ELASTIC CONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for making hose and / or pipe connections. The connector comprises a base body and a receiving body. The base body and the receiving body each have an insertion channel for a connector part to be mounted in one insertion direction. Furthermore, the connector has a retaining element which is arranged in a receiving opening of the receiving body and, in a locking position, blocks the connector part to be mounted in the opposite direction of insertion. The receiving body is also connected to the base body, with the retaining element having a stop surface facing in the opposite direction of insertion. The receiving opening also has a contact surface facing in the insertion direction, the stop surface acting against the contact surface of the receiving body when the retaining element is displaced in the opposite direction of insertion.The receiving body is designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that the contact surface can be elastically displaced at least within a displacement range in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0002] Connectors of this type are available on the market under various names, including "VOSS 241 plug system" and especially "SV241N / NSL". In this process, usually during pre-assembly, the retaining element is inserted into the receiving opening of the receiving body, and the receiving body is then mounted in the insertion channel of the base body. After assembly, i.e., after the connector part to be mounted has been inserted into the insertion channels of the receiving body and the base body, the retaining element at least positively blocks the connector part from being separated from the insertion channel of the receiving body and the base body in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0003] The connector part can be, in particular, a so-called male connector designed according to the SAE J 2044 standard. In this case, the retaining part engages behind a ring collar formed in the SAE connector contour and locks it securely in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0004] Such systems are used, among other things, in automotive engineering. In particular, these systems are suitable for use in fuel systems and selective catalytic reduction (SCR systems) for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases.

[0005] SCR systems can be designed in both heated and unheated versions, as is commonly known. The lines of SCR systems typically contain a 32.5% aqueous urea solution, also known as AdBlue. Its composition is regulated by DIN 70070 and ISO 22241-1. It is generally known that these aqueous urea solutions freeze and expand at temperatures between -8°C and -11°C. This can lead to failure of the connector system.

[0006] A connector of this type is known from DE 10 2016 109 051 A1. Due to its design, this connector is configured such that high pressures in the wiring system or forces act on the plug part, pressing it against the retaining element in the opposite direction of insertion. By arranging the retaining element in the receiving opening of the receiving body, the force acting on the plug part is transferred via the stop surface of the retaining element to the contact surface of the receiving opening.

[0007] From EP 3 270 028 A2, a connector is known in which the receiving body has a connection lug which has freely projecting, radially spring-elastic, axially directed locking arms on an outer geometry. The locking arms of the receiving body are in operative connection with the base body, so that the receiving body is snapped into place in the base body.

[0008] DE 10 2014 107 530 A1 describes a receiving part for a fluid quick-connect coupling, which has a socket part with a receiving opening for a plug part that can be inserted into the socket part in an axial insertion direction, and with an expandable retaining part by means of which the plug part can be locked against detachment from the socket part via a retaining step of the plug part, wherein the retaining part has at least one radially spring-loaded expanding retaining arm for engaging the retaining step of the plug part in a snap-fit ​​manner. A fluid quick-connect coupling with a plug part and with such a receiving part is also described.It is provided that the retaining part overlaps the socket part with an annularly shaped head area at its end face, wherein the retaining part has at least one radially spring-loaded snap arm located in an outer jacket area, projecting axially from the head area towards the socket part, for locking behind a locking step located on the outer circumference of the socket part, which is concentric with the radially spring-loaded retaining arm for locking behind the retaining step of the plug part, which is arranged in an inner jacket area of ​​the retaining part.

[0009] The connectors known from DE 10 2016 109 051 A1, EP 3 270 028 A2 and DE 10 2014 107 530 A1 have proven advantageous in practice. In particular, the design of the retaining clip with two pairs of spring arms is a significant advantage for assembly and installation safety.

[0010] In connectors of the known type, a gap can form, in particular, between the rearmost end of the connector part (viewed in the insertion direction) and a wall of the base body opposite this end. This gap, which serves as the overlap space for mounting the connector part in the connector, is preferably also considered essential. During operation, this gap is filled with the medium of the fluid system, in particular with the liquid urea solution. At high operating pressures or when the medium freezes, a force acts on the end of the connector part in the opposite direction of insertion, displacing it in the opposite direction. This presses the connector part, with its ring collar, against the retaining part, which in turn transmits the force to the receiving body, in particular as explained in DE 10 2016 109 051 A1.Especially at cold temperatures, the elasticity of the receiving body is reduced, meaning that the force transmitted to it exceeds its elastic range, even if parts located behind it in the direction of the force might also be more or less elastically and / or plastically deformed and thus affected. In particular, plastic deformation and material failure are possible consequences when the elastic range is exceeded.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of reducing the disadvantages of the known connector, in particular with the known retaining clip, preferably with regard to resistance to line pressures, while maintaining at least equivalent functionality in operation.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1. By having a resistance element in the receiving body which, when the contact surface is displaced beyond the displacement range, generates resistance against further elastic deformation of the receiving body against the insertion direction, the receiving body advantageously has at least two displacement ranges. The displacement ranges exhibit different levels of resistance to displacement of the contact surface.

[0013] The advantage here is that the elastic deformation of the receiving body provides an elastic area which can compensate for pressure pulsations and pressure fluctuations during operation.

[0014] The resistance element, which according to the invention is designed as an anvil arm extending in the receiving body parallel to the insertion direction, which is at least on one side materially bonded or integrally formed with the receiving body and is arranged with at least one end in an anvil receptacle in the receiving body, wherein a gap is formed between a contact section at at least one end of the anvil arm and a correspondingly designed contact surface of the anvil receptacle, which decreases when the contact surface is displaced and increases the resistance to further deformation of the receiving body against the insertion direction when the contact section is in contact with the contact surface, furthermore enables protection against overload, e.g. in the case of exceptionally high pressures during operation or a freezing fluid, in particular a fluid freezing in the insertion space.

