DE20014909U1 - Connection device for coupling two elongated bodies - Google Patents

Description

PATENT AND LAW FIRM Patent Attorney Dipl.-Ing. H. Schmitt

SCHMITT, MAUCHER & BÖRJES RST SÄ?^S

Anton Hummel Dreikönigstrasse 13

Verwaltungs GmbH D-79102 Freiburg i. Br.

Mozartstrasse 2

79183 Waldkirch ^Telephone < ^{07 6&Udigr;} > ^{79 174} °

' waxQKircn _{Tdefa (0? 6Y) ?9 1?4 3}

1'&eegr;<*&Ggr;&igr;· Aklii · Grooves ¹ iiib aii^

G 00 500 M

Mr/Dr

Connecting device for coupling two elongated

bodies

The invention relates to a connecting device for coupling at least two elongated bodies which, in the connected state, engage with each other at least in the coupling area, wherein one body has a frontal recess into which a coupling connection of the other body can be inserted and fits, and wherein in the recess on the one hand and on the coupling connection on the other hand at least one groove-like depression is arranged and these groove-like depressions in the coupling position axially on

fc are at the same height and have essentially the same axial extent, and a common coupling element is provided which simultaneously engages in the groove-like recesses provided on both sides, blocking mutual axial movement.

5 It is therefore a matter of coupling two essentially aligned elongated bodies such as pipes, hoses, sleeves or the like, which can be connected at the end faces in order to then continue each other in the axial direction.

Such connecting devices are known, for example, from EP 0 717 226 A1 or from DE 31 47 665 A1. Among the

F:\TEXTS\REGISTER\DR00008n

Connecting devices each have a screw connection which, when released, allows the insertion of a coupling ring that acts as a coupling element and is then secured by the screw connection. This coupling ring is slotted so that it can be additionally deformed radially by the screw connection and axial loading in order to maintain its coupling position.

Such a connecting device is advantageous for such elongated bodies in which a peripheral

ribs, grooves, an annular groove or the like, so that this ^ body can be very simply designed. However, a relatively complex connecting device and coupling is required, since a screw connection is required for installing the coupling element designed as a ring and also for dismantling.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a connecting device of the type mentioned at the outset, which allows a quick and simple fixing of the parts to be connected and coupled without the need for screwing.

To solve this task, the connection procedure defined at the beginning

^ direction characterized in that in the wall of the recess at least one slot is provided which runs from the outside to the inside and opens into the groove-like depression, through which the coupling element can be moved or inserted from the outside into the mutual coupling region and into the groove-like depressions of the two bodies to be coupled.

To connect the two elongated bodies, it is sufficient to insert the coupling connection of one body into the frontal recess of the other body, whereby the groove-like recesses on the one hand on the outside of the coupling connection and on the other hand on the inside of the frontal recess are at the same height, and then the coupling element is removed from the

Side through the continuous slot into the coupling area or to push or insert it. After that, an axial release movement of this coupling is no longer possible because the coupling element engages in both groove-like recesses at the same time and thus blocks such an axial movement.

A screw connection, through whose axial movement a slotted coupling ring is additionally radially deformed in order to engage in groove-like recesses of both bodies simultaneously, and the associated effort are thus avoided.

^ It is advantageous if the slot is only partially completely continuous through the wall of the recess of one elongated body and adjacent to it is formed a groove that is open to the outside and if the coupling element has a coupling projection that fits through the continuous area of the slot and reaches into the two groove-like recesses and an abutment that fits into the groove that is open to the outside. The coupling element can therefore be pushed with its coupling projection into the desired locking position and at the same time be inserted and brought into contact with the outside in the groove of the wall of the recess of one elongated body, so that

^ that a defined blocking position is achieved.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist in that two slots are provided which open into groove-like depressions, that the coupling element is approximately U-shaped and its two U-legs each serve as coupling elements or coupling projections which can be inserted through the continuous slots and that the preferably rounded U-crosspiece fits into a depression or groove connecting the two continuous slots on the outside of the wall of the recess of the one elongated body and is preferably flush with the edge of the depression or groove with its outer edge or is countersunk relative to the edge of the groove. The two coupling projections

The coupling element can therefore be U-shaped or partially ring-shaped, with two legs being able to protrude into the coupling area through the continuous slots, while the connection of these two legs acts as an abutment and stop to limit the insertion depth and ensure that the two legs are positioned precisely in the position of use. By arranging this connecting part of the two legs flush or countersunk, it is possible to prevent the coupling element from protruding on the outside in the position of use and being accidentally moved out of its position of use.

