Plug connector for connecting pipes for liquid or gaseous media

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (2) for connecting a pipe for a liquid or gaseous medium. The plug connector (2) comprises a connector body (5) and a locking element (6). A display element (18) is also provided, which has a display face (29), the display element (18) having a first sub-section (22) and a second sub-section (23), which are flexibly coupled to one another by a spring section (24), the first sub-section (22) being fixedly connected to the locking element (6) and the display face (29) being provided on the second sub-section (23), the display element (18) being designed such that, in a locking position of the locking element (6), the second sub-section (23) is deformed relative to the first sub-section (22) such that the display face (29) is pressed into a display position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a plug connector for connecting conduits for liquid or gaseous media and to a method for establishing a plug connection between a plug connector and a mating plug connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Different plug connectors are known from WO 2018 / 144902 A1, WO 2018 / 102213 A1 and EP 3179148 A1. The plug connectors known from these documents have the disadvantage that it cannot be unambiguously determined whether the plug connectors are correctly engaged with one another. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a plug connector and a method for establishing a plug connection between a plug connector and a mating plug connector, which improve the controllability of a correct connection.

[0004] The object is achieved by the device and the method according to the invention.

[0005] According to the invention, a plug connector for connecting conduits for liquid or gaseous media is configured. The plug connector comprises:

[0006] a connector body having at least one first shell section, which constitutes a receiving chamber for receiving a portion of a mating plug connector, in which at least two through openings are configured,

[0007] a locking element, which is provided for fixing the plug connector relative to the mating plug connector, the through openings in the connector body serving to accommodate the locking element. Furthermore, a display element is configured, which has a display face, the display element having a first sub-section and a second sub-section, which are flexibly coupled to one another by a spring section, the first sub-section being fixedly connected with the locking element and the display face being configured on the second sub-section, the display element being configured such that in a mating plug connector, a locking position of the locking element and at the same time a correct positioning, the second sub-section is deformed relative to the first sub-section, so that the display face is pressed into a display position.

[0008] The plug connector according to the invention has the advantage that it can be unambiguously recognized whether the plug connector is correctly inserted into the mating plug connector and whether the locking element is correctly locked by the display element being configured according to the invention.

[0009] Furthermore, it is expedient if the locking element engages in the securing groove of the mating plug connector in the locked position, and if the second sub-section of the display element is designed such that it lies against the outer region of the securing groove, so that the display surface is pressed into the display position when all the latching regions of the locking element engage in the securing groove of the mating connector. This entails the advantage that a correct locking of the locking element can be displayed simply and reliably.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be provided that a lying projection is designed on the second sub-section of the display element, which lies against the outer region of the securing groove. By means of this lying projection, the second sub-section of the display element can be reliably pressed into its display position.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be provided that the display element width of the display element in the region of the lying projection is greater than the groove width of the securing groove, or that the display element is arranged offset with respect to the securing groove in the region of the lying projection. By means of this measure, it is achieved that the second sub-section of the display element cannot be introduced into the securing groove, so that a correct sliding of the second sub-section of the display element into the display position is achieved.

[0012] It is also expedient if the first sub-section of the display element is accommodated on the first longitudinal end of the locking element. By means of this measure, a simple accommodation of the display element on the locking element is achieved.

[0013] According to an improved embodiment, it is possible that a 90° connection is designed on the first longitudinal end of the locking element, that the first sub-section of the display element has an accommodation hole for accommodating the 90° connection, and that the first sub-section of the display element has an accommodation groove for accommodating the first leg of the locking element. By means of this measure, a simple accommodation of the display element on the locking element is achieved.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be expedient if the display element has an encoding surface, which is visible in the display position of the display element and is at least partially covered in the rest position of the display element, which has a machine-readable encoding, such as a data matrix encoding. By means of this measure, it is achieved that, by means of a machine operator, not only a visual control of the correct positioning can be achieved, but also a machine-readable control can be carried out or information can be stored accordingly.

[0015] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the information of the machine-readable control is stored and used for releasing or preventing further processing steps. By means of this, it is achieved that operator errors can be excluded to the greatest possible extent.

[0016] The display surface can at the same time also be used as the coding surface. Thus, the machine-readable coding can be arranged directly on the display surface.

