Fluid line coupling having a sealing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid line coupling (20) for fluid-tightly connecting two line elements, having a tubular main part (21) which extends along a central longitudinal axis (L) of the fluid line coupling (20) and comprises a receiving portion (22) for receiving a corresponding insertion element. The insertion element can be introduced into the receiving portion (22) along an insertion direction (x), and the receiving portion (22) has, on the inner lateral surface thereof, an internal sealing device (10) for interacting with the insertion element and for sealing the coupling connection. The sealing device (10) is formed from an inner circumferential seal groove (14) with a base (14') and two lateral walls (14'') and from a seal element (12), the seal element (12) being situated in the seal groove (14). According to the invention, the seal element (12) is progressively compressed in the insertion direction (x) when the insertion element is inserted, and the seal element (12) is guided and positioned in the seal groove (14) in such a way that the seal element (12) does not contact the lateral walls (14'') of the seal groove (14).

Description

[0001] Fluid line coupling with sealing device

[0002] The invention relates to a fluid line coupling with a sealing device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Document FR2883607 is known as a tubular connection consisting of a receiving nozzle (or sleeve) and a plug-in nozzle (or pin). The plug-in nozzle is intended to be inserted coaxially into the connection end of the receiving nozzle. The receiving nozzle includes an O-ring located within an annular recess within the main body that forms the receiving nozzle.

[0004] This seal ensures a watertight connection when installed between two fluid transport lines. The recess is formed by an internal shoulder of the receiving nozzle and the circular section of a retaining ring, which is inserted coaxially into the main body of the receiving nozzle. The annular recess and the O-ring are completely contained within a transverse plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug-in nozzle.

[0005] When the push-fit nozzle is inserted into the receiving nozzle, the penetrating end of the push-fit nozzle simultaneously contacts the entire circumference of the O-ring. The axial insertion force that must then be applied to the push-fit nozzle to compress the seal and allow it to enter its connection position is high, making the connection inconvenient to use. Thus, the seal is compressed at the same rate at every point around the seal's circumference, requiring a relatively large peak force during insertion. Document US20080217912 seeks to provide a solution to this problem. In this document, the annular recess in which the O-ring is positioned is not oriented in a transverse plane, i.e., perpendicular to the insertion direction of the push-fit nozzle. In this case, the penetrating end of the push-fit nozzle contacts the seal only on a portion of its circumference.The seal is then progressively compressed over only a portion of its circumference as the plug or pin penetrates the receiving nozzle. This reduces the maximum insertion force required to compress the seal by spreading the application over a greater insertion length.

[0006] In the solution proposed in this document, the recess in the receiving nozzle has a base, a first side wall formed by the circular section of the retaining ring, and a second side wall formed by an internal shoulder of the tubular body. The side walls face each other, and the recess has a section that is essentially parallelogram-shaped. The substantially constant distance between the two side walls is larger than the diameter of the O-ring, allowing it to fit freely into the recess.

[0007] When the plug or stud is inserted into the receiving nozzle, its leading edge makes contact with part of the seal and tends to press it against the side wall formed by the internal shoulder of the hollow body before it is compressed at the bottom of the recess. As the seal is pushed back into the recess, it tends to twist, making it more difficult to compress. A further disadvantage of known designs is that the insertion forces acting on the plug or stud and the sealing element are still relatively high. Aside from the magnitude of the required immediate insertion force, the seal can often tear or be forced out of the sealing groove due to unwanted contact and compression, resulting in an improper and inferior connection.For example, trapezoidal cross-sections are used for the sealing grooves, which unfortunately exacerbate the aforementioned disadvantages and further increase the risk of damage to the sealing element.

[0008] A common method to facilitate insertion or connection is still to lubricate the pin or insertion nozzle. In addition to lubrication, the leading edge of the pin to be inserted and connected can be tapered. However, with these methods, the seal must also be compressed at the same speed at every point around its circumference, which consequently leads to the aforementioned disadvantages. Furthermore, lubrication involves additional costs and effort and may need to be repeated for multiple applications.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved fluid line coupling with a sealing device.

[0010] The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

[0011] In a fluid line coupling for fluid-tight connection of two line elements with a tubular base body extending along a central longitudinal axis of the fluid line coupling and comprising a receiving section for receiving a corresponding insertion element, wherein the insertion element can be inserted into the receiving section along an insertion direction, wherein the receiving section has an internal sealing device on its inner surface for interacting with the insertion element and for sealing the coupling connection, wherein the sealing device is formed by an inner circumferential sealing groove with a bottom and two side walls and by a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is arranged in the sealing groove, it is provided according to the invention that the sealing element is progressively compressed in the insertion direction when the insertion element is inserted.wherein the sealing element is guided and arranged in the sealing groove in such a way that the sealing element does not touch the side walls of the sealing groove.

