CONNECTORS WITH PRE-ASSEMBLY SECURITY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug connector for connecting a first fluid line to a mating connector. The plug connector comprises a housing with a through-channel, one end of the housing being designed as a sleeve section with a receiving channel fluidically connected to the through-channel for receiving an adapter sleeve. The adapter sleeve can be inserted into the receiving channel of the sleeve section in an assembly direction axially directed to a mounting axis and is releasably held in the receiving channel in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction. The adapter sleeve has a through-opening for a plug shaft of the mating connector and has a holding means for releasably fixing the mating connector. In a rest state, the holding means projects into the through-opening and is designed to be elastically expandable into a stressed state radially with respect to the mounting axis.In a pre-assembly position of the connector, the plug shaft of the mating connector can be inserted into the through-opening of the adapter sleeve, and in an assembly position of the connector, the holding means can block the mating connector axially to the assembly axis. In addition, the adapter sleeve has two windows located 180° opposite each other and open radially with respect to the assembly axis. Furthermore, a locking element, which is movable axially to the assembly axis, is arranged on an outer circumference of the sleeve section and can move from a release position releasing the holding means into a locking position locking the holding means. In its release position in the pre-assembly position of the connector, the locking element is fixed at least axially on the sleeve section against movement into the locking position.

[0002] Mating connectors of this type have a connector shaft and a locking groove formed behind the connector shaft in the assembly direction. After the mating connector is inserted into the connector or into the adapter sleeve arranged in the mating connector, the retaining means engages in the locking groove of the mating connector and blocks axial movement of the mating connector against the assembly direction.

[0003] WO 2015 / 181396 A1 discloses a connector for connecting the mating connector. In this connector, the adapter sleeve has locking tabs extending in the assembly direction, which, when plugged in, engage in recesses in a peripheral wall of the sleeve section in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction. Furthermore, the connector in question has locking arms extending counter to the assembly direction, which engage in the locking groove of the mating connector with actuating projections and prevent the mating connector from moving counter to the assembly direction.

[0004] It has proven disadvantageous that the locking tabs, which hold the adapter sleeve in the socket section with a positive fit, must be dimensioned so large that, given the installation space for the connection, only a circumferential seal can be arranged to seal a circumferential gap between an inner wall of the receiving channel and the plug shaft of the mating connector. Therefore, the known design is of limited use, particularly for mating connectors with a plug diameter of over 14 mm.

[0005] Furthermore, the known design can occasionally lead to leaks at high internal pressures and temperatures if the mating connector is pushed out of the connector against the mounting direction. This can be caused, for example, by improper use and / or external influences. Therefore, the design according to WO 2015 / 181396 A has only limited application in view of the resulting internal pressure and / or temperature.

[0006] To prevent accidental release of the mating connector, WO 2015 / 181396 A1 provides a locking element arranged on the outer circumference of the sleeve section. The locking element is arranged so as to be axially displaceable relative to the mounting axis. In a locking position, the locking element prevents radial spreading of the locking arms and thus release of the mating connector. It has been shown that the locking element can move into the locking position even without a mating connector inserted, preventing insertion of the mating connector, which increases the assembly effort.

[0007] A further disadvantage is the locking arms, which cover the plug shaft of the mating connector over a certain axial length to maintain radial elastic properties, but offer only a small surface area of ​​overlap with the mating connector. Especially with larger sizes and vibrations, especially with mating connectors with a plug diameter of over 14 mm, this can occasionally lead to failure and detachment of the mating connector from the connector.

[0008] Another disadvantage is that high tensile or compressive loads can lead to leaks or damage to the adapter sleeve.

[0009] DE 20 2020 101 638 U describes a connector for connecting at least one first fluid line to a second fluid line formed with a mating connector. Alternatively, the first fluid line can also be connected to an assembly formed with a mating connector. Furthermore, the connector has a holding means and a form-locking element. US 10 927 992 B2 also describes a connector with a holding means. Both the holding means known from DE 20 2020 101 638 U and that from US 10 927 992 B2 have holding arms. Such connectors have generally proven themselves in practice, but it has become apparent that there is a need for improvement, particularly under high tensile and compressive loads.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of providing a connector which preferably functions with a mating connector known from the prior art and which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular at least improving the resistance to tensile and compressive loads.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. By virtue of the fact that a reinforcing strut extending axially to the mounting axis is arranged in each of the windows, in particular centrally, the holding means having two holding arms and each reaching through the windows with the holding arms in such a way that, in the rest state, the holding arms of the holding means are arranged radially between the through-opening and the reinforcing struts, so that the holding means with the holding arms projects into the through-opening of the adapter sleeve, at least in the pre-assembly position, the connector, in particular the adapter sleeve, is stiffened at least axially to the mounting axis. The stiffening also results in tensile or compressive loads being distributed more evenly over the circumference of the connector. In particular, this prevents leaks and damage.

[0012] InIn an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a form-locking element positively secures the adapter sleeve in the receiving channel in the axial direction relative to the mounting axis. In particular, the form-locking element protrudes into the through-opening of the adapter sleeve in a resting state and is designed to be elastically expandable into a stressed state radially relative to the mounting axis. The form-locking element and / or the retaining means are expediently elastically expandable from their respective resting state into the stressed state by means of a force acting at least radially outward relative to the mounting axis.

[0013] Advantageously, this design makes it possible for the plug shaft to exert a radially outward-acting force on the form-locking element and / or the holding means when inserted into the through-hole, and as a result the respective element is transferred into a tension state and / or a rest state when the mating connector is inserted in the assembly direction or returned against the assembly direction.

[0014] During assembly, the mating connector is inserted into the through-hole with its plug shaft in the assembly direction. In the through-hole, the plug shaft passes through a section in which the retaining means and a section in which the form-locking element are arranged. Preferably, the plug shaft, the form-locking element, and the retaining means are configured to correspond to one another in such a way that the plug shaft exerts a force acting radially outwardly relative to the assembly axis on the retaining means and the form-locking element, and the retaining means and the form-locking element are thereby elastically deformed radially outward.

[0015] In a known manner, the mating connector has a locking groove behind the connector shaft, which has a smaller diameter than the connector shaft. In the assembled position of the connector, the retaining means is advantageously located adjacent to the locking groove of a fully inserted mating connector, so that the retaining means can return from the expanded tension state in the area of ​​the locking groove to the resting state. This advantageously blocks axial movement of the mating connector against the assembly direction with a positive fit.

