Readable coupling connector and connection method thereof

Abstract

The coupling connector has a retainer for locking the coupling plug in the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a verification device for indicating a connection state between the coupling connector and the coupling plug. The verification device is movably disposed on the connector body and indicates the connection state via its position relative to the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a tip, an antenna and a switch. The switch has at least one switching contact and a closure. The tip, the at least one switching contact and the closure are components of a switching circuit. The coupling connector is designed such that a state of the switching circuit is changed upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body. The tip and / or the antenna and / or the at least one switching contact are disposed on the verification device and / or the retainer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention claims the benefit of and priority to European Application No. 22153386.2, filed January 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling connector as defined in the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for connecting a coupling connector as defined in the preamble of claim 15 with a coupling plug that can be inserted into the coupling connector. [Background technology]

[0003] A coupling connector is known from US Pat. No. 7,244,142. The retainer of this coupling connector has a mounting function and a simultaneous optical display or indication of the connection state. The generally U-shaped retainer or verification device has an antenna and a chip on the outside of the U-shaped base part. The antenna and the chip are introduced in a label-like element. A projection of the connector body projects radially through an opening in the U-shaped base part of the retainer, thereby activating a corresponding switching contact of the transmitter.

[0004] The embodiment disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,244,142 has the drawback that the chip does not store the changed state of the switching circuit. Instead, if the switching circuit is open, the antenna does not function, and the reader infers from the absence of a transmission signal that the coupling plug is not fully inserted into the connector body. However, there may be other reasons for the absence of a transmission signal. For example, the relative alignment and position of the coupling connector and the reader may easily cause the reader to receive only a small amount of the transmission signal. In that case, the reader will display a false-negative signal, and the user will mistakenly believe that there is no fluid connection between the coupling plug and the coupling connector. As a result, the user will feel uneasy whenever there is no signal. This error is not only due to a poor mechanical connection, i.e. a poor fluid connection, but also due to an improper positioning of the reader.

[0005] The above problem is solved by the invention disclosed in European Patent Application No. 3544114. In the invention disclosed in the above publication, the state of the switching circuit is stored in an RFID chip so that a transmission signal actively indicates either the opening or closing of the fluid connection. If no transmission signal is obtained, this state is always due to the signal transmission path and not due to the fluid connection or the open state of the switching circuit. The retainer is designed to mount the coupling plug in the connector body and to indicate that the coupling plug is fully mounted. As a result, by combining the above two functions, the retainer and the verification device are radially inserted into the connector body equally and simultaneously. The RFID chip is mounted on the outside of the connector body together with the antenna and the two switching contacts. Meanwhile, the closure is mounted on the inside of the retainer, and when the retainer is fully inserted into the connector body, the closure makes contact with the two switching contacts. This contact is detected and stored by the RFID chip and is then automatically read by the reader. Thus, the connection state is not only optically detected by the position of the retainer, but also automatically and electronically obtained.

[0006] The coupling connector known from EP 3544114 has the drawback that the arrangement of the antenna and the switching contacts occupies a rather large available surface in the axially intermediate region of the connector body. The antenna and the switching contacts are arranged on a label attached to a larger intermediate part of the connector body. However, the label requires that the surface of the connector body is precisely matched to the label and has a smooth surface, so that the label does not wrinkle in the connector body. Thus, more structural requirements are imposed on the label, which reduces the design freedom of the connector body. For example, fluid coupling systems benefit from a modular principle in that different coupling parts can be combined with different connecting parts. Naturally, since the connection between the two parts is located in the axially intermediate part of the connector body, there is a contradiction between the flexible modular principle and the automatic and electronic acquisition of the connection state. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coupling connector which is equally compact and flexible to manufacture, and which allows automatic and electronic acquisition of the connection status, preferably providing an optical and / or haptical indication of the connection status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This / these objects are realized by a coupling connector for automatically acquiring a coupling status. The coupling connector comprises a connector body having a coupling part and a connecting part. The coupling part is designed to be reversibly and detachably connected with a complementary coupling plug. The connecting part is designed to be connected with a pipe or an assembly. The coupling part and the connecting part are fluidly connected with each other via an internal channel. The coupling connector comprises a retainer for locking the coupling plug in the connector body, the retainer being arranged in the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a verification device for indicating a connection status between the coupling connector and the coupling plug. The verification device is movably arranged in the connector body and indicates the connection status via its position relative to the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a transmitter for transmitting a transmission signal. The transmitter is designed to send the connection status by means of the transmission signal. The transmitter comprises a tip, an antenna and a switch. The switch has at least one switching contact and a closure. The tip, the at least one switching contact and the closure are components of a switching circuit. The switching circuit is open or closed depending on the position of the closure relative to the at least one switching contact. The coupling connector is designed such that the state of the switching circuit is changed upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body. The transmitter is designed such that the changed state is stored in the chip and retrieved by the reader via a transmitted signal. The chip and / or the antenna and / or the at least one switching contact are arranged in the verification device and / or the retainer.

