U.S. patent application number 10/380187 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for plug-in hose connector device.
Invention is credited to Halbrock, Bernd, Huck, Michael Markus, Luft, Thomas, Twardawski, Harald.
Application Number | 20040093726 10/380187 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7655729 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040093726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huck, Michael Markus ; et
al. |
May 20, 2004 |
Plug-in hose connector device
Abstract
A plug-in line connector (1) for especially simple and secure
assembly has a fluid-tight plug-in connection and a locking device
(25), which is very easy to access when its retaining parts are
assembled in the axial direction and which is locked so that it
cannot be released by passing a locking point. A tension spring,
which is formed as a ring and acts as a block, is used for the
locking element. This guarantees particularly low activation forces
and minimizes axial play.
Inventors: |
Huck, Michael Markus;
(US) ; Halbrock, Bernd; (Konigsbach-Stein, DE)
; Luft, Thomas; (Karlsruhe, DE) ; Twardawski,
Harald; (Rastatt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER, FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
39533 WOODWARD AVENUE
SUITE 140
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-0610
US
|
Family ID: |
7655729 |
Appl. No.: |
10/380187 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
August 16, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE01/03120 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/888.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49298 20150115;
F16L 41/086 20130101; B60H 1/00571 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/888.4 |
International
Class: |
B21K 001/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 11, 2000 |
DE |
100 44 765.1 |
Claims
1. Plug-in line connector (1) with a first connector part (14) and
with a second connector part (16), which define a continuous line
channel (24) when the connector parts (14,16) are assembled, and
with a retaining device (25), which is used to hold the connector
parts (14,15 [sic; 16]) in the assembled state, wherein the
retaining device (25) is formed as a locking device and has a
tension spring element (33) formed as a closed ring as the locking
element.
2. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that a first retaining part (26), which is connected to one of the
connector parts (16), and a second retaining part (27), which is
connected to the other connector part (14), belong to the retaining
device (25), and the first retaining part (26) has an opening (31),
in which the tension spring element (33) is held so that it can
move in the radial direction and so that it essentially cannot move
in the axial direction, and the second retaining part (27) has a
projection (27) that can be inserted into the opening (31) or is
formed by this projection and an annular locking shoulder (45) is
formed on this projection.
3. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the tension spring element (33) is held in the locked state
between two contact surfaces (45,34), which enclose an acute angle
(.alpha.) that opens outwardly between each other.
4. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the tension spring element (33) is formed as a toroid with a
circular cross section.
5. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the tension spring element (33) is flexible so that it can
perform a rolling motion about its cord center axis (S).
6. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the tension spring element (33) is a spiral spring, whose ends
(33a,33b) are connected to each other.
7. Plug-in line connector according to claim 2, characterized in
that the second retaining part (27) has a conical insertion section
(46), which directly contacts to the locking shoulder (45).
8. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the line channel (24) is a fluid channel and for sealing the
connector parts (14,16) connected to each other from the outside in
the assembled state, there is a sealing device (23) that can move
in the axial direction.
9. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the connector parts (14,16) are arranged coaxial to each other
and the retaining device (25) is arranged at a lateral distance to
the connector parts (14,16).
10. Plug-in line connector according to claim 1, characterized in
that the connection device (25) permits lateral movements in the
locked state.
Description
[0001] The invention concerns a plug-in line connector, more
specifically a connector for fluid lines in motor vehicles.
[0002] In particular, air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles,
but also other systems, have fluid lines, which connect different
components of the system to each other. Such fluid lines must
remain leakproof for a long period of time. This condition also
applies, in particular, to their connections. On the other hand,
the fluid connections between the lines and the connected system
components must be able to be established as easily as possible
during assembly. Here there are several requirements: for component
systems, which are to be mounted in the engine compartment of a
motor vehicle, which is the case, e.g., for air-conditioning
systems and their components, the accessibility to the individual
connection points is usually extremely restricted. There is often
no access to the connection points for screwdrivers and other
similar tools. Also, other special tools for establishing fluid
connections can rarely be inserted into such places. Therefore, the
demand has been set to be able to establish connections according
to the simplest method possible in terms of processing and without
the use of special tools as much as possible. In addition, the
connection technology must be independent of the particular
training of the assembler in terms of processing. These conditions
essentially exclude the possibility of improper assembly.
