Mating connector for connecting components for liquid or gaseous media, as well as a connector assembly and a method for producing such a mating connector

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mating connector for connecting components for liquid or gaseous media, as well as a connector assembly and a method for producing such a mating connector.

[0002] EP 2 360 411 A1 discloses a generic connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a mating connector. The plug connector for connecting lines for liquid or gaseous media comprises a sleeve having an insertion opening. The mating connector can be inserted into the insertion opening. Furthermore, the plug connector comprises a locking spring surrounding the sleeve at least over part of its circumference, which is adjustable between a locking position for locking the mating connector plugged into the plug connector and a release position locked relative to the sleeve, in which the locking with the mating connector is released and the mating connector can be withdrawn from the insertion opening of the sleeve.At least in its locked position, the detent spring protrudes over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension, in which it can be locked to the mating connector, through a through-opening in the sleeve into the interior space surrounded by the sleeve. Furthermore, in its locked release position, the detent spring is engaged at at least one locking point of the detent spring behind a retaining projection of the sleeve into a retaining recess in the sleeve. The retaining projection protrudes relative to the retaining recess in the axial direction of the sleeve.

[0003] The mating connector of EP 2 360 411 A1 is complex to manufacture.

[0004] Further connectors are known from DE 20 2007 018 700 U1 and DE 197 43 825 A1.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a mating connector which is easy to manufacture.

[0006] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a mating connector is designed for connecting components for liquid or gaseous media. The mating connector comprises a connector body with: a plug-in section, which serves for insertion into a receiving opening of a connector; a component terminal, which serves for connection to one of the components.

[0008] The connector body is designed as a sheet metal formed part.

[0009] The mating connector according to the invention has the advantage that it is easy to manufacture and, moreover, has a very low weight while being sufficiently strong for the intended use.

[0010] In particular, it can be provided that the connector body is designed as a deep-drawn part. A connector body designed as a deep-drawn part is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector body can be designed as a single piece. A single-piece connector body is easy to manufacture and has a low susceptibility to defects.

[0012] In particular, it can be provided that the components to be connected are designed, for example, in the form of cables or hoses. The cables can be coupled to the component connection by means of a clamp connection.

[0013] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that at least one of the components to be connected is designed as a sheet metal component, for example. In this case, the component connection can be welded directly to the sheet metal component. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the connector body is pressed or bonded to the component. Alternatively, a combination of press-fitting and bonding is also possible.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the connector body has a sleeve-shaped first jacket section, the cross-section of which surrounds a central longitudinal axis of the connector body, and a sleeve-shaped second jacket section, the cross-section of which surrounds the central longitudinal axis, wherein the first jacket section is surrounded by the second jacket section and the first jacket section is connected to the second jacket section at a first longitudinal end in the region of the insertion section by a first end wall section, and wherein the second jacket section has a cylindrical sealing section in the region of the insertion section. This has the advantage that the connector body can have sufficient stability and, moreover, can have all the components for implementing the functionality of the connection to the plug-in connector. The cylindrical sealing section can be formed on an outer jacket surface of the second jacket section.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that, in the region of the insertion section, both the first shell section and the second shell section have a cross-sectional taper extending from the cylindrical sealing section to the first longitudinal end of the connector body. This has the advantage that the mating connector can be easily inserted into the connector. Furthermore, the taper can further increase the stability of the connector body.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that the second casing section has a cross-sectional widening on the side of the cylindrical sealing section facing away from the first end wall section, adjacent to the cylindrical sealing section. This has the advantage that the detent spring can be pushed open by the cross-sectional widening, thus simplifying the joining of the mating connector to the connector.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the second jacket section, on the side facing away from the cylindrical sealing section and at a distance from the cross-sectional expansion, has a contact surface for a locking element of the connector. This has the advantage that this measure allows the locking element to securely secure the mating connector in the connector.

