CONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for establishing a fluid connection with two fluid lines, as well as a fluid connection arrangement comprising a connecting element and a first and second fluid line.

[0002] In a conventional vehicle, a multitude of fluid lines, such as fluid hoses, are required to transport different types of fluid. In particular, in hydrogen-powered vehicles, hydrogen is supplied to a fuel cell or combustion engine of the vehicle through fluid lines designed as hydrogen lines. Due to the limited space available in a vehicle, corresponding fluid lines, especially hydrogen lines, are often routed with tight bend radii and are connected to one another by connecting elements that ensure a fluid-tight connection between the connected fluid lines.

[0003] Due to the high pressure with which hydrogen is passed through corresponding hydrogen lines, connecting elements are required which connect the corresponding hydrogen lines to each other and which meet the high requirements for fluid tightness.

[0004] The document EP 3 279 539 B1 discloses a retaining sleeve for a connecting device.

[0005] The document DE 10 2006 038 841 A1 discloses a device for the axial connection of an outer pipe part with a coaxial pin part or inner pipe part engaging in the pipe part, in particular for connecting a drain nozzle of an injector for fuel injection in internal combustion engines.

[0006] The document AT 523394 B1 discloses a method for coupling connectors to form a plug-in module.

[0007] The document US 2019 / 0226616 A1 discloses a quick connector.

[0008] US 4,244,608 discloses a female connector for use with a male connector.

[0009] It is the object underlying the invention to provide a connecting element and a fluid connection arrangement for a fluid connection which ensures sufficient fluid tightness at high pressure.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description, and the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a connecting element for establishing a fluid connection with two fluid lines, comprising a receiving sleeve which is fluidically connectable to a first fluid line, wherein the receiving sleeve has a sleeve wall which delimits a sleeve interior, wherein a first sleeve slot and a second sleeve slot opposite the first sleeve slot are formed in the sleeve wall, an insertion nozzle which is fluidically connectable to a second fluid line, wherein the insertion nozzle is insertable into the sleeve interior of the receiving sleeve in order to provide the fluid connection, wherein a first nozzle slot and a second nozzle slot opposite the first nozzle slot are formed in the insertion nozzle,wherein, in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle, the first sleeve slot and the first nozzle slot are arranged in alignment with one another, and the second sleeve slot and the second nozzle slot are arranged in alignment with one another, and a locking element having a first locking arm and a second locking arm opposite the first locking arm, wherein, in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle, the first locking arm is arranged at least partially in the first sleeve slot and the first nozzle slot, and the second locking arm is arranged at least partially in the second sleeve slot and the second nozzle slot in order to lock the insertion nozzle to the receiving sleeve.

[0012] This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the connecting element creates a stable and particularly fluid-tight connection between the receiving sleeve, which is fluidically connectable to the first fluid line, and the insertion nozzle, which is fluidically connectable to the second fluid line, which is easy to assemble and can advantageously withstand high pressure loads without fluid leaking out.

[0013] In addition, the fluid-tight connection between the insertion nozzle and the receiving sleeve can also be easily released again, e.g. in the event of an intentional disassembly of the connecting element, by pulling the locking element out of the corresponding slots again.

[0014] In particular, the receiving sleeve and / or the insertion nozzle are each designed as a plastic injection-molded part, which is easy to manufacture.

[0015] In particular, the receiving sleeve is connectable or connected to the first fluid line in a materially bonded manner, in particular glued or welded, positively or non-positively, in particular latched. In particular, the insertion nozzle is connectable or connected to the second fluid line in a materially bonded manner, in particular glued or welded, positively or non-positively, in particular latched.

[0016] In particular, the first and / or second fluid line comprises a fluid hose or a fluid pipe.

[0017] In particular, the first nozzle slot and the second nozzle slot are formed as separate slots on the insertion nozzle. Alternatively, the first and second nozzle slots are connected to each other and form a recess surrounding the insertion nozzle, which recess encompasses the first and second nozzle slots.

[0018] In particular, the locking element has a U-shape.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has a connecting portion which connects the first locking arm to the second locking arm, wherein the first and second locking arms are each resiliently connected to the connecting portion in order to achieve spreading of the first and second locking arms when inserting the locking element into the receiving sleeve.

