PLUG ASSEMBLY WITH ONE PLUG CONNECTOR AND ONE MATCHING PLUG CONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector and a mating connector for connecting and securing lines for liquid or gaseous media.

[0002] Various connector assemblies are known from WO 2018 / 144902 A1, WO 2018 / 102213 A1, and EP 3 179 148 A1. The connector assemblies known from these documents have the disadvantage that it is not possible to clearly determine whether the connector assembly is correctly joined, or whether the mating connector and the plug connector are fully joined. Further devices of this type were also disclosed in US 5 829 792 A and US 2020 355 308 A1.

[0003] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a connector assembly that improves the controllability of the correct connection.

[0004] This problem is solved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a connector assembly for connecting lines for liquid or gaseous media. The connector assembly comprises A first connector with a receiving space in a first sheath section; a mating connector comprising a connecting tube with a first connecting section, wherein the first connecting section is received in the receiving space of the first connector when the connector assembly is mated. The mating connector comprises a first indicator element with a position marker and a second indicator element with a location marker, wherein the first indicator element is axially displaceable along a central axis of the connector assembly between a rest position and an indicator position, wherein in the indicator position of the first indicator element the position marker and the location marker form a complementary or complementaryform a corresponding appearance, wherein the first indicator element in the plugged-in state of the connector assembly is pushed into its display position by the first connector, or wherein in the display position of the first indicator element and simultaneously positioning the second indicator element in a display position, the position marking and the location marking form a complementary or corresponding appearance, wherein the first indicator element in the plugged-in state of the connector assembly is pushed into its display position by the first connector.Furthermore, it is provided that the position marking is formed circumferentially on a first circumferential surface of the first indicator element and is interrupted by recesses, and that the location marking is formed circumferentially on a second circumferential surface of the second indicator element and is interrupted by recesses, wherein, in the display position of the first connector, the position marking and the location marking form a circumferential, complementary, or corresponding appearance. It is advantageous that the location marking or the position marking, and in the display position of the first indicator element, the corresponding appearance, are visible on the entire circumference of the mating connector. This improves visibility, which in turn improves the safety of the connector assembly during use.

[0006] The connector assembly according to the invention offers the advantage that, through the inventive design of the first display element in combination with the second display element, it can be clearly identified whether the connector assembly is correctly assembled and whether the connector assembly is correctly closed.

[0007] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the mating connector to include a spring element, whereby the first indicator element is forced towards its rest position by the spring element. This is beneficial because it improves the safety of the connector assembly, as the assembly must be correctly connected for the first indicator element to be in the display position. If the connector assembly were not correctly assembled, the indicator element would not be, or at least not fully, in the display position, since the spring element forces the indicator element towards its rest position.

[0008] Furthermore, an annular space may be formed on the mating connector, wherein the annular space is bounded radially inwards by a lateral surface of the connecting tube and radially outwards by a first inner circumferential surface of the first indicator element and by a second inner circumferential surface of the second indicator element. The spring element is positioned within the annular space, by means of which the first and second indicator elements are axially separated from each other along the central axis. The spring element may bear against the lateral surface of the connecting tube and also against the inner circumferential surfaces. In any case, it is advantageous if the spring element is encompassed by the indicator elements, thereby ensuring that the indicator elements can be guided axially along the central axis in a positionally stable manner and also improving the stability of the entire mating connector.

[0009] Furthermore, the mating connector may have a first locking groove in the connecting tube, and the connector may include a locking element and have two through-openings in the first sheath section, wherein the locking element is provided for securing the first connector relative to the mating connector with the at least one first locking groove, wherein the through-openings are designed to receive the locking element, and wherein the locking element is displaceable between a locking position and an insertion position, wherein in a closed position of the first connector the first connection section is positioned in the receiving space and the locking element is displaced into the locking position. It is advantageous that the position of the first connector in the closed position is completely fixed axially in the direction of the central axis relative to the mating connector.This results in a fixed position of the first indicator element in the display position. Therefore, it is easier for a user of the connector assembly to detect a mispositioned component of the connector assembly, thus improving the safety of the connector assembly.

[0010] Another advantageous design is one in which the first connector has an end-face wall. This end-face wall shifts the first indicator element axially along the central axis into the display position when the first connector is in the closed position, with the end-face wall in contact with the first indicator element. This has the advantage that the first indicator element and the first connector have approximately the same surface area in the contact area with the first indicator element. This ensures a uniform force transmission across the contact surfaces when positioning the first indicator element into the display position. This prevents excessive stress on any component of the connector assembly, thus improving the safety of the assembly by preventing damage.

