Coupling Device for Media-Conducting Lines

Abstract

A coupling device for connecting media-conducting lines has a one-part or multi-part first coupling section and a one-part or multi-part second coupling section. At least one locking element is fastened with at least one connecting section to the first coupling section and is provided with one or more locking arc sections extending in a circumferential direction between the first and second coupling sections. The second coupling section has a locking section extending circumferentially at least partially about a circumference of the second coupling section. At least one of the one or more locking arc sections interacts with the locking section.

Claims

1. A coupling device for connecting media-conducting lines, the coupling device comprising: a one-part or multi-part first coupling section; a one-part or multi-part second coupling section; at least one locking element fastened with at least one connecting section to the first coupling section and comprising one or more locking arc sections extending in a circumferential direction of the at least one locking element between the first and second coupling sections; the second coupling section comprising a locking section extending circumferentially at least partially about a circumference of the second coupling section; at least one of the one or more locking arc sections interacting with the locking section.

2. The coupling device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one actuating element provided on the at least one locking element for opening the one or more locking arc sections.

3. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein, for intended mounting, the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter by the at least one actuating element.

4. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein, for intended mounting, the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter by the at least one actuating element and by the second coupling section upon insertion into the first coupling section.

5. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling section is an outer coupling section and the second coupling section is an inner coupling section, and wherein the at least one actuating element projects through an opening provided in the outer coupling section.

6. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one actuating element is arranged adjacent to a free end of the one or more locking arc sections.

7. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein, for intended mounting, the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter by the second coupling section upon insertion into the first coupling section.

8. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more locking arc sections comprise at least one support region extending in the circumferential direction.

9. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the locking section is an at least partially circumferentially extending, radial inwardly oriented shoulder facing in a pull-out direction of pulling out the second coupling section from the first coupling section, wherein the one or more locking arc sections, in a properly mounted state of the coupling device, are contacting the locking section and are supported on the at least partially circumferentially extending, radial inwardly oriented shoulder against the pull-out direction.

10. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element is embodied as one piece together with one of the first and second coupling sections.

11. The coupling device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one locking element is produced together with said one of the first and second coupling sections by an injection molding process.

12. The coupling device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one locking element is produced together with said one of the first and second coupling sections by a two-component injection molding process.

13. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element is embodied as a separate component inserted into the first coupling section.

14. The coupling device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one locking element is axially fixed in the first coupling section by the at least one connecting section.

15. The coupling device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one locking element comprises at least one snap element, wherein the at least one snap element secures the at least one locking element against release from the first coupling section.

16. The coupling device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one locking element comprises at least one support element extending in the circumferential direction, wherein the first coupling section comprises a support groove circumferentially extending at least partially on a circumference of the first coupling section, wherein the at least one support element interacts with the support groove for axial securing the at least one locking element in a mounted state on the first coupling section.

17. The coupling device according to claim 13, wherein the one or more locking arc sections comprise at least one support region embodied as a spring element extending in the circumferential direction, wherein the spring element, when properly mounted, is supported against an outer circumference of the first coupling section.

18. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the second coupling section comprises a guide element and the first coupling section comprises a counterpart guide element interacting with the guide element of the second coupling section, wherein the guide element of the second coupling section is positionable diametrically opposed to free ends of the one or more locking arc sections, wherein the guide element of the second coupling section secures the first coupling section in the mounted state against tilting about a longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

19. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least two orientation elements are provided on the first and second coupling elements and configured to correctly position the first and second coupling sections relative to each other in an angular position relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

20. The coupling device according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling sections comprises at least one marking for recognizing, based on a position of the at least one actuating element relative to the at least one marking, a locking action of the at least one locking element at the locking section.

21. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling sections comprises at least one marking for recognizing, based on a position of the at least one actuating element relative to the at least one marking, a locking action of the at least one locking element at the locking section.

22. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling sections comprises a circumferential sealing groove, wherein the circumferential sealing groove is at least partially embodied in a corrugated shape in an assembly direction of the coupling device.

