Anti-rotation lock for quick connector, socket device, quick connector with anti-rotation lock and assembling method of quick connector

Abstract

There is provided an anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) for a connector (10) of a quick connector (100) and configured to receive a coupler (90), the anti-rotation lock comprising: a body (25) having at least one first anti-rotation lock element (22, 24) configured and dimensioned to form a projection on the connector (10), the quick connector (100) comprises a coupling (90) having a protrusion (91) extending axially with respect to the connecting piece (10) and configured to interact with a mating groove (91) in the coupling (90), preferably in order to prevent rotation of the coupling (90) with respect to the connecting piece (10) in a coupled state of the quick connector (100); the connecting piece is characterized in that the main body (25) with the at least one first anti-rotation locking element (22, 24) is formed as a component separated from the connecting piece (10).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to an anti-rotation lock for a plug connector, in particular for a quick connector or a quick coupler, such as constructed in a motor vehicle for receiving or distributing a medium or a fluid, such as on a heater, a cooling device or a charge air duct, etc. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a corresponding socket device with an anti-rotation lock, a quick connector with a coupler and a socket device, and a method of assembling an anti-rotation lock on such a socket device. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that it is common practice to use plug connectors to connect medium conveying pipelines in the fields of cooling water and heating pipelines, as well as in charge air systems (especially in motor vehicles). These are usually hoses to be connected to corresponding devices, so in this case, hose couplers or quick couplers are referred to. They can connect and replace components and devices quickly and very reliably. The corresponding design depends on the medium conveyed in the hose and the pressure conditions present in the hose. In order to simplify the operability for users and create a broad platform for providers, unified standards have been provided, such as the Henn or VDA systems for quick couplers.

[0003] In this regard, it should be noted that in practice, under "quick coupler", in some cases the coupler is regarded as a part of the plug connector, but in other cases, the overall combination of the coupler and its mating insertion part or socket device is regarded as the "quick coupler". In this application, if the coupler is a quick coupler, the term "quick connector" is used to include a connector composed of two parts (coupler and insertion part or socket).

[0004] To establish a fluid or medium connection, the quick coupler forms a connection between a fluid conducting device (such as a heater, a cooler, etc.) usually fixedly installed in a motor vehicle and a usually more flexible fluid or medium conveying pipeline (such as a hose), and the pipeline can in turn establish a connection with another device to achieve a potential cycle of the relevant fluid or medium. For this purpose, the quick coupler is first connected as a separate component to a fluid or medium conveying pipeline (such as a hose), and then connected to the corresponding device in the motor vehicle by inserting it onto a socket device matching the coupling device and thereby locking or latching it. Thus, the medium or fluid can be conducted from the device through the fluid or medium conveying pipeline to another component of the motor vehicle, and vice versa.

[0005] Due to installation space reasons, the quick coupler can be designed as an angular connector such that the corresponding connected pipeline (hose) extends at an angle of, for example, 90° relative to the corresponding socket of the connector. In this case, it may be desirable for the fluid or medium conducting pipeline or hose to extend, for example, along the direction of a vehicle component that supplies fluid or medium to or from the device under consideration, or to extend it along a specific direction to avoid obstacles in the installation space.

[0006] Now, in order to be able to reliably determine the orientation of the quick coupler relative to the socket on the device and to prevent possible misorientation during assembly or accidental rotation during the operation of a motor vehicle, an anti-rotation lock for the quick coupler and the mating socket or insertion part can be provided for the device.

[0007] For example, in the case of VDA quick connectors, such an anti-rotation lock is generally integrally formed as a protruding part in the corresponding socket, or is directly integrally formed with the socket as a casting, sheet metal bending part or turning and milling part. During the production of the connector, the protruding part engages in a mating groove formed in the quick coupler such that the latter can no longer rotate. Thus, after the socket is installed on the corresponding fluid conducting device, the anti-rotation lock is in a fixed, unchanging orientation (relative to the device) in the circumferential direction of the socket, which only allows a single assembly position for the quick connector.

[0008] For example, document EP1697674B1 discloses a plug connector for a media line, which includes a tubular insertion part and a housing part with an insert socket for receiving the media-tight insertion of the insertion part. Means are provided for ensuring that the inserted insertion part does not rotate about the insertion axis, which is considered desirable, especially for angular connectors. These means are designed as part of the insertion part and thus engage on the housing of the insert socket and have a hexagonal or multi-tooth engagement, i.e., are integrally formed with the insertion part.