[0011] According to a further development, it is possible for the first and second display elements to be designed as partially complementary claw coupling halves, wherein the first display element has claws distributed around its circumference, which are arranged at a distance from each other, with recesses formed between the claws, and wherein the first and second display elements are partially interlocked when the first display element is in its rest position. This offers the advantage of improved stability of the connector assembly and simplified handling, since the display elements are already partially engaged with each other and a linear movement in the axial direction along the central axis is sufficient to move the first display element into the display position.

[0012] It may also be advantageous if a claw of the first display element has a recess or a notch or a window, whereby a machine-readable code is only visible through the notch in the display position.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that a coding is formed on the mating connector and that the first display element is designed such that when the first display element is in the display position, the coding is visible from the outside, and when the first display element is in the rest position, the coding is covered by the first display element.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the first and second display elements are fully interlocking when the first display element is in the display position. This is advantageous because the entire connector assembly has a predominantly closed surface, which increases the stability and safety of the connector assembly by preventing the ingress of contaminants and repelling other harmful influences.

[0015] According to further training, it can be advantageous if a section of the first display element and a section of the second display element each encompass the connecting tube. This improves the stability of the mating connector and the axial guidance of the display elements along the central axis.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the corresponding appearance is a machine-readable code, whereby the machine-readable code can only be read when the first display element has been moved into the display position.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the machine-readable code is a QR code, a barcode, a 3D code, or another machine-readable code. In any case, this further development is beneficial because the machine-readable code can only be read by machine if the position and orientation markings form the complete corresponding appearance. It is conceivable that the machine-readable code is read after the connector assembly is plugged in, and that the correct assembly of the connector assembly, possibly with additional information about the individual components of the connector assembly, is thus recorded in a database. This makes the correct use and handling of the connector assembly traceable and, consequently, improves the safety of its use.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first indicator element has a radially inner first stop element, and that the connecting tube has a radially outer first counter-stop element, wherein the axial freedom of movement of the first indicator element is limited by the first stop element, and wherein, in the rest position of the first indicator element, the first stop element rests against the first counter-stop element. This has the advantage that the indicator element is positively engaged with the connecting tube. The first stop element cannot be lost, and the use of the connector assembly without all the necessary components is prevented.

[0019] In one particular embodiment, the first stop element may have a first inclined surface on the side facing away from the first connecting section. The advantage of this is that the assembly of the mating connector is simplified because the first indicator element can be guided over the counter stop element of the connecting tube in a simplified manner.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first stop element can have a radially internal first sliding surface, wherein the first indicator element is axially displaceable on a circumferential surface of the connecting tube by means of the first sliding surface. It is advantageous that the first indicator element is mounted on the connecting tube, thereby achieving a stable positioning of the first indicator element on the connecting tube.

[0021] In particular, it can be advantageous if the connector assembly includes a second connector, which second connector is identical in construction to the first connector, wherein the second indicator element is axially displaceable along a central axis of the connector assembly between a rest position and an indicator position, wherein in the indicator position of the first indicator element the position marking and the orientation marking form a complementary or corresponding appearance, wherein the first indicator element and the second indicator element are forced into their indicator position by the first connector when the connector assembly is plugged in.It is advantageous that the connector assembly can be used on both sides, whereby the correct assembly of the connector assembly is easily recognizable for an operator of the connector assembly, both for the connection with the first connector and for the connection with the second connector.

[0022] It can be advantageous if the second indicator element is identical in construction to the first indicator element and if the connecting tube of the mating connector is symmetrical about a central plane. It should be noted that in this case, all previously mentioned features of the first indicator element can also apply to the second indicator element. Likewise, previously described features of the mating connector facing the first connector can also apply to the side facing the second connector.

[0023] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0024] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first possible embodiment of the connector assembly in the open state; Fig. 2 the connector assembly in a sectional view along a section line, which section line Fig. 1 can be seen; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the connector assembly in the closed state; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a second possible embodiment of the connector assembly in the open state; Fig. 5 the second possible embodiment of the connector assembly in the closed state.

[0025] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in accordance with the reference numeral list, terms from the reference numeral list are used with and / or without a specific index in the description of the disclosure. If a precise differentiation of the terms with regard to their specific form is not necessary, no indices are used. Conversely, for example, a passage opening 25a can be distinguished from a passage opening 25b according to the respective descriptions, whereby both remain passage openings 25.