23. The coupling device according to claim 1, configured to produce a quasi rigid connection of media-conducting lines.

24. A coupling section for a coupling device, the coupling section comprising at least one locking element comprising one or more locking arc sections that are matched at least partially to a circumference of the coupling section, wherein, in a mounted state on a counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, the one or more locking arc sections interact in such a way with a locking section of the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, the locking section extending circumferentially at least partially about a circumference of the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, that, in the mounted state, an axial movement of the coupling section relative to the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device is limited.

25. The coupling section according to claim 24, wherein the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter for mounting.

26. A coupling section for a coupling device, the coupling section comprising a locking section circumferentially extending at least partially about a circumference of the coupling section, wherein the locking section, in a mounted state on a counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, interacts in such a way with one or more locking arc sections of at least one locking element of the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, the one or more locking arc sections matched at least partially to a circumference of the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, that, in the mounted state, an axial movement of the coupling section relative to the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device is limited.

27. The coupling section according to claim 26, wherein the locking section is a circumferential, radial inwardly oriented shoulder facing in a pull-out direction of pulling out the coupling section from the counterpart coupling section of the coupling device, wherein the locking section supports the one or more locking arc sections, when properly mounted, against the pull-out direction.

28. The coupling device according to claim 27, wherein the coupling section comprises a circumferential sealing groove that is at least partially embodied in a corrugated shape in an assembly direction of the coupling section.

29. A locking element for a coupling device, the locking element comprising: at least one locking arc section matched at least partially to a circumference of a first coupling section of the coupling device, wherein the at least one locking arc section interacts with at least one locking section circumferentially extending at least partially on a circumference of a second coupling section of the coupling device in a mounted state of the first and second coupling sections, and, in the mounted state, limits an axial movement between the first and second coupling sections; and at least one connecting section configured to attach to the first coupling section.

30. The locking element according to claim 28, further comprising at least one snap element configured to secure the locking element against release from the first coupling section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further advantages result from the following drawing description. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person of skill in the art will consider the features expediently also individually and combine them to other meaningful combinations.

[0049] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the outer coupling section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in closed position.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a cross section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in closed position along the section line B-B in FIG. 3.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in open position.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in open position along the section line B-B in FIG. 5.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in half open position.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in half open position along the section line B-B in FIG. 7.

[0057] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a coupling device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 9 in closed position.

[0059] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the coupling device according to FIG. 9 in closed position along the section line F-F of FIG. 10.

[0060] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention with a sealing groove extending on the circumference at least partially in a corrugated shape in the assembly direction.

[0061] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a coupling section of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0062] FIG. 14 is an exploded illustration of a coupling device according to a further embodiment of the invention with a separate locking element.

[0063] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the locking element of the coupling device according to FIG. 14.

[0064] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the locking element of the coupling device according to FIG. 14 from the rear.

[0065] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a coupling section of the coupling device according to FIG. 14 with mounted locking element.

[0066] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the coupling section according to FIG. 17 with illustrated section planes A4-A4 and A5-A5.

[0067] FIG. 19 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section according to FIG. 18 along the section line A4-A4.

[0068] FIG. 20 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section according to FIG. 18 along the section line A5-A5.

[0069] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the coupling device according to FIG. 14 in mounted state.

[0070] FIG. 22 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 21.

[0071] FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the coupling section with mounted locking element according to FIG. 17 with illustrated section planes A2-A2 and A3-A3.

[0072] FIG. 24 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section with mounted locking element according to FIG. 23 along the section line A2-A2.

[0073] FIG. 25 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section with mounted locking element according to FIG. 23 along the section line A3-A3.

[0074] FIG. 26 shows a longitudinal section of a coupling device according to a further embodiment in released state.

[0075] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the coupling device according to FIG. 26.

[0076] FIG. 28 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 26 in mounted state.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] In the Figures, same or same-type components are identified with same reference characters. The Figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a coupling device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention while in FIG. 2 an isometric view of the outer coupling section 20 is illustrated. The coupling device 10 is arranged on the housing 80 of an air filter system that is illustrated partially. In FIG. 3, a corresponding longitudinal section of the coupling device 10 and in FIG. 4 a cross section of the coupling device 10 along the section line B-B according to FIG. 3 are illustrated.

