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 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 ore 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 the at least one actuating element is arranged adjacent to a free end of the one or more locking arc sections.

4. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein on at least one of the first and second coupling sections at least one marking is arranged for recognizing a locking action of the at least one locking element at the locking section by a position of the at least one actuating element.

5. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element is integrally formed on the first coupling section.

6. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter by the second coupling section for proper mounting.

7. 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, 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,

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 a circumferential, 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 circumferential, 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, further comprising at least two orientation elements configured to correctly position the first and second coupling sections in an angular position relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

14. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein on at least one of the first and second coupling sections a sealing groove is provided which, on the circumference of said at least one of the first and second coupling sections, is embodied at least partially in a corrugated shape in an assembly direction of the coupling device.

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

16. 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 corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, the one or more locking arc sections interact with a locking section of the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, the locking section extending circumferentially at least partially about a circumference of the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, in such a way that, in said mounted state, an axial movement of said coupling section relative to the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device is limited.

17. The coupling section according to claim 16, wherein the at least one locking element is reversibly expandable in diameter for proper mounting.

18. 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 corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, interacts with one or more locking arc section of at least one locking element of the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, the one or more locking arc sections matched at least partially to a circumference of the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, in such a way that, in said mounted state, an axial movement of said coupling section relative to the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device is limited.

19. The coupling section according to claim 18, wherein the locking section is a circumferential, radial inwardly oriented shoulder facing in a pull-out direction of the coupling section from the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device, wherein the one or more locking arc sections, when properly mounted, contact the locking section and are supported against the pull-out direction.

20. The coupling section according to claim 18, further comprising a sealing groove, provided on the circumference of the coupling section and extending at least partially with a corrugated shape in an assembly direction of coupling the coupling section to the corresponding coupling section of the coupling device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the outer coupling section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in closed position.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in closed position along the section line B-B in FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in open position.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in open position along the section line B-B in FIG. 5.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 1 in half open position.

[0043] 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.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a coupling device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section of the coupling device according to FIG. 9 in closed position.

[0046] 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.

[0047] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention with a sealing groove, on the circumference, extending at least partially in a corrugated shape in the assembly direction.

[0048] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a coupling section of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 sufficient 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 by pushing apart the actuating levers 66, 68 in circumferential direction, and thus the locking arc sections 62, 64, can be expanded. 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 the locking section 52. 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 in correct position 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] FIG. 12 shows in isometric illustration a coupling arrangement 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 arrangement can be advantageously reduced. 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 and the connecting section 72, respectively.

[0068] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.