[0009] Document DE102016206622A1 similarly discloses an anti-rotation lock that appears to be formed as a protruding member on the fluid interface of a quick coupler.

[0010] The document EP3591277B1 discloses a quick coupler for creating a separable connection in a fluid line of a motor vehicle. The quick coupler has a coupling body around the head of which a retainer extends. The retainer is designed as an annular body for fixing and holding a tubular insertion part which is a mating part in the coupling body. The insertion part has a radial compression. During insertion, a radially expandable and movable fixing part initially cooperates with a bracket but is then allowed to snap back. Due to its position, the fixing part shows a reliable closed connection to the outside. Due to the above cooperation, an anti-rotation lock of the fixing part relative to the bracket is established. However, the anti-rotation lock of the quick coupler relative to the insertion part is not obvious.

[0011] However, the anti-rotation lock integrally formed or formed with the socket has some disadvantages. Since the installation positions of devices of different types and manufacturers in a motor vehicle are different, different orientations of the anti-rotation lock need to be achieved in the circumferential direction. This may lead to a large number of variants of the device or component, possibly in a very early production step when the device is to be equipped with an insertion part or a socket. Therefore, a large number of variants will also occur successively in subsequent production steps, thus increasing the time and cost expenditure, especially because variant formation may also occur in the production device itself and further costs related to variant control.

[0012] Due to the integral formation or shaping, the orientation of the anti-rotation lock in the circumferential direction and thus the orientation of the plug-in coupler with a hose on an individual device are fixed by the quick connector and are no longer easily changed for applications with alternative orientation requirements.

[0013] In addition, in applications where an anti-rotation lock is not required at all, an anti-rotation lock may also be present in a standard product. Overall, the current practice results in a lack of flexibility in the selection and determination of the orientation of the anti-rotation lock in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Therefore, it is necessary to save costs and reduce the costs and expenses for providing an anti-rotation lock for a quick connector. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The corresponding object can be achieved by various aspects of the present invention, such as those described in the appended claims. According to the said aspects, the anti-rotation lock is designed as a separate component separable from the connecting piece and is advantageously installed only at a later time point in the production process, or even after the device or component to which the connecting piece is attached is completed.

[0016] Some of these aspects start with the anti-rotation lock of the connecting piece or the insertion part for a quick connector, which is configured to receive a coupler. This can be a connecting piece fixed to a device such as a heater or a cooler in a motor vehicle, and via this connecting piece, the fluid (or medium) to be prepared or to be prepared in the device is correspondingly distributed into or withdrawn from the pipeline to be connected. The anti-rotation lock includes a body having at least one first anti-rotation lock element, which is configured and dimensioned to form a protrusion on the connecting piece, the protrusion extending axially with respect to the connecting piece and being configured to interact with a mating groove in the coupler (quick coupler). Preferably, when it is placed in position on the connecting piece, the anti-rotation lock element should be able to prevent the coupler from rotating relative to the connecting piece in the coupled state of the quick connector. As described above, according to aspects of the present invention, the body having at least one first anti-rotation lock element is formed as a separate member from the connecting piece.

[0017] The separate design enables connection to be carried out at any desired time point after the connecting piece is provided. The connecting piece itself can be designed in a neutral manner, i.e., without an anti-rotation lock. If the quick coupler forms the mating counterpart of the anti-rotation lock in the form of a groove, the connecting piece can also be used as the basis for a freely rotatable connector. In addition, a connecting piece without a protrusion integrally formed or shaped can avoid further variant forms, because only one basic shape is used in all production steps. This results in significant time and cost savings in the design of the production chain, which justifies that the additional costs that may arise due to the production of an additional separate component are only minor anyway.

