Plug connector for connecting the first fluid conduit to the second fluid conduit.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) for connecting a first fluid conduit (2) to a second fluid conduit (3), comprising an outer sleeve (5) and an inner sleeve (4) having two locking jaws (6), wherein the locking jaws are in the initial position of the outer sleeve (5) in the standby position and in the connected position of the outer sleeve (5) in the locked position, the outer sleeve (5) has a locking element (9), the locking element has a first locking portion (10) received between two adjacent locking jaws (6) and two second locking portions (11) coupled to the first locking portion (10), the first locking portion (10) has an operating projection (12) and the two second locking portions (11) face the end of the first inner sleeve (4a) The plug connector (1) is provided with a locking projection (13) each having a locking end face (13a), and each locking jaw (6) has one operating part (14), the operating part (14) having a first stopper end face (15a) and a second stopper end face (16a), the locking end face (13a) in the initial position of the outer sleeve (5) abuts against the second stopper end face (16a), and when the first fluid conduit (2) is connected, the operating projection (12) can be moved radially outward by the holding part (8), thereby releasing the locking projection (13) from the second stopper end face (16a), the outer sleeve (5) can move to the connection position, and the locking end face (13a) abuts against the first stopper end face (15a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector for connecting a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit, wherein the plug connector comprises an inner sleeve having an open first inner sleeve end and an open second inner sleeve end connected to the first inner sleeve end, and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve being movable relative to the inner sleeve between an initial position and a connection position, the inner sleeve having a first connection portion for connecting the first fluid conduit in a region of the first inner sleeve end and a second connection portion for connecting the second fluid conduit in a region of the second inner sleeve end. The present invention also relates to a plug connector assembly and to the use of a plug connector.

Background Art

[0002] Plug connectors of this type are used in various industrial fields to connect two fluid conduits, advantageously in a sealed state. This is typically done within the framework of an assembly process for a given fluid guide product. Depending on the specific field of application and the fluid used, the fluid conduit can be a substantially rigid pipe or a flexible hose. However, the fluid conduit may also be integrated as a single component. The fluid used may be a gaseous medium or a liquid medium. As the gaseous medium, for example, (compressed) air or a predetermined process gas may be specified. As the liquid medium, for example, water, lubricating oil, cooling liquid, refrigerant and the like are used.

[0003] During the assembly process of a product, it may be necessary to connect, for example, the first fluid conduit or fluid connection of a component to be assembled to the corresponding fluid conduit or fluid connection of an existing product. It is crucial that a highly reliable connection is precisely formed to avoid subsequent non-sealing issues. As production processes become increasingly efficient, processing times in the assembly process are typically reduced. This means that the time available for individual assembly steps becomes increasingly limited. Therefore, in addition to high reliability, rapid connection of fluid conduits using plug connectors is also desirable. Typically, one side of the plug connector is directly connected to one of the two fluid conduits, while the other fluid conduit is first connected to a plug-in sleeve. To connect both conduits, the plug-in sleeve is ultimately connected to the plug connector, usually in a releasable manner.

[0004] Such plug connectors are known based on Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1955413(B1) [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3286477(B1) [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 3379129(B1) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a plug connector that is easy to handle and enables reliable and rapid coupling and uncoupling of fluid conduits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] These challenges are solved by the plug connector described in claim 1. The plug connector according to the present invention enables easy and ergonomic operation and a wide range of applications. The plug connector is relatively easy to assemble and ensures high coupling reliability through a uniquely recognizable state. Specifically, the outer sleeve is brought into the coupling position only when the coupling is correctly formed. A further advantage is that the rotation of the first fluid conduit is possible in the coupled state. The expansion mechanism of the locking jaws enables easy insertion and, specifically, allows the first fluid conduit to be easily separated with minimal insertion force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Advantageously, the outer sleeve is movable along the inner sleeve in the longitudinal direction between the initial position and the connecting position. This facilitates handling because it eliminates the need to rotate the outer sleeve.

[0009] Advantageously, the locking jaw has one free first jaw end on which the first inner sleeve end is located, and a second jaw end on the opposite side which is coupled to the inner sleeve, the first jaw end being radially movable relative to the second jaw end between a standby position and a locked position, the inner circumferential surface of the locking jaw each having one peripheral groove, the peripheral groove being positioned between the first and second jaw ends, and the peripheral groove being configured to shape-couple to the retaining portion of the first fluid conduit in the locked position of the locking jaw. The integrated structure facilitates manufacturing, and the retaining groove enables improved retention of the fluid conduit.

[0010] At least one locking element is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve and has a free first locking element end facing the first inner sleeve end, and a second locking element end on the opposite side that is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve, the first locking element end being radially movable relative to the second locking element end. This allows the outer sleeve to be formed integrally, thereby facilitating manufacturing.

[0011] Advantageously, the actuation projection is provided with a first actuation chamfer at the end of the first locking element, the actuation chamfer being configured to cooperate with the retaining portion of the first fluid conduit to move the actuation projection when the first fluid conduit is inserted into the end of the first inner sleeve, and / or the actuation projection has a second actuation chamfer on the side facing the end of the second locking element, the second actuation chamfer being configured to cooperate with the retaining portion of the first fluid conduit to move the actuation projection when the first fluid conduit is removed from the end of the first inner sleeve. This facilitates the coupling or uncoupling of the fluid conduit.

[0012] The first locking portion is positioned circumferentially in the center between two second locking portions and includes the end of the first locking element, the actuation projection is provided on the first locking portion within the region of the end of the first locking element, and the locking projections of the second locking portions are positioned longitudinally between the actuation projection and the end of the second locking element, respectively. The assembly is structurally simple, and this has been proven in actual testing.