[0020] This achieves the technical advantage that the locking arms, which are elastically connected to the connecting section, can be advantageously spread apart when the locking element is inserted into the corresponding slots of the receiving sleeve and the insertion nozzle.

[0021] In particular, the first and second locking arms are designed to apply a force to the insertion nozzle, which is inserted into the receiving sleeve, in an inserted state of the locking element in order to ensure a stable locking of the insertion nozzle in the receiving sleeve.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the first locking arm has a first locking contour, and the second locking arm has a second locking contour opposite the first locking contour, wherein in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle, the first and second locking contours apply a force to the insertion nozzle in order to lock the insertion nozzle to the receiving sleeve.

[0023] This achieves the technical advantage that the opposing locking contours of the two locking arms ensure effective reception of the insertion nozzle between the two locking arms, so that the insertion nozzle is effectively clamped between the two locking arms to ensure the locking of the insertion nozzle to the receiving sleeve.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the first locking arm can be inserted into the sleeve interior through a front sleeve slot opening of the first sleeve slot, and a first arm end of the first locking arm can be led out of the sleeve interior again through a rear sleeve slot opening of the first sleeve slot opposite the front sleeve slot opening, and the second locking arm can be inserted into the sleeve interior through a front sleeve slot opening of the second sleeve slot, and a second arm end of the second locking arm can be led out of the sleeve interior again through a rear sleeve slot opening of the second sleeve slot opposite the front sleeve slot opening.

[0025] This achieves the technical advantage that the first and second locking arms each extend through the interior of the sleeve, with the respective arm end protruding from the respective rear sleeve slot opening. This ensures effective locking of the insertion nozzle to the receiving sleeve by the locking element.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the first locking arm and / or the second locking arm, in particular a first arm end of the first locking arm and / or a second arm end of the second locking arm, each have a locking hook which is designed to engage behind the sleeve wall in order to ensure a captive locking of the locking element on the receiving sleeve.

[0027] This achieves the technical advantage that by attaching the respective locking hook to the respective arm end of the respective locking arm, an unintentional sliding out of the locking arms from the slots is prevented and thus the locking cannot be released unintentionally.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve wall has a first locking projection on the first sleeve slot and a second locking projection on the second sleeve slot, wherein the locking hook of the first locking arm is designed to engage behind the first locking projection, and wherein the locking hook of the second locking arm is designed to engage behind the second locking projection in order to ensure a captive locking of the locking element on the receiving sleeve.

[0029] This achieves the technical advantage that the respective locking projections provide engagement points for the respective locking hook of the respective locking arm, behind which the respective locking hook can engage, so that effective locking can be ensured.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the insertion nozzle has a first nozzle section with a first nozzle outer diameter and a second nozzle section with a second nozzle outer diameter which is smaller than the first nozzle outer diameter, wherein the sleeve interior has a second sleeve interior for receiving the second nozzle section and a first sleeve interior for receiving the first nozzle section.

[0031] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring advantageous insertion of the insertion nozzle into the receiving sleeve. The second nozzle section with the smaller second nozzle outer diameter extends from the first nozzle section with the larger first nozzle outer diameter, so that both nozzle sections can be advantageously inserted into the respective complementary second sleeve interior and first sleeve interior.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the insertion nozzle, in particular the second nozzle section, has a receiving groove in which a sealing element is received.

[0033] This achieves the technical advantage that the sealing element ensures a particularly effective fluidic seal between the insertion nozzle, in particular the second nozzle section, and the sleeve wall of the receiving sleeve, in particular the area of ​​the sleeve wall that delimits the second sleeve interior. In particular, the sealing element is shaped as an O-ring, which is received in a receiving groove surrounding the insertion nozzle.

[0034] In particular, the insertion nozzle, in particular the second nozzle section, has a first and second receiving groove, in each of which a first and second sealing element, in particular an O-ring, is received. By using two sealing elements, for example, in fluid connections for conducting hydrogen, double protection can be achieved in the event that one of the two sealing elements fails during operation.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the insertion nozzle, in particular the second nozzle section, has a first flange surrounding the insertion nozzle and a second flange surrounding the insertion nozzle, wherein the first and second flanges in particular delimit the receiving groove for receiving the sealing element.