[0018] In an advantageous refinement, the body of the anti-rotation lock has an annular shape with a central axis. In the state where the anti-rotation lock is mounted on the connecting piece, the central axis can preferably coincide with the central axis of the connecting piece. In fact, during the assembly process, the ring can simply be slipped over the connecting piece and thus plugged on. Then the ring can be placed and fixed at the base of the connecting piece, thereby placing at least one first anti-rotation lock element in the intended position, thereby defining the orientation of the anti-rotation lock and thus the orientation of the connected quick coupler in the circumferential direction.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a second anti-rotation locking element is provided beside the first anti-rotation locking element. The two anti-rotation locking elements can be located relative to each other at the annular body and extend from the body along a direction parallel to the central axis. The suitable annular structure of the body ensures the stability of the safe and reliable positioning and orientation.

[0020] According to the VDA quick coupler standard, the two anti-rotation locking elements preferably have different axial lengths, circumferential widths and / or radial depths. Thus, in cooperation with the mating grooves of the corresponding dimensions in the quick coupler, the possible alternative couplings that occur when rotated by 180° can be excluded, so that after assembling the anti-rotation locking member, the orientation of the hose direction is clear and errors are avoided.

[0021] In order to achieve a safe position, for example, at the base of the connector, according to one embodiment, at least one locking element can be provided. The at least one locking element can be attached, for example, to the annular body. In addition, the at least one locking element can be configured to engage in a groove that can be regularly provided at the base of the connector, so as to fix the anti-rotation lock in a defined position relative to the base member of the corresponding device axially closer. According to a further embodiment, the body thus rests on the base member.

[0022] A particularly interesting aspect of the anti-rotation lock is that an indexing part is provided thereon - either as a separate part or as the shape of the body itself. Here, the subdivision of the workpiece into precise angles or rotational intervals (pitches) for the machining process is called indexing (see, for example, Machinery's Handbook, 25th Edition, Milling Machine Section). Thus, the corresponding indexing part includes rotational intervals subdivided in the circumferential direction by discrete subdivision points. In this example, the general principle clearly includes the case where there is only one subdivision point, that is, the rotational interval is 360°. According to the embodiments to be described below, fixing means are provided at this or these subdivision points of the indexing part, and the fixing means cooperate with corresponding parts (or a plurality of corresponding parts) on the base member of the device, rather than on the connector. These corresponding parts also form an indexing part on the device side. Thus, in this regard, the indexing part of the anti-rotation lock is in form-fitting cooperation with the corresponding indexing part on the base member - preferably in the circumferential area around the connector. Thus, the anti-rotation lock is now also fixed in at least one defined position in the circumferential direction, ideally in a plurality of selectable positions corresponding to the number of subdivision points.

[0023] In one embodiment, the indexing part of the anti-rotation lock and / or the indexing part on the base member of the device have a plurality of defined subdivision points in the circumferential direction. The advantage is that the selection of orientation possibilities during subsequent assembly processes is improved.

[0024] In another embodiment, the indexing part is formed by a protrusion extending radially outward from the annular body and a pin extending substantially axially from the protrusion, and is configured to lock in a groove in the circumferential area around the connector on the device. Alternatively, the pin can also be configured on the base member of the device, and the protrusion has a groove into which the pin locks or engages.

[0025] A further embodiment provides that the indexing part is formed by a projection that extends radially outward from the annular body and is formed as a flat ring, and is formed by a plurality of grooves.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the indexing part is formed by the annular body and is formed as a flat ring in which a plurality of grooves are formed.

[0027] As described above, it should be noted that the arrangement of the pins and the grooves is mutually exchangeable at discrete subdivision points. The term "pin" should also be interpreted broadly here. Any protruding geometry that can engage or lock into a matching groove is included in the term "pin".

[0028] Another aspect of the invention is that the body is integrally formed with the anti-rotation locking element and, in the presence thereof, the indexing part and the locking element, and is preferably formed by plastic injection molding or a machined part made of a metal sheet. This provides a particularly simple and cost-effective structure, while having sufficient and lasting stability. In this case, if appropriate, the corresponding fixation can then also be released in a non-destructive manner or - at low cost - in a destructive manner, which again greatly increases the flexibility.

[0029] An aspect of the invention also relates to a socket device for a quick connector, wherein the socket device is configured to receive a coupler and is attached to a base member of a device for distributing or receiving a liquid or gas medium in a motor vehicle; including

[0030] A connecting piece attached to the base member; and

[0031] An anti-rotation lock according to one of the above aspects or embodiments, wherein, after the completion of the device manufacturing process, the anti-rotation lock is installed on the connecting piece, and the device has a connecting piece attached thereto.