[0009] The retainer and the verification device may be components of a combined element, either in multiple parts or in one piece, in particular designed integrally. The retainer and the verification device are preferably constructed separately from one another. In particular, the retainer and the verification device may be at least partially, and preferably completely, movably attached to the connector body independently of one another, and may conveniently be invisible as components of the combined element.

[0010] The invention is based on the finding that the closure is relatively small in comparison with the assembly comprising the switching contacts, the chip and especially the antenna, so that the relatively small closure takes up little space on the surface of the connector body. It has been found that when arranging the chip, the antenna and / or the at least one switching contact in the verification device and / or the retainer, the connector body can be easily constructed in two parts, if necessary. The invention is further based on the finding that the verification device or the retainer can be designed to accommodate and preferably protect the switching contacts, the chip and the antenna.

[0011] In particular, it has been found that the advantages of arranging the chip, the antenna and / or at least one switching contact on the verification device and / or on the retainer outweigh the associated disadvantages. The inventive arrangement requires a larger verification device / retainer, since it accommodates the switching contacts, the chip and the antenna. However, the invention is also based on the finding that a large volume of the verification device / retainer does not necessarily lead to a large volume of the coupling connector. This is because, in the case of the verification device / retainer, the surface area provided for the electronic components is of primary importance. The verification device / retainer therefore provides a large surface area without excessively increasing the volume of the coupling connector in the process, which is in principle undesirable in the automotive sector. The coupling connector is thus of compact design, flexible to manufacture and, moreover, allows automatic and reliable electronic acquisition of the connection state. In this way, the object stated at the beginning is achieved.

[0012] The term "axial" preferably relates to an attachment part, in particular to a coupling connector or a coupling plug. The term "axial" preferably refers to a centerline direction of a coupling part of a coupling connector. In relation to a coupling plug, the term "axial" preferably refers to a centerline direction of a sealing face of the coupling plug. The term "axial" when referring to a coupling connector may also mean a centerline direction of a connecting part of the coupling connector. If the coupling connector has an angular configuration, the axial direction of the connecting part is not equal to the axial direction of the coupling part.

[0013] The expression "axially inward" preferably refers to an axial direction running from a coupling opening of the coupling connector towards an axially intermediate portion of the coupling connector or alternatively from a plug opening of the coupling plug towards an axially intermediate portion of the coupling plug.

[0014] The term "radial" preferably relates to the respective axial direction. In a longitudinal cross-section of the component (whose median axis is preferably in the image plane), the radial direction is preferably perpendicular to the axial direction. The term "circumferential" refers for convenience to the axis or axial direction thereon.

[0015] The connection is preferably designed to be connected with a pipe or tube. In particular, the connection is frictionally and / or materially connected with the pipe. For example, a frictional connection is achieved by pressing the pipe into the connection or the connection. The pipe may also be materially connected with the connection via welding. For example, welding methods include laser welding or friction welding. According to a highly preferred embodiment, the pipe is inserted into the connection and is materially connected with the connection, preferably by laser welding. The connection of the coupling connector may also be integrally connected with the assembly. The assembly or a part of the assembly may also be manufactured together with the coupling connector by injection molding. The assembly is, for example, a tank, a pump, a nozzle, etc. According to a highly preferred embodiment, the coupling connector is a separately manufactured component, and the connection with the pipe or the assembly is preferably established afterwards.

[0016] The coupling plug is preferably a separately manufactured component. The coupling plug preferably has an end part which is connected to the pipe or the assembly. In particular, the connection to the pipe or the assembly may be frictional and / or material in design. The coupling plug may be integrally connected to the assembly. For example, the assembly or part of the assembly may be manufactured together with the coupling plug by injection molding. The pipe is preferably frictionally inserted or plugged into the end part. The pipe or the assembly is advantageously materially connected to the coupling plug or the end part, in particular by welding. The welding is advantageously performed by laser welding or friction welding.