[0016] Because the mating connector advantageously adjusts the tension state and the rest state of the holding means and / or the form-locking element, it is possible to control the insertion depth of the mating connector during and after insertion by controlling the states of the holding means and / or the form-locking element for the rest state or the tension state.

[0017] In particular, the form-locking element is designed as a connecting clamp and has two clamping arms. In the resting state, the clamping arms protrude into the through-opening of the adapter sleeve, wherein the clamping arms are connected to one another on one side via a bridge. In particular, the form-locking element is U-shaped perpendicular to the mounting axis. The clamping arms each extend from the bridge to a free end. Preferably, the free ends of the clamping arms each have a support body. The support bodies are expediently arranged in an opening in the sleeve section and are overlapped by the locking element at least on one side.

[0018] Preferably, the sleeve portion and the adapter sleeve each have at least one aperture radially disposed relative to the mounting axis. In a fixed state of the adapter sleeve in the sleeve portion, at least one aperture of the adapter sleeve and the sleeve portion are advantageously arranged adjacent to one another in such a way that the form-locking element, in particular a form-locking element configured as a connecting clamp, can be inserted radially relative to the mounting axis through the apertures of the adapter sleeve and the sleeve portion into the through-opening of the adapter sleeve.

[0019] When in the resting state, the form-locking element protrudes radially outward from the opening in the adapter sleeve, radially relative to the mounting axis. This advantageously blocks the movement of the locking element from the release position to the locking position when in the resting state.

[0020] Preferably, the windows, which open radially relative to the mounting axis, are arranged axially spaced from the apertures. In particular, the windows are further arranged offset by 90° from the apertures around the mounting axis.

[0021] In particular, due to their elasticity, the retaining arms always strive for a resting state, which is why they must be actively forced into a tensioned state. The retaining arms particularly advantageously grip the mating connector when it is inserted in the insertion direction or positioned in the through-hole in an assembled state.

[0022] Preferably, the plug shaft of the mating connector and the through-hole are cylindrical. The plug shaft of the mating connector expediently has a diameter that is greater than the greatest distance between the retaining arms perpendicularly through the mounting axis when the retaining arms are at rest. In particular, the greatest distance between the retaining arms perpendicularly through the mounting axis when the retaining arms are in the expanded, tensioned state is identical to the diameter of the plug shaft.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the holding arms have at least one contact section. The holding arms expediently each have a contact section. The contact section is advantageously arranged in a correspondingly formed contact groove. The contact grooves are expediently each formed by a contact element. In particular, the contact elements are formed on a wall section separating the windows that open radially to the mounting axis. The contact grooves are advantageously radial support and holding elements for the holding arms, so that the holding arms can be supported and hooked into the contact grooves at least radially to the mounting axis and are thereby held in an installed position in or on the adapter sleeve.

[0024] The holding means expediently projects outwards radially to the mounting axis with an actuating means from an outer circumference of the adapter sleeve or projects out of the opening in the adapter sleeve. In particular, the maximum radial distance of the actuating means from the outer circumference of the adapter sleeve is greater in the rest state than in the stressed state. Particularly advantageously, the holding means can be elastically deformed from the rest state into the expanded stressed state by a force acting radially from the outside on the actuating means, wherein in particular the actuating means is arranged opposite the contact grooves. Advantageously, the holding means is supported radially to the mounting axis with the contact section in the contact groove. The holding means is compressed by the force acting radially from the outside and elastically deformed from the rest state into the expanded stressed state.This increases the maximum distance between the holding arms through the mounting axis so that this distance corresponds at least to the diameter of the plug shaft of the mating connector.

[0025] If the mating connector is not inserted far enough in the assembly direction into the through-hole so that the locking groove is not positioned adjacent to the retaining means, the retaining means, when under tension, blocks the movement of the locking element from the release position to the locking position, preferably with the actuating means. Blocking the movement of the locking element into the locking position has the advantage of providing the user with additional insertion control.

[0026] To advantageously prevent unintentional separation of the mating connector from the connector, the locking element engages in a free space with at least one pin protruding axially from the locking element against the mounting direction when mounted. The free space is expediently designed to extend axially between the actuating means and the adapter sleeve. This advantageously fixes the holding means radially relative to the mounting axis in the rest state, and a force acting radially from the outside in the direction of the mounting axis cannot shift the holding means from the rest state into the tensioned state.

[0027] Particularly advantageously, at least one sealing element, preferably at least two sealing elements, is arranged in the receiving channel. The sealing element is advantageously designed as an O-ring. The sealing element is expediently arranged between a side wall of the adapter sleeve facing in the assembly direction and a stepped surface facing opposite the assembly direction and extending perpendicularly from an inner wall of the receiving channel. The sealing element preferably seals in particular against an inner wall of the receiving channel.

[0028] A three-part seal has proven particularly advantageous, and the use of this seal is only possible with the connector according to the invention. The seal therefore advantageously comprises two sealing elements, in particular O-rings, which are separated from each other by a spacer ring. This three-part assembly is then arranged as previously described.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0030] They show: Fig. 1 an exploded view of a connector, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the connector from Figure 1 , Fig. 3 a perspective view of a housing of the connector from Figure 1 , Fig. 4 a perspective view of an adapter sleeve of the connector from Figure 1 , Fig. 5 a view opposite to a mounting direction M of the adapter sleeve of the connector according to Figure 4 , Fig. 6 a perspective view of a form-locking element of the connector from Figure 1 , Fig. 7 a perspective view of a holding means of the connector from Figure 1 , Fig. 8 a sectional view along the mounting axis X according to Figure 1through the connector in a pre-assembly position of the connector with a mating connector inserted up to the holding means, Fig. 9 a sectional view along the assembly axis X according to Figure 1 through the connector in an intermediate position of the connector with a mating connector inserted up to the form-locking element, Fig. 10 a sectional view along the mounting axis X through the connector in its intermediate position according to Figure 9 in one to the Figure 9 view rotated by 90 ° around the mounting axis X, Fig. 11 a sectional view through the connector along the dividing line AA according to Figure 9 , Fig. 12 a sectional view along the mounting axis X according to Figure 1 through the connector in an intermediate position of the connector with a mating connector inserted up to a sealing element, Fig. 13 a sectional view along the assembly axis X through the connector in its intermediate position according to Figure 12in one to the Figure 12 view rotated by 90 ° around the mounting axis X, Fig. 14 a sectional view along the mounting axis X according to Figure 1 through the connector in an assembly position of the connector with the mating connector fully inserted, Fig. 15 a sectional view along the assembly axis X through the connector in its assembly position according to Figure 14 in one to the Figure 14 view rotated by 90 ° around the mounting axis X, Fig. 16 a sectional view through the connector along the parting line BB according to Figure 14 , Fig. 17 a plan view perpendicular to the mounting axis X of the connector in its mounting position according to Figure 15 and Fig. 18 a detailed view of area D in Figure 15 .

