixing member. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including a connecting piece, a fixing member, and a connecting piece housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a connection piece housing 10 for connection to a fluid line along a longitudinal axis 14 . The connecting piece housing 10 includes a sleeve portion 12 having an opening 20. Starting at the opening 20, a fluid channel extends through the connecting piece housing 10 and opens at another opening in the connecting piece housing 10. In this example, the longitudinal axis 14 can extend substantially through the center of the opening 20.

[0017] Additionally, sleeve portion 12 has a wall 16 that extends around opening 20. Wall 16 extends circumferentially about longitudinal axis 14. An inner surface 18 of wall 16 defines opening 20. Additionally, a periphery 28 of opening 20, which is an end surface of wall 16, extends around opening 20.

[0018] The inner surface 18 has a clearance 22 that originates from an axial access 26 located at a periphery 28 of the opening 20. The clearance 22 may extend axially along the inner surface 18 in the form of a channel that is open toward the longitudinal axis 14. The clearance 22 is designed so that the locking tab 34 of the locking member 32 can be introduced axially through the access 26 into the clearance 22, as shown in FIG. 2a.

[0019] Additionally, the inner surface 18 has a receptacle 24 through which at least a portion of the locking tab 34 can be introduced. The receptacle 24 is disposed in a first circumferentially offset relationship adjacent the clearance 22 and axially spaced apart from the periphery 28 of the opening 20. For the locking tab 34 to be introduced within the clearance 22, the receptacle 24 is accessible only through the clearance 22.

[0020] For this purpose, as shown in Figure 2a, the locking tab 34 can first be introduced into the opening 20 together with the locking member 32. In the process, the locking tab 34 is first introduced axially into the clearance 22.

[0021] The opening 20 can have a radius at the clearance 22 that is smaller than the distance of the locking tab 34 from the longitudinal axis 14. Thus, during insertion, the locking tab 34 is guided through the clearance 22 to a position that is offset radially inward from its initial position. This means that the locking tab 34 can be elastically bent relative to the longitudinal axis 14 by being introduced into the clearance 22.

[0022] Once the locking tab 34 is introduced into the clearance 22, the locking member 32 can be rotated in a first circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis 14, as shown in Figure 2b. In the process, the locking tab 34 moves from the clearance 22 into the receptacle 24, and is positioned as shown in Figure 2c.

[0023] In the receptacle 24, the opening 20 can have a radius that is greater than the distance of the locking tab 34 from the longitudinal axis 14. Thus, the locking tab 34 can return to its initial position within the receptacle 24 from a position that is offset radially inward.

[0024] A locking element 30 is disposed between the clearance 22 and the receptacle 24. The locking element 30 is designed to lock a securing tab 34 disposed within the receptacle 24. Upon rotational movement from the clearance 22 into the receptacle 24, the securing tab 34 moves through the locking element 30.

[0025] While passing through the locking element 30, the fixing tab 34 is in a position offset radially inward. After passing through the locking element 30, the fixing tab 34 is returned to its initial position within the receptacle 24 and is then locked within the receptacle 24 by the locking element 30. During this process, the locking element 30 prevents the fixing tab 34, locked within the receptacle 24, from moving toward the clearance 22. This means that the locking element 30 locks the fixing tab 34 in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction.

[0026] The locking element 30 can be designed as a latch edge that can extend axially between the clearance 22 and the receptacle 24. A locking member 36 that protrudes radially from the fixing tab 34 can engage and lock with the latch edge when the locking member 36, and thus the fixing tab 34, is disposed within the receptacle 24.

[0027] Axial outward from the opening 20, the fixing tab 34 locked in the receptacle is retained by engagement with the first wall 27. The first wall 27 has a radial thickness greater than the thickness of the second wall 29 that defines the radial clearance 22, where the thicknesses of the two walls 27, 29 are measured between the interface of the walls 16 at their respective locations.

[0028] In the prior art, the clearance 22 is followed axially by a receptacle 24, which is defined radially outside the opening by a second wall 29. Due to the increased thickness of the first wall 27 according to the present invention, the first wall 27 is able to resist the increased axial tensile force transmitted by the fixing tab 34 received by the receptacle 24.

[0029] In particular, when the dimensions are small, the thickness of the first wall portion 27 can be designed to be larger than in the prior art because the receptacle 24 is circumferentially spaced from the clearance 22 so that it can withstand a relatively strong tensile force despite the small dimensions of the connection piece housing 10.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 , the fixing tab 34 can have a first latch member 38 on its outer surface facing the longitudinal axis 14. The first latch member 38 can engage with a second latch member 42 disposed on the connecting piece 40. The connecting piece 40 can be introduced into the opening 20 of the connecting piece housing 10 by the fixing member 32. As soon as the connecting piece 40 reaches a desired position within the connecting piece housing 10, the first and second latch members 38, 42 latch into place, securing the connecting piece 40 within the connecting piece housing 10. The fixing tab 34 is then coupled to the connecting piece 40. Furthermore, a seal 44 can be disposed between the connecting piece 40 and the connecting piece housing 10.