[0079] The coupling device 10 which serves for quasi rigid connection of media-conducting lines, for example, of especially low-pressure and/or high-pressure associated lines 110 of an air intake system or media-conducting housings with connecting sockets and lines, comprises an outer coupling section 20 and an inner coupling section 40 as well as, for example, a locking element 60.

[0080] The outer coupling section 20 in FIG. 1 is illustrated as a component of a housing 80 that can be, for example, the housing of an air filter system. The outer coupling section 20 is illustrated in the form of a connecting socket. The inner coupling section 40 can be, for example, arranged at the end of an air-conducting pipe 110. The coupling device 10 can however be used also on other components which provide for a connection of fluid-conducting pipes.

[0081] The inner coupling section 40 is inserted with its free end into the outer coupling section 20 so that the coupling device 10 with the locking element 60 is illustrated in the closed state. The actuating elements 66, 68 for opening the locking element 60 project through the openings 22, 24 in the outer coupling section 20 in outward direction so that they are easily accessible and can be actuated without tool.

[0082] In FIG. 2, the two locking arc sections 62, 64 of the locking element 60 arranged on the outer coupling section 20 can be seen which extend in circumferential direction in the interior of the outer coupling section 20. The locking element 60 is connected by two connecting sections 72, 73 with the outer coupling section 20. The locking arc sections 62, 64 can be radially pivoted in outward direction by the actuating elements 66, 68 which project outwardly through openings 22, 24 through the outer coupling section 20. On their circumference, the locking arc sections 62, 64 comprise for reinforcement support regions 67, 69, 77, 79, in particular in the region of the actuating elements 66, 68, wherein the support regions 67, 69, 77, 79 also project through openings of the outer coupling section 20 outwardly in order to ensure the required freedom of movement upon pivoting of the locking arc sections 62, 64.

[0083] In FIG. 3, it can be seen in longitudinal section of the closed coupling device 10 how the inner coupling section 40 is inserted into the outer coupling section 20 and the two locking arc sections 62, 64 of the locking element 60 arranged on the outer coupling section 20 can lock on the corresponding circumferentially extending locking section 52 of the inner coupling section 40 when the inner coupling section 40 is inserted so far into the outer coupling section 20 that a circumferentially extending stop 46 is resting against the open end 30 of a circumferential groove 38 of the outer coupling section 20. The illustrated circumferential groove 38 is advantageous because it covers completely the locking element 60 in outward direction and protects it in this way. Optionally, instead of the circumferential groove 38, it can however be provided to ensure only a sufficiently stable connection to the coupling region of the coupling section in the area of the connecting sections and the support regions. This is illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0084] The locking section 52 is embodied as a circumferential, radial inwardly oriented shoulder 44, in the illustrated embodiment in the form of a groove, against the pull-out direction L of the coupling section 40 wherein the locking arc section 62, 64 in the properly mounted state is contacting the locking section 52 and is supported against the pull-out direction L. In this way, the inner coupling section 40 is secured against being pulled out of the outer coupling section 20 in pull-out direction L.

[0085] The coupling device 10 is sealed by means of a seal 56 inserted into a sealing groove 54, for example, an O-ring seal, which is contacting an inner wall of the outer coupling section 20.

[0086] In the cross section illustrated in FIG. 4 of the coupling device 10 along the section line B-B according to FIG. 3, the embodiment of the locking element 60 can be seen in detail. The locking element 60 is fastened with two connecting sections 72, 73 to the outer coupling section 20 and extends in circumferential direction on both sides of the connecting sections 72, 73 with one locking arc section 62, 64 each between the two coupling sections 40, 20. The locking element 60 comprises locking arc section 62, 64 which are at least partially matched to the circumference of the coupling section 20. For proper mounting by insertion of the inner coupling section 40 into the outer coupling section 20, the locking element 60 is reversibly expandable in diameter by the inner coupling section 40 and interacts with the circumferentially extending locking section 52 in such a way that in the mounted state of the coupling sections 20, 40 an axial movement between the coupling sections 20, 40 is limited. For this purpose, the locking arc sections 62, 64 are contacting the circumferential shoulder 44 of the locking section 52.