[0013] Advantageously, in the initial position of the outer sleeve, the first inner sleeve end of the inner sleeve protrudes beyond the first outer sleeve end of the outer sleeve. This allows the lock jaw to expand relatively widely in the radial direction, thereby facilitating the insertion of the fluid conduit.

[0014] Advantageously, at least three, specifically at least four, locking jaws are provided, and / or at least two locking elements are provided. A greater number of locking jaws and locking elements facilitates coupling and uncoupling and improves retention.

[0015] Advantageously, each operating part of the locking jaw has one sliding surface, the sliding surface connecting the first stopper end face to the second stopper end face, and the sliding surface has a restraining surface inclined toward the first jaw end. The restraining surface prevents unwanted release of the locked state. Such release occurs only when the operating force is sufficiently large.

[0016] Advantageously, the inner sleeve is manufactured from plastic, the locking jaws are integrally formed with the inner sleeve, and the first jaw end is elastically bendable between the locked position and the standby position. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the outer sleeve may be manufactured from plastic, and at least one locking element is integrally formed with the outer sleeve, with the end of the first locking element being radially elastically bendable relative to the end of the second locking element. This allows the plug connector to be manufactured easily and inexpensively and to be given a flexible shape.

[0017] Advantageously, the outer sleeve is movable relative to the inner sleeve from a connected position through an initial position to a released position, and the first locking portion of at least one locking element has one wedge face on each of the circumferentially opposing sides, the first wedge faces converging toward the end of the second inner sleeve, and the locking jaws in which the first locking portion is received have one second wedge face on each of the circumferentially opposing sides, the second wedge faces converging toward the end of the second inner sleeve, and the first wedge face is configured to cooperate with the second wedge face during the movement of the outer sleeve from the initial position to the released position in order to extend the locking jaw from the standby position to the released position, in which the locked state of the first fluid conduit, specifically the shape-coupled receiving state of the retaining portion in the surrounding groove, can be fully released. This facilitates the handling of the plug connector when the fluid conduit is separated, because the retaining portion of the fluid conduit can be more easily removed from the surrounding groove.

[0018] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the outer sleeve is movable relative to the inner sleeve from a connected position through an initial position to a released position, and the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve is provided with at least one expansion projection, the expansion projection being received between two adjacent locking jaws in the circumferential direction, the expansion projection each having one first wedge surface on the sides facing each other in the circumferential direction, the first wedge surfaces converging toward the end of the second inner sleeve, the locking jaws between which the expansion projection is received each having one second wedge surface on the sides facing each other in the circumferential direction, the second wedge surfaces converging toward the end of the second inner sleeve, the first wedge surfaces being configured to cooperate with the second wedge surfaces during the movement of the outer sleeve from the initial position to the released position in order to expand the locking jaws from the standby position to the released position, and in the released position, it is advantageous that the locked state of the first fluid conduit, specifically the shape-coupled receiving state within the circumferential groove, can be fully released. Specifically, if there are three or more locking jaws, it may be advantageous for the expanding projection and locking portion to be combined with the wedge surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the plug connector has at least one spring element configured to apply an actuation force to the outer sleeve in its initial position, with the actuation force directed toward the first inner sleeve end. The spring element comprises a coil spring, which advantageously surrounds the inner sleeve within the region of the second jaw end of the locking jaw. This facilitates handling because the lock can be engaged almost automatically.

[0020] Advantageously, the second joint of the inner sleeve has a sealing device, which is configured to create a sealing action between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. The sealing device comprises at least two sealing rings and may also include spacer elements positioned between the sealing rings. The inner circumferential surfaces of the sealing rings are configured to abut against the outer circumferential surfaces of the ends of the first fluid conduit, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing rings are configured to abut against the inner circumferential surfaces of the ends of the second fluid conduit. This allows for a direct sealing action between the first and second fluid conduits, thereby eliminating the need to impose special sealing requirements on the plug connector.

[0021] Each lock jaw may be provided with an insertion surface on its inner circumferential surface, within the region of the first inner sleeve end, advantageously within the region of the first jaw end, wherein the insertion surface is inclined toward the first inner sleeve end. This facilitates handling of the plug connector when coupling the first fluid conduit, because the lock jaw expands automatically.

[0022] The second coupling portion has a plurality of coupling tabs spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, which are advantageously flexible, the coupling tabs surround a receiving space for receiving an end portion of the second fluid conduit, each coupling tab is provided with one locking opening, the locking opening radially penetrates the coupling tab, and it is advantageous that the locking opening is configured to cooperate with a corresponding locking projection of the second fluid conduit to lock the second fluid conduit to the inner sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, each inner circumferential surface of the coupling tabs may be provided with one locking projection, and the locking projection is configured to cooperate with a corresponding locking opening of the second fluid conduit to lock the second fluid conduit to the inner sleeve. This enables simple and form-fitting coupling of the second fluid conduit.

[0023] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a plug connector assembly comprising the plug connector according to the present invention, a first fluid conduit connectable or connected to the first coupling portion, and / or a second fluid conduit connectable or connected to the second coupling portion, wherein the first fluid conduit has, on the outer side thereof, a holding portion for locking the first fluid conduit to the inner sleeve of the plug connector. Advantageously, the plug connector has a peripheral groove on the lock jaw, the holding portion of the first fluid conduit advantageously has a peripheral bead, and the peripheral bead can be form-fittingly received in the peripheral groove of the lock jaw of the inner sleeve.

