Patent ID: 6598907
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A fast-action coupler for coupling a first tubular component (1) having a fluid passage therethrough to a second tubular component (2) having a fluid passage therethrough, in which in the coupling region an outer diameter of the first component (1) is no greater than an inner diameter of the second component (2) for enabling insertion of said first component endwise into said second component to establish fluid communication between said fluid passages and with sealing means being, in the coupled state of said components, provided between the outer surface of said first component and the inner surface of the second component for sealing said fluid passages against the outside, said coupler havingat least one bracing element (6) on the first component (1) and at least one opening (14) in the second component (2) for receiving an elastically deformable retaining unit, which is mounted on the first component (1) or on the second component (2) and secures the bracing element (6) against being pulled out in the put-together state of the tubular components (1, 2), characterized in that the retaining unit is embodied as a one-piece spring wire (8), which is braced by a support at at least two points (16, 21, 22) in a radial plane (9) on the outer surface of the first component (1) or second component (2) and at at least one further point (15) inside or outside the radial plane (9) on respectively the first component (1) or second component (2), and has at least one end (12) oriented perpendicular to the axis (13) of respectively the first tubular component (1) or second tubular component (2), which end penetrates at least one opening (14) in the second component (2), locks the bracing element (6) on the first component (1), and can be lifted while said retaining unit remains braced at said points in said radial plane and at said at least one further point, counter to a spring force of the retaining unit, radially into an unlocking position, and wherein said at least one bracing element (6) on the first component (1) is a retaining flange, and the radial plane (9) having the at least two support points (16, 21, 22), for securing the spring wire (8) to the second tubular component (2), is located axially between the further support point (15) that is spaced apart from the radial plane (9) and the opening (14) at which the end (12) of the spring wire (8) that locks the retaining flange (6) penetrates the second tubular component (2).