[0018] According to a further development, it is possible for the contact surface to be circumferential and form a second longitudinal end of the second casing section. A contact surface designed in this way is easy to manufacture and can also exhibit sufficient stability.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, a locking slot can be formed in which the contact surface is arranged, wherein the locking slot penetrates the second casing section, in particular the cylinder section, and extends over a circumferential region of the second casing section. This has the advantage that such a locking slot is easy to manufacture.

[0020] Furthermore, a tab is provided which is bent outward from the second casing section, wherein the tab extends over a peripheral region of the second casing section and wherein the tab extends over a longitudinal region of the second casing section. Such a tab can simply serve as an anti-twist device.

[0021] Furthermore, the second jacket section can be provided with an outwardly bent collar in the region of a second longitudinal end. This has the advantage that such an outwardly bent collar can serve as an axial stop. Furthermore, the outwardly bent collar can provide the connector body with increased stability.

[0022] According to a special design, the first sheath section can be tapered at a second longitudinal end. This offers the advantage that the mating connector can be easily joined to a cable.

[0023] The invention further relates to a connector assembly comprising: a mating connector; a connector having a receiving opening, wherein the receiving opening is configured such that the mating connector can be inserted therein.

[0024] The mating connector is designed according to the above specifications.

[0025] A connector assembly designed in this way is easy to manufacture.

[0026] According to the invention, a method for producing a mating connector is provided. The method comprises the following steps: Providing a flat sheet; drawing a cup from the flat sheet; turning the cup inside out to form a sleeve-shaped first shell section which, in cross section, surrounds a central longitudinal axis of the plug-in connector, and a sleeve-shaped second shell section which, in cross section, surrounds the central longitudinal axis, wherein the first shell section is surrounded by the second shell section and the first shell section is connected to the second shell section at a first longitudinal end in the region of the plug-in section by a first end wall section, and wherein the second shell section has a cylindrical sealing section in the region of a plug-in section.

[0027] The method according to the invention has the advantage that a mating connector is easy to manufacture and, moreover, has a very low weight while being sufficiently strong for the intended use.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that a locking slot is punched into the cup after the cup has been pulled out. This measure allows the locking slot to be easily manufactured.

[0029] Furthermore, after the cup is inverted, a tab is bent outward from the second shell section, with the tab extending over a peripheral area of ​​the second shell section and extending over a longitudinal area of ​​the second shell section. This measure allows for the simple production of a tab that serves as an anti-twist device.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which a central hole is punched out of the cup after the cup is inverted. This measure allows fluid permeability of the mating connector to be achieved by removing the base created during production.

[0031] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0032] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a variant of a connector assembly in a quarter section; Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a mating connector; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a quarter section of the first embodiment of the mating connector; Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of a mating connector; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a quarter section of the second embodiment of the mating connector; Fig. 6 shows a first method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector; Fig. 7 shows a second method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector; Fig. 8 shows a third method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector; Fig. 9 shows a fourth method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector;10 a fifth method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector. .

[0033] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector assembly 1 with a connector 2, which is shown in a quarter section. Furthermore, Fig. 1A mating connector 3 is shown schematically, which can be connected to the connector 2. The interaction between the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 is sufficiently described in AT 509 196 B1.

[0035] Furthermore, a pipe 4 is schematically shown, to which the connector 2 can be coupled. The pipe 4 can be a rigid element, such as a plastic pipe. In another embodiment, the pipe 4 can be designed as a flexible conduit made of a rubber material.

[0036] The connector 2 comprises a main body, which is preferably formed as a one-piece formed part, such as a deep-drawn part, in particular from a stainless steel sheet. In particular, it can also be provided that this can be a coated steel sheet or even a production from steel sheet that is subsequently coated.

[0037] The connector assembly 1 is preferably used in a motor vehicle, in particular in a road-bound motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, such as a car or a truck.

[0038] Of course, it is also conceivable that the connector assembly 1 is used in another application with an internal combustion engine. This could, for example, be the use of the connector assembly 1 in a stationary power unit, in a marine engine, in an aircraft engine, in construction machinery, in battery- or hybrid-powered vehicles, etc.