[0017] The term "switching contact" preferably means a conductive element capable of reversibly coming into electrical contact with the closure. The switching contact or switching contacts may be designed as a contact strip. The switching contact preferably comprises at least one contact. The closure expediently comprises at least one contact, preferably two contacts, which are in electrical contact with the contact of the switching contact or the contacts of the switching contacts upon closing of the switching circuit. The antenna expediently is electrically connected with the chip.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the retainer and the verification device are separately designed parts and preferably have different directions of movement during the displacement in the connector body. The retainer is preferably insertable in the connector body in the radial direction. The retainer is preferably arranged at least partially radially outside the verification device in the longitudinal section of the coupling connector and in the fully inserted state in the connector body. Particularly preferably, at least one part of the handling part is arranged radially outside the verification device. The advantage of this arrangement is that it can be designed particularly well to separate the directions of movement of the retainer on the one hand and the direction of movement of the verification device on the other hand. The basic shape of the retainer is preferably U-shaped. The basic shape of the retainer may also be designed annular. According to one embodiment, the retainer is radially expanded by the coupling plug. According to one embodiment, the retainer is made of metal. According to another embodiment, the retainer is made of plastic. The retainer is preferably in one piece (single part) and even more preferably designed integrally. The retainer advantageously has a U-shaped base or handling part on the one hand and two latching arms on the other hand. According to a preferred embodiment, the handling portion is attached between two flanges on the outside of the connector body. It is preferred that the two latching arms of the retainer are positioned in the latching arm windows of the connector body when the retainer is in the inserted state.

[0019] Advantageously, the verification device is made of plastic. Very preferably, the verification device is manufactured separately from the retainer by injection molding. The retainer and the verification device are particularly preferably reversibly detached from the connector body. The expression "reversibly detach" preferably means non-destructive removal. Advantageously, the retainer and / or the verification device are reversibly attachable to the connector body. The retainer and the verification device may form a combined element of several pieces or of one piece, in particular an integral piece.

[0020] The retainer is preferably designed to be elastically deformable in order to latch onto the locking element of the coupling plug. For example, the locking element of the coupling plug may be a shoulder, a groove or preferably a continuous collar. It is particularly preferred that the retainer is designed to store a reset energy upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body. The retainer is preferably designed to release the stored reset energy and latch the locking element of the coupling plug when the latter axially reaches the retainer or the latching arm. It is very much preferred that the retainer is reversibly detachable from the locking element or the coupling plug. This makes the mechanical connection between the coupling plug and the connector particularly quick and easy.

[0021] Very advantageously, the closure is of a movable, preferably spring-elastic design. As a result, the switching contacts do not have to be of elastic design, which increases the stability of the switch. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure is designed as a leaf spring. Preferably, the closure comprises metal. The closure advantageously comprises a part attached to the connector body and a part projecting from the connector body. Advantageously, the part of the closure projecting from the connector body is aligned obliquely with respect to the middle axis of the coupling part in a side view of the connector body. Very preferably, the part projecting from the connector body extends obliquely at least partially radially outward in a side view of the connector body at the axial inner side.

[0022] According to a very particularly preferred embodiment, the verification device is axially movably mounted on the connector body in the connected state of the coupling connector not connected with the coupling plug. The verification device or the connector body is preferably designed in such a way that the verification device can take at least one axially outer position and an axially inner position. It is very particularly preferred to design the coupling connector in such a way that by transferring the verification device from the axially outer position to the axially inner position the state of the switching circuit is changed reversibly. The coupling connector is preferably designed in such a way that the state of the switching circuit is changed during transferring the verification device from the axially inner position to the axially outer position. It is very particularly preferred to design the coupling connector in such a way that during the transfer from the axially outer position to the axially inner position the verification device opens the switching circuit.