[0015] When the pressure in the fluid system increases, the volume of the fluid can be quickly increased by means of the displacement, thus reducing the pressure acting on the connector. However, to limit the displacement and, in particular, to prevent plastic deformation, the resistance element restricts further displacement of the contact surface. The resulting increase in volume reduces the remaining pressure in the fluid system to such an extent that it no longer leads to the connector being destroyed or deformed plastically.

[0016] The receiving body is preferably designed as a clamp cage. Furthermore, the retaining element is preferably designed as a retaining clip that can be inserted into the clamp cage perpendicular to the insertion direction. The retaining clip has, in particular, a U-shaped profile when viewed in the insertion direction. The receiving opening in the receiving body is, in particular, designed to be complementary to the retaining clip and perpendicular to the insertion direction, and is especially open on two opposite sides.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receiving body has two elastically deformable plate elements offset parallel to the insertion direction and each extending in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. In particular, the plate elements define the receiving opening.

[0018] The front plate element, viewed in the insertion direction, expediently provides the contact surface for the stop surface of the retaining part.

[0019] To adapt the elasticity of the receiving body to the pressure conditions and the intended use, the receiving body, according to an advantageous embodiment, has at least one expansion rib which is elastically deformable against the insertion direction and, in particular, in the insertion direction. In an advantageous variant of this embodiment, the receiving body has at least two expansion ribs offset around the insertion channel, each of which is elastically deformable against the insertion direction.

[0020] The expansion ribs effectively connect the plate elements to one another and are arranged, in particular, on an outer circumference of the plate elements. Advantageously, the plate elements themselves are elastically deformable, as are the expansion ribs, so that the elastic deformability or the displacement range of the receiving body can be adjusted via the design of the expansion ribs and the plate elements.

[0021] To further increase elasticity, the receiving body, according to one embodiment of the invention, has at least one material reduction. Material reductions are to be understood in particular as indentations, openings, constrictions, or the like, which interrupt the homogeneous structure of the receiving body. Preferably, the first and / or the second plate element and / or each of the expansion ribs have at least one such material reduction. In particular, a material reduction can be formed perpendicular and / or parallel to the insertion direction in the receiving body.

[0022] According to the invention, the resistance element is designed as an anvil arm extending parallel to the insertion direction within the receiving body. In particular, the anvil arm is at least on one side bonded to or integrally formed with the receiving body and is arranged with at least one end in an anvil recess within the receiving body. Advantageously, a gap is formed between a contact section at at least one end of the anvil arm and a correspondingly designed contact surface of the anvil recess. In the event of elastic deformation of the receiving body in the displacement area or a displacement of the contact surface, the gap advantageously decreases, i.e., the contact section of the anvil arm approaches the contact surface of the anvil recess in accordance with the displacement of the contact surface.In particular, the resistance element increases the resistance to further deformation of the receiving body and the associated displacement of the contact surface against the insertion direction when the contact section makes contact with the contact surface. It is particularly advantageous that the gap between the contact section of the anvil arm and the contact surface of the anvil receptacle can be adapted to the elastic deformability of the receiving body in such a way that contact occurs between the contact section of the anvil arm and the contact surface, especially before the displacement of the contact surface leads to plastic deformation or destruction of the receiving body.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, at least one anvil arm is bonded or integrally formed with the receiving body on one side. Advantageously, the anvil arm has a free end opposite this point. In particular, the free end is arranged in the anvil recess in the receiving body, with the contact section forming a projection at the free end of the anvil arm.

[0024] In particular, the anvil arm is connected to a plate element and extends parallel to the insertion direction towards the other plate element. Specifically, the other plate element has the anvil receptacle, so that the plate elements are connected to each other via the anvil arm when the protrusion of the free end and the contact surface of the anvil receptacle are in contact.

[0025] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the receiving body has at least two anvil arms and two anvil receptacles. According to this embodiment, these are advantageously designed such that, upon reaching at least two different specific elastic deformations of the receiving body, their respective contact sections successively come into contact with their respective associated contact surfaces of the anvil receptacles. The different specific elastic deformations of the receiving body differ, in particular, in the degree of elastic displacement of the contact surface of the receiving body relative to the insertion direction. Advantageously, it is achieved that, upon reaching each specific elastic deformation of the receiving body, further resistance to the displacement of the contact surface of the receiving body is generated.

[0026] Advantageously, according to a further embodiment, the connector has a return element. Preferably, the insertion channel of the receiving body has axial play for supporting the connector part to be mounted. This play serves in particular to provide the necessary overlap for mounting the connector part. Advantageously, the insertion play is limited by a rear stop (viewed from the insertion direction) for a ring collar of the connector part in the insertion channel of the receiving body, and by a retaining element in the locking position (viewed from the insertion direction) located in front of the rear stop. Advantageously, the return element is at least partially located in the receiving body and can generate a return force acting on the ring collar of the connector part to be mounted in the insertion direction.This has the advantage of keeping the overlap space as small as possible, so that less fluid, which can freeze and expand, can accumulate in the overlap space.

[0027] Advantageously, for the manufacture of the connector, the receiving body and / or the retaining part and / or the base body are each monolithically formed and manufactured by injection molding. The receiving body and the base body can expediently be joined together in a known manner by material bonding, in particular by laser welding. Alternatively, in a modular design, the receiving body and the base body can be connected to each other in a known manner using locking elements, in particular locking arms formed parallel to the insertion direction, by force-fit or force-fit locking.