[0036] This achieves the technical advantage that the two flanges ensure effective reception of the sealing element between the two flanges.

[0037] According to the invention, the connecting element has a first stabilizing bridge and a second stabilizing bridge, which are arranged on opposite outer sides of the sleeve wall of the receiving sleeve in order to ensure stabilization of the connecting element.

[0038] This achieves the technical advantage that the stabilizing bridges can effectively absorb forces acting on the sleeve wall, improving the mechanical stability of the connecting element. Due to the often high pressure of the fluid passing through the connecting element, the insertion nozzle inserted into the receiving sleeve is subjected to a force that is diverted via the locking element to the sleeve wall, particularly in the area of ​​the sleeve slots. The corresponding stabilizing bridges ensure an effective reduction of force peaks acting on the sleeve wall.

[0039] According to the invention, the first stabilizing bridge extends on the outside of the sleeve wall at least in sections over the first sleeve slot, and the second stabilizing bridge extends on the outside of the sleeve wall at least in sections over the second sleeve slot.

[0040] This achieves the technical advantage that the arrangement of the respective stabilizing bridge at the respective sleeve slot ensures particularly effective stabilization of the sleeve wall in the area in which the most significant force is applied.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting element has a connecting web which is arranged on the outer side of the sleeve wall of the receiving sleeve and is designed to connect a first bridge end of the first stabilizing bridge to a second bridge end of the second stabilizing bridge.

[0042] This achieves the technical advantage that the connecting bridge ensures particularly advantageous additional stabilization of the two stabilization bridges.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element is formed from a metal, in particular in the form of a bent metallic spring, or from a plastic.

[0044] This provides the technical advantage of producing a stable locking element that is easy to manufacture.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, an insertion projection is arranged on an outer side of the insertion nozzle, in particular of the first nozzle section, which insertion projection is designed to engage in a receptacle arranged on an inner side of the sleeve wall when the insertion nozzle is inserted into the receiving sleeve in order to ensure a rotationally secure reception of the insertion nozzle in the receiving sleeve.

[0046] This achieves the technical advantage that an advantageous anti-twist protection can be provided.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a fluid connection arrangement comprising a connecting element according to the first aspect, a first fluid line and a second fluid line, wherein a first line end of the first fluid line is connected to the receiving sleeve, and wherein a second line end of the second fluid line is connected to the insertion nozzle.

[0048] The advantageous embodiments mentioned with regard to the connecting element according to the first aspect are also considered advantageous embodiments of the fluid connection arrangement according to the second aspect.

[0049] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0050] They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting element according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown connecting element in a locked state; Fig. 3 a further perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown connecting element in the locked state; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a connecting element according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the in Fig. 4 shown connecting element in a locked state; Fig. 6 a further perspective view of the Fig. 5 illustrated connecting element in the locked state;

[0051] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connecting element 100 for establishing a fluid connection with two Fig. 1 fluid lines not shown. In the Fig. 1 an exploded view of the connecting element 100 is shown.

[0052] The connecting element 100, or the corresponding in Fig. 1 A fluid connection arrangement (not shown) comprising the connecting element 100 and the two fluid lines, and serves to establish a fluid connection in a plurality of fluid-conducting systems of a vehicle. The connecting element 100 can be used for the fluidic connection of fuel, coolant, charge air, brake fluid, water, hydrogen, SCR, and / or transmission oil lines in vehicles. The connecting element 100 according to the present disclosure is used in particular for the fluidic connection of hydrogen lines in hydrogen-powered vehicles, wherein particularly high demands are placed on the fluid-tightness of the fluid connection due to the high pressure of the conducted hydrogen.The connecting element 100 can also be used, for example, in coolant-carrying fluid lines, which are used in particular for cooling battery cells in an electrically powered vehicle.

[0053] In a vehicle's fluid-conducting systems, various fluids, such as gases or liquids, are conveyed, sometimes under high pressure and at high temperatures. Due to the limited space available in a vehicle, various lines of the corresponding fluid-conducting systems often have to be connected to one another via fluid-technical interfaces to ensure effective fluid flow. In this case, the fluid-technical interfaces between a corresponding fluid-conducting line and a corresponding connecting element 100 are subject to stringent requirements in terms of stability and fluid tightness.