[0017] It can be advantageous in particular if the display surface is at least partially configured in a corresponding signal color, such as green, and / or if characters, such as "OK", are arranged on the display surface. By this measure, it can be achieved that even untrained personnel can visually recognize a correct locking of the locking element or a correct engagement of the mating plug connector with the plug connector.

[0018] It can furthermore be provided that the spring section has a taper. The configuration of the taper in the spring section brings with it the advantage that the display element is flexibly configured exactly in the region of the taper, and that the first sub-section can thus be flexibly bent relative to the second sub-section. By the configuration with the spring section, the original orientation of the first sub-section relative to the second sub-section can be re-established after the force application to the second sub-section has ended.

[0019] It can furthermore be provided that the display element is configured as a one-piece injection-molded part. This brings with it the advantage that the display element can be manufactured simply and with sufficiently high precision in industrial series production.

[0020] According to the application, a method for establishing a plug connection between a plug connector and a mating plug connector is provided, the plug connector being used for connecting a pipe for a liquid or gaseous medium. The method comprises the following method steps:

[0021] - providing the plug connector, the plug connector having a connector body, the connector body having at least one first housing section, the first housing section forming a receiving chamber for receiving a part of the mating plug connector, at least two through-openings being configured in the first housing section, the plug connector having a locking element, the locking element being arranged for fixing the plug connector relative to the mating plug connector, the through-openings in the first housing section of the connector body being used for receiving the locking element;

[0022] - providing the mating plug connector;

[0023] - inserting the mating plug connector into the receiving chamber of the plug connector;

[0024] - fixing the mating plug connector in the receiving chamber of the plug connector by means of the locking element.

[0025] Furthermore, a display element is constructed, which has a display face, which has a first sub-section and a second sub-section, which are flexibly coupled to one another by a spring section, which is fixedly connected to the locking element, and the display face is constructed on the second sub-section, the second sub-section of the display element deforms relative to the first sub-section of the display element when the locking element is latched in the locking position, thereby pressing the display face into a display position.

[0026] The method according to the application has the advantage that it can be determined unambiguously whether the plug connector is inserted correctly into the mating plug connector and whether the locking element is locked correctly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present application, it will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0028] In each case in strongly simplified schematic illustrations:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a plug-in assembly with a plug connector and a mating plug connector arranged at a distance from the plug connector is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of a plug-in assembly with a plug connector is shown, in which a mating plug connector is accommodated;

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view of a locking element and a display element is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a plug-in assembly without a mating plug connector is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a plug-in assembly with a mating plug connector inserted therein is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A side view of a plug-in assembly without a mating plug connector is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 A side view of a plug-in assembly with a mating plug connector inserted therein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] First, it should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names. The disclosure contained throughout this specification can be meaningfully applied to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. Location descriptions selected in the specification, such as upper, lower, lateral, etc., also refer to the directly described and illustrated figures, and these location descriptions are meaningfully applied to the new location when the location changes.

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of the plug assembly 1 is shown, which has a plug connector 2. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a mating plug connector 3, which can be connected to the plug assembly 1. Figure 1 In the view, the mating plug connector 3 is not inserted into the plug connector 2. The mating action between the plug assembly 1 and the mating plug connector 3 is fully described in AT509196B1. A conduit 4 to which the plug connector 2 can be coupled is also schematically shown. The conduit 4 can be, for example, a rigid element, such as a plastic conduit. In other embodiments, the conduit 4 can be constructed as a flexible conduit made of rubber material.

[0038] The plug connector 2 includes a connector body 5, which is preferably configured as an injection-molded part, particularly made of plastic material.

[0039] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, it can be specified that: the pipe 4 is formed into the connector body 5 in one piece.

[0040] The plug assembly 1 is preferably used in motor vehicles, particularly road-connected motor vehicles with internal combustion engines such as buses or trucks.

[0041] It is also conceivable that the plug assembly 1 could be used in other applications, particularly in internal combustion engines. This could be, for example, in stationary equipment, marine motors, aircraft motors, construction machinery, etc.

[0042] Specifically, the plug assembly 1 can be used to connect different components of the fresh air supply system leading to the internal combustion engine. For example, it can be specified that the plug connector 2 and the corresponding mating plug connector 3 are configured to connect two components in the suction region of the turbocharger. Furthermore, it can also be specified that this plug assembly 1 is used to connect two components on the pressure side originating from the turbocharger. Additionally, it is conceivable that the plug assembly 1 is used in components that guide water, such as coolant hoses, particularly in internal combustion engines.