[0024] A first fluid conduit having a retaining portion on the outer side is inserted into the open first inner sleeve end of an inner sleeve. When the first fluid conduit is inserted, an actuating projection of at least one locking element is moved radially outward by the retaining portion, whereby a locking projection of the locking element is released from a second stopper projection of an actuating portion of a locking jaw of the inner sleeve, and a locking end surface of the locking projection of the locking element abuts against a first stopper end surface of a first stopper projection of the actuating portion of the locking jaw, so that a first jaw end of the locking jaw is each positioned at a locked position, an outer sleeve is moved from an initial position to a connected position preferably by an actuating force of a spring element until the retaining portion of the first fluid conduit is locked to the inner sleeve, preferably the plug connector defined in the claims is used, and the retaining portion preferably has a peripheral bead, which is received in a form-fitting manner in a peripheral groove of the locking jaw of the inner sleeve, whereby the plug connector is advantageously used.

[0025] Preferably, the outer sleeve is moved relative to the inner sleeve from the connected position through the initial position to a release position, and a first wedge surface of a first locking portion of at least one locking element and / or a first wedge surface of said at least one expansion projection cooperates with a second wedge surface of the locking jaw, whereby the locking jaw is expanded from a standby position to the release position, and in the release position, the retaining portion of the first fluid conduit can be released from the inner sleeve.

[0026] For a better understanding of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Each of the drawings is a significantly simplified schematic diagram. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view showing a plug connector assembly including a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an inner sleeve of the plug connector and two detailed views. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view and a detailed view showing an outer sleeve of the plug connector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in its initial position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure with the outer sleeve of the plug connector positioned between the initial position and the connection position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in the connection position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in the open position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the second locking area, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in its initial position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the region of the first locking portion, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in its initial position. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the second locking area, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector positioned at a first position between the initial position and the connection position. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the region of the first locking portion, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector positioned at a first position between the initial position and the connection position. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the second locking area, with the side sleeve of the plug connector in the locking position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the first locking area, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in the locking position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the second locking area, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in the open position. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the plug connector structure group within the first locking area, with the outer sleeve of the plug connector in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] First, it should be noted that in embodiments described as various different things, the same parts will be given the same reference numeral or component numeral. The disclosures contained in the entire description can be adapted to the same parts having the same reference numeral or component numeral. Also, descriptions of selected positions in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the drawings that are directly described and illustrated, and when the position changes, these descriptions of positions can be adapted to the new position accordingly.

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a plug connector structure of one embodiment. The plug connector structure comprises a plug connector 1, a first fluid conduit 2, and a second fluid conduit 3 in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. The plug connector 1 is configured to connect the first fluid conduit 2 with the second fluid conduit 3.

[0031] The plug connector 1 has an inner sleeve 4 comprising an open first inner sleeve end 4a and an open second inner sleeve end 4b coupled to the first inner sleeve end. The inner sleeve 4 is formed straight here, but this is just one example. However, the inner sleeve 4 may, of course, be configured in a curved or bent state depending on the circumstances.

[0032] The plug connector 1 further comprises an outer sleeve 5 surrounding an inner sleeve 4, the outer sleeve being movable relative to the inner sleeve 4 at least between an initial position and a connected position. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sleeve 5 is movable longitudinally along the inner sleeve 4 between an initial position and a connected position. The outer sleeve 5 has a first outer sleeve end 5a and a second outer sleeve end 5b on the opposite side, as shown in Figure 1.

[0033] The inner sleeve 4 has a first coupling portion V1 for connecting the first fluid conduit 2 within the region of the first inner sleeve end 4a. Within the region of the second inner sleeve end 4b, the inner sleeve 4 has a second coupling portion V2 for connecting the second fluid conduit 3.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the second joint V2 has a plurality of connecting tabs 25 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The connecting tabs 25 are advantageously flexible and can be bent radially outward. The connecting tabs 25 surround a receiving space for receiving the end of the second fluid conduit 3.

[0035] Each coupling tab 25 is provided with a locking opening 26, which extends radially through the coupling tab 25. The locking opening 26 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding locking projection 27 on the second fluid conduit 3 to lock the second fluid conduit 3 into the inner sleeve 4. During coupling, the second fluid conduit 3 can be inserted into the receiving space until the locking projection 27 engages within the locking opening 26.

[0036] Alternatively, or in addition to this, each of the coupling tabs 25 may have a locking projection on its inner circumferential surface. The locking projection is configured to cooperate with the corresponding locking opening of the second fluid conduit 3 in order to lock the second fluid conduit 3 into the inner sleeve 4. Of course, the specific embodiment of the second coupling V2 should be understood as merely an example, and other suitable embodiments can be intended by those skilled in the art.

[0037] The coupling tab 25 can be advantageously used to indicate to the user whether or not the outer sleeve 5 is in the coupling position. This can be recognized in the illustrated embodiment by the coupling tab 25 protruding axially from the outer sleeve 5 at the coupling position, exposing the outer surface of the coupling tab 25 (see Figures 6 and 12). Optionally, a machine-readable code, such as a QR code (registered trademark), may be provided on the coupling tab 25 to enable automatic detection of the coupling position by, for example, a suitable reader.

[0038] The second joint V2 of the inner sleeve 4 may include a sealing device 22. The sealing device is formed to create a sealing effect between the first fluid conduit 2 and the second fluid conduit 3. The sealing device here has two sealing rings 23 and one spacer element 24. The spacer element is positioned between the sealing rings 23 when viewed in the axial direction of the inner sleeve 4. The inner circumferential surfaces of the sealing rings 23 are configured to abut against the outer circumferential surfaces of the ends of the first fluid conduit 2. The outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing rings 23 are configured to abut against the inner circumferential surfaces of the ends of the second fluid conduit 3, as is evident from, for example, Figures 8 and 9.