[0054] The Fig. 1 The connecting element 100 shown serves to create a fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight, connection between the Fig. 1 fluid lines not shown.

[0055] The connecting element 100 comprises a receiving sleeve 101, which is provided with a Fig. 1 The first fluid line (not shown) is fluidically connectable to the receiving sleeve 101. The first fluid line is connected, in particular, to the receiving sleeve 101 in a materially bonded manner, in particular welded or glued, positively connected, in particular pushed on, and / or non-positively connected, in particular latched. The receiving sleeve 101 has a sleeve wall 103, which delimits a sleeve interior 105.

[0056] The connecting element 100 comprises an insertion nozzle 107, which is provided with a Fig. 1 The second fluid line is fluidically connectable to the insertion nozzle 107, in particular by means of a material connection, in particular by welding or adhesive bonding, by a form-fitting connection, in particular by being pushed on, and / or by a force-fitting connection, in particular by being latched. The insertion nozzle 107 can be inserted into the sleeve interior 105 of the receiving sleeve 101 to provide the fluid connection.

[0057] The insertion nozzle 107 has a first nozzle section 109 with a first nozzle outer diameter 111 and a second nozzle section 113 with a second nozzle outer diameter 115, which is smaller than the first nozzle outer diameter 111.

[0058] The sleeve interior 105 has a first sleeve interior area 117 for receiving the first nozzle section 109 and a second sleeve interior area 119 for receiving the second nozzle section 113. Accordingly, a Fig. 1 not shown inner diameter of the second sleeve interior region 119 (which is correlated with the second nozzle outer diameter 115) is smaller than an inner diameter of the first sleeve interior region 117 (which is correlated with the first nozzle outer diameter 111).

[0059] Thus, the second nozzle section 113 of the insertion nozzle 107 can advantageously be received in the second sleeve interior region 119 of the receiving sleeve 101 and the first nozzle section 109 of the insertion nozzle 107 can advantageously be received in the first sleeve interior region 117 of the receiving sleeve 101.

[0060] In the Fig. 1 In addition, a connecting section 116 of the insertion nozzle 107 can be seen, which is arranged on a side of the first nozzle section 109 facing away from the second nozzle section 113 and which is shaped in particular for the fluidic connection to the second fluid line.

[0061] From the Fig. 1 It can also be seen that the insertion nozzle 107, in particular the second nozzle section 113, has a first flange 121 surrounding the insertion nozzle 107 and a second flange 123 surrounding the insertion nozzle 107.

[0062] The insertion nozzle 107, in particular the second nozzle section 113, further comprises in particular a receiving groove 125, which is arranged circumferentially between the two flanges 121, 123 and the insertion nozzle 107. In the receiving groove 125, a Fig. 1 At least one sealing element (not shown) is accommodated, which, when the insertion nozzle 107 is inserted, is designed to be pressed against the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101 in order to ensure a fluidic seal between the insertion nozzle 107 and the receiving sleeve 101. Alternatively, however, two receiving grooves 125, each with a sealing element, can also be provided.

[0063] From the Fig. 1 It can also be seen that a first sleeve slot 127 and a second sleeve slot 129 opposite the first sleeve slot 127 are formed in the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101.

[0064] In the insertion nozzle 107, in particular in the first nozzle section 109, a first nozzle slot 131 and a second nozzle slot 133 opposite the first nozzle slot 131 are formed.

[0065] In the Fig. 1 In the inserted state of the insertion nozzle 107 (not shown), the first sleeve slot 127 of the receiving sleeve 101 and the first nozzle slot 131 of the insertion nozzle 107 are arranged in alignment with each other and the second sleeve slot 129 of the receiving sleeve 101 and the second nozzle slot 133 of the insertion nozzle 107 are arranged in alignment with each other, so that the Fig. 1 The locking element 135 shown can be guided through the corresponding slots 127, 129, 131 and 133 in order to lock the insertion nozzle 107 to the receiving sleeve 101.

[0066] The locking element 135 is in particular formed from a metal, in particular in the form of a bent metallic spring, or from a plastic.