[0012] Due to the progressive compression and pressing of the sealing element according to the invention, i.e., stepwise or gradual increasing compression and pressing with progressive insertion in the insertion direction, the insertion element can advantageously be inserted with a significantly lower insertion force. Thus, the compression of the sealing element does not occur simultaneously at every point of the sealing circumference at the same rate, which leads to an effective reduction of the peak force required during insertion.

[0013] By guiding and positioning the sealing element in the sealing groove in such a way that it does not touch the groove's side walls, the risk of tearing and injury is significantly reduced. When the insert element is placed into the receiving section, the sealing element is not pressed against the side wall(s) before being compressed against the bottom of the sealing groove. This protects the sealing element and extends its service life. This measure also simplifies the insertion of the insert element and further reduces the insertion force required.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing groove can be annular, with the sealing element being designed as an O-ring and corresponding to the annular sealing groove. This creates a suitable receiving space for the sealing element, and the formation of an annular sealing groove can be produced simply and cost-effectively in a single manufacturing step.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove can have projections on a side facing away from the bottom of the sealing groove, the projections contacting the sealing element. Advantageously, the projections adjust and guide the sealing element and hold it in the provided sealing groove, so that when the insertion element is inserted in the insertion direction, the sealing element can be pressed into the sealing groove or onto the bottom of the groove without contacting the side walls of the sealing groove.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the projections of the side walls can be oriented substantially parallel to the bottom of the sealing groove, with the projections facing each other and extending in this facing orientation. This advantageously ensures that the sealing element is contacted at least partially via the projections and held in the groove. The nearly parallel design is particularly suitable for this purpose and is easy to manufacture.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the projections of the side walls can form an opening, the opening being smaller than the diameter of the sealing element. Because the opening is smaller than the diameter of the sealing element, the sealing element is securely guided and held in the sealing groove. The sealing element projects beyond the opening in the direction of the central longitudinal axis, so that the projections laterally contact the sealing element and do not cover it. This allows the sealing element to be progressively compressed over the section that projects from the opening into the interior of the fluid line coupling and pressed against the bottom of the sealing groove to create a seal.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing groove can have an inclination relative to the central longitudinal axis of the fluid line coupling, with the sealing element being arranged in the inclined sealing groove and also inclined in the compressed state. This results in a so-called saddle-shaped or tilted seal, or a tilted seal in a saddle design. Due to the inclination relative to the central longitudinal axis, the annular sealing groove and the sealing element (preferably an O-ring) are not, as in a standard arrangement, completely contained in a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the fluid line coupling's plug element. Instead, the inclination advantageously ensures that the annular sealing groove, in which the sealing element is positioned and guided, is not arranged in a transverse plane, i.e., not perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug nozzle.This design ensures that the penetrating end of the insert only contacts the seal over a portion of its circumference. The seal is then progressively compressed over only a portion of its circumference as the insert or pin penetrates the receiving section. This reduces the maximum insertion force required to compress the sealing element by spreading its application over a greater insertion length in the insertion direction. The inclination also advantageously prevents the sealing element from being compressed at the same rate at every point along its circumference, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in the peak insertion force.

[0019] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the inclination of the sealing groove can be formed only on one side of the circumferential sealing groove. Preferably, according to a further alternative embodiment, the wave shape of the projections can also be formed only on one side of the sealing groove. Overall, this further facilitates use and assembly.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the surface geometry of the projections can be formed by a circumferentially circumferential wave pattern, wherein the wave pattern of the surface geometry can be formed by uniform and alternating crests and troughs. Advantageously, the insertion force can be further reduced due to the wave pattern, because the continuous circumferential contact is interrupted and a circumferentially distributed contact is established between the projections and the sealing element. When the insertion element is inserted in the insertion direction and compresses the sealing element, the sealing element presses only against the individual wave crests and not against a continuous circumferential edge of the sealing groove. The wave pattern also ensures that the projections contact the sealing element and guide or hold it in the sealing groove.