The clear distance between the U-legs of the U-shaped coupling element

' can be reduced at least at their free ends compared to their further course and smaller than the largest external diameter of the coupling connection of the other elongated body that can be inserted into the recess of one elongated body at the level of the groove-like depression and the coupling element can be elastically expanded somewhat and can be locked in its position of use on the plug-in coupling connection of the elongated body. At the level of the groove-like depression, the coupling connection has a dimension reduced by the depth of the groove-like depression, which corresponds approximately to the distance between the U-legs - except at their free ends. If the U-legs are in the area of the groove-like

^ recesses pushed over the coupling connection, so the

"U" is initially widened slightly until the ends of the U-legs are pushed past the area that is narrower than their distance, after which the coupling element relaxes and ensures that it locks in this position.

In order to achieve the simplest possible coupling with any mutual rotational orientation of the parts to be connected, it is advantageous if the groove-shaped recess is designed as an annular groove around the entire circumference, particularly with a constant depth, at least on the coupling connection of the other elongated body that can be inserted into the recess of one elongated body. Irrespective of the mutual rotational position, the coupling element then reaches

When inserting through the through slot(s), always ensure that the groove-like recess on the coupling connection is maintained.

A further embodiment of the invention can consist in that the continuous slot or slots on the wall of the recess are open radially or outwardly, i.e. are practically designed as transverse slots in the walls up to a corresponding radial depth.

The coupling area(s) of the coupling element can have such a radial width and shape that they are accessible from the outside at or in the continuous slots that accommodate them and can be grasped in particular with one or more tools. This means that the coupling element can also be easily released again despite being locked in the position of use. Disassembly is correspondingly simple.

The coupling element can fill the slots and the groove connecting them and be essentially flush with the outside of the wall of the recess. In this way, the depth of the slots and the groove connecting them can be filled with a correspondingly large coupling element and used as best as possible.

^ without the coupling element protruding beyond the surface of the coupling area and becoming accidentally damaged or even loose.

The coupling projection(s) of the coupling element can have an increasing and then decreasing width along their course and at least the area with the greatest width can, in the position of use, extend into the groove-shaped recess of the insertable part of the elongated body. The areas adjacent to this greatest width, on the other hand, then come to lie in the continuous slot and support the coupling element on both sides of the actual coupling point when subjected to axial load. Accordingly high forces can be absorbed in the axial direction.

especially when two such coupling projections simultaneously ensure the axial connection of the elongated bodies.

A further embodiment of the invention can consist in that a sealing ring or O-ring is arranged in the coupling area, which seals against both coupled parts within the coupling area. This is particularly useful for elongated bodies that serve as lines carrying a medium. The sealing ring or O-ring can also be advantageous because it compensates for play that occurs within the connecting device, which can be caused by manufacturing tolerances or the like.

^ can. Thus, such a sealing or O-ring can also be useful for elongated bodies that do not serve as lines.

Above all, it is advantageous for the sealing function of the sealing ring if, in the position of use, it is arranged within the recess in the axial direction deeper than the slot or slots open in the radial direction, in particular in an annular groove or groove or the like adjacent to the groove-like depressions used for coupling. The sealing ring is thus located at a point at which, due to this seal, no medium can enter or pass through between the connected elongated bodies.