[0003] In addition to the demand for simple assembly and long-term
stable tightness of the connection, the connection should also be
as cost-effective as possible under unfavorable environmental
conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and effects due to
humidity and vibration. The greater the number of connection points
in the fluid-guiding system, the more important these
conditions.
[0004] A connection system for fluid lines is known from U.S. Pat.
No. 5,727,304, which essentially fulfills the afore-mentioned
requirements. The system is used for connecting one end of a
fluid-guiding tube to a corresponding component system. For this
purpose, the relevant tube carries an O-ring in an annular groove
on its free end, which contacts the wall of an opening in the
component system to be connected in a liquid-tight way. A retaining
clamp, which surrounds the tube end and is secured to the component
system by means of a bolt, is used mechanically to secure the tube
end in the opening. The bolt is realized as a locking bolt and
passes through an opening provided for this purpose in the
retaining clamp. The locking bolt has a conical head, which
connects to a locking shoulder. In the opening of the retaining
clamp, there is a snap ring in an annular groove that is open in
the inward radial direction and that grips behind the annular
shoulder of the bolt as a locking element.
[0005] To connect a tube to a component system by means of this
connection technology, the tube end with the O-ring is inserted
into the opening and at the same time the retaining clamp with its
opening is pushed over the conical head of the retaining bolt until
the snap ring grips behind the ring shoulder and the retaining
clamp locks to the bolt.
[0006] The problem of the invention, starting from this known line
connection device, is to refine this device such that for
establishing the connection, the required insertion or activation
force can be reduced.
[0007] The problem is solved with the plug-in line connector
according to Claim 1.
[0008] The plug-in line connector includes two connector parts,
which connect two line channels to each other in the assembled
state. In order to maintain this connection for a long period,
there is a retaining device, which is formed as a locking device. A
tension-spring element formed as a closed ring is used as the
locking element. When it is switched into the locking position, at
first this is led over a locking projection, wherein it expands in
the circumferential direction. The locking projection is preferably
rotationally symmetric. Likewise, when it contacts the locking
projection, the tension-spring element forms a rotationally
symmetric shape. For the transition over the locking projection, it
is merely expanded, so that the same radial forces directed
inwardly are applied over its entire circumference. Consequently,
this uniform force distribution means that the locking element can
move relatively easily over the locking projection. The locking
forces for establishing the locking connection are correspondingly
small. Therefore, the connection can be established by hand without
requiring particularly high forces. Thus, the use of such plug-in
line connectors can also be used in places that are hard to access
and where assemblers can apply only minimal force. In addition, the
risk of improper assembly is low. According to experience,
connections that are established with minimal force minimize the
risk of improper assembly due to the improper use of force.
[0009] The plug-in line connector according to the invention can be
used in the air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, e.g., as a
condenser connection, an evaporator connection, a connection to a
compressor, or a connection to the thermal expansion valve. Here, a
connection between an instrument component and a line is to be
established, i.e., one of the connector parts is arranged or formed
on the given instrument component. In addition, the plug-in line
connector can also be used for connecting two lines. Such plug-in
line connectors can also form line bushings, e.g., in the firewall
of a motor vehicle. Other fluid lines, such as low-pressure
hydraulic lines (feedback lines), fuel lines, oil lines, or water
lines can also be connected to the plug-in line connector according
to the invention.
[0010] One of the retaining parts of the plug-in line connector
according to the invention preferably has an opening in which the
tension-spring element is held so that it can move radially but not
essentially axially. The opening is a through-hole opening, e.g.,
through which a corresponding fastening bolt (second connection
part) projects. So that the tension-spring element can move
radially but not essentially axially, it is received in a
corresponding pocket, which can be formed by an annular groove in
the walls of the opening of the retaining part. The tension-spring
element and the annular groove are adapted to each other in
diameter so that the tension-spring element sits with radial play
in the annular groove, without being able to fall out of the
opening.
[0011] The second retaining part, which is essentially formed by an
elongated element with locking contours, is preferably a locking
bolt with an annular locking shoulder. The locking bolt can be
formed integrally with its corresponding (second) connector part.
Preferably, however, it is screwed into this part. For releasing
the plug-in line connector, the bolt or the connector part
associated with it can be removed, which also allows, e.g., for
maintenance purposes, separation of the plug-in line connector.