[0027] In the Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first possible embodiment of the connector assembly 1 in its open state. The connector assembly 1 can comprise a first connector 2 and a mating connector 3. The connector 2 can include a receiving space 4 in a first sheath section 5. The mating connector 3 can include a connecting tube 6 with a first connecting section 7. When the connector assembly 1 is assembled, the first connecting section 7 can be positioned in the receiving space 4. The mating connector 3 can further include a first indicator element 8 with a position marker 9 and a second indicator element 10 with a position marker 11. The first indicator element 8 can be moved between a rest position and an indicator position in the axial direction along a central axis 12.

[0028] In Fig. 1The first display element 8 is shown in its rest position. When the first connector 2 is joined and connected to the mating connector 3, the first display element 8 is moved from its rest position to its display position by means of a wall 14 in the axial direction along the central axis 12. Once the first display element 8 and the second display element 10 have each been moved to their display positions, the position marker 9 and the location marker 11 form a complementary or corresponding appearance 13, which is exemplified in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0029] The mating connector 3 can further comprise a spring element 15. The spring element 15 can be arranged such that it encompasses the connecting tube 6 and is positioned between a first flank 16 of the first indicator element 8 and a second flank 17 of the second indicator element 10. By means of the spring element 15, the first indicator element 8 is thus forced into the rest position.

[0030] In the Fig. 2 The connector assembly 1 is shown in a sectional view along a section line 18, which section line 18 Fig. 1 This can be seen, and is shown, whereby the same reference symbols or component designations are used for identical parts as in the previous one. Fig. 1 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding section. Fig. 1 pointed out or referenced.

[0031] In Fig. 2The figure shows that the mating connector 3 of the connector assembly 1 can encompass an annular space 19. The annular space 19 is bounded radially on the inside by a lateral surface 20 of the connecting tube 6 and radially on the outside by a first inner circumferential surface 21 of the first indicator element 8 and by a second inner circumferential surface 22 of the second indicator element 10. The spring element 15 can be arranged in the annular space 19, whereby the first indicator element 8 and the second indicator element 10 are held axially spaced apart from each other along the central axis 12 by means of the spring element 15. The spring element 15 forces the first indicator element 8 into their respective rest positions by means of the first flank 16 and the second indicator element 10 into their respective rest positions by means of the second flank 17. When the connector assembly 1 is in the plugged-in state, the first indicator element 8 can be held in the display position by means of the wall 14 against the spring force of the spring element 15.

[0032] Furthermore, the mating connector 3 can include a first locking groove 23 in the connecting tube 6. Two through-openings 25a, 25b can be provided in the first sheath section 5 of the connector 2. The connector 2 can include a locking element 24, which is at least partially positioned in the through-openings 25a, 25b. In a closed position of the first connector 2, the first connecting section 7 is positioned in the receiving space 4, with the locking element 24 engaging in the locking groove 23 through the through-openings 25a, 25b in the first sheath section 5. Thus, in the mated state of the connector assembly 1, the connector 2 is secured to the mating connector 3 in the axial direction along the central axis 12.

[0033] The first display element 8 and the second display element 10 can be configured as claw coupling halves that are at least partially complementary in shape. In the embodiment shown, the first display element 8 and the second display element 10 are identical in construction. The display elements 8 and 10 each have at least three claws 26, with recesses 27 formed between the claws 26.

[0034] The display elements 8 and 10 can be designed such that their respective sides interlock with the claws 26 even in the rest position when the display elements 8 and 10 are installed. The position marking 9 is formed circumferentially on the first circumferential surface 28 of the first display element 8, particularly in the area of ​​the claws 26 of the first display element 8.

[0035] The position marking 11 is formed circumferentially on the second circumferential surface 29 of the second display element 10, in particular in the area of ​​the claws 26 of the second display element 10.

[0036] Thus, in the assembled state of the connector assembly 1, a corresponding circumferential appearance 13 results, in particular as shown from Fig. 2 Visible is a continuous line. It is conceivable that appearance 13 is formed by a machine-readable code that repeats along the circumference. For example, it is conceivable that several QR codes are visible distributed around the circumference of the plug assembly 1 when it is assembled.

[0037] As shown in the detailed view in Fig. 2As shown, the first indicator element 8 can include a first stop element 30. A first counter-stop element 31 can be formed on the connecting tube 6 of the mating connector 3. When the first indicator element 8 is forced axially into the rest position towards the first connecting section 7 by means of the spring element 15, the first stop element 30 and the first counter-stop element 31 are in contact. This prevents the first indicator element 8 from being displaced axially beyond the rest position towards the first connecting section 7.

[0038] Furthermore, a sloping surface 32 can be formed on the first stop element 30. The sloping surface 32 is formed by a chamfer on the first stop element 30 in the direction opposite to the first connecting section 7. Due to the sloping surface 32, or rather the chamfer on the first stop element 30, the first indicator element 8 can be slid over the first counter-stop element 31 in the direction opposite to the first connecting section 7 during assembly of the mating connector 3, in order to be positioned in its rest position.