An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows in a partially schematic representation:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the ends to be coupled of two elongated bodies and one in their coupling area

insertable coupling element before mutual connection,

Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 after coupling of the axially aligned and to be connected

·

· · B

·

elongated body, partly cut lengthwise,

Fig. 3 the elongated bodies to be coupled and their coupling areas and the coupling element each in longitudinal section

before joining and connecting each other,

Fig. 4 a cross section along the line A-A in Fig. 3 through the area of the continuous slots in the wall

0 of the frontal recess of one elongated body

into which the coupling connection of the other elongated body can be inserted, as well as by the partially annular or U-shaped coupling element,

Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of the two interconnected

elongated body in coupling position,

Fig. 6 is a cross-section along the line A-A in Fig. 5 through the coupling area and in particular through the coupling element and

Fig. 7 a top view of the U-shaped coupling element and ^ in dash-dotted representation as inner circle the

Groove base of the groove-like recess of the coupling connection and as a larger, concentric circle the

Outside diameter in the area of the groove.

A multi-part connecting device, designated as a whole by 1, serves for coupling at least two elongate bodies or sleeves 2 and 3, wherein essential parts of the connecting device 1 are integrally connected to these bodies 2 and 3 in the exemplary embodiment and engage with one another in the coupling region in the connected state, as is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 5.

One body 3 has a frontal recess 4 into which

a coupling connection 5 of the other body 2 can be inserted and fits according to Fig. 2 and 5.

In the recess 4 and on the coupling connection 5 there are groove-like depressions 6 and 7 which, in the coupling position according to Fig. 2 and 5, are at the same axial height and also have a corresponding axial extent.

The connecting device 1 also includes a common coupling element 8, which in the coupling position simultaneously engages the

engages in the groove-like recesses 6 and 7 provided on both sides &trade; and prevents a mutual axial movement of the two bodies 2 and 3, thus the axial pulling out of the coupling connection

5 from the recess 4.
15

In Fig. 1 and especially in Fig. 4, but also in Fig. 6, it can be seen that in the wall 9 of the recess 4 at least one, in the embodiment two, slots 10 are provided, which run from the outside to the inside and open into the groove-like depression 6 and which have a dimension in the axial direction that is the same as the groove-like depression.

6 and are connected practically seamlessly to this groove-like recess 6. Conversely, one could say that the groove-like recess 6 extends radially outwards over the outside of the wall

^ 9 of the recess 4 is continued.

Through this slot 10, the coupling element 8 can be moved and pushed from the outside into the mutual coupling area and into the groove-like recesses 6 and 7 of the two bodies 2 and 3 to be coupled. The result of such an insertion of the coupling element 8 into the two slots 10 can be seen particularly well in Fig. 6.

Fig. 4 and to a certain extent also Fig. 1 show that the slot 10 only partially passes through the wall 9 of the recess 4 of the one elongated body 3, namely where

it acts as a groove-like depression 6 on the inside. Adjacent to this, it is designed as an outwardly open groove 11. The coupling element 8 has a coupling projection 12 that fits through the continuous area of the slot 10 and extends into the groove-like depression 7 of the coupling connection 5 and an abutment 13 that fits into the outwardly open groove 11.

In the embodiment, it is expediently provided that two continuous slots 10 opening into groove-like recesses 6 are provided parallel to each other and that the coupling element 8 is approximately U-shaped and its two U-legs each

&trade; form a coupling projection 12 and can be inserted through the continuous slots 10. The rounded U-shaped crosspiece forms the abutment 13 and fits into the recess or groove 11 connecting the two continuous slots 10 on the outside of the wall 9 of the recess 4 of the one elongated body 3. According to Fig.

2 and 5, the coupling element 8 and its abutment 13 with its outer edge is flush with the edge of the recess or groove 11, i.e. the coupling element 8 is flush with the outside of the wall 9 in the position of use and does not protrude beyond it.

According to Fig. 1, 3 and 5, the groove-shaped recess 7 is provided on the

' the recess 4 of one elongated body 3 insertable coupling connection 5 of the other elongated body 2 is designed as an annular groove around the entire inner circumference, so that the parts 2 and

3 can be coupled and connected in any rotational position relative to each other.