[0067] The locking element 135 has a first locking arm 137 and a second locking arm 139 opposite the first locking arm 137.

[0068] In the Fig. 1 In the inserted state of the insertion nozzle 107 (not shown), the first locking arm 137 is arranged at least in sections in the first sleeve slot 127 and the first nozzle slot 133 and the second locking arm 139 is arranged at least in sections in the second sleeve slot 129 and the second nozzle slot 133, so that the locking element 135 effectively locks the insertion nozzle 107 to the receiving sleeve 101.

[0069] The locking element 135 has a connecting portion 141 which connects the first locking arm 137 and the second locking arm 139, wherein the first and second locking arms 137, 139 are each resiliently connected to the connecting portion 141 in order to achieve a spreading of the first and second locking arms 137, 139 upon insertion of the locking element 135 into the receiving sleeve 101.

[0070] Thus, the locking arms 137, 139 can be effectively spread apart when the locking element 135 is inserted into the slots 127, 129, 131 and 133, so that after the locking element 135 has been inserted, the locking arms 137, 139 press against the insertion nozzle 107 with a spring force to ensure stable locking.

[0071] From the Fig. 1 It can also be seen that the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101 has a first locking projection 143 at the first sleeve slot 127 and a second locking projection 145 at the second sleeve slot 129. The first and second locking projections 143, 145 are designed as engagement points for the respective locking hooks 167 of the respective locking arm 137, 139 in order to ensure effective locking. Even if this is not the case in the Fig. 1 is only shown schematically, the sleeve wall 103 has two groups of the first and second locking projections 143, 145, which are arranged on opposite sides of the sleeve wall 103, so that the locking element 135 can be inserted from both sides and effectively locked to the receiving sleeve 101.

[0072] As from the Fig. 1 As can be seen, the opposing first and second spreading contours 147 and 149 of the first and second locking arms 137 and 139 are not straight, but have elevations and depressions which ensure that the first and second locking arms 137 and 139 can be effectively spread open, so that an effective insertion of the locking element 135 into the slots 127, 129, 131 and 133 is ensured.

[0073] In particular, the first locking arm 137 further comprises a first locking contour 151, and the second locking arm 139 comprises a second locking contour 153 opposite the first locking contour 151. In the inserted state of the insertion nozzle 107, the first and second locking contours 151, 153 apply a force to the insertion nozzle 107 from opposite sides in order to lock the insertion nozzle 107 to the receiving sleeve 101.

[0074] For a detailed illustration of the locking of the insertion nozzle 107 in the receiving sleeve 101 by the locking element 135, please refer to the following Fig. 2 referred to.

[0075] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 that the first locking arm 137 can be inserted at least partially into the sleeve interior 105 through a front sleeve slot opening 155 of the first sleeve slot 121, wherein a first arm end 157 of the first locking arm 137 can be led out of the sleeve interior 105 again through a rear sleeve slot opening 159 of the first sleeve slot 121 opposite the front sleeve slot opening 155.

[0076] Analogously, it also follows from the Fig. 1 that the second locking arm 139 can be inserted into the sleeve interior 105 through a front sleeve slot opening 161 of the second sleeve slot 129, and wherein a second arm end 163 of the second locking arm 139 can be led out of the sleeve interior 105 again through a rear sleeve slot opening 165 of the second sleeve slot 129 opposite the front sleeve slot opening 161.

[0077] Thus, the respective locking arm 137, 139 can be effectively guided through the slots 127, 129, 131 and 133 to lock the insertion nozzle 107 to the receiving sleeve 101.

[0078] Furthermore, the first and / or second locking arm 137, 139, in particular the first arm end 157 of the first locking arm 137 and / or the second arm end 163 of the second locking arm 139, each has a locking hook 167 which is designed to engage behind the sleeve wall 103, in particular at the respective locking projections 143, 145, in order to ensure a captive locking of the locking element 135 on the receiving sleeve 101.

[0079] From the Fig. 1 It is further apparent that the connecting element 100 has a first stabilizing bridge 169 and a second stabilizing bridge 171, which are arranged on opposite outer sides of the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101 in order to ensure stabilization of the connecting element 100.