[0039] Specifically, the connector assembly 1 can be used to connect various components of the fresh air supply to the combustion engine. For example, the connector 2 can be used with the corresponding mating connector 3 to connect two parts in the intake area of ​​a turbocharger. Furthermore, such a connector assembly 1 can also be used, for example, in the pressure side leading from the turbocharger to connect two components. In yet another application, it is also conceivable for the connector assembly to be used to connect a water line.

[0040] As from Fig. 1As can also be seen, it can be provided that the plug connector 2 has a receiving opening 6, which serves to receive a plug-in section 7 of the mating plug connector 3. In the region of the receiving opening 6, a seal 8 can be arranged, which serves to create a sealed connection between the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3. In particular, it can be provided that, when the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 are plugged together, the seal 8, which is arranged in the receiving opening 6, rests against a cylindrical sealing section 9 of the mating plug connector 3.

[0041] As from Fig. 1 As can also be seen, the mating connector 3 can be provided with a component connection 10, which serves to connect a fluid-carrying or gas-carrying component. The fluid-carrying or gas-carrying component is not shown here for the sake of simplicity.

[0042] As from Fig. 1 As can also be seen, a locking element 5 can be formed which can be activated and deactivated so that the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 can be separated from one another or connected to one another as required. The locking element 5 can be brought into a latching position in which the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 are secured to one another. Furthermore, the locking element 5 can be brought into a release position in which the mating plug connector 3 can be inserted into the plug connector 2 or removed therefrom. In particular, it can be provided that the locking element 5 is designed in the form of a latching spring.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the mating connector 3. Fig. 3shows the first embodiment of the mating connector 3 in a perspective view of a quarter section.

[0044] The first embodiment of the mating connector 3 is explained by means of a summary of the Figures 2 and 3 described.

[0045] As from Fig. 2 As can be seen, it can be provided that the mating connector 3 is designed as a formed sheet metal part. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the mating connector 3 to be designed as a plastic injection-molded part. In particular, it can be provided that the mating connector 3 comprises a connector body 11. The connector body 11 can have a first jacket section 12 and a second jacket section 13. The two jacket sections 12, 13 can be designed, at least in their basic shape, to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis 14 of the connector body 11.

[0046] As from Fig. 2As can also be seen, it can be provided that the first jacket section 12 and the second jacket section 13 are coupled to one another at a first longitudinal end 15 of the connector body 11 by means of a first end wall section 16. In particular, it can be provided that the first jacket section 12 and the second jacket section 13 as well as the first end wall section 16 are formed from a one-piece, continuous sheet metal. In particular, it can be provided that, viewed in longitudinal section, in the region of the first end wall section 16, the sheet metal is folded over by 180° and transitions from the first jacket section 12 into the second jacket section 13.

[0047] As from Fig. 2As can also be seen, it can be provided that the first shell section 12 and the second shell section 13 have a cross-sectional taper 17 in the region of the first longitudinal end 15. The first shell section 12 can have a cylindrical shape adjacent to the cross-sectional taper 17. As can be seen from Fig. 2 As can also be seen, the first casing section 12 can have a taper 19 at a second longitudinal end 18 of the first casing section 12. In particular, the taper 19 can be designed in the form of a collar extending 90° inward from the cylindrical section of the first casing section 12.

[0048] As from Fig. 2As can also be seen, it can be provided that the second casing section 13 has the cylindrical sealing section 9 adjacent to the cross-sectional taper 17. A cross-sectional widening 20 can be formed adjacent to the cylindrical sealing section 9. At a distance 21 from the cross-sectional widening 20, a contact surface 22 for the contact of the locking element 5 can be formed. As can be seen from Fig. 2 As can be seen, it can be provided that the contact surface 22 is formed in that the second casing section 13 ends here.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the mating connector 3. Fig. 5 shows the second embodiment of the mating connector 3 in a perspective view of a quarter section.

[0050] In the Figures 4 and 5a further and possibly independent embodiment of the mating connector 3 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 2 and 3 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Figures 2 and 3 referred to or referred to. As can be seen from Fig. 4 As can be seen, a tab 23 can be formed in the second casing section 13, which is bent outward from the second casing section 13. The tab 23 can serve as an anti-twist device.