[0039] Furthermore, a sliding surface 33 can be formed on the first stop element 30. By means of the sliding surface 33, the first indicator element 8 is mounted on an outer circumferential surface 34 of the connecting tube 6.

[0040] In the Fig. 3A perspective view of connector assembly 1 in the closed state is shown, with the same reference numerals or component designations used for identical parts as in the preceding illustrations. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 pointed out or referenced.

[0041] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows the connector assembly 1 in the closed state, with the first display element 8 and the second display element 10 in the display position, and the position marker 9 of the first display element 8 and the position marker 11 of the second display element 10 forming a complementary or corresponding appearance 13. The appearance 13 can be a machine-readable code such as a QR code, a barcode, or a 3D code. If the first display element 8 is not in the display position, the position marker 9 and the position marker 11 do not form a complementary appearance 13, and the machine-readable code cannot be read by machine.

[0042] As already mentioned, in this embodiment of the connector assembly 1, the second display element 10 can be identical in construction to the first display element 8. Thus, the second display element 10 comprises all the aforementioned structural features of the first display element 8. The second display element 10 can be arranged on the connecting tube 6 mirrored with respect to a central plane 36, which is oriented perpendicular to the central axis 12. Likewise, the connecting tube 6 of the mating connector 3 can be designed symmetrically with respect to the central plane 36, so that a second connector 35 can be received or inserted into a second end region 37 of the mating connector 3.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment of the connector assembly 1 according to the Figures 1 to 3Both the first display element 8 and the second display element 10 are axially displaceable. In this embodiment, the corresponding appearance of the display elements 8 and 10 only occurs if the first connector 2 and the second connector 35 are correctly plugged into the mating connector 3.

[0044] In a further embodiment, not shown, the mating connector 3 may be designed solely for connection with the first connector 2. In this embodiment, the second indicator element 10 may be rigidly and immovably coupled to the mating connector 3. Only the first indicator element 8 is axially displaceable, resulting in a corresponding appearance of the indicator elements 8 and 10 when the first connector 2 is correctly plugged into the mating connector 3.

[0045] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a second possible embodiment of the connector assembly 1 in the open state. The connector assembly 1 can comprise two first indicator elements 8a and 8b, as well as two second indicator elements 10a and 10b. Furthermore, the connector assembly 1 can comprise two spring elements 15a and 15b and a flange plate 38. The flange plate 38 can be used, for example, to mount the mating connector 3 on a wall, in particular a wall in an aircraft or vehicle, whereby the connector assembly 1 can be used to connect cables in front of and behind the wall. A mating connector 3 configured in this way can be referred to as a wall feedthrough.In this second possible embodiment of the connector assembly 1, the first indicator element 8a is moved into its display position together with the second indicator element 10a, while simultaneously the first indicator element 8b remains in its rest position together with the second indicator element 10b, and vice versa. Thus, the status of the connector assembly 1 can be displayed on both sides of the flange plate 38.

[0046] Fig. 5 The second possible design form of the connector assembly 1 shows how, with the help of Fig. 4 described, in the closed state.

[0047] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0048] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0049] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., 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.

[0050] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list

[0051] 1 Connector assembly 28 Circumferential area of ​​the first display element 2 first connector 3 mating connector 29 Circumferential area of ​​the second display element 4 Recording room 5 first mantle section 30 first stop element 6 connecting pipe 31 first counter-stop element 7 first connecting section 32 inclined surface 8 first display element 33 sliding surface 9 Position marker 34 External perimeter 10 second display element 35 second connector 11 Location marker 36 Middle level 12 central axis 37 second end area of ​​the mating connector 13 appearance 14 wall 38 Flange plate 15 spring element 16 first flank 17 second flank 18 Intersection line 19 annular space 20 Surface area of ​​the connecting pipe 21 first inner circumferential surface 22 second inner circumferential surface 23 first locking groove 24 Locking element 25 Passage opening 26 To steal 27 Exclusions