[0080] When internal pressure is applied to the connecting element 100, forces arise that drive the insertion nozzle 107 away from the receiving sleeve 101. However, these forces are absorbed by the locking element 135 and dissipated via the receiving sleeve 101. The stabilizing bridges 169, 171 effectively dissipate forces at the corresponding points of the receiving sleeve 101 that are particularly subject to force, thus enabling effective locking even at high internal pressure.

[0081] In particular, the first stabilizing bridge 169 extends on the outside of the sleeve wall 103 over the first sleeve slot 127 and the second stabilizing bridge 171 extends on the outside of the sleeve wall 103 over the second sleeve slot 129.

[0082] In particular, the first stabilizing bridge 169 separates the front sleeve slot opening 155 of the first sleeve slot 127 from the rear sleeve slot opening 159 of the first sleeve slot 127. In particular, the second stabilizing bridge 171 separates the front sleeve slot opening 161 of the second sleeve slot 129 from the rear sleeve slot opening 165 of the second sleeve slot 129.

[0083] Thus, effective stabilization is ensured in the area of ​​the sleeve slots 127, 129, in which the locking element 135 presses against the sleeve wall 103.

[0084] In particular, the connecting element 100 has a Fig. 1 not shown connecting bridge, which is arranged on the outside of the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101 and is designed to connect the first stabilizing bridge 169 to the second stabilizing bridge 171. This achieves further stabilization of the receiving sleeve 101.

[0085] Even if that is in the Fig. 1 not shown, an insertion projection can be arranged on an outer side of the insertion nozzle 107, in particular of the first nozzle section 109, which is designed to engage in a receptacle arranged on an inner side of the sleeve wall 103 when the insertion nozzle 107 is inserted into the receiving sleeve 101 in order to ensure a rotationally secure reception of the insertion nozzle 107 in the receiving sleeve 101.

[0086] Since in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 no corresponding insertion projection of the insertion nozzle 107, or no complementary receptacle of the receiving sleeve 101 is present, the insertion nozzle 107 inserted and locked into the receiving sleeve 101 in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 be twisted.

[0087] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown connecting element in a locked state.

[0088] In the Fig. 2 a sectional view through the connecting element 100 is shown, wherein the insertion nozzle 107 is received in the receiving sleeve 101 and locked by the locking element 135.

[0089] As from the Fig. 2 As can be seen, the first and second locking arms 137, 139 of the locking element 135 press onto the insertion nozzle 107 from opposite sides, thereby securing it. In particular, the respective first and second locking contours 151, 153 of the first and second locking arms 137, 139 are shaped such that the insertion nozzle 107 can be effectively received.

[0090] The locking hooks 167 arranged at the respective arm ends 157, 163 of the first and second locking arms 137, 139 engage behind the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101 and prevent unintentional withdrawal of the locking element 135.

[0091] If the locking is to be released intentionally, the user can, for example, use a tool to push the respective arm ends 157, 163 of the first and second locking arms 137, 139 apart again so that the locking hooks 167 no longer engage behind the sleeve wall 103 and the locking element 135 can then be pulled out.

[0092] In the Fig. 2 Also shown is a fluid conduit 173 of the insertion nozzle 107, as well as the first and second stabilizing ribs 169, 171.

[0093] For further details, please refer to the extensive information on Fig. 1 referred to.

[0094] Fig. 3 shows another perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown connecting element in the locked state.

[0095] In the Fig. 3 the insertion nozzle 107 inserted into the receiving sleeve 101 is not shown. Furthermore, the Fig. 3 a rear view of the connecting element 100, wherein it can be seen that the respective arm ends 157, 163 of the first and second locking arms 137, 139 of the locking element 135 are locked to the sleeve wall 103 of the receiving sleeve 101.

[0096] Reference is made to the previous statements.

[0097] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a connecting element according to another embodiment.

[0098] The Fig. 4 The further embodiment of the connecting element 100 shown differs from that shown in the Figuren 1 , 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment only by the following features.

[0099] The locking element 135 according to the Fig. 4 The further embodiment shown has no locking hooks 167 and no locking projections 143, 145 on the respective arm ends 157, 163 of the first and second locking arms 137, 139, so that the intended release of the lock is simplified.