[0087] Since the inner coupling section 40 is contacting with the stop 46 the free end 30 of the outer coupling section 20, the inner coupling section 40 is fixed by the locking arc sections 62, 64 contacting the shoulder 44 in the pull-out direction L. For opening the locking arc sections 62, 64, on the locking element 60 the actuating elements 66, 68 are provided which are arranged neighboring the free ends 74, 76 of the locking arc sections 62, 64. In addition, the actuating elements 66, 68 each have a support region 67, 69, 77, 79 in circumferential direction which stiffens the actuating element 66, 68 for applying greater forces onto the locking arc section 62, 64 and in particular provides a greater contact surface of the support region. Actuating elements 66, 68 and support regions 67, 69 project through the openings 22, 24 and the support regions 77, 79 through the openings 82, 84 in the outer rim of the outer coupling section 20 to the exterior so that the locking element 60 can be expanded by pushing apart the actuating levers 66, 68 in circumferential direction and thus the locking arc sections 62, 64. The locking arc sections 62, 64 are thus lifted off the shoulder 44 of the locking section 52 so that the inner coupling section 40 can be pulled out of the outer coupling section 20.

[0088] The locking element 60 is integrally formed with the connecting sections 72, 73 on the coupling section 20 and is produced as one piece together with it so that the coupling device 10 as a whole can be produced inexpensively. Alternatively, the locking element 60 can also be produced together with the coupling section 20 in an injection molding process, for example, in a two-component injection molding process. In this way, coupling section 20 and locking element 60 can be produced of different materials when, for example, the coupling section 20 is to have greater strength than the elastic and at the same time bending resistant locking element 60 that, for opening of the coupling device 10, is to be reversibly expandable.

[0089] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling device 10 is illustrated in open position in longitudinal section and cross section, respectively. In this position, the two locking arc sections 62, 64 can be released from each other. The two locking arc sections 62, 64 are pivoted outwardly in this context so that they lift off the shoulder 44 of the locking section 52. In this way, the inner coupling section 40 in pull-out direction L is no longer fixed and can thus be pulled out of the outer coupling section 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking arc sections 62, 64 in open position can be resting on an inner wall of the outer coupling section 20. Also, a lateral contact of the actuating elements 66, 68 on the coupling section 20 can be realized before a locking arc section 62, 64 contacts the inner wall. It is also possible that no inner wall is provided, as in the embodiment according to FIG. 13.

[0090] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the coupling device 10 is illustrated in half open position in longitudinal section and cross section, respectively. Here, the two locking arc sections 62, 64, pivoted outwardly, are shown in a position that is between the closed and the open position.

[0091] FIGS. 9 through 11 show a further embodiment of the coupling device 10. FIG. 9 shows in isometric illustration a coupling device 10 which is arranged on a housing 80 wherein an outer coupling section 20 is fixedly connected with the housing 80, for example, is embodied as one piece together with the housing 80. An inner coupling section 40 is inserted into the outer coupling section 20 and is locked by means of a locking element 60.

[0092] The coupling device 10 comprises marking devices 26, 28 for recognizing a position of the coupling device 10. In the locked, i.e., closed, state of the coupling device 10, the position of the actuating elements 66, 68 coincides with the markings 26, 28 provided on the outer coupling part 20 so that locking of the locking element 60 can be recognized from the exterior. Moreover, on the two coupling sections 20, 40 two orientation elements 36, 42 are provided by means of which the coupling sections 20, 40 can be mounted, correctly positioned, in an angular position relative to the longitudinal axis. One of the orientation elements 36 can be provided, for example, as a slit on the circumference of the outer coupling section 20 while the other orientation element 42 can be a nose on the circumference of the inner coupling section 40 which, upon insertion of the two coupling sections 20, 40, fit into each other and determine in this way an angular position relative to the longitudinal axis of the two coupling sections 20, 40 about the longitudinal axis upon insertion.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 9. The locking section 52 of this embodiment is embodied wider in axial direction. The locking arc sections 62, 64 in the pull-out direction L are contacting only the shoulder 44 while the fixation of the inner coupling section 40 in opposite direction is realized by contact of the outwardly positioned stop 46 on the free end 30 of the outer coupling section 20.