[0023] Advantageously, the coupling connector is designed such that an axially outer position and / or an axially inner position is defined by at least one position element of the connector body and / or at least one position part of the verification device. Very preferably, the axially outer position and / or the axially inner position of the verification device is defined by latching a position part of the verification device to a position element of the connector body. The at least one position part of the verification device advantageously protrudes radially inwards. The at least one position part engages and preferably latches to at least one position element of the connector body. Each position element on the connector body is preferably arranged at an axially outer position and / or an axially inner position. The verification device has two position parts. It is preferred that, relative to these position parts, each position element on the connector body is arranged at an axially outer position and / or an axially inner position. The position element or the position elements are preferably designed complementary to the position part or the position parts. According to a preferred embodiment, the position element / the position elements are designed as a recess complementary to the protruding position part or the protruding position parts.

[0024] According to a preferred design, the at least one switching contact and / or chip and / or antenna is arranged or fastened on the side of the verification device or the retainer facing the connector body. As a result, the transmitter is better protected against the environment of the coupling connector. This arrangement has the other advantage that the elements of the transmitter fastened to the verification device can be easily attached to the verification device, for example by gluing. For example, if the transmitter parts are arranged outside the verification device, at least the switching contacts have to be radially engaged through the verification device, preferably to contact the closure fastened to the connector body. As a result, the switching contacts have to be embedded in the verification device already during the injection molding process. This is a complicated task. It is highly preferred that the at least one switching contact and / or chip and / or antenna are not visible in the mounted state of the verification device in the connector body in the top view and / or side view of the verification device or the coupling connector.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the verification device is arranged mainly on the outside of the connector body. As a result, the verification device can be made manual. It is very particularly preferred that the coupling connector is designed in such a way that the verification device is visible to the naked eye from the outside, preferably having a different colour than the connector body. In a preferred design, the verification device partially axially, preferably only partially, surrounds the connector body in the orbital direction. The verification device orbitally surrounds the connector body over a maximum of 270° or 225° or 180°. Advantageously, the axial extension of the verification device corresponds to a maximum of 3 / 4 or 2 / 3 or half of the axial extension of the connector body.

[0026] The verification device is preferably capable of assuming at least two, preferably at least three, defined positions relative to the connector body. These positions are defined in particular by latching points, via respective stops or press fixings. It is highly preferred that the verification device assumes an axially outer position and an axially inner position relative to the connector body. The verification device preferably assumes intermediate positions, located between the axially outer position and the axially inner position, relative to the connector body. The coupling connector is advantageously designed such that the transition from the axially outer position to the intermediate position changes the state of the switching circuit. The coupling connector is preferably designed such that the state of the switching circuit is not changed from the intermediate position to the axially inner position.

[0027] Advantageously, the coupling connector is designed such that, upon insertion into the connector body, the coupling plug shifts the verification device from an axially outer position to an axially inner or intermediate position. The coupling connector may also be designed such that the coupling plug does not shift the verification device from the intermediate position to the axially inner position. Advantageously, the coupling connector is designed such that the verification device can be shifted manually or by hand, in particular reversibly, from the axially outer or intermediate position to the axially inner position.

[0028] The advantage of providing three defined positions is that the complete insertion of the coupling plug can also be tactilely confirmed. Before the coupling plug is introduced, the user tactilely determines, in particular by manual manipulation, that the verification device is reversibly displaceable to all three defined positions. When the coupling plug is introduced into the connector body, the verification device is transferred from the axially outer position to the intermediate position, and at the same time the coupling plug is latched to the connector body. In the latched state of the coupling plug, the verification device is displaced from the intermediate position to the axially inner position and back again. However, since the coupling plug is latched to the connector body, no retainer is used to displace the verification device from the intermediate position to the axially outer position. As a result, by manually displacing the verification device, the connection state of the coupling plug and the coupling connector is tactilely verified. The switching circuit is preferably located in an open state in the intermediate position, whereby preferably the state of the switching circuit is not changed by the transition from the intermediate position to the axially inner position. The three defined positions are preferably defined via at least three position elements in the connector body, which are engaged with at least one position part in the verification device. The engagement of the at least one position part with the three position elements is advantageously designed as a latch engagement.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector body has at least one guide part, preferably two guide parts, for guiding the verification device. The verification device advantageously comprises at least one guide element, preferably two guide elements. At least one guide element of the verification device engages with at least one guide part of the connector body so as to define a preferably axial movement direction of the verification device in the connector body. The guide elements of the verification device and the guide parts of the connector body determine the axial extension of the movement path of the verification device. At least one guide part of the connector body or at least one guide element of the verification device is advantageously designed as a groove, the longitudinal extension of which is axial, while the other element is designed as a nose which engages in the groove.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the verification device comprises an actuating part, the coupling connector or the verification device being preferably designed in such a way that the coupling plug comes into contact with the actuating part when inserted into the connector body. This arrangement has the advantage that the design of the verification device is relatively simple and robust, since the transfer of information about the connection state takes place directly from the coupling plug to the verification device. Furthermore, this design has the advantage that the transition of the coupling plug into the connection state takes place simultaneously with the change of state of the switching circuit and the transition of the verification device, so that no separate activation of the verification device is required. With one connecting movement between the coupling plug and the coupling connector, the entire coupling structure can be set into an operative state, and the electronic reading as well as the optical and tactile verification take place simultaneously. Particularly preferably, the coupling connector is designed in such a way that the coupling plug comes into contact with the verification device at least in the axial direction when inserted into the connector body. According to an embodiment, the actuating part of the verification device is a nose part that projects radially inwards.

