Modular plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector having a base body with a through passage. A cage arranged in the receiving passage of the sleeve section is insertable in the receiving passage of the sleeve section in the assembly direction and is held in a form-fit manner by means of radially resilient locking arms with radially outwardly projecting locking extensions which engage in a form-locking manner in recesses of the sleeve section peripheral wall in the inserted state. Two holding arms which extend parallel to one another in their rest state project into the through-hole of the cage and are configured to be radially elastically expandable into a tensioned state. A locking element is arranged to be movable from a release position in which the holding arms are released to a locking position in which they are locked in the rest state. The holding arms are formed on a holding clip which is insertable in the cage in the vertical assembly direction, and the holding clip is movable radially to the through-hole from an introduction position of the holding arms from the rest state into the tensioned state to a blocking position in which the locking element is movable into the locking position when the holding arms are in the rest state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a plug connector for connecting a first fluid line to a mating plug connector. The plug connector has a base with a through-channel, wherein the through-channel and the base are designed to be fluidly connected at the end of a sleeve section. A clamp is disposed in a receiving channel of the sleeve section. The clamp can be inserted into the receiving channel of the sleeve section in the assembly direction and held in a form-fit manner by radially resilient locking arms. For this purpose, the locking arms have radially outwardly projecting locking extensions that, in the inserted state, engage in a form-fit manner with a recess in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section. The locking arms are also formed on the outer periphery of the clamp. Furthermore, when the retaining arms are in a stationary state, two retaining arms extending parallel to each other extend into a through-hole of the clamp. In this case, the retaining arms are designed to be resiliently extended radially to a tensioned state relative to the through-hole. A locking element capable of axial movement relative to the assembly direction is arranged on the outer periphery of the sleeve section to be movable from a release position where the retaining arms are released to a locking position that locks the retaining arms in a stationary state. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the type of plug connector mentioned can be found in WO 2015 / 180875 A1. This plug connector has a locking device axially pointing in the assembly direction for arranging the cage in the sleeve section, and a retaining device axially pointing in the opposite direction to the assembly direction for securing the mating plug connector.

[0003] Furthermore, the mating connectors known from WO 2015 / 180875 A1 have an axially movable locking element that prevents the mating mating connector from disengaging from the sleeve section during operation in the locked position. This leads to the disadvantage that the locking element may shift to the locked position before the mating mating connector is inserted into the through hole. As a result, the retaining clip blocks the mating mating connector, which hinders insertion until the locking element has shifted back from the locked position to the released position.

[0004] Another known issue from WO 2015 / 180875 A1 is that the mating connector, due to its retaining arm pointing opposite to the assembly direction, has a relatively small overlap in area with the mating connector when viewed from the assembly direction. In particular, strong vibrations combined with its large size can cause plug connection failure.

[0005] DE 10 2020 108 073 A1 discloses a mating connector having a retaining device that can be radially inserted into a sleeve section for securing mating mating connectors. Furthermore, the mating connector also has a locking device in the form of a clip. The locking device grips the sleeve section of the housing and the cage radially in the assembly direction, such that the cage is fixed in a form-fit manner in the receiving channel of the sleeve section. Simultaneously, the locking device acts as a blocking device for the locking element in the static state, so that when the locking device is extended to the tensioned state, the locking element can only move to the locked position and be held. If the mating connector is used for a long time, the locking device will remain in its extended tensioned state for an extended period. It has been found that the locking device can plastically deform in the direction of the extended state. Furthermore, the mating connector known from DE 10 2020 108 073 A1 requires a complex structure, including additional retaining clips and additional locking clips, which increases assembly and manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a plug connector that overcomes the known disadvantages of the prior art while retaining at least equivalent sealing and safety performance.

[0007] According to the invention, the objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. The space requirement for retaining arms for securing mating plug connectors is advantageously reduced by the following: the retaining arms are formed on retaining clips perpendicular to the assembly direction and insertable into a cage, and the retaining clips are radially movable from an insertion position to a blocking position relative to the through-hole, in which the retaining arms can extend from a stationary state to a tensioned state, and in the blocking position, during the period when the retaining arms are stationary, a locking element can move to a locking position.

[0008] Particularly advantageously, the radially extending retaining arm allows for a large overlap between the retaining device and the mating plug connector, which improves the retention of the mating plug connector in the through-hole, especially in cases of large structural dimensions. This invention allows for the convenient production of plug connectors suitable for mating plug connectors with an inner diameter of 18 mm or larger.

[0009] According to a preferred variation of the invention, when the retaining arm is in a stationary state and the retaining clamp is in the inlet position, the locking element is prevented from shifting from the release position to the lock position. This provides a barrier to the locking element, preventing it from moving from the release position to the lock position before the mating connector to be connected is properly assembled and inserted into the through hole.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking arm extends axially in the assembly direction. The locking extension is advantageously configured with a locking edge pointing against the assembly direction, which, in particular, engages with a recess in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section when the clamp is in the assembled or inserted state, and conformally abuts against the wall of the recess in the opposite direction to the assembly direction. The locking device is advantageously functionally separate from the locking element. Particularly in the inserted state and under operating pressure, the mating connector advantageously prevents radial elastic inward deformation of the locking arm. This prevents the locking arm or the entire clamp from slipping out of the sleeve section.

[0011] The locking device of the present invention can be easily switched between a tensioned state and a stationary state, wherein the tensioned state actually exists only when the cage is inserted into the sleeve section along the assembly direction and when the cage is removed from the sleeve section against the assembly direction, so as to create a locking connection for fixing the cage or a release fixation within the sleeve section.