[0032] Another aspect relates to a corresponding quick connector, which includes

[0033] A socket device having an anti-rotation lock according to one of the above aspects or embodiments; and a coupler having a groove that matches the anti-rotation lock element of the anti-rotation lock.

[0034] The quick coupler can preferably be designed as a VDA coupler or the quick connector can be designed as a VDA quick connector, such that it can be used according to the standards for a variety of vehicle components (such as electric heating or combustion heating devices, coolers or charge air ducts).

[0035] In addition, a method for assembling a socket device for a quick connector is also proposed, which embodies the above advantages. The method includes the following steps:

[0036] Provide a device for dispensing or receiving a liquid or gaseous medium in a motor vehicle, having a connecting piece attached thereto;

[0037] Provide an anti-rotation lock according to claim 1;

[0038] Connect the anti-rotation lock to the connecting piece;

[0039] Lock the anti-rotation lock in a groove portion of the base of the connecting piece by means of a locking element formed thereon, to axially define the position of the anti-rotation lock on the connecting piece;

[0040] Lock the anti-rotation lock in a corresponding indexing portion in the circumferential region of the connecting piece arranged on the device by means of an indexing portion formed thereon, so as to circumferentially define the position of the anti-rotation lock.

[0041] Further advantages, features and details of the various aspects are derived from the claims, the following description of the preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same features and functions. Description of the Drawings

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a quick coupler is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 Identical to Figure 1 but with a different viewing angle;

[0045] Figure 3 Identical to Figure 1 and Figure 2 but still with a different viewing angle;

[0046] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an overview of a connecting piece arranged on a base member having an anti-rotation lock (on the right) according to a first embodiment;

[0047] Figure 5 Shows according to a second embodiment Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the anti-rotation lock;

[0048] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of a connecting piece (second embodiment) arranged on a base member having an anti-rotation lock;

[0049] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view showing a connecting piece arranged on a base member having an anti-rotation lock according to a third embodiment;

[0050] Figure 8Shows an enlarged perspective view of a connecting member arranged on a base member with an anti-rotation lock according to a fourth embodiment;

[0051] Figure 9 Shows a connecting member arranged according to a fourth embodiment on Figure 8 a perspective view of an overview of a connecting member on a base member with an anti-rotation lock;

[0052] Figure 10 Shows a perspective view of an overview of a connecting member arranged as a comparative example on a base member without an anti-rotation lock;

[0053] Figure 11 Shows an enlarged perspective view of an anti-rotation lock according to a fifth embodiment;

[0054] Figure 12 Shows a connecting member arranged according to a fifth embodiment on a base member with Figure 11 an anti-rotation lock, a perspective view of an overview;

[0055] Figure 13 Shows a perspective view of an overview of a connecting member arranged according to a comparative example on a base member (on the right side) with an anti-rotation lock integrally formed thereon;

[0056] Figure 14 Shows a connecting member with an anti-rotation lock integrally formed therewith according to a comparative example Figure 13 a highlighted perspective view. Detailed Description

[0057] In the following description of the preferred embodiments, it should be taken into account that the various aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of components as shown in the following description and the drawings. These embodiments can be implemented or practiced in various ways. In addition, it should be taken into account that the wording and terms used herein are for the purpose of specific description only, and should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals in the various embodiments or drawings represent the same or similar features or objects, and thus the repeated detailed description thereof is omitted in some cases to maintain the compactness and clarity of the illustration.

[0058] First, for a better understanding of the present invention, Figures 1 to 3 an overview of a known quick coupler 90 is shown, which can be applied to a connecting member with an anti-rotation lock according to an embodiment. In addition, Figures 1 - 3 the quick coupler shown, as well as Figures 4 - 9 and Figures 11 - 12The combination of the anti-rotation lock shown and the associated connecting piece including any indexing part on the base member forms a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments shown herein are all related to VDA quick connectors. Other embodiments not shown herein relate to quick connectors of other types or different standards (e.g., Henn, etc.), but include similar basic principles as shown in the figures.