[0031] To remove the connecting piece 40 from the connecting piece housing 10, the receptacle 24 may be provided with a release device 25 designed to release the locking tab 34 from the connecting piece 40. For this purpose, the release device 25 may have a radially inwardly inclined ramp arranged on the receptacle 24. In this case, the receptacle 24 is arranged circumferentially between the release device 25 and the clearance 22.

[0032] Rotating the locking member 32 in a first circumferential direction, i.e., away from the clearance 22, moves the locking tab 34 onto the ramped surface. The edge of the ramped surface adjacent the receptacle 24 is positioned closer to the longitudinal axis 14 than the side of the locking tab 34 facing the longitudinal axis 14.

[0033] As the locking tab 34 is further moved in the first circumferential direction, the locking tab 34 thus moves on the inclined surface and is moved to a position that is offset radially outward, causing the first latch member 38 to move radially outward away from the second latch member 42 and disengaging the locking tab 34 from the connecting piece 40. This releases the connecting piece 40 so that it can be removed from the opening 20 .

[0034] The invention is not limited to any of the embodiments described above, but instead can be varied in a wide variety of ways. All features and advantages apparent from the claims, description and drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, may be essential to the invention both individually and in very various combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10. Connection piece housing 12 Sleeve section 14 Longitudinal axis 16 Wall 18 Inner 20 Opening 22 Clearance 24 receptacles 25 Release device 26 Access 27 Wall 28 Periphery 29 Wall 30 Rock Elements 32 Fixing member 34 Fixed tab 36 Rock Member 38 First latch member 40 Connecting piece 42 second latch member 44 Seals

Claims

1. A connection piece housing for connection to a fluid line, comprising: a sleeve portion (12) having an opening (20) along a longitudinal axis (14) for introducing a connecting piece (40), and a wall (16) extending circumferentially around said longitudinal axis (14) and defining said opening (20) by an inner surface (18); the inner surface (18) has a clearance (22) for passing a fixing tab (34) of the fixing member (32) that can be introduced into the opening (20) to lock the connecting piece (40) introduced into the connecting piece housing (10) with the fixing member (32), and has a receptacle (24) for receiving at least a portion of the fixing tab (34); the clearance (22) extends axially from an axial access (26) provided at a periphery (28) of the opening (20), the receptacle (24) being axially spaced apart from the periphery (28) of the opening (20); a locking element (30) for locking the fixing tab (34) within the receptacle (24) is disposed between the receptacle (24) and the clearance (22); The connection piece housing, wherein the receptacle (24) is arranged to be circumferentially offset from the clearance (22).

2. 2. The connector housing of claim 1, wherein the locking element (30) has a latching edge extending in the axial direction and spaced in the axial direction from the access (26).

3. 3. The connection piece housing according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (24) comprises a release device (25) for releasing the coupling of the fixing tab (34) from the connection piece (40) introduced into the opening (20).

4. 4. A connecting piece housing according to claim 3, wherein the release device (25) has an inclined surface inclined radially inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis (14).

5. 5. The connection piece housing according to claim 1, wherein a wall (16) extending axially from the receptacle (24) toward the outside of the opening (20) has a greater radial thickness than a wall extending radially from the clearance (22).

6. 1. A system for connecting fluid lines, comprising: a connecting piece housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a fixing member (32) that can be introduced into the opening (20); and a connecting piece (40) that can be locked in the connecting piece housing (10) by the fixing member (32), the fixing member (32) has at least one fixing tab (34) for locking the connecting piece (40) in the opening (20), the fixing tab (34) being axially introduceable through the access (26) into the clearance (22); the locking tabs (34) change from an initial position to a position offset radially inward when introduced into the clearance (22), and are positioned at least partially within the receptacle (24) by rotating the locking member (32) circumferentially out of the clearance (22); The system wherein the fixing member (32) changes to an initial position when rotated into the receptacle (24).

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the connection piece housing (10) is improved at least as described in claim 3, and wherein by rotating the fixing member (32) toward the inclined surface, the fixing tab (34) changes from the initial position to a position offset radially outward, thereby unlocking the connection piece (40) locked in the opening (20).

8. 8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the fixing tab (34) includes a locking member (36) that interacts with the locking element (30) in such a way that, when disposed within the receptacle (24), rotation of the fixing member (32) in a circumferential direction from the receptacle (24) toward the clearance (22) is locked.

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