[0031] The coupling plug has an actuating element, which preferably comes into contact with an actuating part of the verification device when the coupling plug is inserted into the connector body. Advantageously, the coupling connector is designed such that the actuating element of the coupling plug displaces the verification device from an axially outer position to an intermediate position or to an axially inner position when the coupling plug is inserted. The actuating element of the coupling plug is preferably a protrusion projecting radially outwardly with respect to the sealing surface. According to an embodiment, the actuating element may be a front surface of a fixed part of the coupling plug. The fixed part of the coupling plug preferably serves to fix the coupling plug against twisting in the connector body. The actuating element of the coupling plug may correspond to a front surface of a circumferential collar of the coupling plug. The actuating element may furthermore be a groove of the coupling plug, into which the actuating part of the verification device engages.

[0032] The connector body preferably comprises an actuation recess, in particular in the form of a radially continuous groove or window, so that, upon full insertion into the connector body, the coupling plug or the actuation element preferably comes into contact with or follows the verification device or the actuation element. In particular, the term "window" means the circumferential edge of the actuation recess formed by the wall of the connector body in a top view of the connector body. The term "groove" preferably means that the actuation recess is open in the region of the coupling opening of the connector body. The actuation recess has a substantially U-shaped outer shape in the form of a groove in a top view of the connector body. The actuation recess is designed such that the actuation part of the verification device engages through the wall of the connector body and comes into contact with the coupling plug or the actuation element of the coupling plug. The circumferential extension of the actuation recess expediently corresponds at least to the circumferential extension of the actuation recess. The axial extension of the actuation recess preferably corresponds at least to the movement path of the actuation part of the verification device between an axially outer position and an axially inner position.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the coupling connector is designed such that the switching circuit is disconnected from the coupling plug when fully inserted into the connector body. As a result, the antenna and / or the chip are arranged in an axially inner middle part of the verification device. At least one contact of the closure is arranged between the front face of the actuating part facing axially outward and the antenna, preferably in an axially outer position and / or in an axially inner position and / or in an intermediate position. As a result, the antenna is located as far away as possible from the retainer. The retainer may comprise metal. As a result of said arrangement, the interference area of ​​the metallic retainer interfering with the transmission signal of the antenna is reduced. The antenna is preferably arranged in the axially inner third or in the axially inner middle part of the verification device. The chip and / or the antenna are preferably arranged axially inner with respect to at least one switching contact of the verification device. Advantageously, the coupling connector is designed such that the verification device has two, more preferably exactly two, defined axial positions.

[0034] The coupling connector may be designed such that the switching circuit is closed with the coupling plug fully inserted into the connector body. As a result, the normal state of the switching circuit is closed, so that the at least one switching contact and the closure are in normal contact with each other, reducing corrosive effects. The chip and / or antenna are advantageously arranged axially outwardly on the verification device with respect to the at least one switching contact. The coupling connector is preferably designed such that the verification device has at least three defined positions with respect to the connector body.

[0035] The connector body preferably has at least one fixing element for fixing the coupling plug against twisting in the connector body.