[0028] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a connector according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a side of a first embodiment of a receiving body facing against an insertion direction, Fig. 3 is a perspective sectional view of a section surface A - A according to Figure 2 Fig. 4 a perspective view of a side of the first embodiment of the receiving body pointing in the insertion direction, Fig. 5 a perspective sectional view of a section surface B - B according to Figure 4 Fig. 6 shows a top view in the insertion direction of an embodiment of the connector according to the invention with an inserted connector part, Fig. 7 shows a sectional view along C - C according to Figure 6 , Fig. 8 a detailed view of area D of the sectional view according to Figure 7without plug part inserted, Fig. 9 a perspective view of a side facing against the insertion direction of a second embodiment of a receiving body, Fig. 10 a perspective sectional view of a section surface F - F according to Figure 9 Fig. 11 a perspective view of a side of the second embodiment of the receiving body pointing in the insertion direction, Fig. 12 a perspective sectional view of a section surface G - G according to Figure 11 Fig. 13 a perspective side view of a third embodiment of a receiving body, Fig. 14 a perspective side view of the third embodiment of the receiving body rotated by 90° according to Figure 13 , Fig. 15 a top view of a side facing in the insertion direction of the third embodiment of the receiving body according to Figure 13 and Fig. 16 a perspective view of a side facing against the insertion direction of the third embodiment of the receiving body according to Figure 13 .

[0030] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0031] The following description claims that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features; rather, each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention, independent of all other partial features described in connection therewith, both on its own and in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0032] As in Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 for making hose and / or pipe connections has a base body 2 and a receiving body 4. As shown in the Figure 7 and 8As can be seen, the base body 2 and the receiving body 4 each have an insertion channel 6, 8 for a plug part 10 to be mounted in an insertion direction E. The plug part 10 is shown in the following for clarification. Figures 6 and 7 depicted. In the Figures 1 to 16 The receiving body 4 is shown in an advantageous embodiment designed as a clamp cage.

[0033] The base body 2 can be connected on one side, in particular to a fluid line (not shown). Preferably, for this purpose, the base body 2 is provided with a connection, as shown in the Figure 1 , 6 and 7 As shown, a connection section 12 is formed. A media line to be connected can be designed, in particular, as a hose or pipe. It can be provided that the fluid line is connected by positive locking, force-fit, or material-fit connection. Furthermore, the base body 2 can be directly connected to a unit or another element of a fluid piping system.

[0034] A sealing assembly can be arranged in the insertion channel 6 of the base body 2. This assembly preferably comprises two sealing rings 14, in particular elastomeric O-rings, and a spacer ring 16 between them. Preferably, this sealing assembly rests against a connecting projection 18 of the receiving body 4, which points in the insertion direction E, or against a support ring. The advantageous embodiment with the support ring is not shown. The support ring, which, like the spacer ring, is made of a more rigid material than the O-rings, counteracts gap extrusion of the elastomeric O-rings. The sealing assembly advantageously seals an outer circumference of a sealing section of the connector part 10 to be installed against an inner wall of the insertion channel 6 of the base body 2 after its installation.

[0035] Connector part 10 is specifically an SAE J 2044 male connector. As shown in the example in the Figure 7As shown, the connector part 10 is hollow cylindrical and has, in particular, a sealing section 20 and a locking section 22 arranged in the insertion direction E in front of the sealing section 20. In an inserted state, the sealing section 20 is preferably arranged completely within the insertion channel 6, 8 of the base body 2 and the receiving body 4. In particular, the sealing section 20 is separated from the locking section 22 by a circumferential ring collar 24 with an increased diameter.

[0036] Connector 1 has a Figure 1 the holding part 28 shown, in particular designed as a retaining clip in the illustrated embodiment, which, as in the Figures 6 to 8 as shown, is arranged in a receiving opening 26 of the receiving body 4. According to the illustration according to the Figures 6 and 7The retaining part 28 blocks the plug part 10 to be mounted in a locking position against the insertion direction E.

[0037] The receiving body 4 is designed, in particular, as a clamp cage. The retaining element 28, designed as a retaining clip, is preferably insertable into the clamp cage perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The retaining element 28, designed as a retaining clip, has, in particular, a U-shaped profile when viewed in the insertion direction E. The receiving opening 26 in the receiving body 4 is, in particular, designed to be complementary to the retaining clip and perpendicular to the insertion direction E in the receiving body 4 and is, in particular, open on two opposite sides; in particular, the receiving opening 26 has an entry opening and an exit opening.

[0038] The retaining part 28 can advantageously be pre-assembled in the receiving opening 26 of the receiving body 4. The retaining part 28, designed as a retaining clip, can preferably assume at least two positions, a release position and a locking position, and in particular three positions, namely an additional pre-assembly position. In In the release and pre-assembly positions (not shown), the connector part 10 to be assembled can be inserted into the insertion channel 6, 8 by means of the retaining clip. In particular, at least in the release position, the connector part 10 can be removed from the insertion channel 6, 8 against the insertion direction E. Preferably, in the locking position, the retaining clip locks accordingly. Figure 7 , the plug part 10 is positively locked in place by the retaining clip blocking the ring collar 24 of the plug part 10 against movement against the insertion direction E.

[0039] The retaining part 28, designed as a retaining clip, features in particular, as shown in Figure 1The figure shows two pairs of spring arms. Advantageously, each pair of spring arms consists of a positioning arm 30 and a functional arm 32. In particular, the positioning arms 30 are arranged behind the respective functional arm 32 when viewed in the insertion direction E.

[0040] The functional arms 32 and positioning arms 30 are arranged radially opposite each other to the insertion channel 6, 8. Advantageously, the positioning arms 30 are designed as a retaining device and, in a pre-assembly position of the retaining clip, engage behind a positioning element which is formed in the receiving opening 26.

[0041] The functional arms 32 have, in particular, a blocking side 34, preferably perpendicular to the insertion channel 6, 8 and pointing in the insertion direction E, and an insertion side 36 pointing against the insertion direction E and beveled at least in some areas. The insertion side 36 is beveled such that, when the connector part 10 to be mounted is inserted, the insertion side 36 with the beveled section comes into contact with the ring collar 24 of the connector part 10 and the functional arms 32 are elastically deformed radially outwards towards the insertion channel 6, 8. The blocking side 34 is designed such that as soon as the plug part 10 is inserted into the insertion channel 6, 8 in the insertion direction E to such an extent that the ring collar 24 of the plug part 10 is arranged behind the functional arm 32 in the insertion direction E, the functional arm 32 is deformed radially back to the insertion channel 6, 8 and, with the blocking side 34, positively locks the ring collar 24 against the insertion direction E.