[0094] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 9 in closed position along the section line F-F in FIG. 10. As can be seen in cross section, a further difference of the coupling device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 11 resides in that the locking element 60 is connected by only one connecting section 72 with the outer coupling section 20. Also, the locking arc sections 62, 64 each have only one support region 67, 69 which is connected with the actuating elements 66, 68 and pivots outwardly through the openings 22, 24 upon pivoting of the locking arc sections 62, 64 in outward direction. The locking element 60 can exhibit greater elasticity because it is connected only by one connecting section 72 with the outer coupling section 20 so that it can be opened more easily and the inner coupling section 40 can thus be pulled out of the outer coupling section 20.

[0095] FIG. 12 shows in isometric illustration a coupling device 10 with not yet connected coupling sections 20, 40 which, when the connection between the coupling sections 20, 40 is produced, corresponds from the exterior to that of FIG. 10. Instead of a simple round ring as seal 56, as in FIG. 3, on the inner coupling section 40 a corrugated groove 57 is provided with a seal 58 that, corresponding to the receiving geometry, has been brought into a corrugated shape. Since the sealing groove 57 for the seal 58 about the circumference of the coupling section 40 exhibits a corrugated shape at least partially in assembly direction, in particular in assembly direction, the mounting force to be applied for closing the coupling device can be advantageously reduced.

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a variant of the outer coupling section 20 in FIG. 3. Instead of a circumferential groove 38 as in FIG. 3, in this embodiment it is provided, for example, that only in the area of the connecting section 72 of the locking element 60 and in the area of the respective support regions 67, 69 which are arranged adjacent to the actuating elements 66, 68 at the free ends of the locking arc sections 62, 64, a stable connection to the outer wall of the coupling section 20 is provided. The outer wall of the outer coupling section 20 is provided with two cutouts 21 between the support regions 67, 69 and the connecting section 72, respectively.

[0097] FIG. 14 shows an exploded illustration of a coupling device 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention with a separate locking element 60. In this context, the locking element 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 in a respective isometric view of both sides of the locking element 60.

[0098] The locking element 60 for the coupling device 10 comprises two locking arc sections 62, 64 which are at least partially matched to the circumference of the coupling section 20. In the mounted state, they interact as intended with at least one corresponding locking section 52 that extends at least partially circumferentially on the circumference of the other coupling section 40 in such a way that, in the mounted state of the coupling sections 20, 40, an axial movement between the coupling sections 20, 40 can be limited. The locking element 60 has moreover two connecting sections 72, 73 for attachment to one of the coupling sections 20, 40 as well as in particular at least one snap element 86 for securing against release from said one coupling section 20, 40.

[0099] In this embodiment of the coupling device 10, the locking element 60 is embodied as a separate component and can be inserted into one of the coupling sections 20 and preferably axially fixed by means of the connecting section 72, 73. Furthermore, the locking element 60 can be secured by means of the snap element 86, which is embodied as a snap hook, at the coupling section 20 against accidental release.

[0100] The support sections 77, 79 are embodied as circumferentially extending spring elements and are supported on an outer circumference of said one coupling section 20, when properly mounted.

[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the locking element 60 can be inserted through the slot-shaped circumferential opening 22 into the coupling section 20 in the direction of the illustrated arrow. The coupling section 20 is illustrated as part of a housing 80 and forms the outer one of the coupling sections 20, 40. The locking element 60 is inserted with the two pin-shaped connecting sections 72, 73 in corresponding receptacles 82, 84 of the coupling section 20 and is thus stably connected with the coupling section 20. In addition, the snap element 86, embodied as a snap hook, locks in a corresponding counterpart snap element 92 of the coupling section 20. In this way, the locking element 60 is secured against accidental release that may result from the connecting sections 72, 73 sliding out of the receptacles 82, 84. By an additional pressure from below onto the connecting section 72, 73, the securing force of the snap element 86 may however be overcome and the snap element 60 may thus be released again from the locking action, without using a tool and without causing destruction, in order to pull it out of the coupling section 20.