[0012] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the recess is designed as a radial opening formed in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section. This allows for particularly advantageous action on the corresponding locking extension, for example, manually or with a tool, causing the locking arm to elastically deform and lifting the locking extension from the recess or opening.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment, the cage has four locking arms, each offset from the other by 90°. Specifically, the four locking arms engage with locking extensions in four correspondingly designed recesses in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section, each recess offset from the other by 90°. This embodiment ensures uniform absorption of forces under axial tensile and / or compressive forces on the base and / or cage in the assembly direction, as well as under vibration. In particular, it improves resistance to external influences and cage retention.

[0014] It has proven advantageous that the locking element is designed to surround the sleeve section. The sleeve advantageously has at least one radially resilient clamping device. Specifically, the radially resilient clamping device is designed and arranged such that it is locked in a support notch in the circumferential wall of the sleeve section, at least in the release position. The clamping device combined with the support notch advantageously retains the locking element in the release position, which simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the clamp and / or retaining clip. Furthermore, the clamping device engaging with the support notch preferably generates a resistance that can be overcome, requiring the locking element to overcome this resistance to move from the release position to the locked position, and preferably also from the locked position to the release position, particularly providing feedback to the user on the status of the mating connector.

[0015] In a further improved embodiment, the locking element designed as a sleeve preferably has two radially resilient clamping devices arranged opposite each other. Specifically, at least in the released position of the locking element, the clamping devices are respectively arranged to lock into support notches in the peripheral walls of the corresponding sleeve sections formed on the sleeve sections. This advantageously improves the retention of the locking element in the released position on the sleeve section. Furthermore, the two clamping devices advantageously generate equally large resistance that can be overcome, which reduces the risk of axial tilting relative to the assembly direction and the resulting wedging into the peripheral walls of the sleeve sections when the locking element is moved to the locked or released position.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a support notch in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section is arranged behind a recess for receiving the locking extension in the assembly direction, such that, particularly in the release position of the locking element, the clamping device is locked in the support notch and, together with the locking extension, is locked in the open recess in the locked position of the locking element. Suitably, this embodiment is particularly advantageous if the corresponding recess for receiving the locking extension is designed to be open.

[0017] Other advantages of recesses designed as openings are that they are often easy to manufacture during the manufacturing process using inserts. The base and / or cage and / or retaining clip and / or locking element are advantageously manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0018] Advantageously, the cage has two windows that open radially into the through-hole. Each window advantageously has a reinforcing strut extending axially relative to the assembly direction, such that retaining clips with retaining arms pass through the windows. It has been confirmed, in particular, that the retaining arms of the retaining clips are arranged radially inward relative to the through-hole via the reinforcing struts. Specifically, the reinforcing struts have the advantage that the mating connector, and especially the cage, is strengthened at least axially along the assembly axis. This strengthening also means that tensile or compressive loads are distributed more evenly around the periphery of the mating connector. In particular, this prevents leakage and damage.

[0019] According to an advantageous variation of the invention, the retaining clip is designed in a U-shape. Specifically, the retaining arms are connected to each other via connecting sections. Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the retaining clip, the retaining arms extend from the connecting sections to their free ends in the same direction. The retaining arms connected to each other via connecting sections have the advantage that when the retaining clip moves, the two retaining arms move the same distance and point in the same direction, which reduces assembly work.

[0020] Another advantageous variation of the invention specifies that the retaining arm between the free end and the connecting section is designed to extend radially outward in a wavy manner and to extend around an imaginary first circular path in a cross-section perpendicular to the assembly direction and to mirror each other. The corrugated profile advantageously adapts to the periphery of the plug shank of the mating connector to be inserted, such that when inserted into a through-hole pointing in the assembly direction, there is an advantageously large overlap between the retaining arm and the plug shank of the mating connector in the assembly direction. Furthermore, the corrugated profile can advantageously be used for the radial orientation of the retaining clip.

[0021] Specifically, the retaining arms of the retaining clip each have an inclined notch that rises radially inward along the assembly direction on the side opposite to the assembly direction, wherein the notch extends along an imaginary second circular path in a cross section perpendicular to the assembly direction.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the notch in the retaining arm is designed such that the center point of the imaginary second circular path is laterally offset relative to the center point of the imaginary first circular path in the direction of the connecting section and is positioned at the center between the retaining arms. The angled notch of the retaining arm advantageously has characteristics similar to the corrugated profile of the retaining arm, i.e., it remains oriented on the plug shank and radially aligned relative to the plug shank when the mating plug connector is inserted.

[0023] Specifically, in the lead-in position of the retaining clip, the imaginary second circular path is arranged concentrically with the through hole, and in the blocking position of the retaining clip, the imaginary first circular path is arranged concentrically with the through hole.

[0024] The axial movement of the mating connector in the assembly direction is conveniently converted into the radial expansion of the retaining arm by the inclined notch of the retaining arm.

[0025] First, in an advantageous embodiment, the plug shank abuts the beveled notch and, under tension, causes the retaining arm to expand radially. If the mating connector is inserted in the assembly direction to a position where it has passed the beveled notch, the retaining clip automatically moves perpendicular to the assembly direction due to the clamping force along the wavy profile of the retaining arm until the trough of the retaining arm surrounds the plug shank. The retaining clip moves radially outward such that a first circular path is concentrically arranged with the plug shank or through-hole. In particular, the moving retaining clip serves as an indicator of the connector's condition.