[0039] The first joint V1 has, for example, four locking jaws 6 in the illustrated embodiment. However, within the framework of the present invention, it is basically sufficient to have at least two locking jaws 6. There may be three or more locking jaws 6. Since the locking jaws 6 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, a gap is formed between each pair of adjacent locking jaws 6. The gap is dimensioned to accommodate the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9 of the outer sleeve 5, which will be described in more detail below, and optionally the expansion projection 20, which will be described in more detail below. Each locking jaw 6 has one free first jaw end 6a on which the first inner sleeve end 4a is located, and an opposite second jaw end 6b that is coupled to the inner sleeve 4.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, each inner surface of the lock jaw 6 has a periphery groove 7. The periphery groove 7 is evident from Figure 1. The periphery groove 7 is located axially between the first jaw end 6a and the second jaw end 6a. The periphery groove 7 is configured to shape-couple to receive the retaining portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 when the lock jaw 6 is in the locked position. As is evident from Figure 1, it is advantageous that the retaining portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 is formed as a periphery bead, which preferably extends around the entire circumference. The position and dimensions of the periphery groove 7 and the dimensions of the first fluid conduit 2, specifically the position and dimensions of the periphery bead, are advantageously harmonized.

[0041] The plug connector 1 also advantageously has at least one spring element 21. The spring element is formed to apply an actuation force to the outer sleeve 5 in its initial position, and the actuation force is directed toward the first outer sleeve end 5a or the first inner sleeve end 4a. The outer sleeve 5 is thus preloaded in its initial position and, upon coupling of the first fluid conduit 2, can be advantageously automatically moved from the initial position to the coupling position by the spring force. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 21 is, for example, a coil spring, which surrounds the inner sleeve 4 in an assembled state within the region of the second jaw end 6b of the lock jaw 6.

[0042] To facilitate the insertion of the first fluid conduit 2 into the first inner sleeve end 4a of the inner sleeve 4, each lock jaw 6 may have an insertion surface 28 on its inner circumferential surface within the region of the first inner sleeve end 4a. The insertion surface is inclined toward the first inner sleeve end 4a. The insertion surface 28 is evident from Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the inner sleeve 4 and two detail views, namely detail A and detail B. The first jaw end 6a can move radially between a standby position and a locked position relative to each of the second jaw ends 6b. The inner sleeve 4 may be made of plastic. The locked jaw 6 may be integrally formed with the inner sleeve 4. The first jaw end 6a can thus be elastically bent, advantageously between the locked position and the standby position.

[0044] Each lock jaw 6 has at least one actuation part 14 on its outer circumferential surface. The actuation parts 14 are evident from detail A, specifically detail B, in Figure 2. The actuation parts 14 are located within the region of the ends of the lock jaws 6, facing each other in the circumferential direction (a gap is formed between the lock jaws). The actuation parts 14 extend along each lock jaw 6, between the first jaw end 6a and the second jaw end 6b.

[0045] Each actuation part 14 has a first stopper projection 15 with a first stopper end face 15a and a second stopper projection 16 with a second stopper end face 16a. The first stopper end face 15a and the second stopper end face 16a are directed toward the second inner sleeve end 4b. The first stopper end face 15a is located closer to the first inner sleeve end 4a or the first jaw end 6a than the second stopper end face 16a. The actuation part 14 helps to cooperate with the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9 of the outer sleeve 5, which will be described in more detail later. The exact function will be described in more detail later.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating portion 14 of the locking jaw 6 each has one sliding surface 17. The sliding surface connects the first stopper end face 15a to the second stopper end face 16a. As is clear from detail B, the sliding surface 17 has a restraining surface 17a that is inclined toward the first jaw end 6a. The function of the restraining surface will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outer sleeve 5 and a detailed view of the locking element 9, detail C. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sleeve 5 has two locking elements 9 arranged opposite each other in the diametrical direction. If the inner sleeve has only two locking jaws 6, then it is basically sufficient to have only one locking element 9 on the outer sleeve 5.

[0048] Each locking element 9 has a first locking portion 10 (see, for example, Figure 6) that is received circumferentially between two adjacent locking jaws 6 of the inner sleeve 4, and two second locking portions 11 coupled to the first locking portion 10. The locking elements 9 are positioned here on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve 5. Each locking element 9 has a free first locking element end 9a facing the first outer sleeve end 5a, or the first inner sleeve end 4a when assembled, and a second locking element end 9b on the opposite side that is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve 5.

[0049] The first locking element end 9a is radially movable relative to the second locking element end 9b. The outer sleeve 5 is advantageously made of a suitable plastic. The locking element 9 may be integrally formed with the outer sleeve 5. In such a case, the first locking element end 9a can be elastically bent relative to each of the second locking element ends 9b.

[0050] The first locking portion 10 has an operating projection 12. The operating projection is directed radially inward. The second locking portion 11 each has one locking projection 13 that is directed radially inward. The locking projection has a locking end face 13a that faces the first outer sleeve end 5a. When assembled, the locking end face 13a also faces the first inner sleeve end 4a.

[0051] As can be seen from Figure 3, the first locking portion 10 is positioned in the center between the two second locking portions 11 in the circumferential direction and may have a first locking element end 9a. The operating projection 12 is positioned on the first locking portion 10 within the area of ​​the first locking element end 9a. The locking projections 13 of the second locking portion 11 are positioned longitudinally between the operating projection 12 and the second locking element end 9b, respectively. The second locking portion 11 is integrally formed with the first locking portion 10 located between them.