[0051] As from Fig. 5As can be seen, the tab 23 can have a limited extension over a circumferential region of the second casing section 13 or over a longitudinal region of the second casing section 13. In particular, it can be provided that the tab 23 is arranged in a cylinder section 24.

[0052] As from Fig. 4 As can also be seen, a collar 25 can be formed adjacent to the cylinder section 24, which protrudes outwardly relative to the cylinder section 24. The collar 25 can be circumferential.

[0053] As from Fig. 5 As can also be seen, a locking slot 26 can be formed in the cylinder section 24 of the second casing section 13, which serves to form the contact surface 22. The locking slot 26 can also have a limited longitudinal extent or a limited circumferential extent.

[0054] As from Fig. 5As can be seen, it can be provided that a plurality of locking slots 26 are formed in the second casing section 13, spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, it can be provided that a plurality of tabs 23 are formed on the second casing section 13, spaced from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0055] In particular, it can be provided that two tabs 23 are formed in the second casing section 13 so as to be 180° opposite one another.

[0056] In particular, it can be provided that two locking slots 26 are arranged 180° opposite one another in the second casing section 13.

[0057] In the Figures 6 to 10 individual process steps for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector 3 are shown.

[0058] In particular, the complete outer part of the connector body 11 is referred to as the second jacket section 13. As can be seen from Fig. 5As can be seen, it can be provided that the second jacket section 13 is divided into the following areas starting from the first longitudinal end 15: cross-sectional taper 17, cylindrical sealing section 9, cross-sectional widening 20, cylinder section 24, collar 25.

[0059] In the first embodiment according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the cylinder section 24 has only a very short length.

[0060] In particular, the complete inner part of the connector body 11 is referred to as the first jacket section 12. As can be seen from Fig. 5 As can be seen, it can be provided that the first jacket section 12 is divided into the following areas starting from the first longitudinal end 15: cross-sectional taper 17, main part 29 of the first jacket section 12, taper 19.

[0061] The individual regions of the first casing section 12 can look the same and be designated the same in all embodiments.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a first method step for producing the second embodiment of the mating connector 3. As can be seen from Fig. 6 As can be seen, it can be provided that a cup 27 is drawn from the flat sheet metal blank in the first process step. The cup 27 can have a base 28 for manufacturing purposes.

[0063] In a second process step, as described in Fig. 7 As shown, it can be provided that a locking slot 26 is punched out of the bowl 27.

[0064] As from Fig. 8 As can be seen, it can be provided that in a third method step the bottom 28 of the bowl 27 is turned inside out or pulled inwards so that the first jacket section 12 and the second jacket section 13 are formed.

[0065] At this point it should be noted that the size ratios in the individual Figures 6 to 10are not to scale, but for a clearer representation, the axial extension of certain sections of the mating connector 3 has been lengthened or shortened.

[0066] As from Fig. 9 As can be seen, it can be provided that in the fourth method step the tab 23 is punched or bent outwards from the second casing section 13.

[0067] As from Fig. 10 As can be seen, it can be provided that in the fifth method step, in the region of the first longitudinal end 15, both the first jacket section 12 and the second jacket section 13 are bent inwards so that the cross-sectional taper 17 is formed.

[0068] In a further process step, which also Fig. 10 As shown, the base 28 can be punched out so that the taper 19 is formed.

[0069] The process steps for producing the first embodiment of the mating connector 3 are similar to those described in the Fig. 6 to 10 illustrated and described method steps. Since the first embodiment of the mating connector 3 is easier to manufacture and individual method steps are omitted compared to the described method, this manufacturing method is not described separately or shown in the figures. In particular, to manufacture the first embodiment, the method steps are carried out according to Fig. 7 for punching out the locking slot 26 and the process step according to Fig. 9 to produce the tab 23 was not carried out or omitted.