[0012] Preferably, the tension-spring element is held in the locked
state between two, e.g., annular, contact surfaces, of which one
belongs to the first retaining part and the other belongs to the
second retaining part and which enclose an acute angle opening
outwards, particularly at the points at which they contact the
tension-spring element. Thus, the surfaces are positioned so that
they hold the tension-spring element between each other in the
expanded state. The tendency of the tension-spring element to pull
together is converted by the angle position of the contact surfaces
to each other into an axial tension force, which presses the
connecting parts to each other in the locked position. Acute angles
between 1.degree. and 15.degree., preferably of approximately
5.degree. for a slope of the contact surfaces of 20.degree. to
25.degree. against the radial direction, have proven to be
especially advantageous for the angle between the two surfaces. The
use of this angle produces especially secure locking connections,
which can be easily established and which cannot be released
through axial forces applied between the connecting parts. Thus,
the tension-spring element acts between the contact surfaces
oriented like a wedge to each other and the tension of the
connector elements acts against each other.
[0013] The tension-spring element is preferably formed as a toroid
with circular cross section. It is preferably made from a flexible
material, whose flexibility allows a rolling motion about its cord
center axis. Thus, the tension-spring element can roll over the
associated locking projection, which reduces the insertion forces,
i.e., the forces required to establish the plug-in connection, to
very low values. The friction that would otherwise occur is thereby
reduced. In addition, a clearly defined locking point is generated,
which is monitored by the assembler, so that improper assembly,
which can result, e.g., through not completely established locking
of other locking elements, can be prevented.
[0014] The use of an annular, closed spiral screw has proven to be
particularly advantageous as the tension-spring element. The spiral
screw is preferably made from spring steel and slides or rolls with
low activation forces over corresponding locking projections. The
expandability can be set according to requirements through
corresponding selection of the spring constants and the wire
thickness of the spiral spring element. The annular spiral spring
is independent of these values relative to its axial direction,
i.e., it is very stiff in the activation direction of the
connection elements, which benefits the security of the locking
connection. While the individual windings of the closed spiral
tension spring are to a certain extent arranged in series relative
to their expansion direction (circumferential direction), they are
arranged in parallel for the axial direction. In this way, the
ratio between stiffness in the axial direction to the stiffness or
expandability in the circumferential direction can become very
large, which is advantageous for the security of the locking
connection.
[0015] The retaining parts can be arranged to the side of the
connector parts. Thus, it is possible for one connection part pair
(one fluid channel) to have several retaining devices and also for
one retaining device to hold several connection devices, which
establish the connection between several fluid channels.
[0016] Advantageous characteristics of embodiments of the invention
result from the drawing, the description, and the subordinate
claims.
[0017] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing.
Shown are:
[0018] FIG. 1, a motor vehicle air-conditioning system as a
schematic block circuit diagram,
[0019] FIG. 2, a plug-in line connector of the air-conditioning
system shown schematically in FIG. 1, in longitudinal section,
[0020] FIG. 3, the plug-in line connector from FIG. 2 in
perspective sectional representation,
[0021] FIG. 4, a locking device belonging to the plug-in line
connector from FIGS. 2 and 3, in sectional representation and at a
different scale,
[0022] FIG. 5, the plug-in line connector from FIGS. 2 and 3 in
exploded view,
[0023] FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a plug-in line
connector in perspective view,
[0024] FIG. 7, the plug-in line connector from FIG. 6 in top
view,
[0025] FIG. 8, another alternative embodiment of a plug-in line
connector in perspective view,
[0026] FIG. 9, another embodiment of the plug-in line connector in
top view,
[0027] FIG. 10, a tension spring formed as a closed ring spring in
sectional perspective view, and
[0028] FIG. 11, geometric relationships of the retaining device
belonging to the plug-in line connector in schematic
representation.
[0029] In FIG. 1, an air-conditioning system 2 of a motor vehicle
is illustrated as an application example for a plug-in line
connector 1 illustrated in FIG. 2. The air-conditioning system
includes a compressor 3, a condenser 4, a fluid container with
filter dryer 5, and an evaporator 6 as instrument components. These
are connected to each other by lines 7, 8, 9, 10, wherein the lines
7, 8, 9, 10 define fluid channels. The evaporator 6 is usually
arranged in the interior of a motor vehicle, while the remaining
components are arranged in the engine compartment. The interior and
the engine compartment are separated from each other by a firewall
11. The lines 7, 10 pass through this wall. Correspondingly, the
lines 7, 10 are divided into line sections 7a, 7b; 10a, 10b. On the
firewall 11 there is a bushing element 12, which connects the
engine-side part 7a, 10a of lines 7, 10 to the passenger-side part
7b, 10b of the corresponding line 7, 10. The plug-in line connector
1 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be used for connection of the lines 7,
8, 9, 10 to the instrument components 3, 4, 5, 6, as well as to the
connection element 12.