[0100] In addition, in the Fig. 4 In the further embodiment shown, the first nozzle slot 131 and the second nozzle slot 133 of the insertion nozzle 107 are not separated from one another, but the first and second nozzle slots 131, 133 form a first and second nozzle slot 131, 133 that completely surrounds the insertion nozzle 107 and through which the first and second locking arms 137, 139 of the locking element 135 can be guided.

[0101] For presentational reasons, the Fig. 4 compared to Fig. 1 the reference symbols are reduced, whereby corresponding ones in the Fig. 1 shown reference numerals refer to the Fig. 4 are transferable. For further details, please refer to the explanations on the Figuren 1 , 2 and 3 referred to.

[0102] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 4 shown connecting element in a locked state.

[0103] In the further embodiment according to the Fig. 5 It can be seen that the locking hooks 167, which are not present at the respective arm ends 157 and 163 of the locking arms 137, 139, ensure that the locking can be easily released again if intended.

[0104] For further details, please refer to the previous sections.

[0105] Fig. 6 shows another perspective view of the Fig. 5 shown connecting element in the locked state.

[0106] For further details, please refer to the previous sections.

[0107] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0108] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0109] 100Connecting element 101Receiving sleeve 103Sleeve wall 105Sleeve interior 107Introduction nozzle 109First nozzle section 111First nozzle outer diameter 113Second nozzle section 115Second nozzle outer diameter 116Connecting section 117First sleeve interior area 119Second sleeve interior area 121First flange 123Second flange 125Receiving groove 127First sleeve slot 129Second sleeve slot 131First nozzle slot 133Second nozzle slot 135Locking element 137First locking arm 139Second locking arm 141Connecting section 143First locking projection of the sleeve wall 145Second locking projection of the sleeve wall 147First expansion contour of the first locking arm 149Second expansion contour of the second locking arm 151First locking contour of the first locking arm 153Second locking contour of the second locking arm 155Front sleeve slot opening of the first sleeve slot 157First arm end of the first locking arm159Rear sleeve slot opening of the first sleeve slot 161Front sleeve slot opening of the second sleeve slot 163Second arm end of the second locking arm 165Rear sleeve slot opening of the second sleeve slot 167Locking hook 169First stabilizing bridge 171Second stabilizing bridge 173Fluid line channel of the insertion nozzle

Claims

1. Connecting element (100) for establishing a fluid connection with two fluid lines, comprising: a receiving sleeve (101), which is fluidically connectable to a first fluid line, wherein the receiving sleeve (101) has a sleeve wall (103), which delimits a sleeve interior (105), wherein a first sleeve slot (127) and a second sleeve slot (129) opposite to the first sleeve slot (127) are formed in the sleeve wall (103), an insertion nozzle (107), which is fluidically connectable to a second fluid line, wherein the insertion nozzle (107) is insertable into the sleeve interior (105) of the receiving sleeve (101) in order to provide the fluid connection, wherein a first nozzle slot (131) and a second nozzle slot (133) opposite to the first nozzle slot (131) are formed in the insertion nozzle (107), wherein in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle (107) the first sleeve slot (127) and the first nozzle slot (131) are arranged in alignment with one another and the second sleeve slot (129) and the second nozzle slot (133) are arranged in alignment with one another, and a locking element (135), which has a first locking arm (137) and a second locking arm (139) opposite to the first locking arm (137), wherein in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle (107) the first locking arm (137) is arranged at least in sections in the first sleeve slot (127) and the first nozzle slot (131) and the second locking arm (139) is arranged at least in sections in the second sleeve slot (129) and the second nozzle slot (133) in order to lock the insertion nozzle (107) to the receiving sleeve (101), characterized in that the connecting element (100) has a first stabilizing bridge (169) and a second stabilizing bridge (171), which are arranged on opposite outer sides of the sleeve wall (103) of the receiving sleeve (101) in order to ensure a stabilization of the connecting element (100), that the first stabilizing bridge (169) extends at least in sections over the first sleeve slot (127) on the outer side of the sleeve wall (103), and that the second stabilizing bridge (171) extends at least in sections over the second sleeve slot (129) on the outer side of the sleeve wall (103), and that the first stabilizing bridge (169) separates a front sleeve slot opening (155) of the first sleeve slot (127) from a rear sleeve slot opening (159) of the first sleeve slot (127), and that the second stabilizing bridge (171) separates the front sleeve slot opening (161) of the second sleeve slot (129) from the rear sleeve slot opening (165) of the second sleeve slot (129).

