Title of Invention

CONNECTING DEVICE FOR PIPELINES

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector device (1) for the plug-in connection of at least one pipe (6), comprising a housing piece (2), with at least one insertion opening (4), for plugging in the pipe (6) and a clamping ring (8), arranged within the insertion opening (4), which cooperates with an internal cone (16) of the housing piece (2) to lock the pipe (6). The housing piece (2) is a two-piece embodiment, comprising a base piece (28) and an insert (32) which includes the internal cone (16), connected by means of a snap-in positive-fit connection (30). The insert (32) comprises a contamination seal (34) for contact with the circumference of the plugged-in pipe (6). The insert (32) thus comprises a first relatively hard and rigid plastic material and the contamination seal (34) is directly moulded thereon with a material connection in one piece and is made from a second relatively soft and elastic plastic material.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a connecting device for the plug-in connection of at least one pipeline (pipeline or hose line for gases or liquids), comprising a housing part having at least one receiving opening for the insertion of the pipeline, and * a slotted and, as a result, radially elastically deformable clamping ring, which is arranged in the receiving opening and, in order to lock the pipeline in place, interacts via an outer cone with an inner cone of the housing part, the housing part being made in two parts from a base part and an insert part, which is connected to the latter via a snap-action form-fitting connection and has the inner cone, and the insert part having a dirt seal for resting on the circumference of the inserted pipeline. A connecting device of this type is disclosed in EP 0 733 844 Bi. In this case, the insert part consists of a single-piece plastic molded part, a dirt seal, which is intended to prevent .dust, dirt, moisture (spray water) and the like from penetrating, being molded onto it as a single piece as an encircling sealing lip. Before the pipeline is inserted, this sealing -lip extends obliquely radially inward in the insertion direction in such a manner that it is somewhat elastically widened by the inserted pipeline and then rests against it in a sealing manner. For the purpose- of being able to release the pipeline, the insert part here has two elastic latching arms which engage with latching attachments into the base part and into latching openings formed there. Each latching arm has an actuating section which protrudes outward from the base part. This known connecting device has - 2 - essentially been well tried and tested, but,' in particular, the dirt seal is still not optimal. In addition, the protruding actuating attachments of the latching arms may be obstructive or may even result in an unintentional release. The present invention is based on the object of further improving a connecting device of the described generic type in respect of its use properties using economical means. According to the invention, this is achieved by the insert part consisting of a first, relatively hard and dimensionally stable plastic material and by the dirt seal, consisting of a second, relatively soft and elastic plastic material, being molded directly onto it as a single piece with a cohesive material joint. This advantageous configuration makes it possible for the dirt seal to be designed specifically in terms of shape and/or material to provide an optimum sealing function. For example, use can be made of a soft and elastic material which is optimally suitable for the seal, and it is also possible for favorable shapes, in particular bead-like annular cross sections to be realized, as a result of which a. good sealing action is obtained when resting on the circumference of the pipeline. In addition, this also permits an easy pushing-in and, if appropriate, pulling-out of the pipeline because, in contrast to lip seals, in the case of bead seals relative pushing movements cannot result in damaging deformations of the seal. The insert part itself can be designed for optimum mechanical properties through the selection of a suitable material, this being of significance in particular for the supporting of the clamping ring. However, the insert part according to the invention can nevertheless be produced cost effectively in .a two component injection molding process. 3. For a good sealing against dirt, it is further more advantageous if the insert part is of sleeve-shaped design and is inserted or can be inserted into a widened portion of the receiving opening of the base part, in particular with a press fit, and hence in a manner such that it provides a seal at least against the penetration of dirt and similar foreign bodies. In this case* the insert part, in the inserted statef preferably lies completely within the base part and ends flush on the opening side. By means of this advantageous configuration* an optimum sealing against the penetration of dirt? moisture and similar foreign bodies is achieved* even in the connecting or content region between the inserted insert part and the base part completely accommodating the latt&r. The Further advantageous refinement features of the invention are contained in the description below. 3A. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a plurality of preferred exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings* in which: Fig. 1 shows a partially cut-open perspective view of a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention, Fig- 2 shows a partially cutaway side view of the embodiment according to fig. 1, - 4 - fig. 3 shows a section in the plane III-III according to fig. 2, fig. 4 shows a section in the plane IV-IV according to fig. 3, fig. 5 shows an enlarged end view just of the separate insert part in the arrow direction V according to fig. 3, fig. 6 shows a- section in the plane VI-VI according to fig. 5, fig. 7 shows a section in the plane VII-VII according to fig. 5, fig. 8 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, fig. 9 shows a half cutaway side view of the embodiment according to fig. 8, fig. 10 shows ah axial section in the plane X-X according to fig. 9, fig. 11 shows. a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device, fig. 12 shows an enlarged longitudinal section of the embodiment according to fig. 11, fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device, fig. 14 shows a longitudinal section of the embodiment according to fig. 13, - 5 - fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device, fig. 16 shows an enlarged longitudinal section of the embodiment according to fig. 15, fig. 17 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting device again in perspective view, fig. 18 shows an enlarged longitudinal section' of the embodiment according to fig. 17, fig. 19 shows a perspective view just of the separate insert part together with advantageous refinement features, fig. 20 shows a side view of the insert part in the arrow direction XX according to fig. 19, fig. 21 shows a section in the plane A-A according to fig. 20, fig. 22 shows a section in the plane B-B according to fig. 21, fig. 23 shows a section in the plane F-F according to fig. 20, fig. 24 shows a cross section in the plane C-C according to fig. 2 0, fig. 2 5 shows a cross section in the plane E-E according to fig. 22, fig. 26 shows a cross section in the plane D-D according to fig. 20, and fig. 27 shows, in an expedient refinement, an enlarged detail in the region A according to fig. 21. - 6 - In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference numbers, so that every description of a part which may appear only once with reference to a certain figure of the drawing also applies analogously to the other figures of the drawing in which the part with the corresponding reference number can likewise be seen. In all of the exemplary ,embodiments, a connecting device 1 according to the invention comprises a housing part 2 with a receiving opening 4, which is open on one side, for the axial insertion of an end of a pipeline 6, and of a clamping ring 8, which is arranged in the housing part 2 or in the receiving opening 4 and is intended for locking the pipeline 6, which is inserted axially, i.e. in the direction of a plug-in axis 10, in place. In this case, the connecting device 1 permits a simple and rapid installation of the pipeline 6, which consists in particular of plastic, by simple insertion into the housing part 2 without other installation steps. The clamping ring 8 sits in a widened portion of the receiving opening 4 in such a manner that it surrounds the receiving opening 4 and therefore the inserted pipeline 6. At one point of its circumference, the clamping ring 8 has a slot which passes axially and radially through it, i.e. an interruption in its circumferential profile, as a result of which it can be radially elastically widened and/or constricted. In its inner circumferential regjon, the clamping ring 8 has -see in this respect in particular the larger illustrations in figs. 12, 14, 16 and 18 - (at least) one radially inwardly protruding, encircling tooth edge 12. The clamping ring 8 furthermore has an outer cone 14 which, in order to" lock the pipeline 6 in place, interacts with an inner cone 16 of the housing part 2 in such a manner that., when there is a pull on the pipeline 6 in the release direction (arrow direction 18 in fig. 2) , i.e. when there is a movement counter to - 7 - the insertion direction (arrow 20 in fig. 1), the clamping ring 8 is initially carried along by means of the frictional bearing of its tooth edge 12 until an outer cone 14' comes to rest in the inner cone 16 of the housing part 2. If the pulling continues, a radially inwardly directed force is produced via the cones 14, 16, by means of which force the clamping ring 8 is elastically constricted, so that the tooth edge 12 interacts with the essentially smooth-faced, cylindrical outer circumference of the pipe in a frictional and/or form-fitting manner and the pipe is thus locked in place to prevent it from being pulled out. For the pressure-tight sealing of the pipeline 6, a sealing ring 2 4 (pressure seal) is arranged within the housing part 2 in the region between the clamping ring 8 and a hole step 22. In addition, a supporting sleeve 26 which is coaxial with the plug-in axis 10 is preferably arranged within the housing part for the frictional engagement in the inserted pipeline 6. The supporting sleeve 2 6 therefore supports, from the' inside, the pipeline 6 placed on to it, on the one hand, against the radial force applied via the clamping ring 8 and, on the other hand, also against the bearing force of the sealing ring 24. As a result, the connecting device 1 according to the invention is, in principle, also suitable for hose lines. For the purpose of being able to produce and fit the connecting device 1, the housing part 2 is made in two parts from a base part 28 and an insert part 32, which is connected to the latter via a snap-action form-fitting connection 30 (form-fitting latching connection with an active-surface undercut angle of greater/less than 90°) and has the inner cone 16. The insert part 32 has a dirt seal 34 for resting on the circumference of the inserted pipeline 6. ~ 8 - According to the invention, the insert part 32" Having the dirt seal 34 is formed as a single-piece two-component molded part from two different plastic materials, to be precise, the insert part 32 consists of a first, relatively hard and dimensionally stable plastic material while the dirt seal 34, consisting of a second, relatively soft and elastic plastic material, is molded directly onto it as a single piece with a cohesive material joint. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In this case, the dirt seal 34, see in this respect in particular fig, 6, has, on its radially inwardly pointing side, a bead-like sealing region for resting on the circumference of the pipeline 6. The insert part 32 together with the dirt seal 34 is overall of essentially sleeve-shaped design and is inserted or can be inserted into a widened portion 36 of the receiving opening 4 of the base part 28, preferably with a press fit, and hence in a manner such that it provides a seal at least against the penetration of dirt and similar foreign bodies. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the insert part 32, in the inserted state, lies completely within the base part 28 and ends flush on the opening side. The result is an advantageously compact constructional form of the connecting device 1 which, on the opening side, has a planar end surface which is closed toward the pipeline 6 via the dirt seal 34, The snap-action form-fitting connection 30 may be a closed latching element design {not illustrated) encircling in the circumferential direction, which, because of the form-fitting connection. achieved (undercut > 90°), results in the pipeline not being able to be released. However, for the purpose of being able to release the pipeline 6, provision is made in the preferred - 9 - embodiments illustrated for the sleeve-shaped ' insert part 32 - see in this respect in particular the separate, enlarged illustrations in figs. 5 to 7 and figs 19 to 27 - to have at least two radially elastic, diametrically opposite spring arms 40 which are formed by longitudinal slots 38. Each spring arm 4 0 engages releasably, by means of a radially outwardly protruding, lug-like latching attachment 42, in a form-fitting manner, i.e. with an undercut of > 90°, into a corresponding latching opening 44 of the base part 28. In this case, the latching openings 44 are designed as radial passage openings, so that the latching attachments 42 can be reached from outside with a suitable tool for release purposes and can be moved radially inward, as a result of which the pipeline 6 can be removed together with the clamping ring 8 and the insert part 32 (arrow direction 18 in fig. 2). In the preferred refinement described, it is furthermore advantageous if the longitudinal slots 38 of the insert part 32 are completely filled with the material of the dirt seal 34 (see in this respect the section in the region of the longitudinal slots 38 in figs. 7 and 23). This refinement results in ensuring an optimum sealing against dirt because actual gaps are avoided even in the region of the longitudinal slots 38. Nevertheless, the elasticity of the sealing material filling the longitudinal slots 38 (in particular a TPE) permits the required radial movement of the spring arms 40. The above-described supporting sleeve 2 6 is expediently formed as a single piece with the base part 28. In principle, the connecting device 1 may be a direct part of any desired assembly part (for example a valve block). However, in the embodiments illustrated, the housing part 2 can be connected to any desired further assembly part (not illustrated) via (at least) one - 10 - connecting section 46. Various embodiments for- this will be described below. Thus, in the case of the embodiment according to figs. 1 to 4, the connecting section 46 is designed as a pipe attachment 48 for insertion into a receiving opening. This may also be a receiving opening 4 of a further connecting device 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment illustrated, the pipe attachment 4 8 is arranged, in respect of its longitudinal axis, at right angles to the plug-in axis 10, so that it is an angle connector. In this case, in a preferred refinement, provision is made for the base part 28 to be formed as a single piece with the pipe attachment 4 8 as a two-component molded part of plastic, the region of the pipe attachment 48 consisting of a relatively soft material, to be precise, in particular corresponding to the material of customary plastic pipelines 6, and the remaining region consisting of a relatively hard material. This refinement favors the securing of the pipe attachment 43 via a clamping ring corresponding to the clamping ring 8 by the tooth edge 12 being able to be readily pressed into the softer material. Furthermore, the soft component, in exactly the same manner as in conventional plastic pipelines, permits a later release of the insert part by radial deformability of the pipe/pipe attachment. In the embodiment according to figs. 8 to 10, the connecting section 46 is designed as a screw thread attachment 50, in particular in the form of an externally threaded connector. In this case, a screwing axis of the screw thread attachment 50 corresponds to the profile of the plug-in axis 10. To screw the screw thread attachment 