[0021] Preferably, the side walls of the sealing groove can have a substantially oval cross-section, extending from the bottom to the projections. This ensures that the sealing element does not touch the side walls of the sealing groove. The sealing element is thus constantly held and guided in the center of the sealing groove without contacting the side walls. The oval cross-section is relatively easy to manufacture and supports, for example, the O-ring shape of a classic rubber sealing element. In direct comparison, the O-ring or sealing element has a circular cross-section.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the base of the sealing groove can have a dimension larger than the diameter of the sealing element, with the base being flat. The flat design of the base provides a level surface on which the sealing element can rest and be pressed into place. Because the base is dimensionally larger than the diameter of the sealing element and, at the same time, the side walls have an oval cross-section, the sealing element can be securely guided in the groove without touching the side walls.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the insertion element can be a pin with an insertion section, wherein the insertion section comprises a fir-tree structure and a front compressive edge for the sealing element. The fir-tree structure promotes a secure fit, while the front compressive edge advantageously makes contact with the sealing element first, so that the behavior can optionally be further influenced, for example by providing a chamfer on the edge or by changing the slope of the chamfer.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, when the insertion section is inserted into the receiving section, the front compressing edge can initially contact and compress the sealing element only on a partial circumference. As the insertion progresses in the insertion direction, the front compressing edge can gradually contact and compress the sealing element over its entire circumference until the sealing element is completely sealed and the insertion section reaches its final position. When the insertion element or pin is inserted into the receiving section of the fluid line coupling, the penetrating, compressing end of the pin only contacts a portion of the sealing element's circumference and not the entire circumference simultaneously. The axial insertion force then acting on the insertion element or pin is thus reduced by the force applied to the sealing element.The force required to properly compress the seal and allow it to enter its articulated position is significantly reduced, thus considerably improving the connection's usability and handling. This is because the seal is not compressed at the same rate at every point around its circumference, but rather progressively, requiring a relatively low peak force during insertion.

[0025] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a fluid line coupling with sealing device according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing groove of the fluid line coupling according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. 2b shows a schematic representation of a wave profile of the sealing groove from Fig. 2a,

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of a fluid line coupling with sealing device according to the invention.

[0030] The fluid line coupling 20, generally designated as such in Fig. 1, for fluid-tight connection of two line elements, has a tubular base body 21 extending along a central longitudinal axis L of the fluid line coupling 20. The fluid line coupling 20 comprises a receiving section 22 for receiving a corresponding insertion element. The insertion element can be inserted into the receiving section 22 of the fluid line coupling 20 along an insertion direction x. The receiving section 22 has an internal sealing device 10 on its inner surface for interacting with the insertion element and sealing the coupling connection. The sealing device 10 has a sealing element 12 and an internal circumferential sealing groove 14 corresponding to the sealing element 12, with a bottom 14' and two side walls 14". The sealing element 12 is arranged and guided in the sealing groove 14.

[0031] The sealing element 12 is progressively compressed when the insertion element is inserted in the insertion direction x, i.e. step by step or gradually and with progressive insertion in the insertion direction x, wherein the sealing element 12 is guided and arranged in the sealing groove 14 such that the sealing element 12 does not touch the side walls 14" of the sealing groove 14.

[0032] The sealing groove 14 has an inclination towards the central longitudinal axis L of the fluid line coupling 20, wherein the sealing element 12 is arranged in the inclined sealing groove 14 in the compressed state and is consequently also arranged inclined towards the central longitudinal axis L of the fluid line coupling 20.

[0033] The insertion element is inserted in the insertion direction x at a connecting end 22' of the receiving section 22. At the connecting end 22', the receiving section 22 has a retaining ring 4 which is provided with a recess 5. In addition, a clip 2 is provided which engages in the recess 5 of the retaining ring 4 as a bridge or for fixation.

[0034] The insertion element to be inserted (not shown) can have an insertion section 24 designed as a pin, corresponding to the front line element of the fluid line coupling 20 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, wherein the insertion section 24 comprises a fir tree structure and a front compressing edge for compressing the sealing element 12.

[0035] When the insertion section 24 is inserted into the receiving section 22, the front compressing edge initially contacts and compresses the sealing element 12 only at a partial circumference. As the insertion progresses in the insertion direction x, the front compressing edge gradually contacts and compresses the sealing element 12 over its entire circumference until the sealing element 12 is completely sealed and the insertion section 24 reaches its final position inside the receiving section 22. Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fluid line coupling 20 with an insertion section 24 bent relative to the receiving section 22. Otherwise, the fluid line coupling 20 shown in Fig. 3 is identical in construction to the fluid line coupling 20 shown in Fig. 1.The described mechanisms of action with regard to the sealing device 10 and the progressive compression of the sealing element 12 also occur identically and independently of the insertion section 24 bent at a right angle.

[0036] By including Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, it becomes apparent that the sealing groove 14 has projections 17 on a side facing away from the bottom 14' of the sealing groove 14, the projections 17 contacting the sealing element 12 in contrast to the side walls 14". That the projections 17 contact the sealing element 12 is particularly evident in Fig. 3.

