Fluid Line Plug-In Connector With Protected Inner Latching Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors face challenges in achieving compact dimensions while ensuring secure locking and protection of locking arms, especially in cramped installation conditions, and preventing unintentional release and dirt penetration.
Innovation Solution
The design features a mating connector with a latching groove on the plug shank for the latching cams of the latching arms, allowing the adapter sleeve to be securely fixed without increasing the diameter, with form-fitting elements on the adapter sleeve providing axial and circumferential fixation, and a radially deformable annular collar for easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching arms have a radially outwardly directed stepped section with latching cams, then secure locking is achieved, but the connector diameter increases requiring larger installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The latching cams are nested within the socket section housing rather than protruding outward. The stepped sections of the latching arms are received within the socket section, allowing the locking mechanism to function while maintaining a compact connector outer diameter that matches the housing diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a radial protrusion design to an axial integration design. By receiving the stepped sections and latching cams within the socket section depth, the solution moves the locking features into the axial dimension rather than requiring additional radial space.
2Length of moving object
If axially running opening areas are provided in the socket section for receiving the stepped section, then the connector length is minimized, but dirt particles can easily penetrate into the socket section
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane closes the opening areas in the socket section, allowing the stepped sections to be received while preventing dirt particles from penetrating into the socket section. The membrane maintains structural integrity while accommodating the locking mechanism movements.
3Area of stationary object
If the latching cams are located within the socket section, then the connector diameter is reduced, but the latching arms become unprotected and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane not only closes the opening areas but also provides protective coverage for the latching arms and latching cams located within the socket section, preventing damage while maintaining compact dimensions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter sleeve is made from different materials than the housing, then design flexibility is improved, but the form-fitting connection requires precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting elements are designed with specific local geometries on the adapter sleeve that engage with corresponding features in the housing. This localized precision approach allows different materials to be used while maintaining reliable form-fitting connection through carefully controlled dimensional features at the interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables a compact, secure, and protected locking mechanism that prevents damage to the latching arms and ensures reliable locking and easy detachment, while maintaining the adapter sleeve's protection and preventing dirt ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The latching arms (10) are radially elastic with respect to a longitudinal center axis (X-X) of the adapter sleeve (7)
Implementation Method 2
the ring collar (15) has deformation sections (33) in the middle between the locking arms (10), which can be deformed under a force directed radially to the longitudinal center axis (X-X) in such a way that the locking arms (10) are spread radially outwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6a
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug-in connector (1) for connecting at least one fluid line to another fluid line or an aggregate connection, comprising a housing (2) with a through-channel (5), wherein one end of the housing (2) is designed in the form of a socket portion (3), into which a counterpart plug-in connector (14) can be plugged, and has latching means (10, 12) for fixing the counterpart plug-in connector (14) in a releasable manner. The latching means (10, 12) are a constituent part of an adapter sleeve (7) which can be plugged into the socket portion (3), and is retained in the socket portion (3) by means of radially elastic form-fitting elements, and has a through-opening (8) for a plug shank (23) of the counterpart plug-in connector (14). The latching means are formed from at least two latching arms (10), which are radially elastic in relation to a longitudinal centre axis (X-X) of the plug-in connector, and are made on the circumference of the adapter sleeve (7) by slot-like cutouts (11) in the wall of said sleeve. The latching arms (10), at their free end, have latching protuberances (12), which run radially in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis (X-X), wherein the form-fitting elements (29) consist of radially elastic latching extensions which are formed on the outer circumference of the adapter sleeve (7), between the latching arms (10), and, in the plugged-in-state, engage with a latching form fit in apertures (30) in the circumferential wall of the socket portion (3). The latching protuberances (12) are spaced apart from the longitudinal centre axis (X-X) by a radial distance which is smaller than an inner radius of the through-opening (8). At least in a region adjacent to the latching protuberances (12), a radial distance between the latching arms (10) and the longitudinal centre axis (X-X) is equal to the internal diameter of the through-opening (8) or smaller than the internal diameter of the through-opening (8).