[0026] An improved variation of the invention is that, when the retaining clip is in the blocking position, a radial gap is formed between the connecting section of the retaining clip and the cage. The locking element advantageously has a wall section that projects axially against the assembly direction and is designed to correspond to the gap. Particularly advantageously, the locking element in the locked position engages at least axially with the protruding wall section or advantageously passes through the radial gap. Specifically, the radial gap between the connecting section and the cage can be formed such that the retaining arm has a wavy profile and an inclined notch as described above. When the mating plug connector is inserted, after passing through the inclined notch of the retaining arm, the retaining clip shifts radially outward as described above, thereby causing the connecting section to move radially outward through realignment, thus forming a gap between the connecting section and the cage.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, radially inwardly pointing support hooks are arranged on the free ends of the retaining arms. In the inserted position of the retaining clip and in the stationary state of the retaining arms, the support hooks engage in a form-fit manner with correspondingly designed support grooves formed by support teeth. It has proven advantageous that the support teeth are formed, in particular, directly on the mounting wall section of the clamp. The support hooks provide an advantageous solution for radially securing the retaining clip in the inserted position within the clamp.

[0028] In one extended type of the invention, the clamp has a mounting groove corresponding to a support hook. The mounting groove is advantageously formed immediately following the support groove in a radial direction pointing towards the through hole. Furthermore, the support hook is arranged in one of the mounting grooves, respectively, in the blocking position of the retaining clamp and in the stationary state of the retaining arm. Based on the interaction between the support hook and the support groove, the retaining clamp can be advantageously fixed in the blocking position by the support hook arranged in the mounting groove.

[0029] Advantageously, radially outwardly pointing locking lugs are formed on the free ends of the retaining arms. Preferably, the locking lugs are formed on the retaining arms such that, when the retaining clip is in the lead-in position, they are axially aligned with the blocking section of the locking element relative to the assembly direction, such that the shape of the locking lugs prevents the locking element from moving to the locked position against the assembly direction. This blocking of the locking element is particularly advantageous as an alternative to or supplement to the protruding wall section of the locking element that engages in the radial gap between the connecting section and the cage of the retaining clip, to prevent the locking element from being unintentionally moved to the locked position, especially when no mating connector is properly inserted into the through hole.

[0030] In the locked position of the locking element, the blocking position of the retaining clip, and the stationary state of the retaining arm, the locking lug is also properly surrounded by the blocking section of the locking element, thereby keeping the clip in the blocking position and fixing it to prevent accidental loosening.

[0031] A variant of the invention has proven particularly advantageous, according to which the retaining clip has two expansion lugs, each radially formed on the inner side of the transition region between one of the retaining arms and the connecting section. In the blocked position of the retaining clip, the expansion lugs abut against two inclined surfaces of the release wall section of the clip, which widens toward the through-hole. The expansion lugs advantageously abut against the inclined surfaces such that the retaining arm can be extended from a rest state to a tensioned state by the interaction of the expansion lugs with the inclined surfaces through a disassembly force applied radially to the connecting section relative to the through-hole.

[0032] Specifically, in the blocking position of the retaining clip, the retaining clip can be shifted to a tensioned state, allowing the retaining arm to be easily lifted from the contact groove of the mating connector, and in particular, the support hook can be removed from the assembly groove. Thus, the mating connector can be removed from the through-hole in the direction opposite to the assembly direction, and the retaining clip can be moved back, specifically back to the insertion position. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Further advantageous designs of the invention can be derived from the following description of the accompanying drawings and dependent claims.

[0034] In the attached image:

[0035] Figure 1 An exploded view of the plug connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2a A cross-sectional view along the assembly direction is shown of the plug connector in the first insertion state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the introduced position;

[0037] Figure 2b It shows that according to Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line AA in the direction opposite to the assembly direction.

[0038] Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another inserted state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the introduced position;

[0039] Figure 3b It shows that according to Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line BB in the direction opposite to the assembly direction;

[0040] Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another insertion state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the blocking position;

[0041] Figure 4b It shows that according to Figure 4aA cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction along section line CC.

[0042] Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another insertion state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the blocking position;

[0043] Figure 5b It shows that according to Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line DD in the direction opposite to the assembly direction;

[0044] Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another insertion state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the blocking position;

[0045] Figure 6b It shows that according to Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line EE in the direction opposite to the assembly direction.

[0046] Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another insertion state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the blocking position;

[0047] Figure 7b It shows that according to Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line FF in the direction opposite to the assembly direction;

[0048] Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along the assembly direction is shown in another inserted state of the mating plug connector, with the retaining clip in the introduced position;

[0049] Figure 8b It shows that according to Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line GG in the direction opposite to the assembly direction.

[0050] Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector in another inserted state of the mating plug connector along the assembly direction is shown, which has an expanded retaining clip;

[0051] Figure 9b It shows that according to Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of the plug connector along section line HH in the direction opposite to the assembly direction.

[0052] Figure 10 A view of the retaining clip according to an embodiment of the invention in the assembly direction is shown;

[0053] Figure 11A perspective view of the retaining clip according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] In all the figures in the accompanying drawings, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals.

[0055] It is to be claimed in the following description that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and is not limited to all or some of the features described herein; rather, each individual partial feature of each embodiment may also be separable from all other partial features described therewith and may be combined with any feature of another embodiment in a manner significant to the subject matter of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A plug connector 100 is shown for connecting a first fluid line to a mating plug connector 102. According to... Figure 1 As illustrated in the diagram, the plug connector 100 has a base 104 with a through channel 106. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 2a , 3a As shown in 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a and 9a, the through channel 106 and the base 104 are designed to be fluidly connected at the end of the sleeve section 108.

[0057] according to Figure 2a , 3a Models 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, and 9a have clamps 112 provided in the receiving channel 110 of the sleeve section 108. The clamps 112 can be inserted into the receiving channel 110 of the sleeve section 108 along the assembly direction M and are held in a form-fit manner by a radially resilient locking arm 114, the locking arm 114 having a radially outwardly projecting locking extension 116. Figure 2a , 3a As shown in 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, and 9a, the locking extension 116, in the inserted state, engages in a form-locking manner with a recess 118 in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108. Figure 1 As shown, the locking arm 114 is formed on the outer periphery of the cage 112.