50 into a -corresponding threaded hole, the housing part 2 has an actuating attachment 52 in particular in the form of an external hexagon. In order to seal off the screwed-in housing part from the particular assembly part, a sealing ring 54 is - 11 - provided. As illustrated, this can be an axial sealing ring which is arranged in a corresponding receiving groove 5 6 on that end side of the actuating attachment 52 which points in the direction of the screw thread attachment 50. In the embodiments according to figs. 11 to 18, the housing part 2 is designed in each case as a press-in cartridge which can be inserted (plugged-in/pressed-in) with a plug-in section 58 into a connecting opening of an assembly part (not illustrated). The connecting opening can be a simple, smooth-walled hole. It is advantageous in this connection if the connecting opening has a diameter which corresponds to the core hole diameter of a threaded hole which is provided for screwing in the screw thread connector 50 according to figs. 8 to 10. Such is the advantage that a manufacture of an assembly part can equip the particular assembly part in each case with the same core hole diameter, use then being made either of the embodiment according to figs. 8 to 10 or of one of the embodiments according to figs. 11 to 18. For the screw thread embodiment according to figs. 8 to 10, only the appropriate core hole with a matching thread needs also to be provided. In the embodiments according to figs. 11 to 18, in order to provide a seal within the connecting opening, a sealing ring 60 is provided in the region of the plug-in section 58, this sealing ring 60 being arranged in a receiving groove 62. In order to secure the housing part 2 within the connecting opening, at least one radially protruding tooth element 64 is provided on the outer circumference of the plug-in section 58 for the form-fitting or frictional engagement in the connecting opening. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the plug-in section 5 8 has at least one tooth element 64 which acts in the manner of a thread such that: the housing part 2, on the one hand, can be pressed in with the plug-in section 58 axially into the 12 connecting opening ancti on the other hand, can be removed from the connecting opening by unscrewing it. For this purpose, the housing part 2 preferably has? following the plug—in section 58? an actuating section &6» in particular in the form of an external hexagon element. It should be expressly pointed out in this regard that these special refinements according to figs, tl to 18 are in principle suitable for any desired housing part which can be inserted as « press-in cartridge into any desired connecting opening. In the cas« of the embodiments according to figs. 11 to t#* the housing part or the base part 28 consists of plastic* with* in the case of figs. It and 12f a serrated ring of metal being embedded into the plastic material and protruding outward together with the tooth element* 64. In this case, the tooth elements 64 are uniformly distributed on a circle* In the case of the embodiment according to figs. 13 and 14, a strip-shaped metal band in the form of a spiral-line-shaped thread is embedded •into the plastic material. 12A. In the embodiments according to figs. 15 to 18, the base part 28 consists of metal* in particular brass, the tooth element or tooth elements 64 of the plug-in section 58 being molded on as a single piece. In the embodiment according to figs 15 and 16* the tooth e1emen t 64 is an annular tooth edge. Accord ing to f igs. 17 and 18, a spiral-line-shaped threaded edge is provided as the tooth element 64. Figs- 19 to 27 illustrate further preferred refinement features of the inset part 32- In this preferred embodiment the insert part 32 first of all has an outer circumferential sealing bead 7O for sealing it - 13 - off circumferentially with respect to the base part 28. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, this circumferential sealing bead 7 0 consists of a relatively soft, elastic material, and for this purpose, is molded on in particular as a single piece and with a cohesive material joint together with the dirt seal 34 and with the material filling the longitudinal slots 38 (see in this respect in particular fig. 23). The circumferential sealing bead 7 0 therefore preferably also consists of a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). As an alternative to this, the circumferential sealing bead 7 0 could, in principle, also be formed from a relatively hard material, for example the fiber-reinforced material of the insert part 32. However, the preferred embodiment of soft elastic material leads to particular advantages, specifically to a "soft sealing" and to low installation/removal forces when inserting or removing the insert part 32, since a press fit can be omitted. Furthermore, the insert part 32 has positioning means 72 on its outer circumference for the automatic aligning (in particular for the self-centering and self-alignment in the direction of rotation about the plug-in axis 10) on insertion into the base part 28. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figs. 19 to 27, these positioning means 72 are formed by means of two diametrically opposite, radially projecting longitudinal ribs 7 4 which run axially in the insertion direction and can be introduced into corresponding longitudinal grooves of the base part 28 (not illustrated) in order thereby to align the insert part 32 in the correct position, so that the latching attachments 4 2 of the spring arms 4 0 can then latch correctly into the latching openings 44 of the base part: 20. In a further advantageous refinement, provision is made, in the embodiment according to figs. 19 to 27, - 14 - for retaining edges to be formed within the insert part 32 following the inner cone 16 as an axial end stop against a movement of the clamping ring 8 that is directed in the pulling-out direction of the pipeline 6, to be precise, for first retaining edges 76 to be formed in the region of the spring arms 40 and for second retaining edges 78 to be formed in the regions situated between the spring arms 40 or in each case between the slots 38. The first retaining edges 76 are formed by radially inwardly projecting attachments 8 0 of the spring arms 4 0 (see in particular fig. 21). The second retaining edges 7 8 are formed, according to fig. 2 6, by radially inwardly projecting regions 82. The retaining edges 76, 7 8 permit high pull-off forces, which ensures great reliability against unintentional release of the pipeline 6. In a preferred refinement according to fig. 27, provision may additionally be made to offset the first retaining edges 76 with respect to the second retaining edges 78 by an axial offset X in the direction of the inner cone 16 in such a manner that the clamping ring, when subjected to a force Fz acting in the pulling-out direction of the pipeline 6, first of all only comes to bear against the first retaining edges 76, as a result of which the spring arms are subjected to a radially outwardly acting retaining-force component FH. However, the axial offset X here is dimensioned to be small such that, after a deformation in the elastic region, the clamping ring additionally comes to bear against the second retaining edges 78, which improves the security against release. When the clamping ring 8 bears against the first retaining edges 76, there is therefore a breaking down- of force, the radial component FH ensuring that the retaining force of the elastic spring arms 4 0 is increased. As a result, very high pull-off forces are achieved. The invention is not: restricted to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described, but rather also - 15- includes all embodiments of equal effect within the context of the invention. Furthermore, the invention so far is also not yet restricted to the combination of features defined in claim 1,.but may also be defined by any other desired combination of certain features of all of the individual features disclosed in their entirety. This means that, in principle, virtually any individual feature of claim 1 may be omitted or be replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. In this respect, claim 1 is to be understood merely as a first attempt at defining an invention. -16- We Claim: 1. A connecting device (1) for the plug-in connection of at least one pipeline (6), comprising a housing part (2) having at least one receiving opening (4) for the insertion of the pipeline (6), and a clamping ring (8), which is arranged in the receiving opening (4) and, in order to lock the pipeline (6) in place, interacts with an inner cone (16) of the housing part (2), the housing part (2) being made in two parts from a base part (28) and an insert part (32), which is connected to the latter via a snap-action form- fitting connection (30) and has the inner cone (16), and the insert part (32) having a dirt seal (34) for resting on the circumference of the inserted pipeline (6), characterized in that the insert part (32) consists of a first, relatively hard and dimensionally stable plastic material and the dirt seal (34), consisting of a second, relatively soft and elastic plastic material, is molded directly onto it as a single piece with a cohesive material joint. 2. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert part (32) is of sleeve-shaped design and is inserted or can be inserted into a widened portion (36) of the receiving opening (4) of the base part (28) in a manner such that it provides a circumferential seal at least against the penetration of dirt and similar foreign bodies, the insert part (32), in the inserted state, preferably lying completely within the base part (28) and ending flush on the opening side. -17- 3. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve- shaped insert part (32) has, for the purpose of being able to release the pipeline (6), at least two radially elastic spring arms (40) which are formed by longitudinal slots (38) and engage releasabiy by means of radially outwardly protruding latching attachments (42) in a form-fitting manner in corresponding latching openings (44) of the base part (28). 4. The connecting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the longitudinal slots (38) are filled with the material of the dirt seal (34). 5. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the snap-action form-fitting connection (30) has closed latching elements running in the circumferential direction. 6. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a supporting sleeve (26) which is coaxial with the plug-in axis (10) is arranged within the base part (28) for the frictional engagement in the inserted pipeline (6). 7. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing (2) can be connected to a further assembly part via at least one connecting section (46). 