[0031] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

[0032] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of described combinations of features, but rather each individual partial feature of the / each exemplary embodiment is also important for the subject matter of the invention, both independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a connector 1 for connecting a first fluid line to a mating connector 18. The mating connector 18 is advantageously formed on a second fluid line or on a unit. The connector 1 comprises a housing 2, see Figures 1 to 3 , with one in the Figures 8 to 10 and 12 to 15 shown through channel 4.

[0034] According to the presentation in the Figures 1 to 3One end of the housing 2 is designed as a sleeve section 6 with a receiving channel 8 fluidically connected to the through-channel 4 for receiving a Figures 1 and 4 illustrated, adapter sleeve 10.

[0035] Also in the Figures 1 to 3It is shown that the housing 2 preferably has a plug-in section 11 at the end opposite the sleeve section 6, e.g. for plugging on the first fluid line or a line connector. This plug-in section 11 can, however, also be designed as a sleeve for plugging in a fluid line. Furthermore, the housing 2 can have a second sleeve section at the end opposite the sleeve section 6, which second sleeve section has one or more features of the sleeve section 6 of this invention. Alternatively, the housing 2 can be directly connected to an assembly at the end opposite the sleeve section 6 or can be connected to it in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0036] The connector 1 can also be used as an angle connector, as in Figure 1shown. Alternatively, the connector 1 may not be angled between the sleeve section 6 and the opposite end, or any angle may be formed between the sleeve section 6 and the opposite end. A T-shaped or Y-shaped connector 1 is also possible. In particular, at least one end and at most each end is designed as a sleeve section 6.

[0037] The adapter sleeve 10 can be inserted into the receiving channel 8 of the sleeve section 6 in an assembly direction M directed axially to a mounting axis X. The Figures 2 and 8 to 17 show an adapter sleeve 10 arranged in the receiving channel 8 of the sleeve section 6.

[0038] The adapter sleeve 10 is in the Figures 1 , 4 and 5 and is detachably held in the receiving channel 8 in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction. Figure 5The adapter sleeve 10 has a through-hole 14 for a plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18. The mating connector 18 is shown in the Figures 8 to 10 and 12 to 15 shown.

[0039] Furthermore, the adapter sleeve 10 has two opposing windows 54 that are radially open with respect to the mounting axis X. In particular, the windows 54 serve to receive and guide the holding means 20.

[0040] Furthermore, the adapter sleeve 10 has a Figures 1 and 7 shown holding means 20 for releasably fixing the mating connector 18, wherein the holding means 20 projects into the through-opening 14 in a rest state and is designed to be elastically expandable into a tension state radially with respect to the mounting axis X. The Figures 9 and 12 show the holding means 20 in a tension state. In contrast, in the Figures 7 ,8 , and 14 to 16 the holding means 20 is shown in a rest state.

[0041] The holding means 20 can expediently be made of plastic, metal, hybrid material or an overmolded wire.

[0042] The plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 is in a pre-assembly position of the connector 1, as shown in Figure 8 , can be inserted into the through-hole 14 of the adapter sleeve 10, and in a, in Figures 14 to 17 In the illustrated assembly position of the connector 1, the holding means 20 blocks the mating connector 18 axially to the assembly axis X. In the Figures 9 to 13 the connector is shown in two intermediate positions with a mating connector 18 partially inserted in each position.

[0043] One in the Figure 1The locking element 22 shown, which is movable axially to the mounting axis X, is arranged on an outer circumference 24 of the sleeve section 6 and can move from a release position releasing the holding means 20 into a locking position locking the holding means 20.

[0044] The mating connector 18 has a locking groove 26 in front of the plug shaft 16, viewed in the assembly direction M. Preferably, both the plug shaft 16 and the locking groove 26 are cylindrical relative to the assembly axis X.

[0045] At the end of the mating connector 18 opposite the plug shaft 16, a connection section 28 is provided for connecting a fluid line or an aggregate.

[0046] The length of the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 is expediently dimensioned such that, when plugged into the adapter sleeve 10, as shown in Figure 15shown, extends in the mounting direction M through the adapter sleeve 10 into the receiving channel 8 of the housing 2.

[0047] The locking element 22 is in its release position in the pre-assembly position of the connector 1, as shown in the Figures 8 to 10 , 12 and 13 shown, is fixed on the sleeve section 6 at least axially to the mounting axis X against movement into the locking position. In this release position, in particular the plug shaft 16 is not or only partially inserted into the through-opening 14 in the mounting direction M. Expediently, the transfer into the locking position is only released when the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 has been moved far enough axially to the mounting axis X in the mounting direction M, in particular at the latest when the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 has a position corresponding to the mounting position of the connector 1 according to the Figures 14 to 17 has accepted.

[0048] In the assembly position of the connector 1, the locking element 22 then prevents the holding means 20 from elastically deforming into a stressed state and the mating connector 18 from moving relative to the connector 1 against the assembly direction M, in particular also in the assembly direction M. In particular, separation of the mating connector 18 from the connector 1 is prevented.

[0049] Because the locking element 22 cannot block the holding means 20 as long as the locking element 22 is blocked in the release position, it is avoided that the holding means 20 blocks insertion of the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 in a pre-assembly position.

[0050] Preferably, the locking element 22, as shown in the Figures 1 , 2 and 17shown, cylindrical, wherein the locking element 22 preferably has a locking hook 34 formed on an inner wall 32, which can engage in at least one correspondingly formed locking groove 36 on the housing 2. The interaction of the locking hook 34 with the locking groove 36 is particularly in the Figures 10 , 13 and 15shown. As a result, the locking element 22 is arranged on the housing 2, in particular at least in the release position, by means of a locking connection, in particular a force-locking connection. The locking connection preferably serves to secure the position for the transport and storage of the connector 1 and can be overcome by means of a manual force against the mounting direction M on the locking element 22. In particular, the locking element 22 has two locking hooks 34 arranged opposite one another by 180° around the mounting axis X, wherein the housing 2 has at least one locking groove 36 for each locking hook 34 corresponding to the two locking hooks 34. Particularly preferably, the housing 2, as shown in the Figures 3 , 10 , 13 and 15shown, locking grooves 36 offset axially to the mounting axis X, so that the locking element 22 can be arranged in a locking manner on the housing 2 in various positions, in particular at least in the release position.