[0042] The connector part 10 is advantageously inserted into the insertion channel 6, 8 of the base body 2 and the receiving body 4 in the insertion direction E until the ring collar 24 is engaged from behind by the functional arm 32. In this assembly method, a so-called over-insertion, i.e., an excessive insertion of the connector part 10 in the insertion direction E with respect to the actual detent position, is preferably advantageous in order to enable engagement from behind the retaining part 28. In this respect, the rearmost section of the insertion channel 6 of the base body 2 in the insertion direction E forms a Figure 7 shown overlap space 38.

[0043] On an end wall 44 of the receiving body 4 pointing against the insertion direction E, as shown in the Figures 1 to 3 , 6 , 9 , 10 and 16 shown, advantageously guide slots for the engagement of complementary components, into the Figure 1 and 6The guide pins 46 shown are located on the functional arms and project from them in the direction of insertion E.

[0044] The guide slots are advantageously designed as elongated holes 48 with angled bends, whereby the elongated holes 48 form a control contour for the guide pins 46. The interaction of the control contour with the guide pins 46 advantageously limits the insertion and extension movements of the retaining part 28, designed as a retaining clip, perpendicular to the insertion direction E, and controls the movement of the functional arms 32 radially to the insertion channel 6, 8. Advantageously, the control contour allows at least one pre-assembly position, one release position, and one locking position of the retaining clip in the receiving opening 26 to be set. In the locking position, the guide pins 46 are arranged in a locking contour 50 of the control contour, which is located between a pre-assembly contour 52 and a release contour 54. The locking contour 50, the control contour, and the release contour 54 are connected to each other via the elongated hole 48.

[0045] By applying radial pressure from outside the connector 1 to a release action 56 of the retaining clip or by applying pressure inside the connector 1 to the insertion side 36 of the functional arms 32 when inserting the connector part 10 to be mounted into the insertion channel 8 of the receiving body 4, the retaining clip can be moved from the locking position to the release position by the guide pins 46 of the functional arms 32 following the control contour of the elongated holes 48.

[0046] In the pre-assembly state, the guide pins 46 are arranged, in particular, in the pre-assembly contour 52. From the pre-assembly position, the retaining clip can advantageously be moved into the locking position by radial pressure from outside the connector 1 onto the release engagement 56 of the retaining clip or by pressure from inside the connector 1 onto the insertion side 36 of the functional arms 32 when inserting the connector part 10 to be assembled into the insertion channel 8 of the receiving body 4, by the guide pins 46 of the functional arms 32 following the control contour of the elongated holes 48.

[0047] As in the Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the receiving body 4 is connected to the base body 2. Furthermore, in the Figure 7 and 8The figure shows that the retaining part 28 has a stop surface 40 pointing against the insertion direction E. Facing the stop surface 40, the receiving opening 26 has a contact surface 42 pointing in the insertion direction E. The stop surface 40 acts as shown in Figure 8 The illustration shows the displacement of the retaining part 28 against the insertion direction E relative to the contact surface 42 of the receiving body 4. The receiving body 4 is designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that the contact surface 42 is elastically displaceable at least within a displacement range against the insertion direction E.

[0048] According to an embodiment not shown, the connector 1 and / or the fluid line connected to the connector part 10 to be mounted can be electrically heated. Advantageously, a heating element is arranged on the base body 2 and / or the receiving body 4 for heating the connector 1, in particular wound around the base body 2 and / or the receiving body 4. The heating element is preferably an electric heating element, in particular a single- or multi-core heating wire or conductor.

[0049] The basic body 2 expediently features, as shown in the Figure 1 , 7 and 8The figure shows a heating section in which the heating medium is arranged. In particular, the base body 2 has at least one guide element 58 in the heating section for guiding and directing the heating medium. According to a preferred embodiment, the guide element 58 is a helical guide groove which extends spirally around the circumference of the base body 2.

[0050] According to the invention, the receiving body 4, as shown in the Figures 1 to 6 and 8 to 14 A resistance element 69 is shown. When the contact surface 42 is displaced beyond the displacement range, the resistance element 69 creates resistance against further elastic deformation of the receiving body 4 against the insertion direction E.

[0051] Advantageously, the receiving body 4, according to the invention, has at least two displacement areas. These displacement areas exhibit different resistances to displacement of the contact surface 42. It is advantageous that the elastic deformation of the receiving body 4 provides an elastic zone which can compensate for pressure pulsations and fluctuations during operation. The resistance element 69 provides a resistance zone to protect against overload, e.g., by deformation beyond the displacement area.

[0052] The displacement range does not limit the elastic range in the sense of the invention. In particular, the receiving body 4 can still be elastically deformable even beyond the displacement range. However, the receiving body 4 cannot be plastically deformed by a displacement of the contact surface 42 against the insertion direction E within the displacement range.

[0053] The receiving body 4 or the contact surface 42 of the receiving body 4 is particularly susceptible to damage at exceptionally high operating pressures or in the presence of a freezing fluid, especially one in a plug-in space 38, as shown in Figure 7 , freezing fluid, deformed beyond the displacement range.

[0054] When a fluid freezes in connector 1, it expands and increases in volume. This exerts a release force on the connector part 10 acting against the insertion direction E at its front end; see first release force F1 in Figure 7 The plug part 10, in turn, transmits the release force through its positive locking connection against the insertion direction E with the ring collar 24 to the retaining part 28, in particular to the blocking side 34 of the functional arms 32, see second release force F2 in Figure 7 According to the invention, the retaining part 28 is arranged in the receiving opening 26 and then transmits the release force via the stop surface 40 to the contact surface 42 of the receiving opening 26, whereby the receiving body 4 is deformed or the contact surface 42 is displaced, see third release force F3 in Figure 7 .