[0052] The operating projection 12 has a first operating chamfer 29 at the end 9a of the first locking element. The operating chamfer is configured to cooperate with the holding portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 to move the operating projection 12 when the first fluid conduit 2 is inserted into the end 4a of the first inner sleeve. The operating projection 12 also has a second operating chamfer 30 on the side facing the end 9b of the second locking element. The second operating chamfer is configured to cooperate with the holding portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 to move the operating projection 12 when the first fluid conduit 2 is removed from the end 4a of the first inner sleeve. The functions of the operating chamfers 29 and 30 will be described in more detail below.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9 has one first wedge surface 18 on each side facing each other in the circumferential direction. The first wedge surfaces extend toward each other in the direction of the second outer sleeve end 5b, or in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled. One of the two first wedge surfaces is evident from detail C in Figure 3.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking jaws 6 of the inner sleeve 4 have second wedge surfaces 19 on circumferentially facing sides (a gap is formed between these sides for receiving the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9 of the outer sleeve 5). The second wedge surfaces 19 converge in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 4b, or, as is clear from detail A in Figure 2, in the direction of the second jaw end 6b.

[0055] The first wedge surface 18 of the locking element 9 is configured to cooperate with the corresponding second wedge surface 19 of the locking jaw 6 as the outer sleeve 5 moves, in order to radially extend the locking jaw 6. The function will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, two additional expansion projections 20 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve 5. The expansion projections 20 are arranged facing each other in the diametrical direction. As can be seen from Figure 3, the expansion projections 20 are positioned at a 90° angle from the locking element 9 in the circumferential direction. Similar to the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9, the expansion projections 20 also have first wedge surfaces 18 on opposite sides in the circumferential direction, as is clear from Figures 14 and 15. The first wedge surfaces converge towards the second outer sleeve end 5b, or towards the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled.

[0057] The locking jaws 6 of the inner sleeve 4 have second wedge surfaces 19 on their circumferentially facing sides (a gap is formed between these sides to receive the expanding projection 20 of the outer sleeve 5). The second wedge surfaces 19 extend toward each other in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 4b, or, as is clear from Figure 14, in the direction of the second jaw end 6b.

[0058] The first wedge surface 18 of the expansion projection 20 is configured to cooperate with the corresponding second wedge surface 19 of the locking jaw 6 as the outer sleeve 5 moves, in order to expand the locking jaw 6. The function is described in more detail below.

[0059] Based on Figures 4-15, the function of plug connector 1 is described in detail below.

[0060] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure. The second fluid conduit 3 is connected to the second coupling portion V2 (see Figure 1) of the plug connector 1, and the first fluid conduit 1 is in the state before coupling with the plug connector 1. The outer sleeve 5 of the plug connector 1 is in its initial position. Figures 8 and 9 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the plug connector structure of Figure 4, respectively. In Figure 8, the cross-sectional plane is located within the region of the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9, and in Figure 9, it is located within the region of the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9.

[0061] The locking jaw 6 of the inner sleeve 4 is in a standby position in the initial position of the outer sleeve 5. In the standby position, the first fluid conduit 2 can be inserted through the end 4a of the first inner sleeve, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Figure 4. As is clear from Figure 9, the actuation projection 12 of the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9 is positioned so that the actuation projection can be actuated by the holding portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2, specifically the surrounding bead.

[0062] As can be seen from Figure 8, the locking end face 13a of the locking projection 13 of the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9 of the outer sleeve 5 abuts against the corresponding second stopper end face 16a of the second stopper projection 16 of the operating portion 14 of the lock jaw 6 of the inner sleeve 4. The outer sleeve 5 is therefore fixed in its initial position. In the initial position, the first inner sleeve end 4a of the inner sleeve 4 advantageously protrudes beyond the first outer sleeve end 5a of the outer sleeve 5.

[0063] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure. The second fluid conduit 3 is also connected to the second coupling portion V2 of the plug connector 1, and the first fluid conduit 1 is located in the position during the coupling process with the first coupling portion V1 of the plug connector 1. The outer sleeve 5 of the plug connector 1 is located between the initial position and the connected position. Figures 10 and 11 show longitudinal cross-sectional views of the plug connector structure of Figure 5, respectively. In Figure 10, the cross-sectional plane is located within the region of the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9, and in Figure 11, it is located within the region of the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 11, when the first fluid conduit 2 is inserted into the first inner sleeve end 4a, the retaining portion 8, specifically the surrounding bead, can apply an operating force FB radially outward to the operating projection 12 of the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9. When the second locking portion 11 is coupled with the first locking portion 10, the locking projection 13 can be released from the second stopper projection 16 by the operating force FB. This releases the outer sleeve 5 from the inner sleeve 4 and allows it to move from its initial position to the connected position. This movement is advantageously supported by the spring element 21, or in some cases, occurs automatically. Moving the locking element 9 outward is facilitated by the first operating chamfer portion 29 of the operating projection 12.

[0065] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure group. The second fluid conduit 3 is newly connected to the second coupling part V2 of the plug connector 1, and the first fluid conduit 1 is connected to the first coupling part V1 (see Figure 1) of the plug connector 1. The outer sleeve 5 of the plug connector 1 is positioned accordingly at the connection point. Figures 12 and 13 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the plug connector structure group of Figure 6, respectively. In Figure 12, the cross-sectional plane is located within the region of the second locking part 11 of the locking element 9, and in Figure 13, it is located within the region of the first locking part 10 of the locking element 9.