[0051] Preferably, the locking element 22, as shown in Figure 1 shown, has guide grooves 38 on its inner wall 32 running axially to the mounting axis X. In particular, when the locking element 22 is arranged on the outer circumference 24 of the sleeve section 6, guide elements 40 formed axially to the mounting axis X advantageously engage in the guide grooves 38 of the locking element 22 and preferably prevent rotation of the locking element 22 relative to the sleeve section 6 about the mounting axis X.

[0052] According to the invention, as in Figure 4shown, a reinforcing strut 30 extending axially to the mounting axis X is arranged in the windows 54. Preferably, the reinforcing strut 30 is arranged centrally in the windows 54. In the embodiment according to the invention, the holding means 20, as shown in Figure 7 shown, two holding arms 56. With the holding arms 56, the holding means 20 engages through the windows 54 in such a way that in the rest state, the holding arms 56 of the holding means 20 are arranged radially between the through-opening 14 and the reinforcing struts 30. As a result, the holding means 20 with the holding arms 56 protrudes at least in the pre-assembly position and the assembly position, as shown in Figure 16 shown, into the through opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10.

[0053] According to the embodiment of the invention, the holding means 20 encompasses through the windows 54, as for example in Figure 16shown, the through-opening 14. In the resting state of the holding means 20, the holding means 20 preferably projects with the holding arms 56 through the windows 54 into the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10. In particular, the holding means 20 forms, as in the Figure 16 shown, a through-opening 21 by means of the holding arms 56 and the adapter sleeve 10. The circumference and the area of ​​the through-opening 21 perpendicular to the mounting axis X are the same both in the rest state and in the stress state, so that the radial expansion simultaneously results in a radial constriction offset from the expansion.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, a form-locking element 12 positively secures the adapter sleeve 10 in the receiving channel 8 in the axial direction relative to the mounting axis X. In a resting state, the form-locking element 12 expediently projects into the through-opening 14, thereby reducing the cross-section of the through-opening 14 in the region of the form-locking element 12. Preferably, the form-locking element 12 is furthermore designed to be elastically expandable radially relative to the mounting axis X into a stressed state.

[0055] Advantageously, an axial movement of the locking element 22 from the release position into the locking position is blocked by the form-locking element 12 and is only released when the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 has been moved axially to the assembly axis X in the assembly direction M so far that it has passed the area of ​​the form-locking element 12. This state is exemplified in Figure 12 shown.

[0056] The form-locking element 12 and / or the holding means 20 are expediently elastically expandable from their respective rest state into the stressed state by means of a force acting at least radially outward relative to the mounting axis X. As a result, the holding means 20 and / or the form-locking element 12 can be configured, in particular angled, to correspond to the plug shaft 16 in such a way that, when the plug shaft 16 is moved in the mounting direction M, the holding means 20 and / or the form-locking element 12 are elastically expanded in their respective stressed state by a force component acting radially on the holding means 20 and / or the form-locking element 12.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve section 6 and the adapter sleeve 10 each have at least one radial opening 42 with respect to the mounting axis X. The respective radial openings 42 are shown in the Figures 3 and 4Preferably, at least one opening 42 of the adapter sleeve 10 and of the sleeve section 6 is arranged adjacent to one another in a fixed state of the adapter sleeve 10 in the sleeve section 6 such that the form-locking element 12 can be inserted radially to the mounting axis X through the openings 42 of the adapter sleeve 10 and of the sleeve section 6 into the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10.

[0058] The form-locking element 12 is expediently inserted into the through-opening 14 from outside the housing 2 radially to the mounting axis X. Preferably, the form-locking element 12 prevents both rotation of the adapter sleeve 10 relative to the sleeve section 6 about the mounting axis X and axial movement of the adapter sleeve 10 along the mounting axis X relative to the sleeve section 6.

[0059] In particular, the sleeve section 6 and the adapter sleeve 10 each have two radial openings 42 arranged 180° opposite one another with respect to the mounting axis X. In this embodiment, the form-locking element 12 can be inserted radially to the mounting axis X through the openings 42 into the through-opening 14 of the sleeve section 6, wherein the form-locking element 12 protrudes through the opposite openings 42 into the sleeve section 6 and the adapter sleeve 10.

[0060] Preferably, the openings 42 are one-sided, as in Figure 11shown, is overlapped by the locking element 22, so that the form-locking element 12 can be arranged radially in the overlapped opening 42 and, in the stressed state, a radial movement of the form-locking element 12 through the overlapped opening 42 is blocked by the locking element 22. In particular, in this embodiment, the form-locking element 12 can be supported on the locking element 22, which overlaps the openings 42 on one side.

[0061] According to a study published in Figures 1 and 4 In the embodiment of the adapter sleeve 10 shown, the radially opened windows 54 are arranged axially spaced from the openings 42 relative to the mounting axis X and are expediently arranged offset by 90° relative to the openings 42 around the mounting axis X.

[0062] According to an advantageous embodiment, the form-locking element 12 protrudes radially to the mounting axis X from the opening 42 of the adapter sleeve 10 in the rest state. The form-locking element 12 thereby advantageously blocks the movement of the locking element 22 from the release position into the locking position in the rest state. In particular, the locking element 22 is thereby in the pre-assembly position of the connector 1, as shown in Figure 8 shown, or an intermediate position of the connector 1, as in Figure 9 represented, fixed.

[0063] Particularly advantageous is the form-locking element 12, as shown in Figure 6shown, designed as a connecting clamp. In particular, the form-locking element 12 has two clamping arms 46. The clamping arms 46 are expediently connected to one another on one side via a bridge 48. In particular, the clamping arms 46 each extend to a free end, wherein the free ends each have a support body 50. Preferably, the clamping arms 46 protrude into the through-opening 14 when the form-locking element 12 or the connecting clamp is in the rest state. The support bodies 50 are expediently Figure 11 , arranged in an opening 42 in the sleeve section 6 and preferably on one side, as in Figure 11 shown, overlapped by the locking element 22.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the openings 42 of the sleeve section 6 and the adapter sleeve 10 each have a support strut 53 extending axially to the mounting axis X and arranged in particular centrally in the respective opening 42. This embodiment is particularly suitable for the sleeve section 6 in Figure 3 and with respect to the adapter sleeve 10 in particular in Figure 4 Here, a first support strut 53 is arranged between the two support bodies 50 of the form-locking element 12, and a second support strut 53 is advantageously encompassed by two contact bodies 55. The contact bodies 55 are expediently, as in Figure 6 shown, arranged on the bridge 48 connecting the clamping arms 46 to one another, in particular formed thereon, and preferably extend radially into the through opening 14. Figure 11shows a cross section perpendicular to the mounting axis of the form-locking element 12 according to this embodiment in its installed position in the connector.