[0102] In the mounted state of the locking element 60, the two support regions 77, 79 which are formed as spring arms are tightly resting in the circumferential groove 88 of the coupling section 20 and are thus supported on the outer circumference of the coupling section 20. In this way, the two locking arc sections 62, 64 are held in their normal position and secured against spreading apart. The support regions 77, 79 are connected through the support regions 67, 69 to the locking arc sections 62, 64. By spreading apart the actuating elements 66, 68 which are arranged at the support regions 67, 69, the locking arc section 62, 68 can be spread apart. In this context, the closing force of the support regions 77, 79, which is exerted by the support regions 77,79 being supported at the outer circumference of the coupling section 20 in the circumferential groove 88, must be overcome.

[0103] The locking element 60 comprises two support elements 96, 98 which extend in circumferential direction, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 16. In the mounted state, the support elements 96, 98 can interact for axial securing with a corresponding support groove 94 that extends circumferentially at least partially on the circumference of the coupling section 20. In this context, the support elements 96, 98 absorb forces on the locking arc sections 62, 64 in pull-out direction L (see FIG. 22) and transmit them to the coupling section 20 or the housing 80 so that these forces must not be supported by the annular end face 90 of the coupling section 20 alone.

[0104] When the locking element 60 is mounted, the coupling section 40 which is arranged at the end of the pipe 110 can be pushed into the coupling section 20 in the direction of the arrow through the free opening which is formed by the locking arc sections 62, 64. In this context, the locking arc sections 62, 64 are slightly spread apart until the locking arc sections 62, 64 come to rest in the locking section 52 of the coupling section 40, whereby the coupling section 40 is connected with the coupling section 20. The seal 56 arranged on the outer circumference of the coupling section 40 seals in this context the coupling device 10 relative to the environment. The stop 46 can assist in precise positioning of the coupling section 40 in the coupling section 20 during assembly.

[0105] FIG. 17 shows in this context an isometric view of the coupling section 20 of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 14 with mounted locking element 60. In this context, the locking element 60 has been pushed through the opening 22 into the coupling section 20, and the connecting sections 72, 73 of the locking element 60 are inserted into the receptacles 82, 84 of the coupling section 20. In addition, the snap element 86 locks at the counterpart snap element 92 and secures in this way the locking element 60 against accidental release from the coupling section 20. In the mounted state, the support regions 77, 79 of the locking element 60 are positioned in the circumferential groove 88 and are supported in the circumferential groove 88. The spring force against opening of the locking arc section 62, 64 is produced in this way.

[0106] In FIG. 18, a plan view of the coupling section 20 with mounted locking element 60 according to FIG. 17 is illustrated with illustrated section planes A4-A4 and A5-A5. FIG. 19 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section 20 according to FIG. 18 along the section line A4-A4 while FIG. 20 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling section 20 according to FIG. 18 along the section line A5-A5. In this way, different sections of the locking element 60 in the mounted state are illustrated.

[0107] In FIG. 19, the engagement of the connecting elements 72, 73 of the locking element 60 in the corresponding receptacles 82, 84 of the coupling section 20 can be seen. Furthermore, the snap element 86 is shown. The locking arc sections 62, 64 as well as the support regions 67, 69 and 77, 79 can be seen in section as well as the actuating elements 66, 68 which are arranged opposite each other in the region of the free ends 74, 76.

[0108] In contrast thereto, in FIG. 20, in the foreground the sectioned support elements 96, 98 can be seen which are arranged at the support regions 77, 79 and which dip into the support groove 94. The sectioned structure of the coupling section 20 is illustrated with the receptacles 82, 84. The locking arc sections 62, 64 with the support regions 67, 69 can be seen in the background.

[0109] FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 14 in mounted state while in FIG. 22 a longitudinal section of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 21 is illustrated.

[0110] In FIG. 21, the coupling section 40 is inserted into the coupling section 20 in which the locking element 60 is mounted. In this way, the coupling device ensures a seal-tight connection of the two coupling sections 20, 40 which, for example, can connect a housing 80 at one side with a pipe 110, in particular of an air conducting arrangement.