[0059] The quick coupler 90 is designed as an angular connector and includes an end 96 onto which, for example, a flexible hose (not shown) can be pulled in a sealed manner. The opposite end of the quick coupler 90 includes the actual coupling mechanism. The opposite end is formed by an opening 98 on the inner surface of which two anti-rotation lock elements 91, 92 are arranged opposite each other and formed as grooves. These grooves extend longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the quick coupler 90, which central axis belongs to the opening 98.

[0060] In Figure 4 the connecting piece 10 (without anti-rotation lock) can be seen on the left, Figures 1 to 3 onto which the quick coupler 90 shown in

[0061] can be coupled. The connecting piece 10 has a generally tubular structure having a distal opening 18 and an adjoining first cylindrical part 14 of smaller diameter, an adjoining conical part 15, an adjoining second cylindrical part 17 of larger diameter, a groove 12 which extends in an annular manner around the central axis of the connecting piece 10 in the second cylindrical part 17 and is close to the conical part 15, and a groove part 16 which forms the base of the connecting piece 10 on the first base surface 61 of the device 6 and which likewise extends in an annular manner around the central axis of the connecting piece 10 and, seen from the direction of the opening 18, adjoins the second cylindrical part 17. The groove part 16 can be of cylindrical design. The central axis of the connecting piece 10 is perpendicular to the first base surface 61 of the base member 63. Without limiting generality, the base member 63 can be a heat exchanger of an electric heater (as the device 6). Figures 1 to 3As shown, the quick coupler 90 has a clamp preferably made of metal as a connecting mechanism, which is formed by a tensioning part 95, two spring arms 93 symmetrically extending in a forked manner from the tensioning part 95, and two lugs 94 correspondingly provided at the ends of the two spring arms 93, and the lugs 94 are formed by bending the ends, for example, by 90°. The two spring arms 93 are arranged to be biased inwardly. The tensioning part 95 is located on the outside of the quick coupler 90, wherein the two spring arms 93 respectively extend through the edge region of the internal space of the opening 98 via incisions in the tubular body of the quick coupler 90, thereby narrowing the opening 98. The lugs 94 at the ends of the spring arms 93 respectively extend through opposite incisions in the tubular body of the quick coupler 90 and also rest on the outer surface of the quick coupler 90 with the bent ends under mechanical stress.

[0062] When the coupler 90 is coupled to the connecting piece 10, the spring arms 93 extending through the internal space of the opening 98 encounter the tapered part 15 after passing unobstructed through the first cylindrical part 14 with a small diameter. The tapered part 15 gradually pushes the two spring arms 93 apart against the clamping force of the spring arms 93 until they reach the second cylindrical part 17 and lock into the circumferential groove 12 under the increased mechanical stress at this time. In this state, the first cylindrical part 14 has been deeply inserted into the quick coupler 90 and is in contact with, for example, an O-ring, which is held inside the opening 98 by a retaining ring (not shown in the figures for simplicity), so that a sealed connection is created between the hose and the device configured to conduct the medium at this time.

[0063] To release the connection, the tensioning part 95 of the quick coupler 90 can be pulled away from the surface of the quick coupler 90, for example, by means of a tool, thereby operating the opposite lugs 94 at the ends of the spring arms 93 so that the spring arms 93 unfold in a sliding manner on the outer surface and in a manner guided by the elongated incision on the surface, wherein the latter opens the internal space of the opening 98, as Figure 3 shown by the arrow in. Therefore, the spring arms 93 also leave the circumferential groove 12 on the connecting piece 10, enabling the quick coupler 90 to be pulled out.

[0064] For comparison, the same quick coupler 90 can also cooperate with the connecting piece 10a as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 (right side) to form a quick connector. Figure 13 and Figure 14A comparative example of the connecting member 10a with the anti-rotation lock 120 integrally and fixedly formed or shaped therewith is shown. The connecting member 10a and the anti-rotation lock 120 are integrally formed (e.g., uniformly injection molded or bonded / welded). Matching the anti-rotation lock elements 91, 92 formed as incisions on the side of the quick coupler 90, the anti-rotation lock 120 includes two anti-rotation lock elements 122, 124 on the side of the connecting member 10a, and these two anti-rotation lock elements 122, 124 are formed on the cylindrical portion 17 of the connecting member opposite to each other. The quick coupler 90 is inserted onto the connecting member 10a such that the anti-rotation lock elements 122, 124 are placed in the incisions of the anti-rotation lock elements 91, 92, making it impossible for the quick coupler 90 to rotate around the axis of the connecting member 10a or around its own axis.