[0065] The Figure 6 The embodiment shown also shows a further advantageous embodiment, according to which elastically deformable snap arms 57 are formed on the support bodies 50. The snap arms 57 expediently extend from a connection point connected to the support body 50 with a bearing end 61 in the direction of the through-opening 14, wherein a gap open in the direction of the through-opening 14 is formed between the bearing ends 61 and the respective connected support body 50. As in Figure 11As shown, the bearing ends 61 are preferably arranged to support against a holding geometry 63 of the first support strut 53 radially in the direction of the through-opening 14. The snap arms 57 secure, in particular together with the locking element 22, the position of the form-locking element 12 within the sleeve section 6 or the adapter sleeve 10. The support struts 53 advantageously serve to stiffen the connector and synergistically secure the form-locking element 12 in the radial direction toward the through-opening 14.

[0066] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 6As shown, support elements 51, expediently monolithically formed, are arranged on the support bodies 50. The support elements 51 advantageously protrude into the through-opening 14 and can be supported, in particular in an assembled position or an intermediate position, on the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18. The support elements 51 advantageously promote the fact that the form-locking element 12 is elastically deformed only with its bridge 48 radially to the assembly axis X and relative to the sleeve section 6 in the direction of the assembly axis X when the clamping arms 46 are radially expanded. Preferably, the relative position of the support bodies 50 by means of the support elements 51 to the sleeve section 6 and / or to the mating connector 18 remains constant before and after an expansion of the clamping arms, ie both in the rest state and in the stressed state of the form-locking element 12.

[0067] Preferably, the clamping arms 46 are shaped such that in an installed state, see Figure 11 , are curved around the mounting axis X. The curved shape facilitates the fact that the plug shaft 16 has an enlarged contact surface with the clamping arms 46 when plugged in in the mounting direction M. This advantageously promotes the radial elastic expansion of the clamping arms 46.

[0068] Furthermore, the side of the clamping arms 46 facing against the mounting direction M in the installed state can advantageously be arranged, as shown in Figure 6shown, be formed at least partially with a bevel 59, wherein the radial distance of the clamping arms 46 is reduced via the bevel 59 in the mounting direction M. The bevel 59 facilitates insertion of the plug shaft 16 and improves force deflection during insertion in the mounting direction M, in that an axially acting force component is deflected by means of the bevel 59 into a force acting radially outwards to the mounting axis X and against an elastic force of the clamping arms 46.

[0069] In particular, when the form-locking element 12 is under tension, the distance between the bridge 48 and the support bodies 50 is reduced. Advantageously, the form-locking element 12 is completely drawn into the opening 42, aligned with the outer circumference of the adapter sleeve 10. This design advantageously results in the locking element 22 being released for axial displacement by the tension state of the form-locking element 12.

[0070] In particular, the radially acting elastic force of the clamping arms 46 is such that when the plug shaft 16 is pulled from a plugged-in state against the assembly direction M out of the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10, the clamping arms 46 rebound and reduce the cross-section of the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10. Furthermore, the rebound of the clamping arms 46 increases the distance between the bridge 48 and the support bodies 50, so that the bridge 48 protrudes from the opening 42 in the sleeve section 6 and blocks the locking element 22 in the release position.

[0071] The plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 has a diameter DS, see Figure 8 which is greater than the largest distance LS of the holding arms 56 perpendicular through the mounting axis X in the rest state of the holding arms 56, see Figure 7. In particular, a radially acting elastic force of the holding arms 56 in the direction of the mounting axis X is so pronounced that when the mating connector 18 is inserted so far in the insertion direction into the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10 that the locking groove 26, as in the Figures 15 and 16 shown, is arranged adjacent to the holding arms 56, the holding arms 56 deform back and protrude again into the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10. As a result, the holding arms 56 are arranged in the locking groove 26 and block any movement of the mating connector 18 in and / or against the mounting axis X.

[0072] The holding arms 56 preferably each have a contact section 58 at their free end. In particular, the contact sections 58 are each arranged in a correspondingly formed contact groove 60. The contact grooves 60, preferably two contact grooves 60, are expediently each formed by a contact element 62. Particularly advantageously, the contact elements 62 are formed on a wall section 65 of the adapter sleeve 10 separating the windows 54 from one another. The contact elements 62 are particularly in the Figures 5 and 16 shown.

[0073] Of particular advantage, the contact grooves 60 according to a variant of the invention are arranged in the direction of the through-opening 14 on the inner circumference, as shown in the Figures 5 and 16shown, open. The holding arms 56 can expediently support themselves with their contact sections 58 in the contact grooves 60 radially to the mounting axis X. Particularly advantageously, the holding arms 56 can thereby support and hook into the contact grooves 60 radially to the mounting axis X and are thereby held in an installed position in or on the adapter sleeve 10. Expediently, the relative position of the contact sections 58 remains by means of the contact grooves 60, as in the Figure 16 shown, before and after an expansion of the holding arms 56, ie both in the rest state and in the tension state of the holding means 20, constant.

[0074] According to a further embodiment, the contact grooves 60 each have a locking tooth 67. According to the Figure 7In the advantageous embodiment shown, the contact sections 58 each have an elastic spring arm 69, wherein a gap extending in the circumferential direction is expediently formed between the spring arm 69 and the holding arm 56. In particular, the contact sections 58 are arranged in the contact grooves 60 such that the spring arms each engage correspondingly with a locking tooth 67. The locking connection enables the holding arms 56 to be supported radially to the mounting axis X in the contact grooves 60, and also prevents the holding means 20 from separating and falling out of the adapter sleeve 10.

[0075] Preferably, the holding arms 56, as well as in particular the clamping arms 46, are shaped in such a way that they are in an installed state, see the Figure 16, are curved around the mounting axis X. As also described for the clamping arms 46, the curved shape promotes the connector shaft 16 having an enlarged contact surface with the holding arms 56 when plugged in in the mounting direction M. This advantageously promotes the radial elastic deformation of the holding arms 56. Furthermore, the shape of the holding arms 56 curved around the mounting axis X has the advantage that in an assembled state with the mating connector 18 fully plugged in and fixed by the holding means 20, unwanted loosening, in particular in the event of vibrations, is better prevented.