Although it would be conceivable for the continuous slots 10 to be closed again at their periphery, in the embodiment they are also open radially outwards on the wall 9 of the recess 4, which is easier to produce.

The coupling projection(s) 1 2 of the coupling element 8 have

accordingly, such a radial width and shape that they are accessible from the outside at or in the continuous slots 10 that accommodate them and in particular can be grasped with one or more tools. In Fig. 6 in particular, it can be seen that a notch 15 is formed at the respective ends of the coupling projections 12 between their front sides and the respective tapering slot 10, which a release tool could engage. The coupling element 8 can therefore also be moved out of the coupling position again, although it fills the slots 10 and the groove 11 connecting them 0 and is essentially flush with the outside of the wall 9 of the recess 4.

It can be seen, particularly in Fig. 4 and 7, that the clear distance between the U-legs, i.e. the two coupling projections 12, is reduced at least at their free ends compared to their usual course and is smaller than the largest external diameter of the coupling connection 5 of the other elongated body 2, which can be inserted into the recess 4 of one elongated body 3, at the level of the groove-like depression 7, i.e. at the bottom of the groove. This can also be clearly seen in Fig. 6.

The coupling element 8 can therefore be expanded somewhat elastically and, in its position of use, is locked into the inserted coupling connection 5 within its groove-like recess 7. This creates a positive connection as shown in Fig. 6. The elastic expansion is also promoted and made possible by the fact that the continuous slots 10 are open in the radial direction and therefore do not hinder the radial expansion mentioned.

This special shape and the relation, in particular, to the outer diameter of the coupling area 5 on the one hand and to the groove base on the other hand is shown in Fig. 7 and one can see how the coupling projections 12 of the coupling element 8 intersect or touch both circles in a central area, so that the forces captured by both circles on the coupling projections 12

·

·

,11

Surfaces 14 form the locking surface with which the coupling element 8 interacts in the axial direction in the coupling position.

The coupling projections 1 2 of the coupling element 8 have a width that initially increases and then decreases again, which is mainly due to the adaptation to the circular cross-sectional shape of the wall 9, to which the outside of the coupling element 8 is adapted. In the area of the greatest width, the coupling element 8 or its respective coupling projection 1 2 then extends into the groove-shaped recess 7 of the plug-in coupling connection 5 of the elongated body 2.

In Figures 2, 3 and 5 it is also indicated that a sealing ring or O-ring 16 can be arranged in the coupling area, which seals against both coupled parts within the coupling area and can compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the individual parts that form the mutual connection or coupling and can eliminate any play caused by this. In addition, it can serve to seal against a medium if the elongated bodies 2 and 3 are parts of a line.

It is therefore intended that the sealing ring 16 in the position of use

^ is arranged within the recess 4 in the axial direction deeper than the slot or slots 10 open in the radial direction and in the exemplary embodiment in an annular groove 17 adjacent to the groove-like depressions 6 and 7 serving for coupling.

To couple two elongated bodies 2 and 3, they engage in the coupling area when connected. One body 3 has a frontal recess 4 into which a coupling connection 5 of the other body 2 fits and can be inserted. In the recess 4 on the one hand and on the coupling connection on the other hand, a groove-like depression 6 and 7 is arranged, which are axially at the same height in the coupling position and in the

essentially have a matching axial dimension. A common coupling element 8 engages in the connection position simultaneously in these groove-like recesses 6 and 7 and thus prevents mutual axial movements, in particular pulling the coupling connection 5 out of the recess 4. So that the coupling element 8 can reach its coupling position in a simple manner, at least one slot 10 is provided in the wall 9 of the recess 4, which runs from the outside to the inside and opens into the groove-like recess 6 or forms it, through which the coupling element 8 can be inserted from the outside into the mutual coupling area and into the groove-like recess

P 7 of the other body 2 can be moved or inserted.