[0043] As from Figure 1As can also be seen, the locking element 6 is provided for securing the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 to one another.

[0044] The locking element 6 is configured in such a way that it can be easily activated and deactivated, so that the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 can be separated from one another or connected to one another, if required.

[0045] Figure 2 A further perspective view of the plug-in assembly 1 is shown, in which the mating plug connector 3 is inserted into the plug connector 2, in accordance with the illustration in Figure 2

[0046] As can be seen from the perspective view in Figure 2 As can be seen, the locking element 6 can be brought into a latching position, in which the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 are secured to one another.

[0047] Furthermore, the locking element 6 can be brought into a release position, in which the mating plug connector 3 can be inserted into the plug connector 2 or taken out of the plug connector. It can be provided in particular that the locking element 6 is configured in the form of a spring section.

[0048] As can be seen from the perspective view in Figure 1 As can be seen, it can be provided that the mating plug connector can be inserted into the plug connector 2 along a longitudinal axis 7 of the plug connector 2.

[0049] As can be seen from the perspective view in Figure 1 As can be seen, a first shell section 8 is configured on the connector body 5, which surrounds the central longitudinal axis 7 of the plug connector 2 in a sleeve-like manner. In other words, the first shell section 8 can be a rotationally symmetrical hollow cylinder.

[0050] The first shell section 8 has an inner housing face 9 and an outer housing face 10.

[0051] In the region of the first shell section 8, the plug connector 2 has a receiving chamber 13. The receiving chamber 13 is surrounded by the first shell section 8 and serves for receiving a portion of the mating plug connector 3.

[0052] The connector body 5 has a plurality of through-openings 14 which are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction, which pass through the first shell section 8. In the latching position of the locking element 6, which the locking element occupies in the inserted and latched state, the locking element 6 enters the receiving chamber 13 through a respective through-opening 14. In this case, the locking element 6 cooperates with a securing groove 15 of the mating plug connector 3. In particular in the latching position of the locking element 6, the locking element 6 projects through the through-opening 14 into the securing groove 15 of the mating plug connector 3.

[0053] ​Furthermore, it can be provided that the locking element 6 has a holding region 17, on which the locking element can act, so that it can be inserted into the connector body 5 and can be moved between the latching position and the release position.

[0054] When the locking element 6 is in its latching position, the latching region 16 projects into the accommodation chamber 13 and axially fixes the plug connector 3 relative to the plug connector 2. In particular, it is provided here that the latching region 16 of the locking element 6 projects through the through-opening 14 into the fixing slot 15 of the plug connector 3. When the locking element 6 is in its release position, the latching region 16 does not project into the accommodation chamber 13 and the plug connector 3 can be axially slid relative to the plug connector 2.

[0055] Figure 3 A perspective view of the locking element 6 and of a display element 18 to be fixed on the locking element 6 is shown, which is used to signal whether the locking element 6 is correctly latched.

[0056] As can be seen from Figure 3 It can be provided that the locking element 6 has a first leg 19, on a first longitudinal end 20 of which a 90° connection 21 is arranged.

[0057] As can be seen from Figure 3 It can be provided that the display element 18 has a first sub-section 22 and a second sub-section 23, between which a spring section 24 is configured.

[0058] In particular, it can be provided that the spring section 24 has a tapering 25 in cross-section.

[0059] By means of the spring section 24, the first sub-section 22 and the second sub-section 23 can be moved or tipped relative to one another. By the relative movability of the first sub-section 22 and the second sub-section 23 relative to one another, a display of a correct latching of the locking element 6 can be achieved.

[0060] As can be seen from Figure 3 It can be provided that the first sub-section 22 of the display element 18 has an accommodation hole 26 for accommodating the 90° connection 21 of the locking element 6. The 90° connection 21 of the locking element 6 can in particular be inserted into the accommodation hole 26 in order to be able to couple the display element 18 to the locking element 6.

[0061] As can be seen from Figure 3As can also be seen, it can be provided that the first sub-section 22 of the display element 18 has a receiving groove 27 for receiving the first leg 19 of the locking element 6. In particular, the part of the first leg 19 which is directly connected to the 90° connection 21 is received in the receiving groove 27. By means of the receiving hole 26 and the receiving groove 27, it is possible for the first sub-section 22 of the display element 18 to be coupled to the first leg 19 of the locking element 6 without relative rotation.