[0058] With the retaining arms 120 in a stationary state, the two parallel retaining arms 120 extend into the through holes 122 of the clamping cage 112, which is especially true in... Figure 5b , 6b As shown in 7b. Furthermore, as... Figure 2b , 3b As shown in 4b, 8b and 9b, the retaining arm 120 is designed to be radially resiliently extended to a tensioned state relative to the through hole 122.

[0059] A locking element 124, which is axially movable relative to the assembly direction, is arranged on the outer periphery of the sleeve section such that it can move from the released position of the release retaining arm 120 to lock the retaining arm 120 in a stationary state. Figure 6a and 6b The lock position is shown.

[0060] According to the invention, a retaining arm 120 is formed on a retaining clip 126, which can be inserted into a clamping cage 112 perpendicular to the assembly direction M. The retaining clip 126 is shown in particular... Figure 1 , 2b 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10, and 11. Furthermore, according to the invention, the retaining clip 126 can be... Figure 2b , 3b The insertion positions shown in 8b and 9b are radially moved into the through hole 122. Figure 4b , 5b The blocking positions are shown in 6b and 7b.

[0061] According to the present invention, in the introduced position, the retaining arm 120 can be extended from the stationary state to the tensioned state, and in the blocked position, the locking element 124 can be moved to the locked position while the retaining arm 120 is stationary.

[0062] The mating connector 102 particularly has an end designed as a plug shank, wherein a circumferential locking groove 103 is formed in the outer periphery of the plug shank. During insertion, the mating connector 102 inserts its plug shank into the through-hole 122 along the assembly direction M. Here, the plug shank in the through-hole 122 passes through the section of the retaining arm 120 extending into the through-hole 122. The plug shank and the retaining arm 120 are preferably designed to correspond to each other, such that the plug shank applies a radially outward force to the retaining arm 120 relative to the assembly direction M. Due to the outward force, the retaining arm 120 elastically deforms radially outward from a rest state to a tensioned state.

[0063] Advantageously, with the mating connector 100 in the installed or correctly assembled state, the retaining arm 120 is positioned near the locking groove 103 of the fully inserted mating connector 102, wherein the mating connector 102 is fully inserted into the through channel 106 in the assembly direction M. Advantageously, the retaining arm 120 relaxes due to the reduced diameter of the locking groove 103, causing the retaining arm 120 to return from an expanded, tensioned state in the region of the locking groove 103 to a stationary state. This advantageously prevents axial movement of the mating connector 102 against the assembly direction M in a form-fit manner.

[0064] According to an advantageous variation of the invention, when the retaining arm 120 is in a stationary state and the retaining clip 126 is in the extended position, the locking element 124 is prevented from shifting from the released position to the locked position. This state is particularly evident in… Figure 8a As shown in, where Figure 8b As can be seen, the retaining clip 126 is arranged in the lead-in position and advantageously prevents the locking element 124 from moving into the locking position in a form-fitting manner.

[0065] Specifically, the locking arm 114 extends in an axial direction pointing towards the assembly direction M. Advantageously, the locking extension 116 also has a locking edge 128 pointing in the opposite direction to the assembly direction M. This embodiment is advantageously shown in Figure 1 In the inserted position, the locking extension 116 engages with its locking edge 128 in the recess 118 in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108 and conforms to the desired form fit, abutting against the wall of the recess 118 in a direction opposite to the assembly direction M. The arrangement of the locking arm 114 and the locking extension 116 in the recess 118 is particularly shown in the figure. Figure 2a , 3a In 4a, 5a and 6a.

[0066] Figure 1 An advantageous variation of the invention is shown, according to which the clamp 112 has four locking arms 114 offset from each other by 90°. In particular, the four locking arms 114 engage the middle of four correspondingly designed recesses 118 offset from each other by 90° in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108.

[0067] Especially from Figure 1 As can be seen, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element 124 is designed as a sleeve. The locking element 124, designed as a sleeve, suitably surrounds the sleeve section 108 of the base 104. Furthermore, Figure 2a , 3a As shown in 4a and 5a, in a preferred embodiment, the sleeve has at least one radially resilient clamping device 130, which can be locked in a support notch 132 arranged in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108 at least in the release position of the locking element 124 designed for the sleeve.

[0068] According to the same Figure 1 A further improved embodiment of the locking element 124 shown is a sleeve-shaped locking element 124 having two radially resilient clamping devices 130 arranged opposite to each other. According to the aforementioned embodiment, at least in the released position of the locking element 124, the radially resilient clamping devices 130 are respectively locked into correspondingly designed support notches 132 arranged in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108 and on the sleeve section 108.

[0069] It has proven particularly advantageous to the invention that the recess 118 for accommodating the locking arm 114 or its locking extension 116 is designed as a radial opening in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108. Specifically, the opening is designed such that a release tool can be applied to the locking arm 114, particularly the locking arm 114, which can elastically deform in a radially inward direction to a tensioned state. With the locking arm 114 in the tensioned state, the locking extension 116 is preferably pulled radially inward from the recess 118. Advantageously, when all the locking arms 114 are radially elastically deformed to a tensioned state, particularly when the elastic deformation causes no locking arm 114 or locking extension 116 or locking edge to be axially arranged flush with the wall of the recess 118 relative to the assembly direction M, the clamp 112 can be removed from the receiving channel 110 of the sleeve section 108.

[0070] Particularly advantageously, the support notch 132 is arranged in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section 108 along the assembly direction M behind the recess 118 in such a way as to receive the locking extension 116, i.e., in the released position of the locking element 124, as in Figure 5a As shown, the clamping device 130 is locked in the support notch 132 and in the locked position of the locking element 124, as... Figure 6a As shown, it is locked together with the locking extension 116 in the recess 118, which is designed to be open. In particular, the recess 118 and the support notch 132 are aligned with each other in the assembly direction M in this embodiment variant.