[0055] When the pressure in the fluid system increases, the volume of the fluid can be quickly increased by means of the displacement, thus reducing the pressure acting on the connector 1. However, in order to limit the displacement and, in particular, to prevent plastic deformation, the resistance element 69 limits further displacement of the contact surface 42. The resulting increase in volume reduces the remaining pressure in the fluid system to such an extent that it no longer leads to the destruction of the connector 1 or to its plastic deformation.

[0056] In particular, in accordance with the provisions in the Figures 1 to 5 , 9 to 14 and 16In the advantageous embodiments shown, the receiving body 4 has two plate elements 60, 62 offset parallel to the insertion direction E and each extending in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The plate elements 60, 62 are particularly elastically deformable and define the receiving opening 26. Advantageously, the first plate element 60, which is forward in the insertion direction E, has the contact surface 42 for the stop surface 40 of the retaining part 28. Furthermore, the first plate element 60, which is forward in the insertion direction E, has in particular the control contour or the elongated holes 48 for guiding the guide pins 46 of the retaining clip.

[0057] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving body 4 has at least one expansion rib 64, in particular two expansion ribs 64 offset about the insertion channel 6, 8. The expansion ribs 64 are expediently designed to be elastically deformable opposite to the insertion direction E and in particular in the insertion direction E.

[0058] Especially those in the Figures 1 to 16 The advantageous embodiments shown feature the expansion ribs 64. The expansion ribs 64 optimize the elasticity of the receiving body 4 in such a way that the elasticity can be adapted to the pressure conditions and the intended use. Particularly advantageously, the expansion ribs 64, as shown, limit the receiving opening 26 radially to the insertion channel 6, 8.

[0059] In the Figures 1 to 5 , 7 to 14 and 16Advantageous embodiments are also shown, according to which the expansion ribs 64 connect the plate elements 60, 62 to one another. In particular, the expansion ribs 64 are arranged on an outer circumference of the plate elements 60, 62. Advantageously, the plate elements 60, 62 are themselves elastically deformable, as are the expansion ribs 64, so that the elastic deformability or the displacement range of the receiving body 4 can be adjusted via the design of the expansion ribs 64 and the plate elements 60, 62.

[0060] Advantageously, the receiving body 4 has at least one material reduction 66. The material reduction 66 is particularly designed as a notch, a perforation, a constriction, or the like. The material reduction 66 increases the elasticity or deformability of the receiving body 4 and reduces the resistance against the insertion direction E. The material reductions 66 particularly disrupt the homogeneous structure of the receiving body 4. Preferably, the first and / or the second plate element 60, 62 and / or the expansion ribs 64 each have, as shown in the Figures 9 to 14 and 16 As shown, at least one such material saving 66 occurs. In particular, a material saving 66 can be perpendicular and / or parallel, as shown in the Figures 13 to 16 shown, with the insertion direction E in the receiving body 4 being formed. This is particularly advantageous in the case of the Figures 13 to 16In the illustrated embodiment of the receiving body 4, the connection of the plate elements is optimized to adapt the force-displacement curve to possible requirements. Furthermore, the receiving body 4 is advantageously particularly stable and also easy to manufacture due to the material savings 66, which are designed parallel to the insertion direction E.

[0061] The material savings can also be advantageously formed tangentially to a circular path around the insertion channel 8 of the receiving body, as is particularly evident in the Figure 11 and 12 shown in the second plate element 62.

[0062] Especially in the Figures 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 to 12 and 16 A material reduction 66, designed as a notch, is shown, which is formed on the end wall 44 of the first plate element 60 or on the rear side 68 of the second plate element 62 facing in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the Figures 4, 5 , 11 to 15 Material savings 66 are advantageously formed as openings, in particular slots, which are formed in the second plate element 62.

[0063] It is particularly advantageous, as in the Figures 9 to 16 The material savings 66 are shown in the form of openings, in particular free cuts, in the expansion webs 64.

[0064] According to the invention, the resistance element 69 is, as in the Figures 1 to 6 , 8 , 7 and 9 to 14 The anvil arm 70 is depicted as extending parallel to the insertion direction E within the receiving body 4. According to the invention, the anvil arm 70 is bonded or integrally formed with the receiving body 4 on one side and is arranged with its free end in an anvil recess 72 within the receiving body 4.

[0065] In particular, as in Figure 8As shown, the contact section 74 is formed on a projection 75 at a free end of the anvil arm 70. In particular, a gap is formed between the contact section 74 of the projection 75 and a correspondingly formed contact surface 76 of the anvil receptacle 72. When the receptacle body 4 is deformed, especially when the contact surface 42 is displaced against the insertion direction E, the anvil arm 70 is dragged along by its material-locking connection, thereby reducing the gap.

[0066] Advantageously, the resistance element 69 increases the resistance against further deformation of the receiving body 4 against the insertion direction E when the contact section 74, in particular the projection 75, is in contact with the contact surface 76.

[0067] Particularly advantageously, the gap between the contact section 74, in particular the projection 75, the anvil arm 70 and the contact surface 76 of the anvil receptacle 72 can be adapted to the elastic deformability of the receiving body 4 in such a way that contact occurs between the contact section 74 of the anvil arm 70 and the contact surface 76, in particular before the displacement of the contact surface 42 leads to plastic deformation or destruction of the receiving body 4.

[0068] According to the explanation in the Figures 9 to 14 It is advantageous if at least one anvil arm 70 is connected on both sides to the plate elements 60, 62.