[0076] Depending on the design of the form-locking element 12, the side of the holding arms 56 facing the mounting direction M in the installed state can be at least partially, as in Figure 7shown, be formed with a bevel 59. As described, this improves insertion of the mating connector 18 and the radial expansion of the holding arms 56.

[0077] Advantageously, the holding means 20 is radial to the mounting axis X with an actuating means 68, as in the Figure 2 shown, from an outer circumference 70 of the adapter sleeve 10. In particular, the maximum radial distance of the actuating means 68 from an outer circumference 70 of the adapter sleeve 10 is greater in the rest state than in the stress state.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, by means of a force acting radially from the outside to the mounting axis X on the actuating means 68, Figure 16The holding means 20 can be elastically deformed from the rest state into the expanded stress state by the force F. For this purpose, the actuating means 68 is preferably arranged opposite the contact grooves 60 such that the contact grooves 60 lie in a plane of the force flow of the force F. In particular, the holding means 20 is supported by the contact sections 58 in the contact grooves 60 by the force F acting radially on the actuating means 68. In this case, the holding means 20 is compressed between the contact sections 58 and the actuating means 68. The radial distance between the holding arms 56 in the stress state or in the compressed state is expediently at least as large as the diameter DS of the plug shaft 16. This enables Figure 16that, when in the assembled state the holding means 20 is in the rest state and is arranged in the locking groove 26 of the mating connector 18 and fixes the mating connector 18, the axial movement of the mating connector 18 to the assembly axis X can be actively released from the outside by means of the radial force F.

[0079] In the Figures 10 , 13 , 15 and 18 An optional pressure lock is shown to prevent accidental release of the mating connector. For this purpose, the holding means 20, in particular the holding arms 56, has at least one locking lug 66 pointing against the mounting direction M. The locking lug 66 is supported in the mounting position on an inner wall 64 of the adapter sleeve 10. In particular, this embodiment is in the Figure 18The locking lug 66 prevents the holding arms 56 from deforming radially to the mounting axis X and thereby damaging the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector

[0080] 18. Furthermore, the locking lugs 66 prevent the radial force F applied externally to the actuating means 68 from being insufficient to radially deform the holding arms 56. In particular during operation, the internal pressure prevailing in the connector presses the mating connector against the assembly direction M and thus against the holding means 20. In order to elastically deform the holding arms 56, the locking of the locking lug 66 must be released in a first step. This is expediently possible by pushing the mating connector at least by the axial length of the locking lug 66 in the assembly direction M, so that the holding arms 56 with the locking lugs 66 can elastically deform into the windows 54.

[0081] Advantageously, the reduction in the distance between the contact sections 58 and the actuating means 68 in the tensioned state of the holding means 20 results in a reduction in the radial distance of the actuating means 68 from the outer circumference 70 of the adapter sleeve 10, since the holding means 20 is arranged on one side with the contact sections 58 clamped in the contact grooves 60. This allows the installer to monitor the assembly state of the connector 1.

[0082] In particular, the safety and insertion control are improved by the fact that the holding means 20, in the tensioned state, in particular with the actuating means 68, blocks the movement of the locking element 22 from the release position to the locking position. As long as the holding means 20 is in the tensioned state, the mating connector 18 is not inserted far enough in the assembly direction M into the through-opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10, and the connector 1 is located, according to the Figures 10 to 12 , still in an intermediate position.

[0083] In the intermediate position of the connector 1, in particular, the holding element 20 and / or the form-locking element 12 are radially expanded such that the movement of the locking element 22 into the locking position is blocked by the holding element 20 and / or the form-locking element 12. In particular, the form-locking element 12 is radially expanded such that it does not block the movement of the locking element 22 into the locking position, although the holding means 20 is still in contact with the plug shaft 16 of the mating connector 18 and is in a tensioned state. This has the consequence that the locking element 22 cannot be finally transferred into the locking position.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element 22 engages in a free space 74 with at least one pin 72 projecting axially from the locking element 22 against the assembly direction M in the assembled state. The free space 74 is expediently designed to pass axially between the actuating means 68 and the adapter sleeve 10. The locking element 22 or the pin 72, which in an advantageous embodiment in Figure 1 shown, has in particular two teeth protruding against the mounting direction M. The free space 74 is shown for example in Figure 16 marked, where in Figure 16 also the pin 72 projecting into the free space 74 is shown. When the pin 72 engages in the free space 74, the locking element 22 fixes the holding means 20 radially to the mounting axis X in the rest state.

[0085] In particular, the free space 74 is designed in such a way that it depends on the tension state or rest state of the holding means 20 that the locking element 22 with the mandrel 72 can only engage in the free space 74 when the holding means 20, as in the Figures 14 and 16 shown, in the resting state, and the mating connector 18 is fully inserted into the through-hole 14 of the adapter sleeve 10. This design provides the installer with an additional plug-in check and reduces the risk of incorrect assembly.

[0086] In a further embodiment, the holding means 20 has a guide means 76, as in Figure 7The guide means 76 expediently has a holding step 77 perpendicular to the assembly axis X radially outwardly pointing from the through-opening 14, which cooperates with a guide groove 78 formed on the adapter sleeve 10 such that, at least in the pre-assembly position, the holding means 20 is blocked radially from the through-opening 14. Particularly advantageously, the guide means 76 divides the free space 74 into two subspaces, wherein the mandrel 72 expediently engages around the guide means 76 with its two teeth in the assembly position. Preferably, the guide means 76 is designed as a tongue pointing radially to the assembly axis X, as in Figure 7 shown, formed on the actuating means 68.

[0087] As in Figure 8 As shown, the receiving channel 8 of the sleeve section 6 is advantageously divided into cylindrical sections, the diameters of the respective sections increasing against the mounting direction M.

[0088] In particular, the receiving channel 8 has an annular first step surface 84 between a first and a second cylindrical section. This first step surface 84 expediently serves as an insertion limit, which limits the insertion depth of the adapter sleeve 10 in the assembly direction M. In this case, the adapter sleeve 10 has, in particular, a support surface 86 which is also annular and corresponding to the step surface and points in the assembly direction M. When the adapter sleeve 10 is inserted into the receiving channel 8, the adapter sleeve 10 rests with the support surface 86 on the first step surface 84.

[0089] It is particularly advantageous, as in the Figure 8As shown, at least one sealing element 88, in particular an O-ring, is arranged in the receiving channel 8. Preferably, two sealing elements 88 are arranged in the receiving channel 8. The sealing element 88 is expediently arranged between a side wall 90 of the adapter sleeve 10 pointing in the assembly direction M and a second step surface 92 pointing counter to the assembly direction M and extending perpendicularly from an inner wall 44 of the receiving channel 8. The sealing element 88 advantageously seals against an inner wall 44 of the receiving channel 8.