[0071] The cage 112 advantageously has two windows 134 that open radially to the through-hole 122. Especially in Figure 1 Window 134 can be advantageously seen from the center. Window 134 has reinforcing struts 136 extending axially relative to the assembly direction M. In this embodiment, the reinforcing struts 136 are advantageously designed such that retaining clips 126 pass through window 134 via retaining arms, such that the retaining arms 120 of the retaining clips 126 are radially arranged relative to the through-hole 122 within the passing reinforcing struts 136. Specifically, Figure 2b , 3b The positions of the respective retaining arms 120 relative to the respective reinforcing struts 136 are shown in 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b and 9b.

[0072] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the plug connector 100, such as Figure 10 and 11Advantageously, the retaining clip 126 is U-shaped. Specifically, the retaining arms 120 are connected via connecting sections 138. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the retaining arms 120 extend from the connecting sections 138 to their free ends in the same direction. According to this variation, the retaining clip 126 can be advantageously inserted radially into the cage 112 relative to the through-hole 122, such that the connecting sections 138 are radially arranged on the outside of the cage 112, thereby allowing the retaining clip 126 to act particularly from the outside of the cage 112.

[0073] Especially in Figure 10 A preferred embodiment is shown, in which the retaining arm 120 is designed to extend radially outward in a wavy manner between the free end and the connecting section 138 and extends around an imaginary first circular path Z in a cross-section perpendicular to the assembly direction M. Specifically, the retaining arms 120 are designed to be mirror images of each other; therefore, for clarity, in... Figure 2b , 3b Only half of the cross-section of the plug connector 100 is shown in 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b and 9b.

[0074] like Figure 2b , 3b As shown in 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b and 9b, the wavy profile of the retaining arm 120 increases the area intersecting with the mating plug connector 102 along the assembly direction M, thus improving the insertion and contact behavior of the retaining arm 120 on the mating plug connector 102 to be inserted, especially its plug handle.

[0075] exist Figure 10 and 11 A preferred type of retaining clip 126 is shown, in which the retaining arms 120 of the retaining clip 126 each have a beveled notch 140 that rises radially inward along the assembly direction M on the side opposite to the assembly direction M. The notch 140 suitably extends along an imaginary second circular path X in a cross section perpendicular to the assembly direction M. The advantageous notch improves the insertion of the mating plug connector 102 into the through hole 122, and in particular improves the radial expansion behavior of the retaining arms 120 in the tensioned state, especially at the insertion position of the retaining clip 126.

[0076] According to a further development of the advantageous embodiment described above, the notch 140 is advantageously designed such that the center point of the imaginary second circular path X is laterally offset in the direction of the connecting section 138 to the center point of the imaginary first circular path Z and is arranged at the center of the retaining arm 120. It has proven advantageous for the blocking function of the locking element 124 according to the invention that, in the introduced position of the retaining clip 126, the second circular path X is concentrically arranged relative to the through hole 122, and when the retaining clip 126 is in the blocking position, the first circular path Z is concentrically arranged relative to the through hole 122.

[0077] This preferred variation of the invention advantageously causes the plug handle to first strike the inclined notch 140 of the retaining clip 126 arranged in the insertion position when the mating plug connector 102 is inserted into the through hole 122. Through the interaction of the plug handle and the retaining clip 120, the retaining clip 120 expands radially to a tensioned state. When the mating plug connector 102 is inserted along the assembly direction M until it has passed through the notch 140, the retaining clip 126 automatically moves perpendicular to the assembly direction M until the trough of the retaining clip 120 surrounds the plug handle due to the clamping force along the wavy profile of the retaining clip 120. Here, the retaining clip 126 moves radially outward such that the first circular path Z is concentrically arranged with the plug handle or the through hole 122. In particular, the moving retaining clip 126 serves as an indicator of the plug connector status.

[0078] When the retaining clip 126 is in the blocking position, a radial gap 142 is advantageously formed between the connecting section 138 of the retaining clip 126 and the cage 112. It is advantageous for the locking element 124 to have a wall section 144 that protrudes axially against the assembly direction M and is designed to correspond to the gap 142. The protruding wall section 144 can be particularly advantageous in… Figure 1 As seen in the image. Advantageously, in the locked position, the locking element 124 engages at least axially in the radial gap 142 with a protruding wall section 144. Preferably, the protruding wall section 144 extends through the gap 142 formed between the locking section and the clamp 112. Figure 6b The protruding wall section 144 is shown in particular how it engages at least in the gap 142. Advantageously, the wall section 144, arranged in the gap 142, prevents the retaining clip 126 from moving from the stopped position to the engaged position.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, radially inwardly pointing support hooks 146 are arranged at the free ends of the retaining arms 120. Specifically, in Figure 10 and 11The arrangement of the support hooks 146 is shown. In an advantageous variation, when the retaining clamp 126 is in the extended position and when the retaining arm 120 is at rest, the support hooks 146 engage in a form-fitting manner with the correspondingly designed support grooves 148 formed by the support teeth 145. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the support teeth 145 are formed on the mounting wall section 152 of the clamp 112. This advantageous design and arrangement of the support hooks 146 in the support grooves 148 is particularly advantageous in… Figure 2b As shown in the figure. In particular, as long as the retaining arm 120 is stationary and the retaining clip 126 is in the lead-in position, the support hook 146 arranged in the support groove 148 prevents the retaining clip 126 from moving from the lead-in position to the blocking position.