[0062] Furthermore, it can be provided that an abutment projection 28 is formed on the second sub-section 23 of the display element 18, which abutment projection serves to activate the display element 18.

[0063] As can be seen from Figure 3 a display surface 29 is formed on the display element 18, which display surface is visible from the front side of the display element 18. Figure 3 In Figure 2 the display surface 29 is visible from its front side.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 2 As can also be seen, it can be provided that the display surface 29 of the display element 18 simultaneously serves as an encoding surface 30, on which an encoding 31 is provided.

[0065] The display surface 29 can have a signal color, such as green, in order to be able to signal that the locking element 6 has been correctly positioned. Alternatively or additionally, characters are provided on the display surface 29, or the display surface 29 is correspondingly perforated by characters, which likewise signal a correct locking of the locking element 6.

[0066] In the illustration according to Figure 2 the display element 18 is in a display position, which signals that the mating plug connector 3 is correctly inserted into the plug connector 2.

[0067] In the illustration according to Figure 1 the display element 18 is in a rest position, which signals that the mating plug connector 3 is not at all or not correctly inserted into the plug connector 2.

[0068] The functionality of the display element 18 or the transition from the rest position into the display position is explained in detail with the aid of Figures 4 to 7 the figures.

[0069] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the plug connector 2 is shown, the display element 18 being in its rest position.

[0070] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the plug connector 2 with a mating plug connector specifically inserted therein is shown, the display element 18 being in its display position.

[0071] Figure 6 A side view of the plug connector 2 is shown, the display element 18 being in its rest position.

[0072] Figure 7 A side view of the plug connector 2 with the mating plug connector inserted therein is shown, the display element 18 being in its display position.

[0073] As can be seen from Figure 4 and Figure 6 When the mating plug connector 3 has not yet been inserted into the plug connector 2, the display element 18 is in its rest position.

[0074] When assembled, the mating plug connector 3 is now inserted into the plug connector 2. In order to axially secure the mating plug connector 3 in the plug connector 2, the locking element 16 is brought into the securing groove 15. When the locking element 16 is correctly brought into the securing groove 15, a portion of the display element 18, in particular the abutment protrusion 28, abuts against the outer region 32 of the mating plug connector 3, thereby pressing the second sub-section 23 of the display element 18 outwardly relative to the first sub-section 22 of the display element 18 and thereby pressing the display face 29 of the display element 18 into the display position. In the display position of the display element 18, the display face 29 is visible from the outside, thereby signaling the correct latching of the locking element.

[0075] In order to achieve this function, it can be provided that the display element width of the display element 18 in the region of the abutment protrusion 28 is greater than the groove width 33 of the securing groove 15. Thereby, the display element 18 is pressed into the display position.

[0076] Alternatively thereto, the function can also be achieved when the display element 18 is arranged offset to the securing groove 15 in the region of the abutment protrusion 28.

[0077] The individual embodiments show possible implementation variants, where it is noted that the present application is not limited to its particularly shown implementation variants, rather, individual implementation variants are also possible in different combinations with each other and this variability is within the capabilities of the person skilled in the art on the basis of the teaching of the technical means by the present application.

[0078] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, for the purposes of interpretation of the claims the description and drawings should be considered. Individual features or combinations of features in the different embodiments shown and described can be inventive solutions in their own right. Tasks based on the independent solutions of the present application can be derived from the description.

[0079] All statements regarding a numerical range should be interpreted as applying to all individual values within the range, including the end points and sub-ranges between the end points, unless otherwise indicated. For example, a range of 1 to 10 should be interpreted to include not only 1 to 10 inclusive, but also 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, and so forth.

[0080] It is expressly stated last that for a better understanding the elements are shown partially not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0081] List of reference signs