[0037] The projections 17 of the side walls 14” form an opening 18, wherein the opening 18 is smaller than the diameter of the sealing element 12. A surface geometry 15 of the projections 17 is formed by a circumferential waveform, wherein the waveform of the surface geometry 15 is formed by uniform and alternating wave crests and wave troughs.

[0038] The projections 17 of the side walls 14” are essentially aligned parallel to the bottom 14’ of the sealing groove 14, with the projections 17 facing each other and extending in this mutually facing orientation.

[0039] The side walls 14" of the sealing groove 14, which are not in contact with the sealing element 12, have a substantially oval cross-section, with the side walls 14" of the sealing groove 14 extending from the bottom 14' to the projections 17. The bottom 14' of the sealing groove 14 has a dimension larger than the diameter of the sealing element 12, and the bottom 14' is flat.

[0040] The essentially oval cross-section of the sealing groove 14 is shown schematically in Fig. 2a in direct comparison to a standard cross-section 16 of a standard sealing groove.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In general, the fluid line coupling with sealing device according to the invention can be used in all possible lines and line systems to be connected. In particular, the fluid line coupling with sealing device is suitable for use in automotive engineering or battery cooling systems.

[0042] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0043] Reference symbol list x Insertion direction (insertion element)

[0044] L Central longitudinal axis (fluid line coupling)

[0045] 2 clips

[0046] 4 retaining rings

[0047] 5 Recess (retaining ring)

[0048] 10 Sealing device

[0049] 12 Sealing element (O-ring)

[0050] 14 Sealing groove (inside, circumferential or ring-shaped)

[0051] 14' bottom (sealing groove inside)

[0052] 14" side walls (sealing groove inside)

[0053] 15 Surface geometry (protrusions)

[0054] 16 Standard cross-section sealing groove (state of the art)

[0055] 17 protrusions (sealing groove)

[0056] 18 Opening

[0057] 20 Fluid line coupling (receiving sleeve)

[0058] 21 Base body (fluid line coupling)

[0059] 22 Recording section (sleeve)

[0060] 22' End of connection

[0061] 24 Insertion section (pin)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fluid line coupling (20) for fluid-tight connection of two line elements with a tubular base body (21) extending along a central longitudinal axis (L) of the fluid line coupling (20) and comprising a receiving section (22) for receiving a corresponding insertion element, wherein the insertion element can be inserted into the receiving section (22) along an insertion direction (x), wherein the receiving section (22) has an internal sealing device (10) on its inner surface for interacting with the insertion element and for sealing the coupling connection, wherein the sealing device (10) is formed by an inner circumferential sealing groove (14) with a bottom (14') and with two side walls (14") and by a sealing element (12), wherein the sealing element (12) is arranged in the sealing groove (14), characterized in thatthat the sealing element (12) is progressively compressed when the insertion element is inserted in the insertion direction (x), wherein the sealing element (12) is guided and arranged in the sealing groove (14) such that the sealing element (12) does not touch the side walls (14") of the sealing groove (14).

2. Fluid line coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing groove (14) has projections (17) on a side facing away from the bottom (14') of the sealing groove (14), wherein the projections (17) contact the sealing element (12).

3. Fluid line coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that the projections (17) of the sealing groove (14) are oriented substantially parallel to the bottom (14') of the sealing groove (14), wherein the projections (17) face each other and extend in this mutually facing orientation.

4. Fluid line coupling according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the projections (17) of the sealing groove (14) form an opening (18), wherein the opening (18) is smaller than a diameter of the sealing element (12).

5. Fluid line coupling according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a surface geometry (15) of the projections (17) is formed by a circumferentially rotating wave shape, wherein the wave shape the surface geometry (15) is formed by uniform and alternating wave crests and wave troughs.

6. Fluid line coupling according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the side walls (14") of the sealing groove (14) have a substantially oval cross-section, wherein the side walls (14") of the sealing groove (14) extend from the bottom (14') to the projections (17).

7. Fluid line coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (14') of the sealing groove (14) has a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the sealing element (12), wherein the bottom (14') is flat.

8. Fluid line coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing groove (14) has an inclination to the central longitudinal axis (L) of the fluid line coupling, wherein the sealing element (12) is arranged in the inclined sealing groove (14) in the compressed state and is also inclined.

9. Fluid line coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion element is a pin with an insertion section (24), wherein the insertion section (24) comprises a fir tree structure and a front compressing edge for the sealing element (12).

10. Fluid line coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that the front compressing edge initially contacts and compresses the sealing element (12) only on a partial circumference when the insertion section (24) is inserted into the receiving section (22), wherein the front compressing edge gradually contacts and compresses the sealing element (12) over the entire circumference as insertion progresses in the insertion direction (x) until the sealing element (12) seals completely and the insertion section (24) reaches its final position.

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