[0080] Preferably, the clamp 112 has a mounting groove 150 designed to correspond to the support hook 146. The mounting groove 150 advantageously radially abuts the support groove 148 in the direction pointing towards the through hole 122. Specifically, as... Figure 2b , 3b As shown in 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, and 9b, the assembly groove 150 is formed in the assembly wall section 152 of the clamp 112, and the support groove 148 is preferably also formed therein. Advantageously, the support hooks 146 are respectively arranged in one of the assembly grooves 150 in the blocking position of the retaining clamp 126 and in the stationary state of the retaining arm 120, as shown in 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, and 9b. Figure 5b and 6b As shown in the example.

[0081] In particular, Figure 10 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, according to which a radially outwardly pointing locking lug 154 is formed on the free end of the retaining arm 120. Suitably, in the engaged position of the retaining clip 126, the locking lug 154 is arranged axially aligned with the locking section 156 of the locking element 124 relative to the assembly direction M, such that the locking lug 154 form-fits to prevent the locking element 124 from moving to the locked position against the assembly direction M. Figure 1 , 6b The blocking section 156 of the locking element 124 is specifically shown in 7a, 8a and 9a.

[0082] Particularly preferably, in the locked position of the locking element 124, the blocking position of the retaining clip 126, and the stationary state of the retaining arm 120, the locking lug 154 is surrounded by the blocking section 156 of the locking element 124, such as... Figure 6b As shown. Particularly advantageously, the blocking section 156 of the locking element 124 is used to radially block the retaining arm 120, which prevents the retaining arm 120 from radially extending from the resting state to the tensioned state.

[0083] A variation of the invention has proven advantageous, particularly for disassembly, in which the retaining clip 126 has two expanding lugs 158, each radially formed inside the transition region between one of the retaining arms 120 and the connecting section 138. Specifically in Figure 10 The expansion lug 158 is advantageously shown. In the insertion position of the retaining clip 126, particularly as... Figure 8b As shown, the expansion lug 158 preferably rests against the two inclined surfaces 160 of the widened release wall section 162 of the through hole 122 of the clamp 112. In particular, the expansion lug 158 is arranged such that the retaining arm 120 can be extended from a static state to a tensioned state by the interaction of the expansion lug 158 with the inclined surfaces 160 through a disassembly force F applied radially to the connecting section 138 relative to the through hole 122.

[0084] Particularly advantageous is, such as Figure 2a , 3a As shown in 4a, 5a and 6a, at least one sealing element 164, particularly an O-ring, is arranged in the receiving channel 110. Figure 1 As shown. According to an embodiment not shown, two sealing elements 164 are preferably arranged in the receiving channel 110.

[0085] The sealing element 164 is advantageously arranged between the side wall of the clamp 112 pointing in the assembly direction M and the stepped surface pointing in the opposite direction to the assembly direction M and extending vertically circumferentially from the inner wall of the receiving channel 110.

[0086] Particularly advantageously, the sealing element 164 is used to circumferentially seal the plug handle of the mating plug connector 102 relative to the inner wall of the sleeve section 108 or the receiving channel 110.

[0087] The three-piece seal (not shown) has proven particularly advantageous. Thus, the seal advantageously has two sealing elements 164, specifically O-rings, which are separated from each other by spacer rings. This three-piece assembly is conveniently installed in the receiving channel 110 in the manner described above.

[0088] The following reference Figures 2a to 6a The advantageous embodiments shown illustrate the insertion and assembly of the mating connector 102, and refer to Figures 7a to 9a To illustrate the disassembly of the mating connector 102.

[0089] Figure 2a and 2bA mating connector 100 is shown with a mating connector 102 partially inserted along the assembly direction M. A retaining clip 126 is in the inserted position and a retaining arm 120 remains stationary. During insertion, the mating connector 102 inserts its plug shank into a through-hole 122 along the assembly direction M. Here, the plug shank passes through a section in the through-hole 122, in which the retaining arm 120 extends into the through-hole 122. Figure 2a and Figure 2b This illustrates how, in a stationary state, the mating plug connector 102 is positioned directly in front of the retaining arm extending into the through-hole 122. Here, the locking element 124 is positioned in the released position and is prevented from moving to the locked position by the connecting section 138 of the retaining clip 126 and the locking lug 154 of the retaining arm 120.

[0090] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the middle, the mating connector 102 from Figure 2a and Figure 2b The position shown is moved slightly further along the assembly direction M. As shown, the mating connector 102 has not yet fully passed through the section of the retaining arm 120. Specifically, the mating connector 102 abuts against the inclined notch 140 of the retaining clip 126 with one end of the plug handle, and the retaining arm 120 is radially extended into a tensioned state. As a result of this radial extension, in particular, the support hook 146 is lifted out of the support groove 148 and the obstruction to the retaining clip 126, which is still in the lead-in position, moving to the blocking position is released. For this purpose, the locking element 124 is arranged in the released position and is prevented from moving to the locked position by the connecting section 138 of the retaining clip 126 and the locking lug 154 of the retaining arm 120.

[0091] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the middle, the mating connector 102 has been from Figure 3a and Figure 3b The position shown begins to be further pushed in the assembly direction M, such that the plug handle has passed the section with the retaining arm 120, but the retaining arm 120 is arranged not yet adjacent to the locking slot 103 of the mating plug connector 102. Specifically, due to the advantageous corrugated profile, the retaining clip 126 has moved radially outward to the blocking position. Specifically, in Figure 4b A favorable gap 142 can be seen between the connecting section 138 of the retaining clamp 126 and the cage 112. In this assembled state, the retaining arm 120 remains in a tensioned state. The locking element 124 is arranged in the released position and is prevented from moving to the locked position by the locking lug 154 of the retaining arm 120.