[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second step surface 92 reduces the diameter of the receiving channel 8 to the diameter of the through opening 14 of the adapter sleeve 10.

[0091] The sealing element 88 particularly advantageously serves to circumferentially seal the plug shaft against the socket section 6 or the inner wall 44 of the receiving channel 8.

[0092] A three-part seal (not shown) has proven particularly advantageous. The seal advantageously comprises two sealing elements 88, in particular O-rings, separated from each other by a spacer ring. This three-part assembly is mounted in the through-opening 14 in the manner described above.

[0093] In the following, a preferred insertion process of the mating connector 18 and the positions of the connector 1 are described using the Figures 8 to 17 explained in summary.

[0094] In the pre-assembly position, the mating connector 18 is as shown in Figure 8shown, has not yet been inserted far enough in the assembly direction M into the through-opening 14 for the plug shaft 16 to come into contact with the holding means 20. Both the holding means 20 and the form-locking element 12 are therefore in the rest state. The locking element 22 is in the release position and is blocked against movement into the locking position by the bridge 48 of the form-locking element 12, which protrudes on one side from the opening 42. On the other side, the form-locking element 12 is supported by the support bodies 50 on the locking element 22, in particular on the mandrel 72. The holding element 20, with the actuating means 68, protrudes at a radial distance from the outer circumference 70 of the adapter sleeve 10 such that the free space 74 is open.

[0095] In an intermediate position of the connector 1, which is in the Figures 9 to 11As shown, the mating connector 18 is partially inserted in the assembly direction M into the area of ​​the holding means 20. The holding means 20 is in a radially expanded tension state due to the plug shaft 16. The actuating section 68 of the holding means 12 is radially retracted, thereby closing the free space 74 for penetration of the mandrel 72. The form-locking element 12, meanwhile, remains in the rest state and continues to block the locking element 22 in the release position.

[0096] In a further intermediate position of the connector 1, which is in the Figures 12 and 13As shown, the mating connector 18 is partially inserted further in the assembly direction M into the area of ​​the form-locking element 12. The form-locking element 12 is radially expanded by the plug shaft 16 into the stressed state. The form-locking element 12 is supported on one side, in particular with the support elements 51, on the plug shaft 16, as a result of which the bridge 48 is pulled completely into the opening 42 in alignment with the outer circumference of the adapter sleeve 10. The axial displacement of the locking element 22 from the release position into the locking position is preferably still not possible or, in particular, only slightly possible. The holding means 20 is still, as previously described, in the radially expanded stressed state. The free space 74 is therefore closed to penetration of the mandrel 72.The mandrel 72 preferably continues to bear against the actuating means 68 or, upon axial displacement of the locking element 22, comes into contact with the actuating means 68, whereby in both cases further displacement into the locking position is blocked.

[0097] In the Figures 14 to 17the assembly position of the connector 1 is shown. The mating connector 18 is fully inserted and correctly assembled in the assembly direction M. The form-locking element 12 remains in the tensioned state, and the blockage of the form-locking element 12 for the locking element 22 is lifted. The locking groove 26 of the mating connector 18 is now located in the area of ​​the holding means 20, as a result of which the latter has in turn elastically returned to the rest state and projects into the locking groove 26. The mating connector 18 is thus secured against axial displacement. As a result of the rest position of the holding means 20, the radial distance between the actuating means 68 and the outer circumference 70 of the adapter sleeve 10 has increased again, as a result of which the blockage for the locking element 22 is lifted again.

[0098] The locking element 22 can therefore be fully displaced axially relative to the mounting axis X into the locking position and can be inserted into the free spaces 74 with the mandrel 72. In this mounting position, the locking element 22 blocks the holding means 20 on the actuating means 68 against radial displacement and thus against unintentional expansion into the tensioned state of the holding means 20.

[0099] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have an inventive significance in itself, independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. List of reference symbols

[0100] 1 Connector 2 Housing 4 Through-channel 6 Socket section 8 Receptacle channel 10 Adapter sleeve 11 Plug-in section 12 Positive-locking element / connecting clamp 13 Through-opening 14 Through-opening 16 Plug shaft 18 Mating connector 20 Retaining element 21 Through-opening 22 Locking element 24 Outer circumference of the socket section 26 Locking groove of the mating connector 28 Connection section 30 Reinforcing strut 32 Inner wall of the locking element 34 Locking hook 36 Locking groove on the housing 38 Guide groove 40 Guide element 42 Opening 44 Inner wall of the receptacle channel 46 Clamping arm 48 Bridge 50 Support body 51 Support element 53 Support struts 54 Window 55 Contact body 56 Holding arm 57 Snap arm 58Contact section 59Bevel 60Contact groove 61Bearing ends 62Contact element 63Holding geometry 64Inner wall of the adapter sleeve 65Wall section 66Locking lug 67Locking tooth 68Actuating means 69Spring arm 70Outer circumference of the adapter sleeve 72 Mandrel 74Free space 76Guide means 77Holding step 78Guide groove 80Pin 82End face of the sleeve section84First step surface 86Support surface 88Sealing element 90Side wall of the adapter sleeve 92Second step surface FForce acting on the holding device MMounting direction XMounting axis DSDiameter of the plug shaft LSDistance between the holding arms