[0069] Advantageously, at least one anvil arm 70, connected on both sides to the plate elements 60, 62, is designed on one side with a projection 75 forming the contact section 74. The end having the projection 75 is advantageously connected radially to the insertion channel 6, 8 to the plate element 60, 62 by a connecting web 77. This embodiment of the anvil arm 70 is described in Figure 9 to recognize.

[0070] Particularly advantageous are, as in the Figure 9 and 16 shown, in circumferential direction to the insertion channel 6, 8, material savings 66 adjacent to the connecting web 77 are formed in the plate element 60.

[0071] The Figure 12 and 14Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the receiving body, wherein at least one anvil arm 70, connected to the plate elements 60, 62 on both sides, is connected to the plate element 60, 62 in such a way that the contact section 74 is formed as a part of the plate element 60, 62 itself. Advantageously, according to this embodiment, the anvil arm 70 transitions into the plate elements 60, 62 on both sides such that the anvil arm 70 extends from a surface of the respective plate element 60, 62 that faces the receiving opening 26 or that delimits the receiving opening 26. In order to promote the elasticity and the force required for displacement of the plate elements 60, 62 in this embodiment, the area of ​​the plate element 60, 62 into which the anvil arm 70 with its contact sections 74 transitions is designed as an expansion bridge 79, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 11 , 12 , 14 and 15 depicted, trained.

[0072] Advantageously, the expansion bridge 79 is offset radially in the direction of the insertion channel 6, 8, and a material saving 66 in the form of an axial opening in the plate element 60, 62 is achieved over the arc section of the expansion bridge 79. Figure 12 , 14 and 15 in the second plate element 62. Advantageously, in the event of an axial displacement of the contact surface 42, the expansion bridge together with the anvil arm 70 connected to it is displaced against the insertion direction E.

[0073] In the Figures 2 to 5 and 8A further embodiment of the anvil arms 70, or of at least one anvil arm 70, is shown. Advantageously, at least one anvil arm 70 is bonded or integrally formed on one side with the receiving body 4, in particular with a plate element 60, 62. The end of the anvil arm 70 opposite the bonded connection is expediently designed as a free end. The free end is, in particular, as shown in Figure 5 The anvil recess 72 is arranged in the receiving body 4. To increase resistance to axial displacement of the contact surface 42, the contact section 74 is preferably designed as a projection 75 at the free end of the anvil arm 70. The projection 75 or the contact section 74 is, in particular, designed according to the projection 75 or the contact section 74 of the embodiment shown in Figure 10 trained.

[0074] In particular, at least one of the plate elements 60, 62 has at least one anvil arm 70 extending parallel to the insertion direction E and to the respective other plate element 60, 62, which is bonded or integrally formed. This embodiment is particularly common in the Figures 1 to 6 , 8 and 10 to 14 The corresponding anvil receptacle 72 is advantageously arranged in the respective other plate element 60, 62. The plate elements 60, 62 are expediently connected to each other via the anvil arm 70, with contact between the contact section 74 of the anvil arm 70 and the contact surface 76 of the anvil receptacle 72, in order to increase resistance to deformation or displacement against the insertion direction E.

[0075] To adjust the resistance resulting from the anvil arm 70, the anvil arm 70 itself and / or the anvil receptacle 72 can be designed to be elastically deformable against the insertion direction E.

[0076] Advantageously, the anvil receptacle 72 in the respective plate element 60, 62 forms a material reduction 66, which in turn increases the elasticity against the insertion direction E and reduces the resistance. According to a preferred embodiment, therefore, a material reduction 66, designed as a notch, is formed radially to the insertion channel 6, 8 and opposite the anvil receptacle 72 in the plate element 60, 62. In particular, the Figures 1 to 7 , 9 to 12 and 16 show a corresponding advantageous embodiment.

[0077] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving body 4 has two or more anvil arms 70 and corresponding anvil receptacles 72. The anvil receptacles 72 and anvil arms 70 are preferably arranged evenly distributed around the insertion channel 6, 8. In particular, two anvil arms 70 and anvil receptacles 72 are arranged diametrically opposite the insertion channel 6, 8.

[0078] According to a further alternative embodiment, the at least two anvil arms 70 and two anvil receptacles 72 are designed such that, upon reaching a specific deformation of the receiving body 4, their respective contact sections 74 simultaneously come into contact with their respective associated contact surfaces 76 of the anvil receptacles 72. This particularly advantageously generates resistance immediately upon reaching or exceeding the displacement path. Such an embodiment is characterized in particular by two resistance zones: advantageously, a first resistance zone in which the receiving body 4 or its deformation is located within the displacement zone, and a second resistance zone, beginning at the extent of the displacement of the contact surface 42, in which the anvil arms 70, with their respective contact sections 74, come into contact with their respective associated contact surfaces 76 of the anvil receptacles 72.

[0079] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention also relates to a receiving body 4, which has at least two anvil arms 70 and two anvil receptacles 72. Advantageously, the anvil arms 70 and anvil receptacles 72 are designed such that, upon reaching at least two different specific elastic deformations of the receiving body 4, their respective contact sections 74 successively come into contact with their respective associated contact surfaces 76 of the anvil receptacles 72. Advantageously, it is achieved that, upon reaching each specific elastic deformation of the receiving body 4, a further resistance to the displacement of the contact surface 42 of the receiving body 4 is generated, so that the resistance against the insertion direction E increases stepwise.The various defined elastic deformations of the receiving body 4 differ in particular in the extent of the elastic displacement of the contact surface 42 of the receiving body 4 against the insertion direction E. Advantageously, a connector 1 of this type has the first resistance area in which the receiving body 4 or its deformation is located in the displacement area and furthermore at least a second and third resistance area in which the anvil arms 70 with their respective contact sections 74 come into contact with their respective associated contact surfaces 76 of the anvil receptacles 72.