[0066] At the connection position of the outer sleeve 5, the locking jaws 6 are each in the locked position. In the locked position, the holding portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 is locked to the inner sleeve 4. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the periphery bead of the first fluid conduit 2 is received in a shape-coupled manner within the periphery groove 7 of the locking jaw 6, as is clear from Figure 12. As can be seen from Figure 12, the locking end face 13a of the locking projection 13 of the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9 abuts against the corresponding first stopper end face 15a of the first stopper projection 15 of the operating portion 14 of the locking jaw 6.

[0067] When releasing, the outer sleeve 5 can first be manually returned from the connected position to the initial position, which is advantageous to the user. Unwanted movement of the outer sleeve 5 from the connected position to the initial position can be prevented on the one hand by the inclined restraining surface 17a of the sliding surface 17 of the actuation part 14. This is because a certain amount of force is required for the locking projection 13 to overcome the restraining surface 17a. Furthermore, the spring force of the spring element 21 prevents unwanted release of the outer sleeve 5.

[0068] Once the outer sleeve 5 is returned to its initial position, the locking projection 13 may be re-locked to the corresponding second stopper end face 16a, and the first fluid conduit 2 may essentially already be pulled out from the inner sleeve 4. The retaining portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2, specifically the surrounding bead, cooperates with the second operating chamfer portion 30 of the operating projection 12 to facilitate the removal of the first fluid conduit 2.

[0069] However, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the outer sleeve 5 can be moved relative to the inner sleeve 4 from a connected position through an initial position to a released position. The released position helps to facilitate removal of the first fluid conduit 2 from the first joint V1.

[0070] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the plug connector structure. The second fluid conduit 3 is connected to the second coupling portion V2 of the plug connector 1, and the first fluid conduit 1 is in the state after being released from the plug connector 1. The outer sleeve 5 of the plug connector 1 is in the released position. Figures 14 and 15 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the plug connector structure of Figure 7, respectively. In Figure 14, the cross-sectional plane is located within the region of the second locking portion 11 of the locking element 9, and in Figure 15, it is located within the region of the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9.

[0071] As already explained with reference to Figure 3, the first locking portion 10 of the locking element 9 has a first wedge surface 18 in the illustrated embodiment. The first wedge surface extends to converge toward the second outer sleeve end 5b, or toward the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled. Furthermore, the lock jaw 6 has second wedge surfaces 19 on each of its circumferentially facing sides (within the gap in which the first locking portion 10 is received). The second wedge surfaces 19 extend to converge toward the second outer sleeve end 5b, or toward the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled (see Figure 2).

[0072] As already explained with reference to Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve 5 is provided with two expansion projections 20. The expansion projections 20 are each received in the gap between two adjacent locking jaws 6 in the circumferential direction (in a gap where no locking element 9 is provided). As is clear from Figures 14 and 15, the expansion projections 20 each have a first wedge surface 18 on opposite sides in the circumferential direction. The first wedge surfaces extend toward each other in the direction of the second outer sleeve end 5b, or in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled.

[0073] Furthermore, the locking jaw 6 has second wedge surfaces 19 on each of its circumferentially facing sides (within the corresponding gaps where the expansion projections 20 are received). The second wedge surfaces 19 extend toward each other in the direction of the second outer sleeve end 5b, or in the direction of the second inner sleeve end 4b when assembled (see Figures 2, 14, and 15).

[0074] As the outer sleeve 5 is moved from its initial position (shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9) to the released position (shown in Figures 7, 14, and 15), the first wedge surface 18 of the locking element 9 and the first wedge surface 18 of the expanding projection 20 cooperate with their respective second wedge surfaces 19 to expand the lock jaw 6 from the standby position to the released position. The released position is evident from Figures 7, 14, and 15. In the released position, the lock jaw 6 is radially expanded to such an extent that the locked state of the retaining portion 8 of the first fluid conduit 2 in the inner sleeve 4, specifically the shape-coupled receiving state of the periphery bead within the periphery groove 7, is completely released. The first fluid conduit 2 can then be easily released from the plug connector 1, as indicated by the arrows in Figures 14 and 15.

[0075] After the separation of the first fluid conduit 2, the outer sleeve 5 can be moved back to its initial position, advantageously supported by the release spring 21. Since the components of the plug connector 1 are advantageously in an unloaded state in their initial position, material fatigue, specifically stress relaxation of the plastic, can be avoided.

[0076] These embodiments illustrate possible modifications. It should be noted here that the present invention is not limited to the specifically shown modifications, but rather various combinations of the individual modifications are possible, and such modifications are possible within the scope of the skills of those skilled in the art, based on the teachings for the technical acts of the invention.

[0077] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the specification and drawings can be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features of the various embodiments illustrated and described may themselves be independent solutions of the present invention. The problems underlying these independent solutions of the present invention are evident from the specification.

[0078] All numerical values ​​relating to value ranges in this description should be understood to have any and all of these subranges. For example, the numerical values ​​1 to 10 include all subranges starting from a lower limit of 1 and an upper limit of 10; that is, all subranges begin at or above the lower limit of 1 and end at or below the upper limit of 10, for example, 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0079] Finally, and this is purely formal, but to better understand the structure, it should be noted that the elements are not shown at a fixed scale, and / or are enlarged and / or reduced in some cases. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Plug connector 2 First fluid conduit 3 Second fluid conduit 4. Inner sleeve 4a First inner sleeve end 4b Second inner sleeve end 5. Outer sleeve 5a First outer sleeve end 5b Second outer sleeve end 6. Locked jaw 7. Peripheral groove 8 Holding part 9. Locking element 9a First locking element end 9b Second locking element end 10 First locking part 11. Second locking section 12 Operating protrusion 13 Locking projection 13a Locking end surface 14 Operating part 15. First stopper projection 15a First stopper end face 16. Second stopper projection 16a Second stopper end face 17 Sliding surface 17a Restraint surface 18 First wedge surface 19 Second wedge surface 20 Expanded protrusion 21 Spring elements 22 Sealing device 23 Sealing ring 24 Spacer elements 25. Join Tab 26 Lock opening 27 Locking projection 28 Insertion surface 29 First operating chamfer section 30 Second operating chamfer section V1 1st joint V2 2nd joint FB actuation force