[0065] However, the functions of the quick coupler 90 related to the quick connector also continue to Figures 4 to 12 the illustrated embodiment.

[0066] Figure 4 A first embodiment of the anti-rotation lock 20 is shown, Figure 5 and Figure 6 a similar second embodiment is shown, and the anti-rotation lock 20 can be applied as a separate component (and can also optionally be removed again), for example, applied to the above-mentioned connecting member 10. These two variants or embodiments will be described together below.

[0067] As Figure 5 shown in detail, the anti-rotation lock 20 has a generally annular structure, and its main body 25 has a cylindrical shape. Incisions are made on two opposite sides of the main body 25, and in each incision, the locking element 21 extends axially upward from the main body 25 (in the state of being mounted on the connecting member, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, in the direction of its opening 18 and away from the first surface 61 of the base member 63 surrounding the connecting member 10). Depending on the thickness of the cylindrical outer shell of the main body 25, the depth of the incision, and the material used (e.g., plastic injection molding or metal sheet molding), the locking element 21 can be bent radially outward. This is especially because the locking element 21 in the embodiment has a radially inwardly protruding portion and is particularly tapered in this case, and the locking element 21 reduces the inner diameter of the main body 25. However, as Figure 6 can be seen, the inner diameter of the main body 25 approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 17 of the connecting member 10.

[0068] Thus, when the anti-rotation lock 20 is installed on the connecting member 10, the annular body 25 is pushed onto the first cylindrical portion 14 and the tapered portion 15, so that it slides on the second cylindrical portion 17 in a more or less contacting manner until the annular body 25 rests on the base surface 61 of the base member 63. During this operation, the locking element 21 is extruded outward by the tapered portion 15 and slides on the second cylindrical portion 17 until it reaches the groove portion 16 at the base of the connecting member 10, and the locking element 21 locks into the groove portion. Therefore, the height of the locking element 21 is approximately the height of the groove portion 16 - or slightly smaller due to tolerances. Thus, the anti-rotation lock 20 is now firmly and reliably placed axially on the connecting member 10.

[0069] Referring again to Figure 5 , the first anti-rotation lock element 22 and the second anti-rotation lock element 24 each extend axially from opposite sides of the annular body 25. To prevent the coupling of the quick coupler 90 and the connecting member 10 from being inadvertently offset by 180° relative to the anti-rotation lock 20, the axial length, radial depth, and circumferential width between the two anti-rotation lock elements 22, 24 are selected to be different. The same applies to the corresponding grooves of the anti-rotation lock elements 91, 92 on the quick coupler 90 side. The size of the anti-rotation lock element 22 matches the anti-rotation lock element 91, and the size of the anti-rotation lock element 24 matches the anti-rotation lock element 92 on the quick coupler 90, so that incorrect misalignment is impossible.

[0070] The fixing of the positions of the anti-rotation lock elements 22, 24 in the circumferential direction is determined by the indexing portion 23, which is formed as a substantially flat triangular protrusion extending radially outward from the annular body 25 in the first embodiment ( Figure 4 ).

[0071] In a variant according to Figure 4 , the indexing portion lies flat on the flat base surface 61 (as there is no pin in the second variant described below according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). More precisely, the indexing portion 23 is placed in a triangular space between two walls 13a, 13b in a form-fitting manner, and the two walls 13a, 13b are arranged obliquely relative to each other on the base surface 61 and represent the indexing portion with only one subdivision point on the device side. Since there is only one protrusion, the indexing portion 23 of this variant is also limited to one subdivision point.

[0072] On the other hand, in the variants according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the pin 26 extends axially downward (in the installed state towards the base surface 61 of the base member 63), and the pin representing the single subdivision point of the indexing portion 23 is located at the radially outer end of the protrusion.

[0073] As Figure 6 shown, the pin 26 engages in a groove 65 in a first base surface 61 of the base member 63. The groove 65 in the first base surface 61 of the base member 63 forms an indexing portion on the device side. The indexing portion 23 on the anti-rotation lock 20 side and the indexing portion on the device side cooperate with each other such that the distances of the respective subdivision points from the common central axis of the connecting member 10 correspond to each other, where in each case only one subdivision point exists in the specific embodiment. Since only one discrete subdivision point exists on both sides here, when the anti-rotation lock 20 is mounted on the connecting member 10, there is only one possibility of circumferential orientation for the anti-rotation lock 20. This can be intentional to avoid errors.

[0074] Figure 7 A third embodiment is shown. The third embodiment differs only slightly from the first and second embodiments. The indexing portion 23a of the anti-rotation lock 20a is also formed here as a substantially triangular projection extending radially outward from the body 25. However, in this embodiment, it further extends to engage in a groove formed in a second base surface 62 below the first base surface 61. By this measure, a non-perfectly planar surface structure of the base member 63 can be considered.

[0075] Figures 8 to 10 A fourth embodiment is shown. The corresponding anti-rotation lock 20b is shown here only in Figure 8 and Figure 9 . Compared with the above embodiments, the indexing portion 23b herein includes a larger number of subdivision points, which extend the same distance from the central axis of the connecting member 10 at equal intervals from each other. In this case, there are a total of 12 subdivision points. The indexing portion 23b can also be considered here as a projection protruding radially from the annular body 25 but extending circumferentially. The subdivision points here are implemented as grooves 26b, in particular holes. A pin 66 standing upright on the first base surface 61 of the base member 63 of the device 6 can engage in each of these grooves to define the orientation of the anti-rotation lock 20b in the circumferential direction. This embodiment enables the anti-rotation lock 20b to be selectively oriented from a plurality (e.g., 12) of positions that may exist herein.

[0076] Figure 9 An assembled and coupled quick connector 100 with an anti-rotation lock 20b according to the fourth embodiment is shown. In contrast, Figure 10 a situation is shown in which the anti-rotation lock 20b is simply omitted (i.e., not installed), for example to enable the connector to rotate further freely relative to the device 6 (the base member 63 is the same as in Figure 9 , i.e., having a pin 66). This option generally does not exist in an anti-rotation lock integrally formed or shaped on the connecting member.

[0077] Figure 11 andFigure 12 The fifth embodiment is shown. This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment, but differs from the latter particularly in that the indexing part 23c having the groove 26c for the pin 66 is formed as a flat disc-shaped ring, such that the latter simultaneously forms the body 25 as a whole, that is, the cylindrical shell structure of the body is omitted. The locking element 21c extends inward from the flat ring of the indexing part 23c to a notch formed in the corresponding inner edge. Its operation mode is similar to that of the locking element 21 of the above-mentioned first four embodiments.

[0078] Here, the groove 26c is not formed as a hole but as a semi-circular notch in the outer edge region of the flat ring of the indexing part 23c. As for the rest, the arrangement of the groove 26c is similar to that of the groove 26b of the fourth embodiment. Compared with the corresponding quick connector 100 ( Figure 12 on the right side) in the embodiment, Figure 12 a quick connector 101 without an anti-rotation lock is shown on the left side as a comparative example, but in which a pin (not visible in the perspective view) can be provided on the base surface as an element not used there (however, this does not apply to Figure 4 the corresponding connectors 10 in 9, 10, where the pin 66, the groove 65, the wall pair 13a, 13b, etc. are not correspondingly formed on the left side).

[0079] In all the embodiments shown, the anti-rotation lock is advantageously formed as an integral and closed ring. However, in principle, the case of multiple parts is not excluded.

[0080] List of reference numerals: 6 Device (heater, cooler, etc.) 10 Connector

[0081] 12 Groove

[0082] 13a, 13b Pair of walls

[0083] 14 First cylindrical part

[0084] 15 Tapered part

[0085] 16 Groove part

[0086] 17 Second cylindrical part 18 Opening (connector)

[0087] 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Anti-rotation lock

[0088] 21, 21c Locking element

[0089] 22, 24 Anti-rotation lock element

[0090] 23, 23a, 23b, 23c Indexing part

[0091] 25 annular body

[0092] 26 pin

[0093] 26b, 26c grooves

[0094] 61 first base surface

[0095] 62 second base surface

[0096] 63 base member

[0097] 65 groove

[0098] 66 pin 100 quick connector (embodiment)

[0099] 101 quick connector (comparative example)

Claims

1. An anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) for a connecting member (10) of a quick connector (100) and configured to receive a coupler (90), the anti-rotation lock comprises: a body (25) having at least one first anti-rotation lock element (22, 24), the first anti-rotation lock element being configured and dimensioned to form a protrusion on the connecting member (10), the protrusion extending axially relative to the connecting member (10) and being configured to interact with a mating groove (91) in the coupler (90), preferably to prevent the coupler (90) from rotating relative to the connecting member (10) in a coupled state of the quick connector (100); characterized in that the body (25) having the at least one first anti-rotation lock element (22, 24) is formed as a member separate from the connecting member (10).

2. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 1, wherein the body (25) is annular with a central axis, in a state where the anti-rotation lock (20) is assembled with the connecting member (10), the central axis of the body preferably coincides with the central axis of the anti-rotation lock (20).

3. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 2, the anti-rotation lock comprises: the first anti-rotation lock element (22) and a second anti-rotation lock element (24), which are located opposite to each other at the annular body (25) and extend from the body in a direction parallel to the central axis, wherein the two anti-rotation lock elements (22, 24) preferably have axially different lengths, circumferentially different widths and / or radially different depths from each other to exclude the possibility of alternative coupling when rotating 180° under the mating of corresponding sized mating grooves (91, 92) in the coupler.

4. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 2 or 3, the anti-rotation lock further comprises: at least one locking element (21) attached to the annular body (25) and configured to engage in a groove portion (16) at the base of the connecting member (10) so as to fix the anti-rotation lock (20) in a defined axial position.

5. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the anti-rotation lock further comprises: indexing portions (23, 23a, 23b, 23c) configured to mate in a form-fitting manner with corresponding indexing portions (13a, 13b; 65, 66) in a surrounding area of the connecting member (10) arranged on the device (6) so as to be able to fix the anti-rotation lock in at least one defined position in the circumferential direction.

6. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 5, wherein The indexing portions (23, 23a, 23b, 23c) of the anti-rotation lock (20) and / or the indexing portions (13a, 13b; 65, 66) on the device (6) have a plurality of defined subdivision points in the circumferential direction.

7. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the indexing portion (23, 23a) is formed by a protrusion extending radially outward from the annular body (25) and a pin (26) extending substantially axially from the protrusion, and is configured to be locked in a groove (65) in a surrounding area of a connecting member (10) on the device (6).

8. The anti-rotation lock (20b) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the indexing portion (23b) is formed by a protrusion extending radially outward from the annular body (25) and formed as a flat ring and a plurality of grooves (26b).

9. The anti-rotation lock (20c) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the indexing portion (23c) is formed by the annular body (25) and is formed as a flat ring in which a plurality of grooves (26c) are formed.

10. The anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, the annular body (25) is integrally formed with the anti-rotation lock element (22, 24) and, where present, the indexing portions (23, 23a, 23b, 23c) and the locking element (21), and is preferably formed by plastic injection molding or a machined part made of a metal sheet.

11. A socket device for a quick connector (100), wherein, the socket device is configured to receive a coupler (90) and is attached to a device (6) for distributing or receiving a liquid or gas medium in a motor vehicle, and the socket device includes: a connecting member (10) connected to the device (6); and the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, after the connecting member (10) is attached to the device (6) is completed, the anti-rotation lock is installed on the connecting member (10).

12. A quick connector (100), the quick connector comprises: the socket device having the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 11; and a coupler (90) having a groove (91) matching the anti-rotation lock element (22) of the anti-rotation lock.

13. A method for assembling a socket device for a quick connector (100), the method comprises: providing a device (6) with a connecting member (10) attached thereto for distributing or receiving a liquid or gas medium in a motor vehicle; providing the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) according to claim 1; connecting the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) to the connecting member (10); Lock the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) in a groove portion (16) at the base of the connecting member (10) by means of a locking element (21) formed thereon, so as to axially define the position of the anti-rotation lock (20) on the connecting member (10); Lock the anti-rotation lock (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) in corresponding indexing portions (13a, 13b; 65, 66) in the peripheral area of the connecting member (10) arranged on the device (6) by means of indexing portions (23, 23a, 23b, 23c) formed thereon, so as to define the position of the anti-rotation lock in the circumferential direction.

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