[0080] Advantageously, at least one anvil arm 70 is designed with its free end pointing in the insertion direction E, and at least one anvil arm 70 is designed with its free end pointing against the insertion direction E. This design is described in the Figure 1 , 2 and 3This is illustrated and enables the component manufacturing to be adapted to existing tooling conditions. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the anvil arm 70 is arranged on the first, front plate element 60 (as viewed in the insertion direction E) and extends into the anvil receptacle 72 of the second, rear plate element 62 (as viewed in the insertion direction E). Diametrically opposite the insertion channel 6, 8, the anvil arm 70 is arranged on the second plate element 62 and extends into the anvil receptacle 72 of the first plate element 60.

[0081] According to a further advantageous embodiment, which is particularly evident in the Figures 9 to 12As shown, at least one anvil arm 70, connected on both sides to the plate elements 60, 62, is formed with the projection 75 on at least one side. Advantageously, the end of the anvil arm 70 having the projection 75 is connected radially to the insertion channel 6, 8 with the connecting web 77 to the plate element 60, 62. Furthermore, in this advantageous embodiment, at least one further anvil arm 70, connected on both sides to the plate elements 60, 62, is connected to the plate elements 60, 62 in such a way that the contact section 74 itself is formed as a part of the plate element 60, 62.

[0082] Advantageously, in a further embodiment (not shown), the insertion channel 8 of the receiving body 4 has an axial insertion clearance for supporting the connector part 10 to be mounted. This insertion clearance serves in particular to facilitate the insertion of the connector part 10 during assembly. The insertion clearance is preferably limited by a rear stop 78 (viewed in the insertion direction E) for the ring collar 24 of the connector part 10 in the insertion channel 8 of the receiving body 4, and by the retaining element 28, located in the locking position in front of the rear stop 78 (viewed in the insertion direction E). Advantageously, a return element is at least partially arranged in the receiving body 4 and can generate a return force acting on the ring collar 24 of the connector part 10 in the insertion direction E. This advantageously keeps the insertion gap 38 as small as possible, so that less fluid, which can freeze and expand, can accumulate in the insertion gap 38.

[0083] For a particularly advantageous manufacturing process, the receiving body 4 and / or the holding part 28 and / or the base body 2 are monolithically formed and manufactured using injection molding.

[0084] For the purpose of achieving particularly high load-bearing capacity, the receiving body 4 and the base body 2 are, according to an advantageous embodiment, materially bonded, in particular by laser welding. Alternatively, for the purpose of simplified repairs and / or adjustments, the receiving body 4 and / or the base body 2 can have snap-fit ​​and / or screw elements with which the base body 2 and the receiving body 4 are connected to each other. A design of the base body 2 and receiving body 4 that is separable from the base body 2 is particularly advantageous if the base body 2 is permanently connected, e.g., to a unit.

[0085] The following is an assembly example for an advantageous embodiment of a connector 1 with a base body 2 and a receiving body 4.

[0086] For the pre-assembly of the connector 1, the sealing package is first inserted into the base body 2.

[0087] The receiving body 4 is then joined with the base body 2 and, in particular, bonded together by material connection.

[0088] The retaining element 28, in particular the retaining clip, is then inserted perpendicular to the insertion direction E into the receiving opening 26 of the receiving body 4, thus initially creating a pre-assembly state in which the guide pins 46 of the functional arms 32 engage in the complementary guide slots. In the pre-assembly position, the guide pins 46 are arranged in the pre-assembly contour 52, and the positioning element in the receiving opening 26 is engaged from behind by the positioning arms. The connector 1 can be delivered in this state.

[0089] Alternatively, and possibly even preferably, the receiving body 4 can also be pre-assembled with the holding part, in particular the holding clamp, before being connected to the base body 2.

[0090] During subsequent final assembly, the connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion channel 6, 8 in the insertion direction E. As it passes the retaining part 28, the annular collar 24 of the connector part 10 contacts, in particular, the insertion side 36 of the functional arms 32. Preferably, the functional side is designed such that the retaining clip is drawn radially deeper into the receiving opening 26 before the functional arms 32 expand radially, and consequently expands radially elastically. The functional arms 32 can then finally engage behind the annular collar 24 and block movement of the connector part 10 against the insertion direction E with their locking side 34.

[0091] To release the connector, the retaining clip is pushed deeper into the receiving opening 26 by pressing on its release lever 56. This moves the guide pins 46 radially outwards in the guide contour of the guide slots into the release contour 54. Consequently, the functional arms 32 are widened, thus releasing the ring collar 24. The connection can now be released by pulling the plug part 10 out of the connector 1 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E. Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 Connector 2 Base body 4 Receptacle body 6 Insertion channel of base body 8 Insertion channel of receptacle body 10 Plug part 12 Connection section 14 Sealing ring 16 Spacer ring 18 Connection shoulder 20 Sealing section 22 Locking section 24 Ring collar 26 Receptacle opening 28 Retaining part 30 Positioning arm 32 Functional arm 34 Blocking side 36 Insertion side 38 Overlap space 40 Stop surface 42 Contact surface 44 End wall 46 Guide pin 48 Slotted hole 50 Latch contour 52 Pre-assembly contour 54 Release contour 56 Release action 58 Guide element 60 First disc element 62 Second disc element 64 Expansion rib 66 Material saving 68 Back side 69 Resistance element 70 Anvil arm 72 Anvil receptacle 74 Contact section 75 Overhang 76 Contact surface 77 Connecting web 78 Stop 79 Expansion bridge Insertion direction F1 First release force F2 Second release force F3 Third release force