Claims

1. Plug-in connector (1) for connecting a first fluid line to a mating plug-in connector (18), comprising a housing (2) having a passage duct (4), wherein one end of the housing (2) is in the form of a ferrule portion (6) with a receiving duct (8), which is fluidically connected to the passage duct (4), for receiving an adapter sleeve (10) belonging to the plug-in connector (1), wherein the adapter sleeve (10) can be inserted into the receiving duct (8) of the ferrule portion (6) in a fitting direction (M) directed axially to a fitting axis (X) and is releaseably held in the receiving duct (8) in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction, wherein the adapter sleeve (10) has formed a passage opening (14) for a plug shank (16) of the mating plug-in connector (18) and has a holding means (20) for releaseably securing the mating plug-in connector (18), wherein the holding means (20), in an inoperative state, protrudes into the passage opening (14) and is designed to elastically expand into a tensioned state radially with respect to the fitting axis (X), and the plug shank (16) of the mating plug-in connector (18) can be inserted into the passage opening (14) of the adapter sleeve (10) in a pre-fitting position of the plug-in connector (1) and the holding means (20) can block the mating plug-in connector (18) axially with respect to the fitting axis (X) in a fitting position of the plug-in connector (1), wherein the adapter sleeve (10) has two windows (54) which are situated opposite each other at an 180° angle and are radially open with respect to the fitting axis (X), and a locking element (22) which is movable axially with respect to the fitting axis (X) is arranged on an outer circumference (24) of the ferrule portion (6) in a manner movable from a release position, in which the holding means (20) is released, to a locking position, in which the holding means (20) is locked, wherein the locking element (22), in its release position in the pre-fitting position of the plug-in connector (1) on the ferrule portion (6), is secured at least axially against movement to the locking position, wherein a reinforcing strut (30) extending axially with respect to the fitting axis (X) is arranged in each of the windows (54), wherein the holding means (20) has two holding arms (56) and by way of the holding arms (56) passes through the windows (54) in such a way that, in the inoperative state, the holding arms (56) of the holding means (20) are arranged radially between the passage opening (14) and the reinforcing struts (30), so that the holding means (20), by way of the holding arms (56), protrudes into the passage opening (14) of the adapter sleeve (10) at least in the pre-fitting position.

2. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a form-fitting element (12) secures the adapter sleeve (10) in the receiving channel (8) in the axial direction with respect to the fitting axis (X) in a form-fitting manner and, in an inoperative state, protrudes into the passage opening (14) and is designed to elastically expand into a tensioned state radially with respect to the fitting axis (X).

3. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the ferrule portion (6) and the adapter sleeve (10) each have at least one radial aperture (42) with respect to the fitting axis (X), wherein at least one aperture (42) of the adapter sleeve (10) and of the ferrule portion (6) in each case are arranged adjacent to each other in a secured state of the adapter sleeve (10) in the ferrule portion (6) in such a way that the form-fitting element (12) can be inserted into the passage opening (14) of the adapter sleeve (10) through the apertures (42) of the adapter sleeve (10) and the ferrule portion (6) radially with respect to the fitting axis (X).

4. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the radially opened windows (54) are arranged spaced apart from the apertures (42) axially with respect to the fitting axis (X) and in particular are arranged offset through 90° with respect to the apertures (42) about the fitting axis (X).

5. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the form-fitting element (12), in the inoperative state, protrudes from the aperture (42) of the adapter sleeve (10) radially with respect to the fitting axis (X) in such a way that the form-fitting element (12), in the inoperative state, blocks the movement of the locking element (22) from the release position to the locking position.

6. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the form-fitting element (12) is in the form of a connecting clamp and has formed two clamping arms (46) which, in the inoperative state, protrude into the passage opening (14), wherein the clamping arms (46) are connected via a bridge (48) on one side and each extend to a free end, wherein the free ends each have a supporting body (50), which is arranged in an aperture (42) in the ferrule portion (6) and is overlapped by the locking element (22) on one side.

7. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the apertures (42) of the ferrule portion (6) and of the adapter sleeve (10) each have a supporting strut (53) which extends axially with respect to the fitting axis (X) and is arranged in the respective aperture, wherein a first supporting strut (53) is arranged between the two supporting bodies (50) of the form-fitting element (12) and the second supporting strut (53) is surrounded by two bearing bodies (55), which are arranged on the bridge (48) connecting the clamping arms (46) to each other and extend radially into the passage opening (14).

8. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that elastically deformable snap-action arms (57) are formed on the supporting bodies (50), wherein the snap-action arms (57) extend from an attachment point connected to the supporting body (50) by way of a bearing end (61) in the direction of the passage opening (14), wherein a gap which is open in the direction of the passage opening (14) is formed between the bearing ends (61) and the respective attached supporting body (50), and the bearing ends (61) are arranged radially supported against a holding geometry (63) of the first supporting strut (53) radially in the direction of the passage opening (14).

9. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that support elements (51) are arranged on the supporting bodies (50) and protrude into the passage opening (14) and, in particular in a fitting position, can be supported on the plug shank (16) of the mating plug-in connector (18).

10. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the holding arms (56) each have a contact portion (58) at their free end, wherein the contact portions (58) are each arranged in a correspondingly formed contact groove (60), wherein the contact grooves (60) are each formed by a contact element (62) which is formed on a wall portion (65) of the adapter sleeve (10), the wall portion separating the windows (54) from each other.

11. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the contact grooves (60) are formed to be open at the inner circumference in the direction of the passage opening (14), wherein the holding arms (56) can be supported by way of their contact portions (58) in the contact grooves (60) radially with respect to the fitting axis (X).

12. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the contact grooves (60) have each formed a latching tooth (67), wherein the contact portions (58) each have an elastic spring arm (69), wherein a gap extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the spring arm (69) and the holding arm (56), and the contact portions (58) are arranged in the contact grooves (60) in such a way that the spring arms (69) each correspondingly latch with a latching tooth (67).

13. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holding means (20), in particular the holding arms (56), has / have formed at least one locking lug (66) which faces against the fitting direction (M) and is supported on an inner wall (64) of the adapter sleeve (10) in the fitting position.

14. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the holding means (20) protrude by way of an actuating means (68) from an outer circumference (70) of the adapter sleeve (10) radially with respect to the mounting axis (X), wherein the maximum radial distance between the actuating means (68) and an outer circumference (70) of the adapter sleeve (10) is greater in the inoperative state than in the tensioned state.

15. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the holding means (20) can be elastically deformed from the inoperative state to the expanded tensioned state by a force (F) acting radially on the actuating means (68) from the outside, wherein the actuating means (68) is arranged opposite the contact groove (60), and the holding means (20) is supported by way of the contact portions (58) in the contact grooves (60) radially with respect to the fitting axis (X).

16. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the holding means (20) blocks the movement of the locking element (22) from the release position to the locking position in the tensioned state, in particular by way of the actuating means (68).

17. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the locking element (22) engages by way of at least one mandrel (72), which protrudes axially from the locking element (22) against the fitting direction (M), through a clearance (74) leading axially between the actuating means (68) of the holding means (20) and the adapter sleeve (10) in a fitted state, wherein the locking element (22) secures the holding means (20) radially with respect to the fitting axis (X) in the inoperative state.

18. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the holding means (20) has a guide means (76), which has formed a holding step (77) which faces outwards radially from the passage opening (14) perpendicularly to the fitting axis (X) and interacts with a guide groove (78) formed on the adapter sleeve (10) in such a way that the holding means (20) is blocked in a manner facing away radially from the passage opening (14) at least in the pre-fitting position.