[0092] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the middle, the mating connector 102 from Figure 4a and Figure 4b The position shown has been further pushed along the assembly direction M, such that the mating connector 102 is correctly arranged in the through hole 122 and the retaining arm 120 is arranged adjacent to the locking groove 103 of the mating connector 102. Specifically, the retaining arm 120 has been radially deformed back to its rest state and extends into the locking groove 103. Furthermore, in this assembled state, the support hook 146 is arranged in the assembly groove 150 and, in particular, force-fits to prevent the retaining clip 126 from moving from the blocking position to the insertion position. The locking element 124 is arranged in the released position, where movement to the locked position is released.

[0093] exist Figure 6a and Figure 6b In the middle, the mating connector 102 is basically in Figure 5a and Figure 5b The assembly state is shown in the diagram, where the locking element 124 moves from the released position to the locked position. Specifically, the locking element 124 is inserted into the gap 142 between the connecting section 138 and the cage 112 with a protruding wall section 144, thereby preventing the retaining clip 126 from moving from the blocking position to the insertion position, particularly in a form-fit manner. Furthermore, the locking element 124 surrounds the retaining arm 120, such that radial expansion of the retaining arm 120 from the rest state to the tensioned state is prevented.

[0094] For disassembly, locking element 124 is based on Figure 7a and Figure 7b The state shown is shifted to the release position, causing the protruding wall section 144 to be pulled out of the gap 142 in the assembly direction M. This releases the form-fitting obstruction preventing the retaining clip 126 from moving from the blocking position to the insertion position.

[0095] Figure 8a and Figure 8b It shows how to obtain from the following: Figure 7a and Figure 7b The arrangement begins to move the retaining clip 126 to the lead-in position. For this purpose, the retaining arm 120 extends during the transition to the tensioned state, where the retaining clip 126 has reached... Figure 8a and Figure 8b After being introduced into the position shown, the retaining arm 120 is again stationary, the support hook 146 is disposed in the support groove 148, and the expansion lug 158 is positioned to abut against the inclined surface 160 of the release wall section. Furthermore, the retaining arm 120 extends into the locking groove 103 of the mating connector 102, preventing the mating connector 102 from being withdrawn from the through hole 122 in the opposite assembly direction M. The locking element 124 is also again prevented from moving.

[0096] Figure 9a and Figure 9bThis diagram illustrates how the retaining arm 120 is extended to a tensioned state to release the mating connector 102, such that the retaining arm 120 is pulled out from the locking slot 103 of the mating connector 102. Specifically, a disassembly force F radially directed towards the through-hole 122 is applied to the connecting section 138 of the connector 100, causing the retaining arm 120 to extend radially due to the synergistic effect of the expanding lug 158 and the inclined surface 160 on the release wall section 162. Therefore, the mating connector 102 can be removed from the through-hole 122 against the assembly direction M.

[0097] This invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also includes all embodiments that serve the same function in the sense of the invention. It should be explicitly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in the combination; more precisely, each individual sub-feature may also have inventive significance independently of all other sub-features. Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but may also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed in the whole. This means that, in principle, each individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in this application.

[0098] List of reference numerals

[0099] 100 Plug Connector

[0100] 102 Pairing Connector

[0101] 103 Locking slot

[0102] 104 matrix

[0103] 106 Through Passage

[0104] 108 Sleeve Section

[0105] 110 receiving channel

[0106] 112 Cage

[0107] 114 Locking Arm

[0108] 116 Locking Extension

[0109] 118 recess

[0110] 120 Keep Arm

[0111] 122 Through Hole

[0112] 124 Locking element

[0113] 126 Retaining Clip

[0114] 128 Locking Edges

[0115] 130 Clamping Device

[0116] 132 Support notch

[0117] 134 windows

[0118] 136 Strengthen the pillars

[0119] 138 Connecting Section

[0120] 140 notch

[0121] 142 gap

[0122] 144 Prominent wall sections

[0123] 145 Support teeth

[0124] 146 Support hook

[0125] 148 Support groove

[0126] 150 Assembly slot

[0127] 152 Assembly Wall Section

[0128] 154 Locking lug

[0129] 156 Blocking Section

[0130] 158 Expanded lugs

[0131] 160° inclined plane

[0132] 162 Release Wall Section

[0133] 164 Sealing elements

[0134] M Assembly direction

[0135] F Disassembly force

[0136] Z First Imaginary Ring

[0137] X Second Illusory Ring

Claims

1. A plug connector (100) for connecting a first fluid line to a mating plug connector (102), the plug connector having a base (104) with a through channel (106), wherein the through channel (106) and the base (104) are fluidly connected at the end of a sleeve section (108), wherein a clamp (112) is provided in a receiving channel (110) of the sleeve section (108), wherein the clamp (112) is insertable into the receiving channel (110) of the sleeve section (108) in the assembly direction (M) and is held by means of a radially resilient locking arm (114) in a form-fitting manner with a radially outwardly projecting locking extension (116), the locking arm being... In the inserted state, the extension engages in a form-fitting manner with a recess (118) in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section (108), wherein a locking arm (114) is formed on the outer periphery of the clamp (112), wherein two parallel retaining arms (120) extend into a through hole (122) of the clamp (112) in the stationary state of the retaining arms (120) and are configured to resiliently extend radially to the tensioned state of the through hole (122), wherein a locking element (124) axially movable relative to the assembly direction (M) is arranged on the outer periphery of the sleeve section (108) to be movable from a released position of the retaining arms (120) to a locked position that locks the retaining arms (120) in the stationary state. Its features are, The retaining arm (120) is formed on a retaining clip (126) that is perpendicular to the assembly direction (M) and can be inserted into the clamp (112). The retaining clip (126) is radially movable from the lead-in position where the retaining arm (120) can extend from a stationary state to a tensioned state to a blocking position where the locking element (124) can move to a locking position when the retaining arm (120) is stationary. When the retaining arm (120) is stationary and the retaining clip (126) is in the extended position, the locking element (124) is prevented from moving from the released position to the locked position by the retaining clip (126).

2. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1, Its features are, The locking arm (114) extends in an axial direction pointing towards the assembly direction (M), and the locking extension (116) is constructed with a locking edge (128) pointing in the opposite direction to the assembly direction (M). The locking edge engages in a recess (118) in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section (108) in the inserted state of the clamp (112) and abuts against the wall of the recess (118) in a form-fitting manner in the opposite direction to the assembly direction (M).

3. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The clamp (112) has four locking arms (114) offset from each other by 90°, which engage in four correspondingly designed recesses (118) offset from each other by 90° in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section (108).

4. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The locking element (124) is designed to surround the sleeve section (108), wherein the sleeve has at least one radially resilient clamping device (130) arranged to lock into a support notch (132) in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section (108) at least in the released position.

5. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The support notch (132) in the peripheral wall of the sleeve section (108) is arranged in the assembly direction (M) behind the recess (118) for receiving the locking extension, such that the clamping device (130) is locked in the support notch (132) in the released position of the locking element (124), and locked together with the locking extension (116) in the recess (118) which is designed to be open in the locked position of the locking element (124).

6. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The cage (112) has two windows (134) that open radially relative to the through hole (122), each window having a reinforcing strut (136) that extends axially relative to the assembly direction (M), such that a retaining clip (126) with a retaining arm (120) extends through the window (134), thereby the retaining arm (120) of the retaining clip (126) is arranged radially inside relative to the through hole (122) via the reinforcing strut.

7. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The retaining clip (126) is U-shaped, and the retaining arms (120) are connected by a connecting section (138) and extend from the connecting section (138) to the free end in the same direction.

8. The plug connector (100) according to claim 7, Its features are, The retaining arm (120) is designed to extend radially outward in a wavy manner between the free end and the connecting section (138) and to extend around an imaginary first circular path (Z) in a cross section perpendicular to the assembly direction (M) and to mirror each other.

9. The plug connector (100) according to claim 7, Its features are, The retaining arm (120) of the retaining clip (126) has an inclined notch (140) on the side opposite to the assembly direction (M) that rises radially inward along the assembly direction (M), wherein the notch (140) extends along an imaginary second circular path (X) in a cross section perpendicular to the assembly direction (M).

10. The plug connector (100) according to claim 8, Its features are, The retaining arm (120) of the retaining clip (126) has an inclined notch (140) on the side opposite to the assembly direction (M) that rises radially inward along the assembly direction (M), wherein the notch (140) extends along an imaginary second circular path (X) in a cross section perpendicular to the assembly direction (M).

11. The plug connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, Its features are, The notch (140) is formed in such a way that the center point of the imaginary second circular path (X) is laterally offset from the center point of the imaginary first circular path (Z) in the direction of the connecting section (138) and arranged at the center between the retaining arms (120) and at the introduction position of the retaining clip (126). The second circular path (X) is arranged concentrically with the through hole (122) and in the blocking position of the retaining clip (126), the imaginary first circular path (Z) is arranged concentrically with the through hole (122).

12. The plug connector (100) according to claim 7, Its features are, In the blocking position of the retaining clip (126), a radial gap (142) is formed between the connecting section (138) of the retaining clip (126) and the cage (112), and the locking element (124) has a wall section (144) that protrudes axially in the opposite assembly direction (M) and is configured to correspond to the gap (142), and the locking element (124) in the locked position engages at least axially in the radial gap (142) with the protruding wall section (144).

13. The plug connector (100) according to claim 12, Its features are, The locking element (124) in the locked position inserts into the radial gap (142) with a protruding wall section (144).

14. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Radially inwardly pointing support hooks (146) are arranged at the free ends of the retaining arms (120), and the support hooks engage in a form-fitting manner with the retaining clips (126) in the introduced position and the retaining arms (120) in the stationary state, in a support groove (148) formed by support teeth (145) of a corresponding design, wherein the support teeth (145) are formed on the assembly wall section (152) of the cage (112).

15. The plug connector (100) according to claim 14, Its features are, The clamp (112) has an assembly groove (150) corresponding to the structure of the support hook (146), and the assembly groove (150) is adjacent to the support groove (148) in the direction of radially pointing to the through hole (122), and the support hook (146) is in the blocking position of the retaining clamp (126) and is respectively disposed in one of the assembly grooves (150) in the stationary state of the retaining arm (120).

16. The plug connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Radially outwardly pointing locking lugs (154) are formed at the free ends of the retaining arms (120). The locking lugs are arranged with the blocking section (156) of the locking element (124) at the insertion position of the retaining clip (126) relative to the assembly direction (M), such that the locking lugs (154) are shaped to prevent the locking element (124) from moving to the locking position against the assembly direction (M).

17. The plug connector (100) according to claim 16, Its features are, The locking lug (154) is surrounded by the blocking section (156) of the locking element (124) in the locked position of the locking element (124), in the blocking position of the retaining clip (126), and in the stationary state of the retaining arm (120).

18. The plug connector (100) according to claim 7, Its features are, The retaining clip (126) has two expansion lugs (158), each expansion lug (158) being radially built-in in the transition region between one of the retaining arms (120) and the connecting section (138), wherein the expansion lugs (158) in the blocking position of the retaining clip (126) abut against two inclined surfaces (160) of the release wall section (162) of the cage (112) widened toward the through hole (122), such that the retaining arm (120) can be extended from a static state to a tensioned state by means of a disassembly force (F) applied radially to the connecting section (138) relative to the through hole (122) through the interaction of the expansion lugs (158) and the inclined surfaces (160).

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