[0111] In longitudinal section in FIG. 22, the details of the individual connecting elements can be seen. In the mounted state of the coupling device 10, the coupling section 40 is inserted up to the stop 46 into the coupling section 20. In case of a force acting in the pull-out direction L, the locking ring 60 is contacting the coupling section 20, 40. The radial seal 56 arranged in the sealing groove 54 seals the two coupling sections 20, 40 relative to each other. The coupling section 40 is fixed by the locking element 60 fastened in the coupling section 20 against release in pull-out direction L. In this context, the locking arc sections 62, 64 which are connected by the support regions 67, 69 with the actuating elements 66, 68 are resting against the locking section 52 of the coupling section 40. The locking section 52 is embodied as a circumferential, radial inwardly oriented shoulder 44 opposite to the pull-out direction L of the coupling section 40 wherein the locking arc section 62, 64 in properly mounted state is resting against the locking section 52 and supported against the pull-out direction L.

[0112] The support elements 96, 98 dip into the support groove 94 of the coupling section 20 and thereby absorb possibly occurring pull-out forces which may act on the locking element 60 and transmit them to the coupling section 20.

[0113] The snap element 86 of the locking element 60 is locked at the counterpart locking element 92 of the coupling section 20 and secures in this way the locking element 60 against accidental release from the coupling section 20.

[0114] FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the coupling section 20 with mounted locking element 60 according to FIG. 17 with illustrated section planes A2-A2 and A3-A3.

[0115] In FIG. 24, in this context, a longitudinal section of the coupling section 20 with mounted locking element 60 along the section line A2-A2 according to FIG. 23 is illustrated, with the focus on the connection between locking element 60 and coupling section 20. In this context, one of the connecting sections 72 can be seen which is inserted into the corresponding receptacle 82 of the coupling section 20. With a corresponding embodiment of the contact surfaces of connecting section 72 and receptacle 82, the required forces between locking element 60 and coupling section 20 can thus be transmitted.

[0116] In FIG. 25, a longitudinal section of the coupling section 20 with mounted locking element 60 along the section line A3-A3 according to FIG. 23 is illustrated, with focus on the upper part of the locking element 60 in the region of the actuating element 68. The locking element 60 dips with the locking arc section 64 into the slot-shaped circumferential opening 22. The support element 98 is positioned in the support groove 94 of the coupling section 20 in order to transmit and support forces in the pull-out direction L.

[0117] FIG. 26 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device 10 according to a further embodiment in the released state in which the coupling section 40 is shown pulled out of the coupling section 20. In FIG. 27, an isometric view of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 26 is shown in this context. In FIG. 28, a longitudinal section of the coupling device 10 according to FIG. 26 in mounted state is shown.

[0118] In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, only the differences to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 25 will be discussed.

[0119] The coupling section 40 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 comprises a guide element 100 which is interacting with a counterpart guide element 102 of the other coupling section 20 and is positionable diametrically opposed to the free ends 74, 76 of the locking arc sections 62, 64. The guide element 100 secures in this way the coupling section 40 in the mounted state against tilting about a longitudinal axis. The guide element 100 is realized as a tubular extension of the coupling section 40 and is formed about half the pipe circumference, while the counterpart guide element 102 forms the complementary counterpart thereto in the coupling section 20. When the coupling section 40 is pushed into the coupling section 20, the guide element 100 and counterpart guide element 102 mesh with each other. Accordingly, it is only possible to close the coupling device 10 in this position of the coupling sections 20, 40. A rotation of coupling section 40 relative to coupling section 20 about the axial direction is thus not possible.

[0120] The guide element 100 is arranged opposite to the free ends 74, 76 of the locking arc sections 62, 64 where the essential fixation of the coupling section 40 is realized by contacting of the locking arc sections 62, 64 in the locking section 52 formed by the shoulder 44. In this way, the guide element 100 secures against tilting of the coupling section 40 relative to the coupling section 20 about the longitudinal axis and thus against accidental release of the coupling section 40 out of the coupling device 10. A tilting of the coupling section 40 is therefore not possible anymore or at least possible only to a very limited degree so that the release from the coupling device 10 can be prevented.