[0030] A first connector part 14 (female connector part) belongs to
the line connection device 1, which is provided with a connection
opening 15. This forms a fluid channel 15a, to which a line, e.g.,
the line 8, which contains a fluid channel 8a, is to be connected.
The line 8 is connected to a second connector part 16 (male
connector part), which is to be inserted as a tubular projection
into the connection opening 15. The connector part 16 has a first
cylindrical section 17, as can be seen especially from FIG. 5,
whose outer diameter approximately matches the inner diameter of
the connection opening 15 and fits into the connection opening 15
with minimum play. At its free end, the outer diameter of the
connector part 16 is reduced, wherein there are one or two locking
ribs 18 on its outer circumference. These are used for captive
support of an end ring 19, which forms the connection of the
connector part 16, e.g., as a plastic ring with a conical inlet
diagonal 20. The plastic ring 19 borders in common with the
end-side annular surface of the cylindrical section 17 an annular
groove 21 (FIGS. 2 and 3), in which an O-ring 23 is arranged or two
or more O-rings 23 or other sealing elements are arranged. The
O-ring 23 or the other sealing elements is (are) used for sealing
the fluid channel 24, which is bordered by the two connector parts
14, 16 from the outside and which is formed by the fluid channels
8a, 15a connected to each other.
[0031] In order to keep the connector parts 14, 16 together in the
assembled state, i.e., the connector part 16 inserted into the
connection opening 15, there is a retaining device 25, which
includes a first retaining part 27 and a second retaining part 26.
The second retaining part 26 can be formed integrally with the
corresponding connector part 16, as can be seen particularly from
FIG. 3. The line 8 to be connected is taken away in FIG. 3. It can
be connected to the connector part 16 and/or to the retaining part
26 by suitable means, e.g., by means of adhesive connection, solder
connection, crimping connection, or some other means. If flexible
lines are required, a tubular projection can be provided, as shown
in FIG. 2, which extends away from the retaining part 26 and is
used as a bearing for a flexible line.
[0032] The retaining part 26 is connected rigidly or releasable to
the connector part 16 and has an essentially flat bottom side 28,
which in the mounted (assembled) state contacts a corresponding
planar surface 29, which is formed on the connector part 14 or if
necessary on the retaining part 27. Here, the connector part 14 can
be a separate connection element or part of one of the components
to be connected. For example, the connector part 14 on the
condenser 4, the evaporator 6, the compressor 3, or the connector
element 12 and also the fluid container can be provided with a
filter dryer 5.
[0033] The connector part 26 has an opening, in the present
embodiment a through-hole opening 31 (see particularly FIG. 5),
which can be formed essentially as a cylindrical hole. The inner
wall of the opening 31 is provided with an annular groove 32, which
opens inwardly in the radial direction, as can be seen particularly
from FIG. 4. The annular groove 32 has an approximately trapezoidal
cross section and supports an annular tension-spring element, in
the present embodiment a tension spring 33, whose two ends 33a, 33b
are connected to each other, so that it forms a closed ring. One of
the ends 33a, 33b can be inserted into the other. If necessary,
they can be connected to each other by a laser spot weld. In
addition, they can be connected to each other by an elastomer,
which either completely fills the interior or fills at least the
region of the ends 33a, 33b.
[0034] The tension spring 33, which is illustrated separately in
FIG. 10, is wound and dimensioned such that its windings 35 contact
each other under a preset tension. It is a pre-tensioned spring
element, whose characteristic line can be adapted according to
requirements. In the untensioned state, the tension spring has an
outer diameter, which is somewhat larger than the inner diameter of
the opening 31. Thus, it is held captive in the annular groove 32
and cannot fall out through the opening 31, even if the retaining
part 27 does not pass through the opening 31.
[0035] On the other hand, the tension spring 33 has a length such
that in the free, untensioned state, preferably slightly more than
half of its winding diameter projects into the opening 31. In this
way, it can form a locking element for the retaining part 27, which
is inserted at another point according to its shape.