2. Connecting element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (135) has a connecting section (141), which connects the first locking arm (137) to the second locking arm (139), wherein the first and second locking arms (137, 139) are each connected to the connecting section (141) in a spring elastic manner in order to achieve a spreading of the first and second locking arms (137, 139) when inserting the locking element (135) into the receiving sleeve (101).

3. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking arm (137) has a first locking contour (151), and wherein the second locking arm (139) has a second locking contour (153) opposite to the first locking contour (151), wherein in the inserted state of the insertion nozzle (107) the first and second locking contours (151, 153) apply a force to the insertion nozzle (107) in order to lock the insertion nozzle (107) to the receiving sleeve (101).

4. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking arm (137) is insertable into the sleeve interior (105) through a front sleeve slot opening (155) of the first sleeve slot (127), and wherein a first arm end (157) of the first locking arm (137) is leadable out of the sleeve interior (105) again through a rear sleeve slot opening (159) of the first sleeve slot (127) opposite to the front sleeve slot opening (155), wherein the second locking arm (139) is insertable into the sleeve interior (105) through a front sleeve slot opening (161) of the second sleeve slot (129), and wherein a second arm end (163) of the second locking arm (139) is leadable out of the sleeve interior (105) again through a rear sleeve slot opening (165) of the second sleeve slot (129) opposite to the front sleeve slot opening (161).

5. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking arm (137) and / or the second locking arm (139), in particular a first arm end (157) of the first locking arm (137) and / or a second arm end (163) of the second locking arm (139), each have a locking hook (167), which is adapted to engage behind the sleeve wall (103) in order to ensure a locking of the locking element (135) on the receiving sleeve (101) in a loss-proof manner.

6. Connecting element (100) according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve wall (103) has a first locking projection (143) on the first sleeve slot (127) and a second locking projection (145) on the second sleeve slot (129), wherein the locking hook (167) of the first locking arm (137) is adapted to engage behind the first locking projection (143), and wherein the locking hook (167) of the second locking arm (139) is adapted to engage behind the second locking projection (145) in order to ensure a locking of the locking element (135) on the receiving sleeve (101) in a loss-proof manner.

7. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion nozzle (107) has a first nozzle section (109) with a first nozzle outer diameter (111) and a second nozzle section (113) with a second nozzle outer diameter (115), which is smaller than the first nozzle outer diameter (111), wherein the sleeve interior (105) has a second sleeve interior (105) for receiving the second nozzle section (113) and a first sleeve interior (105) for receiving the first nozzle section (109).

8. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion nozzle (107), in particular the second nozzle section (113), has a receiving groove (125), in which a sealing element is received.

9. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion nozzle (107), in particular the second nozzle section (113), has a first flange (121) circumferentially surrounding the insertion nozzle (107) and a second flange (123) circumferentially surrounding the insertion nozzle (107), wherein the first and second flanges (121, 123) in particular delimit the receiving groove (125) for receiving the sealing element.

10. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (100) has a connecting web, which is arranged on the outer side of the sleeve wall (103) of the receiving sleeve (101) and is adapted to connect the first stabilizing bridge (169) to the second stabilizing bridge (171).

11. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (135) is formed from a metal, in particular in the form of a bent metallic spring, or from a plastic.

12. Connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an insertion projection is arranged on an outer side of the insertion nozzle (107), in particular of the first nozzle section (109), which insertion projection is adapted to engage in a receptacle arranged on an inner side of the sleeve wall (103) when the insertion nozzle (107) is inserted into the receiving sleeve (101) in order to ensure a rotationally secure reception of the insertion nozzle (107) in the receiving sleeve (101).

13. Fluid connection arrangement (100), comprising a connecting element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, a first fluid line and a second fluid line, wherein a first line end of the first fluid line is connected to the receiving sleeve (101), and wherein a second line end of the second fluid line is connected to the insertion nozzle (107).