8. The connecting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connecting section (46) is designed as a pipe attachment (48) for insertion into a receiving opening. -18- 9. The connecting device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base part (28) is designed as a two-component molded part of plastic, the region of the pipe attachment (48) consisting of a relatively soft material and the remaining region consisting of a relatively hard material. 10. The connecting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connecting section (46) is designed as a screw thread attachment (50), in particular as an externally threaded connector. 11. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing part (2) can be inserted with a plug-in section (58) as a press-in cartridge into a connecting opening of an assembly part. 12. The connecting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the housing part (2) has, on the circumference of the plug-in section (58), at least one tooth element (64) for the form-fitting or frictional engagement in the connecting opening. 13. The connecting device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the plug-in section (58) has, on its circumference, at least one tooth element (64) which acts in the manner of a thread such that the housing part (2), on the one hand, can be plugged in with the plug-in section (58) axially into the connecting opening and, on the other hand, can be removed from the connecting opening by unscrewing it. -19- 14. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the housing part (2) or the base part (28) consists of metal, in particular brass, the tooth element or tooth elements (64) of the plug-in section (58) being molded on as a single piece. 15. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the housing part or base part (2,28) consists of plastic, the tooth element or tooth elements (64) consisting of metal and being embedded in some regions in the plastic. 16. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the insert part (32), for the circumferential sealing toward the base part (28), is inserted or can be inserted into the base part (28) with a press fit and/or has an outer circumferential sealing bead (70). 17. The connecting device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the circumferential sealing bead (70) of the insert part (32) consists of an elastic material and, in particular, is molded on as a single piece with a cohesive material joint together with the dirt seal (34) and preferably with the material filling the longitudinal slots (38). 18. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the insert part (32) has positioning means (72) on its outer circumference for the automatic aligning on insertion into the base part (28), the positioning means (72) being formed, in particular, by means of two diametrically opposite, radially projecting longitudinal ribs (74) which run axially in the insertion direction and engage in corresponding longitudinal grooves of the base part (28). -20- 19. The connecting device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18, wherein retaining edges (76,78) are formed within the insert part (32) following the inner cone (16) as an axial end stop for the clamping ring (16) as an axial end stop for the clamping ring (8). 20. The connecting device as claimed \n claim 19, wherein first retaining edges (76) are formed in the region of the spring arms (40) and second retaining edges (78) are formed in the regions situated between the spring arms (40), the first retaining edges (76) being offset with respect to the second retaining edges (78) by an axial offset (X) in the direction of the inner cone (16) in such a manner that the clamping ring (8), when subjected to a force (Fz) acting in the pulling-out direction of the pipeline (6), first of ail only comes to bear against the first retaining edges (76) and, as a result, the spring arms (40) are subjected to a radially outwardly acting retaining force component (FH).

Documents:

00509-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.1.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.2.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.3.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.4.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.5.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-correspondence.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-description(complete).pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-1-1.1.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-1.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-18.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-2.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-26.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-3.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-form-5.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-international publication-1.1.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-international search authority report.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-pct others.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-petition under rule 137.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-priority document.pdf

00509-kolnp-2005-priority others document.pdf

509-KOLNP-2005-(13-01-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

509-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 26.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-letter patent.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-others.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-priority document.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

509-kolnp-2005-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf