CONNECTORS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug connector comprising at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part, at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part and at least one holding element fixing the plug part and coupling part to one another.

[0002] Such connectors are known in the prior art. They are used, in particular, to connect fluid lines to one another and to a unit. The connectors comprise at least one plug part and at least one coupling part, which are plugged into one another. To secure the connection between the plug part and the coupling part, it is also known to provide at least one retaining element. This is particularly C-shaped, as is known, for example, from WO 2006 / 018384 A1.

[0003] Particularly when using a fluid line provided with plug-in connectors arranged at the ends for conveying fuel, it is furthermore known, in order to avoid electrostatic charging or to dissipate such charging, to design the fluid line itself in particular, but also the plug-in connectors arranged at its ends, in an electrically conductive manner, i.e. to use electrically conductive materials for their manufacture. Such an electrostatic charge arises when the fuel flows through the fluid line due to friction along the line wall. In the area of ​​fuel tanks, however, there is a risk of explosion due to such an electrostatic charge, so that dissipation of this charge upstream of a fuel tank is desirable. For example, DE 10 2012 112 563 A1 discloses the wall of the fluid line orA line section is provided with at least two layers, the inner layer being conductive and the outer layer being an insulating layer. The inner conductive layer is electrically connected to the line connector parts, and the line connector parts are each protected by an electrically insulating covering device. The electrostatic charges generated when the medium flows through the corresponding fluid line are dissipated via the electrically conductive inner layer of the line wall.

[0004] However, transition points between a connector and a unit, such as a tank, have proven particularly problematic. Since inside a connector that connects the fluid line to the unit or tank, there can be varying distances between the plug part and the coupling part, even when the connector is fully plugged in, the electrically conductive sections of the plug part and the coupling part may not be sufficiently connected to ensure that the electrostatic charge is dissipated via the connector. O-rings arranged inside the connector between the plug part and the coupling part for sealing also provide additional insulation between the plug part and the coupling part.However, manufacturing such O-rings from a non-insulating material that would be electrically conductive would severely restrict the elasticity of the O-ring, making this option impractical. Another problem is that conductive O-rings would lose some of their conductivity due to the tearing of the conductive paths during the expansion required for assembly. In addition, the insertion force required to connect the plug and coupling parts would increase considerably, which would also be very disadvantageous. Greases can be used to aid the sliding of the plug part into the coupling part; however, to promote conductivity, these greases would also have to be made of a conductive material. This would make it necessary to use conductive materials during the manufacture of the plug part and coupling part.After applying the O-rings and grease, the respective production facility would have to be continuously cleaned, especially when switching between different greases, namely those that are electrically conductive and those that are not. This would result in enormous additional costs, which are also undesirable. Another alternative would be to provide a separate production facility in which only conductive greases are used. However, this would result in even higher additional costs, which are not worthwhile, especially for comparatively small quantities of connectors with at least partially electrically conductive plug parts and at least partially electrically conductive coupling parts.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of developing a connector comprising at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part, at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part and at least one holding element fixing the plug part and coupling part to one another, in such a way that a desired conductivity is made possible across the entire connector using a standard grease and in particular also a conventional O-ring.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. This creates a connector that has at least one at least partially electrically conductive disc element between the at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part and the at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part. The plug part and coupling part are further fixed to one another by the at least one retaining element, whereby the plug part and coupling part are pressed against one another via this. As a result, the respective end faces of the plug part and coupling part are pressed against the disc element, thus clamping the disc element between the plug part and coupling part.

[0008] This ensures that unwanted electrical charges are discharged or that current is passed on via the disc element.

[0009] In order to enable a particularly large and secure contact surface between the plug part and the coupling part on the disk element, it proves particularly advantageous to form the at least partially electrically conductive disk element from an elastic and / or compressible electrically conductive or conducting material or to provide this in at least one electrically conductive region that is to be brought into contact with the plug part and the coupling part. By providing such an elastic and / or compressible electrically conductive material, the contact surface of the plug part and the coupling part with the disk element can be particularly optimized. However, it is not necessary for the disk element to consist entirely of such an elastic and / or compressible electrically conductive or conducting material.Rather, it is possible for the at least partially electrically conductive disc element to consist of a combination of at least one rigid material and at least one elastic and / or compressible material. Metal and / or plastic, for example, can be used as the rigid material. This is arranged in particular in the areas of the disc element that do not come into contact with the plug part and the coupling part, where a conductive transition between the plug part and the coupling part is to be provided. The at least one elastic and / or compressible material of the disc element, on the other hand, is advantageously arranged where a conductive transition between the disc element and the plug part on the one hand or the coupling part on the other hand is to be provided.For example, segmentation can also be provided with segments made of elastic and / or compressible conductive material on the one hand and segments of rigid material arranged between them. For example, segments made of conductive foam material and segments made of plastic material, e.g., polyamide, can be provided alternately distributed around the circumference of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element. The segments made of rigid material advantageously have a height that is less than or equal to the smallest gap between the adjacent end faces of the plug part and the coupling part during their mating process, so as not to impede the mating process.

[0010] The at least partially electrically conductive disc element has a compressibility of 20 to 40%. This ensures that after the connector is assembled, i.e., after inserting the plug part into the coupling part with the interposition of the at least one at least electrically conductive disc element and the arrangement of the at least one retaining element on the plug part and coupling part, only a slight clearance remains between the plug part and coupling part.Possible play is caused by tolerances within the connection consisting of the plug part, coupling part, and retaining element. These tolerances allow a greater or lesser distance between the end flanges of the plug part and coupling part and thus influence the respective relative position of the plug part and coupling part to one another, and accordingly the degree of compression of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element inserted between the plug part and coupling part. At the same time, the compressibility enables secure axial mating of the plug part and coupling part and, when the retaining element is applied axially, also over-mating, i.e. mating of the plug part and coupling part beyond the end mating position in order to ensure interlocking of surfaces on the plug part, coupling part, and retaining element. During mating, the disc element is compressed or upset to its maximum.The disk element can here, but also in the final position of the plug part and coupling part of the connector, serve as an axial spring element between them. It therefore proves particularly advantageous to design the at least partially electrically conductive disk element 10 to 40% thicker than the distance between the at least one plug part and the at least one coupling part in the plugged state, thus with a height 10 to 40% greater than the axial distance of end faces between the at least one plug part and the at least one coupling part in the plugged state of the connector. The at least partially electrically conductive disk element has, for example, a height of 0.1 mm in the compressed state to 1.0 mm in the non-compressed state, advantageously 0.2 mm in the compressed state to 0.8 mm in the non-compressed state.It proves particularly advantageous if the at least partially electrically conductive disc element has a height of at least 0.6 mm in the non-compressed state and a height of less than or equal to 0.4 mm in the compressed state. The free dimension or the distance between a plug collar of the plug part and a mating contour of the coupling part is in particular 0.4 to 0.6 mm, with the disc element being correspondingly thicker in the compressed state and in the non-compressed state. The maximum compressibility can thus be 70 to 80% of the height in the non-compressed state.

[0011] When the at least partially electrically conductive disc element is designed as a compressible element, its inner diameter is defined by the outer diameter of the plug part in the area where the disc element is arranged thereon and radially abuts it. The outer diameter of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element is defined by the position of the holding element against which the disc element can abut with its radial outer surface in the compressed state. The at least partially electrically conductive disc element can be designed as an elastic, yet barely compressible disc element, wherein it can only be compressed to a slight extent when pressure is applied. Rubber or a closed-cell foam, for example, could be used as the material here.

[0012] If the at least partially electrically conductive disc element is designed as an elastic, but barely compressible disc element, the disc element is provided, for example, with a smaller outer diameter than in the design as a compressible disc element, since when the elastic disc element is compressed to a height of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, it expands radially. To enable this, the at least partially electrically conductive disc element can be provided with a smaller outer diameter in the design as an elastic disc element than in the design as a compressible disc element. With the segmented design of the disc element already mentioned above, elastic lateral deformation with radial expansion or widening can also be enabled.In particular, to enable such radial expansion during compression, the disc element can be provided with an outer diameter 10 to 15% smaller than the plug collar of the plug part, which rests on the outside against the retaining element. In the area of ​​the inner through-opening of the disc element, which at least partially rests on the outside of the plug part, the disc element can be irregularly shaped, in particular with protruding and recessed tooth-like shapes, in order to also enable radial expansion inward toward the plug part during compression.

[0013] The at least partially electrically conductive disc element can further be flat and / or at least partially bulbous and / or at least partially provided with elevations and / or grooves. In particular, it is possible to design the at least partially electrically conductive disc element with a lens-head shape in cross-section. This achieves an enlargement of the surface which, when the at least partially electrically conductive disc element is compressed or upset, leads to particularly good contact between the plug part and coupling part and thus to optimal conduction of electrostatic charge from the plug part to the coupling part via the disc element. The disc element can thus be flat in the manner of a washer and / or at least partially with elevations or grooves and / or at least partially bulbous, e.g. similar to a lens head or an O-ring.

[0014] It is also possible to mold the at least partially electrically conductive disc element onto the at least one plug part, in particular to injection mold it onto it as a two-component part. The disc element is designed as a two-component injection-molded part and is thus directly and firmly connected to the plug part. In particular, it is applied to the plug collar of the plug part, so that even faster mating with the coupling part is possible, since the disc element does not first have to be plugged onto the plug part. The captive molding of the disc element has proven to be very advantageous, so that it remains on the plug part and is not lost when the plug part is reassembled, i.e. after it has been detached from the coupling part and is then mated back with this or another coupling part.

[0015] The at least partially electrically conductive disc element can be made of a wide variety of materials. The use of at least one rubber material is particularly suitable for elastic construction. For example, the at least partially electrically conductive disc element can be made of at least one of the following conductive materials, such as conductive EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), FKM (fluororubber), VMQ (silicone rubber). Furthermore, the at least partially electrically conductive disc element can comprise at least one foam material. In particular, the disc element can be made of at least one closed-cell foam material. This allows it to remain compressible even in moisture and low temperatures that lead to icing, thus reliably maintaining its functionality even at very low temperatures.By using closed-cell foam material, moisture does not lead to water being stored in the foam material and therefore neither to damage when it freezes nor to a possible reduction in conductivity due to ice formation.

[0016] The at least one electrically conductive region of the at least partially electrically conductive disk element preferably has a resistance of less than or equal to 1 × 10 4< Ω, wherein the resistance of the component is in particular less than or equal to 1 × 10 6< Ω, that of the material is less than or equal to 1 × 10 4< Ω m at a system boundary of the overall system comprising plug part, coupling part and electrically conductive disk element is less than or equal to 1 × 10 8< Ω. By providing such conductivity or such resistance, it is possible to dissipate a sufficient amount of current or electrostatic charge via the plug connector.

[0017] The coupling part can in particular be part of an assembly or designed as a screw-in socket. Furthermore, it is possible to design the coupling part so that it is partially molded onto an assembly. It is also possible to design the coupling part as a mating connector or as a coupling part suitable for connecting a pipe and a hose line. The screw-in socket or the coupling part designed as part of the assembly or as a mating connector or as a coupling part for connecting a pipe and a hose line can be made of aluminum or brass, for example. It is also possible to manufacture it from steel or a continuously conductive plastic material. The coupling part or screw-in socket discharges the electrostatic charge, which, for example, should be kept away from the assembly in the form of a fuel tank in order to prevent explosions.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous to design the at least one retaining element, which serves to hold the plug part and the coupling part of the connector together, to be at least partially electrically conductive. This can particularly advantageously be made of the same material as the at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part. For example, PA66CF20 can be selected as the material for the retaining element and the plug part. This makes it possible to enable the transmission of electrostatic charge or current from the plug part to the coupling part (or vice versa) via the retaining element, even without providing the at least partially electrically conductive disc element.

[0019] In order to ensure consistently good contact of the retaining element on the plug part and the coupling part in the area of ​​the at least partially electrically conductive retaining element, both under pressure and suction, or even in the presence of manufacturing tolerances that result in a remaining air gap between the plug part and retaining element or the retaining element and the coupling part, in order to dissipate electrostatic charges via the retaining element, an axial preload element can additionally be provided. The axial preload element can enable such constant contact of surfaces of the retaining element that are designed to be electrically conductive against surfaces of the at least partially electrically conductive plug part and coupling part in their electrically conductive sections or areas.Such an axial preload element, which presses the plug part and coupling part axially apart and thus against the projecting legs of the retaining element, which is C-shaped in longitudinal section and in plan view (i.e., double-C-shaped), ensures optimal contact between the surfaces of the plug part and retaining element, as well as between the coupling part and retaining element. Alternatively or additionally, a non-conductive or only slightly conductive disc element can be arranged between the plug part and coupling part, which presses both towards the contact with the retaining element to create optimal contact between the surfaces of the plug part and retaining element, as well as between the coupling part and retaining element.

[0020] By providing at least one contact element on the plug part and / or coupling part for electrically connecting the plug part and coupling part when plugged in, it can be ensured that the plug part is always in electrically conductive contact with the coupling part. This makes it possible to manage without the provision of at least one at least partially electrically conductive disc element and also without the provision of at least one at least partially electrically conductive holding element. For example, such a contact element can be formed in the region of a plug shaft of the plug part, for example by molding at least one contact tab protruding there.Such a contact element contacts the coupling part in the plugged-in state, so that an electrically conductive connection is created between both the at least one plug part and the at least one coupling part of the plug connector, in order to dissipate electrostatic charges via the plug connector.

[0021] To further explain the invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 shows a partially sectioned side view of a connector according to the invention with a plug part and a coupling part and an electrically conductive disc element according to the invention arranged therebetween, Figure 2 shows a detailed view in the area of ​​the holding element of the connector according to Figure 1 , Figure 3 the detailed view of the connector according to Figure 2, but without a disc element inserted between the plug part and the coupling part and the holding element, wherein the holding element is at least partially electrically conductive, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the plug part of the connector according to Figure 1 , Figure 5 a rear view of the plug part according to Figure 4 , Figure 6 a longitudinal section view of the plug-in part according to Figure 4 , Figure 7 a side view of the plug part according to Figure 4 , Figure 8 a plan view of the disc element of the connector according to Figure 1 , Figure 9 a side view of the disc element according to Figure 8, Figure 10 a side view of a second embodiment of a lens-head-shaped, at least partially electrically conductive disc element according to the invention, Figure 11 a top view of a third embodiment of a segmented, at least partially electrically conductive disc element according to the invention, which has segments made of foam material and of rigid material, Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an at least partially electrically conductive disc element according to the invention, which has a layer made of a foam material and a layer made of a conductive plastic material arranged one above the other, Figure 13 a perspective view of the holding element of the plug connector according to Figure 1 , Figure 14 a bottom view of the holding element according to Figure 13 , Figure 15 a plan view of the holding element according to Figure 13 , Figure 16 a sectional view along the line CC of the holding element according to Figure 15, Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a non-inventive embodiment of a plug part of a plug connector, wherein a protruding contact element is formed on the end of the plug shaft of the plug part, Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of a non-inventive embodiment of a plug part of a plug connector, wherein a protruding contact element is formed on the end of the plug shaft of the plug part, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a non-inventive connector in the region of the plug part and coupling part plugged into one another, wherein a contact element is arranged on the plug shaft of the plug part, partially projecting beyond the outer circumference of the plug part and contacting the coupling part on its inner circumference, Figure 20 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a non-inventive embodiment of a plug connector,wherein a protruding contact element is formed on the end of the plug shaft of the plug part made of conductive material, Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the plug connector according to , Figure 20 along the line II, and Figure 22 a perspective view of the plug part of the connector according to Figure 20 .

[0022] In Figure 1 is a side and partially sectional view of a connector 1 with a plug part 2, a coupling part 3 and a holding element 4. As the Figures 4 to 7 The connector part 2 is designed as an angled connector. It would also be possible to design it as a straight connector. Figures 4 to 7The angled plug part 2 shown has a connection section 20, which is designed as a mandrel section, in order to be able to fasten a hose line or pipeline thereto by mandreling. The plug part 2 also has a plug shaft section 21 and an angled transition section 23 between the connection section 20 and the plug shaft section 21. The plug shaft section 21 serves to connect to the coupling part 3. In the embodiment shown here, the plug shaft section 21 comprises a first projecting collar section 22, which adjoins the angled transition section 23. Such a collar section 22 may also be omitted in other configurations of the plug part. In the direction away from the angled transition section 23, the plug shaft section 21 initially springs back behind the collar section 22, in order to then form a second projecting collar section 24.Further away from the angled transition section 23, the plug shaft section 21 again recedes behind the second projecting collar section 24 and, in the embodiment shown here, forms a groove 25. This groove may also be absent in a different configuration of the plug part 2. A disc element 5, which is at least partially electrically conductive, is arranged in this groove 25. This will be discussed in more detail below, particularly with reference to FIG. Figures 2 , 8 and 9Extending further away from the angled transition section 23 toward the distal end 29 of the connector shaft section 21, two additional grooves 26, 27 are arranged on the connector shaft section 21. These grooves serve to accommodate two O-rings 6, 7. The two O-rings 6, 7 serve to seal the plug part 2 in the coupling part 3 in order to reliably prevent any leakage of medium flowing through the connector 1 through its inner through-opening 10 to the outside.

[0023] The coupling part 3 has a projecting flange section 30 at its end, as a counter-contour to the second projecting collar section 24 of the plug part 2. The disc element 5 is received between an end face 31 of the projecting flange section 30 and the outer surface 240 of the second projecting collar section 24, which is directed in the direction of the projecting flange section 30. Both the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 are designed to be electrically conductive, at least in this area, as is the disc element 5. Thus, an electrostatic charge, which can occur due to friction when a medium flows within the plug connector 1 and a cable connected to it, can be dissipated via the plug part 2, the disc element 5, and the coupling part 3.The coupling part 3 can, for example, be attached to an assembly such as a tank, in particular a fuel tank, and can be designed, for example, in the form of a screw-in socket. When fuel flows, undesirable electrostatic charging can occur due to friction along the wall of the fluid line adjoining the connector 1, so that dissipating this charge via the connector 1 proves to be very advantageous. For this purpose, the connector part 2, the disc element 5, and the coupling part 3 are designed to be at least partially electrically conductive. A suitable material for the connector part 2 is, for example, a conductive plastic such as PA66CF20. The coupling part 3 can be made of a metal such as aluminum, brass, or steel, or even of a conductive plastic material.

[0024] To ensure the best possible electrical conduction across the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5, it is designed to be elastic and / or compressible. The disc element can therefore, for example, consist at least partially of a rubber material and / or a foam material, such as a PU-based foam material, which is made electrically conductive by additives. Even when a rubber material is used, it is made electrically conductive by additives. The material of the disc element, in its conductive region or regions, has, in particular, a conductivity of less than or equal to 1 × 10 4 Ωm.In order to prevent the conductivity from decreasing in the event of frost due to water absorption when a foam material is used for the disc element, or to prevent the disc element from being damaged or destroyed by ice pressure when freezing, a closed-cell foam material is advantageously selected for the disc element. The compressibility of the disc element can be, for example, 20 to 40%. Accordingly, in the initial position, the disc element can have, for example, a height h that is 10 to 40% greater than would correspond to a gap S between the end face 31 of the projecting collar section 30 of the coupling part 3 and the outer surface 240 of the second projecting collar section 24 of the plug part 2. The gap S can be, for example, 0.4 to 0.6 mm, so that the disc element is compressed to 0.4 mm if necessary.In the non-compressed state, the disc element accordingly has a height of more than 0.6 mm with a gap of 0.6 mm in order to enable compression and correspondingly uniform surface contact of the outer side 240 of the second projecting collar section 24 of the plug part 2 and the end face 31 of the projecting flange section 30 of the coupling part 3 against two opposite outer sides 51, 52 of the disc element 5. Depending on the dimensioning of the gap, the disc element can, for example, have a height h of 0.2 mm (in the compressed state) to 0.8 mm (in the non-compressed state) or possibly 0.1 mm (in the compressed state) to 1.0 mm (in the non-compressed state), possibly even up to 2 mm in the non-compressed state, in the compressed state on the one hand and in the non-compressed state on the other.For example, the disc element has a height h of at least 0.6 mm in the non-compressed state and a height of less than or equal to 0.4 mm in the compressed state.

[0025] In order to ensure a uniform and complete contact of the disk element over the entire surface on the outer side 240 of the second projecting collar section 24 of the plug part 2 and the end face 31 of the projecting flange section 30 of the coupling part 3, the at least partially electrically conductive disk element 5 can have surface enlargement means, such as grooves and elevations and / or a bulbous shape, in particular a lens head shape. When providing in particular a bulbous or lens head shape, as shown by way of example in Figure 10As shown, the disc element 5 extends or expands in the radial direction during compression. The same applies to grooves and elevations in the surface of the disc element 5. As is particularly Figure 2 As can be seen, the disc element 5 extends radially, particularly in the compressed or compressed state. Therefore, in the non-compressed or compressed state, it can, for example, have an outer diameter that is 10 to 15% smaller than the outer diameter of the second projecting collar portion 24 of the plug part 2 or the projecting flange portion 30 of the coupling part 3.

[0026] As the top view of the disc element 5 in Figure 8As can be seen, this has an inner through-opening 50. This is arranged surrounding the plug part 2 or the plug shaft section 21 within the groove 25 thereof. Accordingly, a radial expansion of the disc element 5 in the compressed or compressed state in the direction of the plug shaft section 2 is limited when it rests against its outer surface in the region of the groove 25. On the other hand, the disc element 5 can extend into a circumferential gap 40, which is provided between the holding element 4 and the second projecting collar section 24 as well as the projecting flange section 30 of the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2can be seen. The maximum radial expansion of the disc element is limited by contact with the inner side 41 of the double-C-shaped, i.e., C-shaped in plan view and profile, retaining element 4. When providing a disc element 5 made of elastic material that is hardly compressible, the outer diameter A a of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 can be smaller than the outer diameter B of the plug part 2 in the region of the second projecting collar section 24 (see Figure 6 ) or the projecting flange section 30 of the coupling part 3. Here, it is possible to convert the compression of the disc element into a radial expansion, whereby at maximum compression of the disc element, this rests radially on the inner side 41 of the holding element 4, as in Figure 2shown. If the disc element 5 is designed as a compressible element, the inner diameter A i of the inner through-opening 50 is determined by the outer diameter of the plug shaft section 21, in particular in the region of the groove 25, and the outer diameter A a of the disc element 5 is determined by the diameter of the holding element 4 in the region of its inner side 41. In this case, the disc element 5 can in turn bear against the inner side 41 of the holding element 4, as in Figure 2 shown.

[0027] In the area of ​​the inner through-opening 50 of the disc element 5, instead of the smooth shape as shown in Figure 8 As shown, a corrugated shape or a shape provided with projections and recesses, such as a toothing, can be provided, which also enables radial expansion into the intermediate regions of the teeth of the internal toothing of the inner through-opening 50.

[0028] As in the Figures 11 and 12As shown by way of example, the at least partially electrically conductive disc element can also consist of a combination of at least one rigid material and at least one elastic and / or compressible material. In the embodiment of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 according to Figure 11This has a segmented design, with alternating segments made of electrically conductive material, such as electrically conductive foam material, an elastic and / or compressible material depending on the design of the foam material, and segments made of a rigid material, for example a plastic material such as polyamide, being provided over the annular surface of the disc element. The segments made of rigid material, polyamide as an example here, serve to stabilize the disc element 5. The segments 53 made of electrically conductive material, on the other hand, serve to provide the electrical conductivity of the disc element 5 in order to enable the desired electrically conductive transition to the plug part 2 and coupling part 3 via this. Instead of electrically conductive foam material, at least one other at least partially electrically conductive material can of course be used. Figure 12In contrast, shows an embodiment of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 in a two-layer design, wherein a first layer 55 made of an electrically conductive material, such as at least one plastic material, and a second layer 56 arranged thereover made of an elastic and / or compressible material, such as at least one foam material, are provided. The second layer 56 made of elastic and / or compressible material serves to provide the desired elasticity and / or compressibility of the disc element. In the embodiment according to Figure 12Both the foam material, i.e. the elastic and / or compressible material, and the rigid material, in particular polyamide, are designed to be electrically conductive. Accordingly, the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 can consist of any combination of at least one rigid material and at least one elastic and / or compressible material, for example, a combination of the embodiments according to Figures 11 and 12 Furthermore, it is also possible in the embodiments of the disc element 5 according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 possible to make them bulbous or especially in lens head shape, as in Figure 10 shown, or in a uniformly flat shape, as in Figures 8 and 9 shown, and / or with elements that enlarge the surface of the disc element, such as the grooves and elevations already mentioned.

[0029] The disc element 5 can be formed not only as a separate element inserted between the plug part and the coupling part, but also directly molded onto the plug part 2. This is then formed as a two-component injection-molded part, molded directly onto the plug part 2 in the area of ​​its projecting collar section 24.

[0030] In order to hold the second projecting collar section 24 and the projecting flange section 30 firmly together, the holding element 4 is provided, which has a C-shaped profile. This can in particular Figures 2 and 3 which each show a longitudinal sectional view through the holding element 4 arranged on the second projecting collar section 24 and the projecting flange section 30. In the Figures 10 to 13 The retaining element 4 is shown in detail. It is also visible in a C-shaped top view.

[0031] By providing the disc element 5, not only is a secure plugging, but also the plugging over of the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 possible for locking or engaging behind interlocking surfaces on the plug part, the coupling part and the holding element. This is easily achieved by using the elastic and / or compressible material of the disc element 5. The plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 of the plug connector 1 have only a slight play due to the interposition of the disc element 5, wherein the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 are held together by the holding element 4 in a clamp-like manner, as is particularly the case with the Figures 1 to 3In order to enable, in addition to or as an alternative to the forwarding of electrical charge from the plug part 2 to the coupling part 3 and accordingly the discharging of this charge before reaching a fuel tank in particular, the holding element 4 can also be designed to be at least partially electrically conductive. Since this, as in particular Figure 3can be removed, can be used to transmit electrical charge between plug part 2 and coupling part 3 even without arranging the disk element 5, secure conductive transitions are created between plug part 2 and holding element 4 as well as holding element 4 and coupling part 3 in the region of the second projecting collar section 24 of plug part 2, the projecting flange section 30 of coupling part 3 and the two projecting sections or legs 42, 43 of the holding element 4 which is C-shaped in profile or longitudinal section. By providing an at least partially electrically conductive holding element which is electrically conductive in particular in the region of its two projecting sections 42, 43 and the section 44 arranged therebetween, electrostatic charge can be discharged from the plug part 2 via the projecting section 42, the section 44 as well as the projecting section 43 and the projecting surface section 30 of the coupling part 3.In order to enable the dissipation of electrical charge or current even without providing the disk element 5, provided that this is not to be arranged between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3, an axial preload element, for example in the form of an axial spring element, can be arranged in particular between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3. As a result, the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 are pressed in the direction of the respective projecting sections 42, 43 of the holding element 4, thus generating an axial spring preload in the direction of the two sections 42, 43 of the holding element 4. The second projecting collar section 24 of the plug part 2 and the projecting flange section 30 of the coupling part 3 then bear particularly well against the projecting sections 42, 43 of the holding element 4, in order to enable optimal dissipation of electrical charges via the plug connector 1.Not only the plug part 2, but also the holding element 4 can be made of PA66CF20, for example.

[0032] The Figures 13 to 16 show the holding element 4 in a perspective view as well as in a view from below and from above and in a sectional view along the line CC. Here, it can be seen that the holding element 4 has a locking arm 45 with an end-side locking cam 46, which extends inside the holding element 4, which is also C-shaped in the plan view. With the locking arm 45 or locking cam 46, the holding element 4 engages behind a corresponding projection or a groove 28 on the plug shaft section 21, as shown for example in the Figures 4, 5 and 7 can be seen. The retaining element 4 holds itself securely against rotation on the plug part 2 and, due to its double C-shape, engages under the coupling part 3 in the area of ​​its projecting flange section 30, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 shown.

[0033] In the Figures 17 to 19Three different embodiments of plug parts 2 are shown, in which a contact element 200, 201, or 202 is formed on the end of the plug shaft section 21. The Figure 17 The contact element 200, which is formed on the end of the plug shaft section 21 of the plug part 2, is designed to project beyond the outer circumference or the outer diameter D of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21. The contact element 200 has a shape that tapers conically towards the end of the distal end 29. Accordingly, the plug shaft section 21 can be easily inserted with its distal end 29 into the coupling part 3 (in Figure 17not shown). The conically tapered contact element 200 is subsequently supported, in particular with its furthest-projecting section 203, on the inside of the inner through-opening of the coupling part 3. An electrically conductive connection between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 is possible via this contact area, so that even without providing the at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 or the at least partially electrically conductive holding element 4, electrostatic charges can be discharged via the contact element 200 and accordingly via the plug connector 1 comprising the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3.

[0034] In Figure 18 is an alternative design variant of the contact element 200 made of Figure 17in the form of the contact element 201. This is not tapered. Rather, it extends completely or partially with an outer diameter D 1 that is at least substantially uniform over its height around the outer circumference or outer diameter D of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21 of the plug part 2. In particular, it can be similar to the embodiment variant of the contact element 202 according to Figure 19be formed, i.e., have sections projecting beyond the outer circumference of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21 of the plug part 2, e.g., four such projecting sections. This contact element 201 also enables contact between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3, in the state plugged into the coupling part 3, for discharging electrical charges via the plug connector 1, even without providing an at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 or an at least partially electrically conductive holding element 4.

[0035] In Figure 19is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the connector 1 in the area of ​​the plugged-in plug part 2 and the coupling part 3. Here, too, the contact element 202 is shown on the outside of the plug part 2 in the form of the contact element 202 projecting in three sections 204, 205 and 206 beyond the outer diameter D of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21. With its three projecting sections 204, 205, 206, the contact element 202 is supported on the inner side 32 of the inner through-opening 33 of the coupling part 3. As also Figure 19 can be removed, the contact element 202 is formed on the outside of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21 of the plug part 2. Furthermore, the cross-sectional view in Figure 19It can be seen that the contact element 202 can be designed to be flexible or elastic, particularly in the projecting sections 204, 205, and 206, in order to optimally support itself on the inner side 32 of the inner through-opening 33 of the coupling part 3. In the area in which the projecting sections 204, 205, and 206 are supported on the inner side 32 of the inner through-opening 33 of the coupling part 3, an electrically conductive connection between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 is possible. Accordingly, electrical charges can in turn be discharged via the plug connector 1 with the plug-in plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 inserted through the contact element 202. This is thus also possible without providing at least one at least partially electrically conductive disk element 5 or at least one at least partially electrically conductive holding element 4.In principle, of course, such a contact element 200 or 201 or 202 can also be provided in addition to at least one at least partially electrically conductive disc element 5 or at least one at least partially electrically conductive holding element 4.

[0036] In the Figures 20 to 22 A further embodiment of the connector 1 is shown, not according to the invention. This has contact elements 207, 208 designed as two opposing contact arms. In contrast to the embodiments of the contact elements 200, 201 and 202, the two contact elements 207, 208 designed as contact arms have the shape of ring segments, which are delimited by a respective groove 209, 210 from the surrounding material of the body 211 of the plug shaft section 21. This can be particularly well suited to Figures 21 and 22In the additional enlarged detailed view of the area of ​​the plug shaft section 21 with the contact element 208 in Figure 20 It can also be seen that the contact elements 207, 208 each have a contact nose 212 projecting at the end, which, like the contact element 200 according to Figure 17 and the contact element 201 according to Figure 18 , protrude beyond the outer diameter D in the region of the distal end 29 of the plug shaft section 21. The projecting contact lugs 212 of the two contact elements 207, 208 serve, as does, for example, the section 203 of the contact element 200 according to Figure 17, ensuring a close fit of the contact elements 207, 208 at least in the area of ​​the contact lugs 212 on the inner side 32 of the inner through-opening 33 of a receiving shaft 34 of the coupling part 3 for receiving the plug shaft section 21 and thus ensuring a good electrically conductive connection between the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 to enable the dissipation of electrostatic charges via the contact elements 207, 208 and accordingly via the plug connector 1 comprising the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3. The plug connector 1 comprising the plug part 2 and the coupling part 3 is advantageously made of a correspondingly electrically conductive material in order to enable the desired dissipation of electrostatic charges via the plug connector 1.

[0037] In addition to the embodiments of plug connectors described above and shown in the figures, comprising at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part, at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part and at least one retaining element that fixes the plug part and coupling part to one another, numerous further embodiments can be formed, in each of which an at least partially electrically conductive disc element is arranged between the plug part and the coupling part, which disc element is provided for discharging an electrostatic charge across the disc element, thus through the plug connector.This allows current to flow across the disc element, as the disc element is at least partially electrically conductive and lies firmly and flatly against the surface of the plug part in an area in which the plug part is electrically conductive, and of the coupling part in which the coupling part is at least electrically conductive. List of reference symbols

[0038] 1 Connector 2 Plug part 3 Coupling part 4 Holding element 5 At least partially electrically conductive disc element 6 O-ring 7 O-ring 10 Inner through-opening 20 Connection section / mandrel section 21 Plug shaft section 22 First projecting collar section 23 Angled transition section 24 Second projecting collar section 25 Groove 26 Groove 27 Groove 28 Groove 29 Distal end 30 Projecting flange section 31 End face of 30 32 Inside 33 Inner through-opening 34 Receptacle shaft 40 Circumferential gap 41 Inside of 4 42 Projecting section 43 Projecting section 44 Section 45 Latching arm 46 Latching cam 50 ... Inner through-opening 51 Outside 52 Outside 53 Segment made of electrically conductive material 54Segment made of polyamide 55First layer made of conductive material, e.g. plastic material 56Second layer made of electrical and / or compressible material, e.g.Foam material 200Contact element 201Contact element 202Contact element 203Section of 200 204Section of 202 205Section of 202 206Section of 202 207Contact element / contact arm 208Contact element / contact arm 209Groove 210Groove 211Body of 21 212Contact nose 240Outer surface hHeight of 5 S Gap A a Outer diameter of 5 A i Inner diameter of 5 BOuter diameter of 24 DOuter diameter of 29 D 1 Outer diameter of 201.

Claims

1. Plug-in connector (1), comprising at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part (2), at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part (3), and at least one retaining element (4) which fixes the plug part (2) and the coupling part (3) together, wherein the plug part (2) has a plug shaft portion (21) which serves for connection to the coupling part (3) and has a protruding collar portion (24), characterised in that between the at least one plug part (2) and the at least one coupling part (3) there is arranged at least one at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5), wherein the coupling part (3) has at the end, as a mating contour to the protruding collar portion (24) of the plug part (2), a protruding flange portion (30), and the at least one disc element (5) is accommodated between an end face (31) of the protruding flange portion (30) and an outer surface (240),facing in the direction towards the protruding flange portion (30), of the protruding collar portion (24) of the plug part (2), and the plug part and the coupling part are pressed against one another by the at least one retaining element (4), whereby the outer surface (240) of the protruding collar portion (24) of the plug part (2) and the end face (31) of the protruding flange portion (30) of the coupling part (3) are pressed against the disc element (5) so that the disc element (5) is clamped between the plug part (2) and the coupling part (3), wherein the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) has a compressibility of from 20 to 40%.

2. Plug-in connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) consists of a resilient and / or compressible electrically conductive or conducting material or has such a material in at least one electrically conductive region.

3. Plug-in connector (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) consists of a combination of at least one rigid material and at least one resilient and / or compressible material.

4. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) has a height (h) that is from 10 to 40% greater than would correspond to the distance (S) between the end face (31) of the protruding flange portion (30) of the coupling part (3) and the outer surface (240) of the protruding collar portion (24) of the plug part (2) in the plugged-in state, that is to say the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) is configured so as to be from 10 to 40% thicker than the distance (S) between the end face (31) of the protruding flange portion (30) of the coupling part (3) and the outer surface (240) of the protruding collar portion (24) of the plug part (2) in the plugged-in state.

5. Plug-in connector (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) has a height (h) of from 0.1 mm in the compressed state to 1.0 mm in the uncompressed state, in particular from 0.2 mm in the compressed state to 0.8 mm in the uncompressed state, in particular a height (h) of at least 0.6 mm in the uncompressed state and a height (h) of less than or equal to 0.4 mm in the compressed state.

6. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) is configured so as to be flat and / or at least partially bulbous and / or to be provided at least partially with elevations and / or grooves, in particular is configured so as to be button-head-shaped in cross section.

7. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) is moulded onto the at least one plug part (2), in particular is injection-moulded in the form of a twocomponent part onto the plug part.

8. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) has at least one foam material, in particular consists of at least one closed-cell foam material.

9. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one electrically conductive region of the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) has a resistance of < 1 × 104Ωm.

10. Plug-in connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one retaining element (4) is configured so as to be at least partially electrically conductive.

11. Plug-in connector according to claim 10, characterised in that the at least one at least partially electrically conductive retaining element (4) consists of the same material as the at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part (2), in particular of PA66CF20.