[0036] The annular groove 32 forms a pocket for receiving the
tension spring 31, wherein the edge 34 facing the planar surface 28
forms a conical [surface], i.e., an annular surface on a conical
envelope. With the axial direction A shown in FIG. 4, it encloses
an angle of preferably 70.degree., i.e., it is arranged at an angle
of approximately 20.degree. to the radial direction. In contrast,
the annular edge 35 of the opposite annular groove 32 can be formed
as a planar surface, wherein the slope of this surface is of
secondary importance. The groove floor 36, i.e., the outer diameter
of the annular groove 32, is arranged or dimensioned such that the
tension spring element 33 can be pressed completely into the
annular groove 32 as required, i.e., disappears behind the wall of
the opening 31, if it is expanded correspondingly.
[0037] The connector part 27 is formed as a locking bolt, which
projects from the planar surface 29. The locking bolt 27 can be
connected integrally to the connector part 14 if necessary.
Preferably, and in the present embodiment, however, it is connected
to the connector part 14 so that it can be detached. For this
purpose there is a threaded hole 41, which is arranged parallel to
the connection opening 15 and at a distance to this opening. Thus,
it is positioned so that the bolt 27 does not become stuck in the
opening 31 when the connector part 16 is pushed into the connection
part 15.
[0038] The connector part 27 has a thread-bearing projection 42,
which connects, e.g., to a cylindrical section 43. Its annular end
surface 44 connecting to the thread-bearing projection 42 makes
close contact with the planar surface 29 when the bolt 27 acting as
a connector part is screwed into the threaded hole 41. Thus, the
end surface 44 sets the position of a locking shoulder 45
connecting to the cylindrical section 43, which is preferably
formed as a conical surface with large opening angle. Radially, it
preferably encloses an angle of approximately 25.degree.. Its
largest diameter is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter
of the hole 31. Its smallest diameter is measured at the transition
to the cylindrical section 43, whose outer diameter is smaller than
the inner diameter of the free, untensioned tension spring 33. This
also applies in the figurative sense if the section 43 is not
cylindrical, but instead has another shape, e.g., like a prism. In
any case, this section 43 does not contact the tension spring 33 in
the locked state.
[0039] An insertion cone 46 contacts the annular shoulder 45, which
tapers starting from the largest diameter of the locking shoulder
45 to the free end of the bolt 27. In the present embodiment, the
slope of the envelope surface of the insertion cone 46 against the
axis A is approximately 8.degree.. Different angles are possible
corresponding to the requirements on the activation forces for
establishing the locking connection. The length of the insertion
cone 46 is dimensioned so that on the free end there is a diameter
that is smaller than the inner diameter of the completely free
tension spring 33. Thus, the insertion cone 46 is secured in the
opening enclosed by the tension spring 33. Instead of the conical
shape, other rotationally symmetric shapes can also be used, whose
diameter increases to the locking shoulder.
[0040] At its free end, the bolt 27 is provided with an activation
device, e.g., an internal hexagonal head 47 or an external
hexagonal head or a Torx head, in order to be able to release the
bolt 27 from the connector part 14 if necessary.
[0041] The plug-in line connector 1 described thus far operates in
the following way:
[0042] First, it is assumed that no assembly has yet been done,
i.e., the connector part 16 is not yet inserted into the connector
part 14. Thus, the O-ring 23 or the O-rings is (are) untensioned in
its (their) appropriate groove 21. The tension spring 33 is also
completely untensioned, i.e., it has its smallest inner diameter.
However, its outer diameter is at least somewhat larger than the
inner diameter of the opening 31, so that it lies securely in its
annular groove 32, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0043] If the connector part 16 is now inserted into the connection
opening 15 in order to establish the connection, the retaining part
26 with its opening 31 is simultaneously pushed over the conical
head of the bolt 27. The annular tension spring 33 thus contacts
the insertion cone 46 and is expanded by this cone. Thus, the
tension spring 33 slides or rolls about its cord axis S shown in
FIG. 10. Even tension springs 33 that are thick and that generate a
relatively large force directed radially inwardly, i.e., that
expand only with difficulty, roll with minimal resistance on the
insertion cone 46. The axial activation forces required for this
purpose are small, so that the sliding friction remains low between
the edge 35 and the tension spring 33.