[0082] 1 plug-in assembly

[0083] 2 plug connector

[0084] 3 mating plug connector

[0085] 4 duct

[0086] 5 connector body

[0087] 6 locking element

[0088] 7 longitudinal axis of the plug connector

[0089] 8 first housing section

[0090] 9 built-in housing face

[0091] 10 built-in housing face

[0092] 11 sealing receptacle of the plug connector

[0093] 12 annular space

[0094] 13 accommodation chamber

[0095] 14 through-opening

[0096] 15 fixing groove

[0097] 16 latching region

[0098] 17 retaining region

[0099] 18 display element

[0100] 19 first leg

[0101] 20 first longitudinal end of the locking element

[0102] 2190° connection

[0103] 22 first sub-section

[0104] 23 second sub-section

[0105] 24 spring section

[0106] 25 taper

[0107] 26 receiving hole

[0108] 27 receiving groove

[0109] 28 abutting protrusion

[0110] 29 display surface

[0111] 30 encoding surface

[0112] 31 encoding

[0113] 32 outer region

[0114] 33 groove width

[0115] 34 display element width

Claims

1. Plug connector (2) for connecting a pipe for a liquid or gaseous medium, comprising: a connector body (5) having at least one first housing section (8) which forms a receiving chamber (13) for receiving a part of a mating plug connector (3), in which first housing section (8) at least two through-openings (14) are configured; a locking element (6) which is provided for fixing the plug connector (2) relative to the mating plug connector (3), the through-openings (14) in the connector body (5) serving for receiving the locking element (6), characterized in that a display element (18) is configured, which has a display face (29), the display element (18) having a first subsection (22) and a second subsection (23), which are flexibly coupled to one another by a spring section (24), the first subsection (22) being fixedly connected with the locking element (6) and the display face (29) being configured on the second subsection (23), the display element (18) being configured such that in the locking position of the locking element (6) and simultaneously in the correct positioning of the mating plug connector (3) the second subsection (23) is deformed relative to the first subsection (22) such that the display face (29) is pressed into a display position. the locking element (6) engages in the locking position into a fixing groove (15) of the mating plug connector (3), the second subsection (23) of the display element (18) being configured such that it rests on an outer region (32) of the fixing groove (15), whereby the display face (29) is pressed into the display position when all of the latching regions (16) of the locking element (6) engage into the fixing groove (15) of the mating plug connector (3). a resting projection (28) is configured on the second subsection (23) of the display element (18) for resting on the outer region (32) of the fixing groove (15). the display element width (34) of the display element (18) in the region of the resting projection (28) is greater than the groove width (33) of the fixing groove (15), or the display element (18) is arranged offset relative to the fixing groove (15) in the region of the resting projection (28). the first subsection (22) of the display element (18) is received on a first longitudinal end (20) of the locking element (6).

2. Plug connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that ​ 3. Plug connector (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that ​ 4. Plug connector (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that ​ 5. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that ​ 6. Plug connector (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that On a first longitudinal end (20) of the locking element (6) a 90° connection (21) is configured, a first sub-section (22) of the display element (18) has a receiving hole (26) for receiving the 90° connection (21) and the first sub-section (22) of the display element (18) has a receiving groove (27) for receiving a first leg (19) of the locking element (6).

7. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The display element (18) has an encoding face (30) which is visible in a display position of the display element (18) and is at least partially covered in a rest position of the display element (18), the encoding face (30) having a machine-readable code (31).

8. Plug connector (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that The machine-readable code (31) is a data matrix code.

9. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The spring section (24) has a taper (25).

10. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The display element (18) is configured as a one-piece injection-molded part.

11. Method for establishing a plug connection between a plug connector (2) and a mating plug connector (3), the plug connector being used for connecting a pipe for a liquid or gaseous medium, the method comprising the following method steps: providing the plug connector (2) having a connector body (5) having at least one first housing section (8) which forms a receiving chamber (13) for receiving a part of the mating plug connector (3), at least two through-openings (14) being configured in the first housing section (8) and having a locking element (6) which is provided for fixing the plug connector (2) relative to the mating plug connector (3), the through-openings (14) in the first housing section (8) of the connector body (5) being used for receiving the locking element (6); providing the mating plug connector (3); inserting the mating plug connector (3) into the receiving chamber (13) of the plug connector (2); fixing the mating plug connector (3) in the receiving chamber (13) of the plug connector (2) by means of the locking element (6), characterized in that a display element (18) is configured, the display element having a display face (29), the display element (18) having a first sub-section (22) and a second sub-section (23), the first sub-section (22) and the second sub-section (23) being flexibly coupled to one another by means of a spring section (24), the first sub-section (22) being fixedly connected to the locking element (6) and the display face (29) being configured on the second sub-section (23), the second sub-section (23) of the display element (18) being deformed relative to the first sub-section (22) of the display element (18) when the locking element (6) is latched in a locking position, thereby pressing the display face (29) into a display position.

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