Claims

1. A plug connector (1) for connecting a first fluid conduit (2) to a second fluid conduit (3), The plug connector (1) comprises an inner sleeve (4) having an open first inner sleeve end (4a) and an open second inner sleeve end (4b) coupled to the first inner sleeve end (4a), and an outer sleeve (5) surrounding the inner sleeve (4), the outer sleeve (5) being movable between an initial position and a connected position relative to the inner sleeve (4), The plug connector (1) comprises an inner sleeve (4) having a first coupling portion (V1) for coupling the first fluid conduit (2) within the region of the first inner sleeve end (4a), and a second coupling portion (V2) for coupling the second fluid conduit (3) within the region of the second inner sleeve end (4b), The first coupling portion (V1) comprises at least two locking jaws (6) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, the locking jaws (6) being positioned at the initial position of the outer sleeve (5) in a standby position in which the first fluid conduit (2) can be inserted into the first inner sleeve end (4a), and being positioned at the connecting position of the outer sleeve (5) in a locked position in which the holding portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) can be locked to the inner sleeve (4). The outer sleeve (5) has at least one locking element (9), the locking element (9) having a first locking portion (10) received in the circumferential direction between two adjacent locking jaws (6) of the inner sleeve (4), and two second locking portions (11) coupled to the first locking portion (10), The first locking portion (10) has an operating projection (12), and the two second locking portions (11) each have one locking projection (13) with a locking end face (13a) facing the first inner sleeve end (4a), The lock jaw (6) has at least one operating part (14) on each of its outer circumferential surfaces, and the operating part (14) comprises a first stopper projection (15) having a first stopper end face (15a) and a second stopper projection (16) having a second stopper end face (16a). The locking end face (13a) of the locking projection (13) abuts against the second stopper end face (16a) of the second stopper projection (16) at the initial position of the outer sleeve (5), A plug connector (1) characterized in that when the first fluid conduit (2) is inserted into the first inner sleeve end (4a), the operating projection (12) becomes displaceable radially outward by the holding portion (8), thereby releasing the locking projection (13) from the second stopper projection (16), the outer sleeve (5) becomes movable from the initial position to the connection position, and the locking end face (13a) of the locking projection (13) abuts against the first stopper end face (15a) of the first stopper projection (15).

2. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer sleeve (5) is movable along the inner sleeve (4) in the longitudinal direction between the initial position and the connecting position, and / or at the initial position of the outer sleeve (5), the first inner sleeve end (4a) of the inner sleeve (4) protrudes beyond the first outer sleeve end (5a) of the outer sleeve (5).

3. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking jaw (6) has one free first jaw end (6a) that abuts against the first inner sleeve end (4a), and a second jaw end (6b) on the opposite side that is coupled to the inner sleeve (4), the first jaw end (6a) is radially movable relative to the second jaw end (6b) between the standby position and the locked position, the locking jaw (6) has one peripheral groove (7) on its inner circumferential surface, the peripheral groove (7) is positioned between the first jaw end (6a) and the second jaw end (6a), and the peripheral groove (7) is configured to shape-couple to receive the holding portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) in the locked position of the locking jaw (6).

4. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one locking element (9) is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve (5) and has a free first locking element end (9a) facing the first inner sleeve end (4a) and a second locking element end (9b) on the opposite side that is coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve (5), and the first locking element end (9a) is radially movable relative to the second locking element end (9b).

5. The plug connector (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation projection (12) has a first actuation chamfer (29) at the first locking element end (9a), the first actuation chamfer (20) is configured to cooperate with the holding portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) to move the actuation projection (12) when the first fluid conduit (2) is inserted into the first inner sleeve end (4a), and / or the actuation projection (12) has a second actuation chamfer (30) on the side facing the second locking element end (9b), the second actuation chamfer (30) is configured to cooperate with the holding portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) to move the actuation projection (12) when the first fluid conduit (2) is removed from the first inner sleeve end (4a).

6. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first locking portion (10) is positioned in the center between the two second locking portions (11) in the circumferential direction and has a first locking element end (9a), the operating projection (12) is provided on the first locking portion (10) within the area of ​​the first locking element end (9a), and the locking projections (13) of the two second locking portions (11) are respectively positioned between the operating projection (12) and the second locking element end (9b) in the longitudinal direction.

7. A plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is provided with at least three, preferably at least four, locking jaws (6), and / or at least two locking elements (9).

8. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the operating parts (14) of the lock jaw (6) is provided with one sliding surface (17), the sliding surface (17) connects the first stopper end face (15a) to the second stopper end face (16a), and the sliding surface (17) has a restraining surface (17a) inclined in the direction of the first jaw end (6a).

9. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inner sleeve (4) is made of plastic, the locking jaw (6) is integrally formed with the inner sleeve (4), the first jaw end (6a) is elastically bendable between the locked position and the standby position, and / or the outer sleeve (5) is made of plastic, the at least one locking element (9) is integrally formed with the outer sleeve (5), and the first locking element end (9a) is elastically bendable radially relative to the second locking element end (9b).

10. The outer sleeve (5) is movable relative to the inner sleeve (4) from the connected position through the initial position to the released position, and the first locking portion (10) of at least one locking element (9) has one first wedge surface (18) on each side facing each other in the circumferential direction, the first wedge surfaces (18) converging toward the second inner sleeve end (4b), and the locking jaw (6) in which the first locking portion (10) is received has one second wedge surface (19) on each side facing each other in the circumferential direction, the second wedge surfaces (19) converging toward the second inner sleeve end (4b), The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, in order to extend the lock jaw (6) from the standby position to the release position, the first wedge surface (18) is configured to cooperate with the second wedge surface (19) during the movement of the outer sleeve (5) from the initial position to the release position, thereby enabling the locked state of the first fluid conduit (2), specifically the shape-coupled receiving state of the retaining portion (8) within the surrounding groove (7), to be completely released.

11. The outer sleeve (5) is movable relative to the inner sleeve (4) from the connected position through the initial position to the released position, and the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve (5) is provided with at least one expansion projection (20), which is received between two adjacent lock jaws (6) in the circumferential direction and has one first wedge surface (18) on each side facing each other in the circumferential direction, the first wedge surface (18) converging in the direction of the second inner sleeve end (4b), and the lock jaws (6) in which the expansion projection (20) is received each have one second wedge surface (19) on each side facing each other in the circumferential direction, the second wedge surface (19) converging in the direction of the second inner sleeve end (4b), The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in order to extend the locking jaw (6) from the standby position to the release position, the first wedge surface (18) is configured to cooperate with the second wedge surface (19) during the movement of the outer sleeve (5) from the initial position to the release position, thereby enabling the locked state of the first fluid conduit (2), specifically the shape-coupled receiving state within the surrounding groove (7), to be completely released.

12. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plug connector (1) has at least one spring element (21), the spring element (21) is configured to apply an actuation force to the outer sleeve (5) in the initial position, and the actuation force is directed toward the first inner sleeve end (4a).

13. The plug connector (1) according to claim 12, wherein the spring element (21) comprises a coil spring, and advantageously the coil spring surrounds the inner sleeve (4) within the region of the second jaw end (6b) of the locking jaw (6).

14. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second coupling portion (V2) of the inner sleeve (4) is provided with a sealing device (22), and the sealing device (22) is configured to seal the space between the first fluid conduit (2) and the second fluid conduit (3).

15. The plug connector (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealing device (22) comprises at least two sealing rings (23) and a spacer element (24) disposed between the two sealing rings (23), the inner circumferential surface of the sealing ring (23) is configured to abut against the outer circumferential surface of the end of the first fluid conduit (2), and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing ring (23) is configured to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the end of the second fluid conduit (3).

16. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the locking jaw (6) is provided with an insertion surface (28) on its inner circumferential surface within the region of the first inner sleeve end (4a), preferably within the region of the first jaw end (6a), and the insertion surface (28) is inclined in the direction of the first inner sleeve end (4a).

17. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the second coupling portion (V2) comprises a plurality of preferably flexible coupling tabs (25) arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other, the coupling tabs (25) surrounding a receiving space for receiving the end of the second fluid conduit (3), each coupling tab (25) having a locking opening (26) which penetrates the coupling tab (25) radially and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding locking projection (27) of the second fluid conduit (3) to lock the second fluid conduit (3) into the inner sleeve (4), and / or each coupling tab (25) having a locking projection, which is configured to cooperate with a corresponding locking opening of the second fluid conduit (3) to lock the second fluid conduit into the inner sleeve (4).

18. A group of plug connector structures comprising: a plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; a first fluid conduit (2) that can be coupled to or is coupled to the first coupling portion (V1); and / or a second fluid conduit (3) that can be coupled to or is coupled to the second coupling portion (V2), The first fluid conduit (2) is provided with a retaining portion (8) on its outer side for locking the first fluid conduit (2) into the inner sleeve (4) of the plug connector (1), and the plug connector (1) is preferably configured according to claim 3, and preferably the retaining portion (8) has a periphery bead, the periphery bead being shape-coupled to be received in the periphery groove (7) of the locking jaw (6) of the inner sleeve (4), a group of plug connector structures.

19. In the use of the plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The first fluid conduit (2), having a retaining portion (8) on the outside, is inserted into the open first inner sleeve end (4a) of the inner sleeve (4), and the operating projection (12) of at least one locking element (9) moves radially outward by the retaining portion (8) when the first fluid conduit (2) is inserted, thereby releasing the locking projection (13) of the locking element (9) from the second stopper projection (16) of the operating portion (14) of the locking jaw (6) of the inner sleeve (4), and the locking end face (13a) of the locking projection (13) of the locking element (9) from the first stopper projection ( Use of a plug connector (1), wherein the outer sleeve (5) is preferably moved from the initial position to the connecting position by the operating force of the spring element (21) until the first stopper end face (15a) of the first stopper end face (15a) of the lock jaw (6) is positioned in the lock position and the retaining portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) is locked to the inner sleeve (4), and the plug connector (1) according to claim 3 is preferably used, wherein the retaining portion (8) has a surrounding bead, and the surrounding bead is shape-coupled to be received in the surrounding groove (7) of the lock jaw (6) of the inner sleeve (4).

20. A plug connector (1) according to claim 10 or 11 is configured, The use of the plug connector (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the outer sleeve (5) moves relative to the inner sleeve (4) from the connected position through the initial position to the release position, and the first wedge surface (18) of the first locking portion (10) of the at least one locking element (9), and / or the first wedge surface (18) of the at least one expanding projection (20), cooperate with the second wedge surface (19) of the lock jaw (6), thereby expanding the lock jaw (6) from the standby position to the release position, and the retaining portion (8) of the first fluid conduit (2) becomes detachable from the inner sleeve (4).

Images