[0044] Shortly before the connection part 16 is inserted completely
into the connection opening 15, i.e., shortly before the planar
surface 28 of the retaining part 26 reaches the planar surface 29
and comes in contact with it, the tension spring 33 has reached the
locking shoulder 45. In other words, the locking shoulder 45 is
positioned, as can be seen particularly from FIG. 11, such that the
distance between the outer end 45a of the ring shoulder 45 in the
radial direction (distance A1) is greater than the diameter D of
the tension spring 33 (FIG. 10), while the distance of the smallest
diameter (inner end 34a) of the edge 34 of the opposite locking
shoulder (distance A2 in FIG. 12) is smaller than the diameter D of
the tension spring 33. As can also be seen in FIG. 11, the inclined
position of the participating surfaces 34, 45 provides locking
against the radial direction through the tension spring 33 with a
circular cross section, without overlapping the surfaces 45, 34
relative to the axial direction A.
[0045] As soon as the tension spring 33 is behind the locking
shoulder 45, it snaps into the intermediate space (distance A1)
shown in FIG. 11 and pulls together. It wedges itself into the gap
between the edge 34 and the locking shoulder 45 and thus pulls the
retaining part 26 with great force against the connecting part 14.
This creates a locking connection that cannot be released through
axial tension. It can be opened again only by removing the bolt 27.
Otherwise, a permanent connection is produced. In particular, a
large locking force for low activation force (insertion force) is
produced. The pulling (tensioning) effect of the tension spring 33,
which wedges itself between the inclined surfaces 45, 34, produces
an axial, play-free bearing for the retaining device 25.
[0046] The previous embodiment concerns a one-channel fluid
connection and a single retaining device for securing it. As can be
seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, fluid channels, particularly those
carrying high pressure, can also be secured by two retaining
devices 25, 25a. Both retaining devices 25, 25a are formed to match
each other and correspond to the retaining device 25 according to
the previous embodiment. As FIG. 7 shows, they can be arranged
diametrically opposite each other relative to the line 8. The
retaining part 26 is then formed symmetrically in terms of geometry
and forces. In addition, it is matched to torsion loads. These are
held back by the O-ring 23. In particular, it receives no radial
load, which benefits its tightness. This applies to all embodiments
with two or more retaining devices 25 (FIGS. 7, 8).
[0047] The arrangement of several similarly formed retaining
devices 25, 25a on a common retaining part 26 is possible since the
tension spring element 33 of the corresponding retaining devices
25, 25a permits a certain amount of radial play. The coaxial
position and alignment between the connector parts 14, 16 is
determined just from the O-ring 23, but not from the retaining
devices 25, 25a. This also applies to the other embodiments. Thus,
the O-ring 23 receives no additional radial load through the
retaining device 25 or 25a and can thus act as an optimum seal. The
O-ring determines the radial position and affects the coaxial
alignment. It thus creates its own installation position according
to requirements. The retaining device adapts to these
conditions.
[0048] Another embodiment of the line connector device is shown in
FIG. 8. This can be used, e.g., as bushing or connection element 12
from FIG. 1, for connecting lines 7a, 10a on both sides of the fire
wall 11 to the appropriate line ends. The construction of this
plug-in line connector 12 essentially corresponds to that of FIG.
6, wherein the connector part 26 has two line connections 7a, 10a.
Correspondingly, the connector part 14 is provided with two
connection openings that are coaxial to the lines 7, 10.
[0049] While two retaining devices 25, 25a can be provided for the
retaining part 26 with the embodiment from FIG. 7, as can be seen
from FIG. 9, the connection can also be secured by means of a
single retaining device 25. The connection element 12a shown here
has a connector part 14 with a connection bolt 27 and two
connection openings that are arranged diametrically opposite each
other and that are not described further. The retaining part 26 has
connections for the two lines 7, 10, which are arranged at
corresponding positions of the retaining part 26. The retaining
device 25 is arranged at the center between the two connections 7,
10, so that it produces symmetrical relationships in terms of
forces.
[0050] A plug-in line connector 1 for particularly simple and
secure assembly has a fluid-tight plug-in connection and a locking
device 25, which is very easy to access when its retaining parts
are assembled in the axial direction, and which locks when it
passes a locking point so that it cannot be detached. A tension
spring, which is formed as a ring and acts as a block, is used as
the locking element. This guarantees particularly low activation
forces and minimizes axial play.
* * * * *