Claims

1. A plug assembly (1) for connecting pipes for liquid or gaseous media, comprising - a first plug connector (2) with a receiving space (4) in a first casing section (5); - a mating plug connector (3), the mating plug connector (3) comprising a connecting tube (6) with a first connection section (7), wherein the first connection section (7) is received in the receiving space (4) of the first plug connector (2) in the plugged-in state of the plug assembly (1), wherein the mating plug connector (3) comprises a first indicator element (8) with a position marking (9) and a second indicator element (10) with a location marking (11), wherein the first indicator element (8) can be displaced in the axial direction along a central axis (12) of the plug assembly (1) between a rest position and an indicator position, - wherein in the indicator position of the first indicator element (8), the position marking (9) and the location marking (11) form a complementary and / or corresponding appearance (13), wherein the first indicator element (8) is urged into its indicator position by the first plug connector (2) in the plugged-in state of the plug assembly (1), - or wherein, in the case of the first indicator element (8) located in the indicator position and the second indicator element (10) simultaneously located in an indicator position, the position marking (9) and the location marking (11) form a complementary and / or corresponding appearance (13), wherein the first indicator element (8) is urged into its indicator position by the first plug connector (2) in the plugged-in state of the plug assembly (1), characterized in that the position marking (9) is formed circumferentially on a first circumferential surface (28) of the first indicator element (8) and is interrupted by recesses (27), and that the location marking (11) is formed circumferentially on a second circumferential surface (29) of the second indicator element (10) and is interrupted by recesses (27), wherein, in the indicator position of the first plug connector (2), the position marking (9) and the location marking (11) have a circumferentially complementary and / or corresponding appearance (13).

2. The plug assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mating plug connector (3) comprises a spring element (15), wherein the first indicator element (8) is urged in the direction of the rest position by means of the spring element (15).

3. The plug assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that an annulus (19) is formed on the mating plug connector (3), wherein the annulus (19) is bounded radially on the inside by a casing surface (20) of the connecting tube (6) and is bounded radially on the outside by a first inner circumferential surface (21) of the first indicator element (8) and by a second inner circumferential surface (22) of the second indicator element (10), wherein the spring element (15), by means of which the first indicator element (8) and the second indicator element (10) are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction along the central axis (12), is positioned in the annulus (19).

4. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mating plug connector (3) has a first securing groove (23) in the connecting tube (6), and that the plug connector (2) comprises a locking element (24) and two passages (25) are formed in the first casing section (5), wherein the locking element (24) is provided for securing the first plug connector (2) relative to the mating plug connector (3) with the at least one first securing groove (23), wherein the passages (25) are configured to receive the locking element (24), and wherein the locking element (24) can be displaced between a locking position and an insertion position, wherein in a closed position of the first plug connector (2) the first connection section (7) is positioned in the receiving space (4) and the locking element (24) is displaced into the locking position.

5. The plug assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first plug connector (2) has an end-face wall (14), wherein the first indicator element (8) is displaced in the axial direction along the central axis (12) into the indicator position by means of the end-face wall (14) when the first plug connector (2) is in the closed position, wherein the end-face wall (14) rests against the first indicator element (8).

6. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first indicator element (8) and the second indicator element (10) are configured as claw-coupling halves being complementary in shape in some sections, wherein the first indicator element (8) has claws (26) distributed over its circumference, which are arranged at a distance from one another, wherein recesses (27) are formed between the claws (26), wherein the first indicator element (8) and the second indicator element (10) are configured to partially engage with one another when the first indicator element (8) is placed in the rest position.

7. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corresponding appearance (13) is a machine-readable coding, wherein the machine-readable coding is readable only when the first indicator element (8) is displaced into the indicator position.

8. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first indicator element (8) has a radially inner first stop element (30), and that the connecting tube (6) has a radially outer first counter-stop element (31), wherein the axial freedom of movement of the first indicator element (8) is limited by means of the first stop element (30), wherein the first stop element (30) rests against the first counter-stop element (31) in the rest position of the first indicator element (8).

9. The plug assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first stop element (30) has a first inclined surface (32) on the side facing away from the first connection section (7).

10. The plug assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first stop element (30) has a radially inner first sliding surface (33), wherein the first indicator element (8) is mounted to be axially displaceable on an outer circumferential surface (34) of the connecting tube (6) by means of the first sliding surface (33).

11. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug assembly (1) comprises a second plug connector (35), which second plug connector (35) is of identical design to the first plug connector (2), wherein the second indicator element (10) is displaceable in the axial direction along a central axis (12) of the plug assembly (1) between a rest position and an indicator position, wherein in the indicator position of the first indicator element (8) the position marking (9) and the location marking (11) have a complementary and / or corresponding appearance (13), wherein the first indicator element (8) and the second indicator element (10) are urged into the respective indicator position by the first plug connector (2) in the plugged-in state of the plug assembly (1).

12. The plug assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coding is formed on the mating plug connector (3) and that the first indicator element (8) is configured such that, when the first indicator element (8) is in the indicator position, the coding is visible from the outside and that, when the first indicator element (8) is in the rest position, the coding is covered by the first indicator element (8).