Claims

1. A plug connector (1) for the producing of hose- and / or tube-connections, including a base body (2) and a receiving body (4), which each include a plug-in channel (6, 8) for a plug part (10) to be installed in a plug-in direction (E), furthermore including a retaining part (28), which is disposed in a receiving opening (26) of the receiving body (4) and, in a locking position, block the to-be-installed plug part (10) against the plug-in direction (E), wherein the receiving body (4) is connected to the base body (2), wherein the retaining part (28) includes a stop surface (40) facing against the plug-in direction (E), wherein the receiving opening (26) includes an abutment surface (42) facing in the plug-in direction (E), wherein with a displacing of the retaining part (28) against the plug-in direction (E), the stop surface (40) acts against the abutment surface (42) of the receiving body (4), wherein the receiving body (4) is designed to be elastically deformable such that the abutment surface (42) is elastically displaceable against the plug-in direction (E) at least inside a displacing region, wherein the receiving body (4) includes a resistance element (69) which, during a displacing of the abutment surface (42) beyond the displacing region, generates a resistance against a further elastic deforming of the receiving body (4) against the plug-in direction (E), wherein the resistance element (69) is configured as an anvil arm (70) extending in the receiving body (4) parallel to the plug-in direction (E), which is connected or formed-on in a material-bonded manner at least one-side with the receiving body (4), and is disposed with at least one end in an anvil receptacle (72) in the receiving body (4), wherein between a contact section (74) on at least one end of the anvil arm (70) and a correspondingly configured contact surface (76) of the anvil receptacle (72) a gap is formed that decreases with a displacing of the abutment surface (42), and with an abutment contact of the contact section (74) with the contact surface (76) increases the resistance against a further deforming of the receiving body (4) against the plug-in direction.

2. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving body (4) includes two elastically deformable plate elements (60, 62) offset parallel to the plug-in direction (E) and each extending in a plane perpendicular to the plug-in direction (E), wherein the plate elements (60, 62) delimit the receiving opening (26).

3. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving body (4) includes at least one expansion crosspiece (64), in particular two expansion crosspieces (64), displaced around the plug-in channel (6, 8), and the expansion crosspieces (64) are configured elastically deformable against the plug-in direction (E), and preferably the expansion crosspieces (64) radially restrict the receiving opening (26), wherein in particular the expansion crosspieces (64) connect the plate elements (60, 62) to each other and are disposed on an outer circumference of the plate elements (60, 62).

4. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving body (4) includes at least one material take-out (66), in particular a notch and / or an opening, that increases the elasticity of the receiving body (4).

5. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one anvil arm (70) is connected to the plate elements (60, 62) on both sides, wherein at least one anvil arm (70) connected on both sides with the plate elements (60, 62) is configured one-side with a protrusion (75) forming the contact section (74), wherein the end including the protrusion (75) is connected radially to the plug-in channel (6, 8) by a connecting crosspiece (77) to the plate element (60, 62).

6. The plug connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one anvil arm (70) connected to the plate elements (60, 62) on both sides is configured connected to the plate element (60, 62) such that the contact section (74) is configured as a part of the plate element (60, 62) itself.

7. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one anvil arm (70) is connected or formed-on in a material-bonded manner on one side with the receiving body (4) and has a free opposite end, which is disposed in the anvil receptacle (72) in the receiving body (4), wherein the contact section (74) is configured as a protrusion (75) on the free end of the anvil arm (70).

8. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the plate elements (60, 62) has at least one anvil arm (70), connected or formed-on in a material-bonded manner, extending parallel to the plug-in direction (E) and to the respective other plate element (60, 62), and the corresponding anvil receptacle (72) is disposed in the respective other plate element (60, 62).

9. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving body (4) includes two or more anvil arms (70) and corresponding anvil receptacles (72) that are disposed distributed uniformly about the plug-in channel (6, 8), in particular two anvil arms (70) and anvil receptacles (72) that are disposed diametrically with respect to the plug-in channel (6, 8), wherein in particular the at least two anvil arms (70) and two anvil receptacles (72) are configured such that with the achieving of the specific deformation of the receiving body (4), they simultaneously come into abutment contact by their respective contact section (74) with their respective associated contact surfaces (76) of the anvil receptacles (72).

10. The plug connector (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the anvil arms (70) and anvil receptacles (72) are configured such upon achieving at least two different specific deformations of the receiving body (4) that differ by an extent of the displacing of the abutment surface (42) of the receiving body (4) against the plug-in direction (E), they successively come into abutment contact by their respective contact sections (74) with their respective associated contact surfaces (76) of the anvil receptacles (72), so that with the achieving of each specific elastic deformation of the receiving body (4) a further resistance is respectively generated against the displacing of the abutment surface (42) of the receiving body, wherein in particular at least one anvil arm (70) is configured with its free end pointing in plug-in direction (E), and at least one anvil arm (70) is configured with its free end pointing against the plug-in direction (E).

11. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one anvil arm (70) connected on both sides to the plate elements (60, 62) is configured at least one-side with the protrusion (75) wherein the end, radially with respect to the plug-in channel (6, 8), including the protrusion (75) is connected by the connecting crosspiece (77) to the plate element (60, 62), and at least one further anvil arm (70) connected on both sides to the plate elements (60, 62) is configured connected to the plate elements (60, 62) such that the contact section (74) itself is configured as a part of the plate element (60, 62).

12. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 11, characterized in that the plug-in channel (8) of the receiving body (4) has an axial plug clearance for the supporting of the plug part (10) to be installed, wherein the plug clearance is limited by a rearmost, as viewed in the plug-in direction (E), stop (78) for an annular bead (24) of the plug part (10) in the plug-in channel (8) of the receiving body (4), and the retaining part (28), disposed in front of the rearmost stop (78) as viewed in the plug-in direction (E) in locked position, wherein a return element is disposed at least partially in the receiving body (4), and can generate a return force in plug-in direction (E) on the annular bead (24) of the plug part (10) to be installed.

13. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving body (4) and / or the retaining part (28) and / or the base body (2) are configured monolithically and manufactured by injection molding.

14. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 to 13, characterized in that the receiving body (4) and the base body (2) are connected to each other in a material-bonded manner, in particular laser welded.