/Expectations

Claims (11)

1. Connecting device ( 1 ) for coupling at least two elongate bodies ( 2 , 3 ) which, when connected, engage with one another at least in the coupling area, wherein one body ( 3 ) has a frontal recess ( 4 ) into which a coupling connection ( 5 ) of the other body ( 2 ) can be inserted and fits, and wherein in the recess ( 4 ) on the one hand and on the coupling connection ( 5 ) on the other hand at least one groove-like depression ( 6 , 7 ) is arranged, and these groove-like depressions are axially at the same height in the coupling position and have essentially the same axial extent, and wherein a common coupling element ( 8 ) is provided which simultaneously engages in the groove-like depressions ( 6 , 7 ) provided on both sides, blocking mutual axial movement, characterized in that in the wall ( 9 ) of the recess ( 4 ) at least a slot ( 10 ) is provided which runs from the outside to the inside and opens into the groove-like recess ( 6 ), through which the coupling element ( 8 ) can be moved or inserted from the outside into the mutual coupling region and into the groove-like recesses ( 6 , 7 ) of the two bodies ( 2 , 3 ) to be coupled. 2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot ( 10 ) is only partially completely continuous through the wall ( 9 ) of the recess ( 4 ) of one elongated body ( 3 ) and is designed adjacent thereto as an outwardly open groove ( 11 ) and that the coupling element ( 8 ) has a coupling projection ( 12 ) which fits through the continuous region of the slot ( 10 ) and reaches into the groove-like depression ( 7 ) of the coupling connection ( 5 ) and an abutment ( 13 ) which fits into the outwardly open groove ( 11 ). 3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two slots ( 10 ) are provided which open into groove-like depressions ( 6 ) or which form them, that the coupling element ( 8 ) is approximately U-shaped and its two U-legs each serve as coupling elements ( 8 ) which can be inserted through the continuous slots ( 10 ), and that the preferably rounded U-crosspiece fits into a depression or groove (11) connecting the two continuous slots ( 10 ) on the outside of the wall ( 9 ) of the recess ( 4 ) of the one elongated body ( 3 ) and is preferably flush with the edge of the depression or groove (11 ) with its outer edge or is countersunk relative to the groove edge. 4. Connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the clear distance between the U-legs of the U-shaped coupling element is reduced at least at their free ends compared to their further course and is smaller than the largest external diameter of the coupling connection ( 5 ) of the other elongate body that can be inserted into the recess ( 4 ) of one elongate body ( 3 ) at the level of the groove-like depressions ( 7 ), and that the coupling element ( 8 ) can be elastically expanded somewhat and can be locked in its position of use on the inserted coupling connection ( 5 ) of the elongate body. 5. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the groove-shaped recess ( 7 ) on the coupling connection ( 5 ) of the other elongate body ( 2 ) which can be inserted into the recess ( 4 ) of one elongate body ( 3 ) is designed as an annular groove running around the entire circumference. 6. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the continuous slot(s) ( 10 ) on the wall 9 of the recess 4 is/are open radially or outwardly. 7. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling region or regions ( 12 ) of the coupling element ( 8 ) have such a radial width and shape that they are accessible from the outside at or in the continuous slots ( 10 ) receiving them and in particular can be grasped with one or more tools. 8. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling element ( 8 ) and the groove ( 11 ) connecting them fills and is substantially flush with the outside of the wall ( 9 ) of the recess ( 4 ). 9. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling projection(s) ( 12 ) of the coupling element ( 8 ) has/have an increasing and decreasing width in its course and at least the region of greatest width in the position of use extends into the groove-shaped recess ( 7 ) of the plug-in coupling connection ( 5 ) of the elongated body ( 2 ). 10. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a sealing ring or O-ring ( 16 ) is arranged in the coupling area, which sealingly rests on both coupled parts within the coupling area. 11. Connecting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing ring ( 16 ) in the position of use within the recess ( 4 ) is arranged deeper in the axial direction than the slot or slots ( 10 ) open in the radial direction, in particular is arranged in an annular groove ( 17 ) or the like adjacent to the groove-like depressions ( 6 , 7 ) serving for coupling.