[0070] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0071] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0072] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0073] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0074] 1Connector assembly 2Connector 3Mating connector 4Tube 5Locking element 6Receiving opening 7Mating section 8Seal 9Cylindrical sealing section 10Component connection 11Connector body 12First jacket section 13Second jacket section 14Longitudinal axis 15First longitudinal end 16First end wall section 17Cross-sectional taper 18Second longitudinal end 19Taper 20Cross-sectional extension 21Spacer 22Contact surface 23Tab 24Cylindrical section 25Collar 26Locking slot 27Cup 28Base 29Main part

Claims

1. A mating plug connector (3) for connecting components for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a connector body (11) with: - an insertion section (7) which serves for insertion into a receiving opening (6) of a plug connector (2); - a component connection (10) which serves for connection with one of the components, wherein the connector body (11) is configured as a formed sheet metal part, wherein the connector body (11) has a sleeve-shaped first casing section (12), which in cross-section surrounds a central longitudinal axis (14) of the connector body (11), and a sleeve-shaped second casing section (13), which in cross-section surrounds the central longitudinal axis (14), wherein the first casing section (12) is surrounded by the second casing section (13) and the first casing section (12) is connected to the second casing section (13) at a first longitudinal end (15) in the region of the insertion section (7) by a first front wall section (16), and wherein the second casing section (13) has a cylindrical sealing section (9) in the region of the insertion section (7), characterized in that at least one tab (23) is formed which is bent outwardly from the second casing section (13), wherein the tab (23) extends over a circumferential area of the second casing section (13) and wherein the tab (23) extends over a longitudinal area of the second casing section (13).

2. The mating plug connector (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the region of the insertion section (7), both the first casing section (12) and the second casing section (13) have a cross-sectional taper (17) starting from the cylindrical sealing section (9) towards the first longitudinal end (15) of the connector body (11).

3. The mating plug connector (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second casing section (13) has a cross-sectional enlargement (20) on the side of the cylindrical sealing section (9) facing away from the first front wall section (16) and adjoining the cylindrical sealing section (9).

4. The mating plug connector (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second casing section (13) has a contact surface (22) for a locking element of the plug connector on the side facing away from the cylindrical sealing section (9) at a distance (21) from the cross-sectional enlargement (20).

5. The mating plug connector (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the contact surface (22) is formed circumferentially and forms a second longitudinal end (18) of the second casing section (13).

6. The mating plug connector (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that a locking slot (26) is formed in which the contact surface (22) is arranged, wherein the locking slot (26) penetrates the second casing section (13), in particular the cylinder section (24), and extends over a circumferential region of the second casing section (13).

7. The mating plug connector (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second casing section (13) has an outwardly curved collar (25) in the region of a second longitudinal end (18).

8. The mating plug connector (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first casing section (12) comprises a taper (19) at a second longitudinal end (18).

9. A plug assembly (1) comprising: - a mating plug connector (3); - a plug connector (2) having a receiving opening (6), wherein the receiving opening (6) is configured such that the mating plug connector (3) is insertable therein, characterized in that the mating plug connector (3) is configured according to one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for producing a mating plug connector (3), comprising the method steps: - providing a flat metal sheet; - pulling a cup (27) from the flat metal sheet; - inverting the cup (27) to form a sleeve-shaped connector body (11) with a first casing section (12), which in cross-section surrounds a central longitudinal axis (14) of the connector body (11), and a sleeve-shaped second casing section (13), which in cross-section surrounds the central longitudinal axis (14), wherein the first casing section (12) is surrounded by the second casing section (13) and the first casing section (12) is connected to the second casing section (13) at a first longitudinal end (15) in the region of the insertion section (7) by a first front wall section (16), and wherein the second casing section (13) has a cylindrical sealing section (9) in the region of the insertion section (7), characterized in that after the cup (27) was inverted, at least one tab (23) is bent outwardly from the second casing section (13), wherein the tab (23) extends over a circumferential area of the second casing section (13) and wherein the tab (23) extends over a longitudinal area of the second casing section (13).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that a locking slot (26) is punched in the cup (27) after the cup (27) has been pulled.

12. The method according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that after the cup (27) was inverted, a central hole is punched out of the cup (27).