[0036] The connector body advantageously corresponds to the VDA guidelines and has a nominal width NW (inner diameter of the coupling plug) of, for example, 8, 12, 16, 20, 26, 32, 40 or 50 mm. The at least one fastening element advantageously corresponds to a groove-like recess on the inside of the connector body in the region of the coupling part. The fastening element extends in the axial direction such that, upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body, a complementary spring-like fastening part of the coupling plug engages in the fastening element. The fastening part of the coupling plug and the fastening element of the connector body form a tongue-and-groove connection (interlocking connection). The connector body preferably comprises two fastening elements. The two fastening elements are preferably arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the middle axis of the coupling part. The fastening element or fastening elements are arranged in the coupling part of the connector body. According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation recess transitions axially outwards into the fastening element. In the case of a VDA design, the actuation recess preferably assumes the function of the fastening element and also enables the function of actuating the verification device.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the switch has two switching contacts. A contact is preferably assigned to each of the two switching contacts. The coupling connector is designed in such a way that in the closed state of the switching circuit, it contacts both closer switching contacts or contacts, thereby preferably short-circuiting the two switching contacts. The closer expediently has two contacts. Each of the two contacts contacts a respective contact of one of the two switching contacts. The closer may be arranged in the connector body or in the verification device or in the retainer. If the closer is arranged in the verification device / retainer, the connector body comprises a pressing element for pressing the closer towards the switching contacts for the purpose of contacting. If the closer is arranged in the connector body, the verification device is preferably designed in such a way that the closer contacts both switching contacts, preferably simultaneously, during the transition of the coupling plug to the connected state. The two switching contacts are preferably each designed as rectangular contact strips, in particular contact strips of the same length.

[0038] Advantageously, the verification device at least partially, preferably completely, covers the closure in at least one axial position, preferably in all axial positions. This protects the switching circuit. According to a possible design, the closure is arranged or fastened in the connector body. The closure comprises a fastening part for fastening the closure in the connector body and a contact part for contacting the switching contact or switching contacts. The connector body preferably comprises a closure receptacle for receiving the closure. The closure receptacle is advantageously designed as a groove on the outside of the connector body. In the mounted state in the connector body, the verification device preferably at least partially covers the closure receptacle in an axially outer position and / or an axially inner position and / or an intermediate position of the verification device. It is particularly recommended that the closure is not visible in any position of the verification device in the connector body. The closure advantageously contacts the switching contact or switching contacts which are arranged inside the verification device. The fastening part of the closure may be clamped or cast in the closure receptacle. The contact portions of the closure are preferably disposed obliquely to the medial axis of the coupling part in a side view of the connector body or in a longitudinal section of the connector body, and advantageously extend axially inwardly towards the radially outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the connector body at an angle to the medial axis of the coupling part.

[0039] The object or objects are achieved by a coupling structure according to the invention. The coupling structure comprises a coupling connector, in particular a coupling connector according to the invention, and a coupling plug insertable into the coupling connector. The coupling connector comprises a connector body having a coupling part and a connection part. The coupling connector is designed to be reversibly detachably connected to the coupling plug. The connection part is designed to be connected to a pipe or an assembly. The coupling part and the connection part are fluidly connected to each other via an internal channel. The coupling connector comprises a retainer for locking the coupling plug in the connector body. The retainer is movably mounted on the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a verification device indicating a connection state between the coupling plug and the coupling connector. The verification device is movably mounted on the connector body and indicates the connection state via its position relative to the connector body. The verification device is arranged on the outside of the connector body. The coupling connector and the coupling plug are designed such that upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body an actuating element of the coupling plug abuts on an actuating part of the verification device, such that upon continued insertion of the coupling plug the verification device is displaced axially inwards with respect to the connector body.

[0040] It is recommended that the coupling plug has a locking element. The locking element is preferably designed to latch with the retainer upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body. The coupling plug advantageously comprises a sealing surface. The sealing surface is preferably located axially outward from the locking element. Upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body, the sealing surface is advantageously in fluid-tight contact with the seal. The actuating element projects radially relative to the sealing surface. The coupling plug may have a conical portion, which is advantageously located between the locking element and the sealing surface. The conical portion is preferably designed to spread the retainer or a latching arm of the retainer upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body. The coupling plug preferably corresponds to the VDA guidelines for fluid couplings.

[0041] The coupling plug advantageously comprises an end part. The locking element is preferably arranged between the sealing surface and the end part. The coupling plug preferably comprises an intermediate part. The intermediate part is located between the end part and the sealing surface and advantageously comprises the locking element. The sealing surface of the coupling plug is preferably designed cylindrically, at least in terms of the spacing.

[0042] The coupling connector comprises a seal for a fluid-tight connection with the coupling plug. The seal advantageously has an elastically designed sealing ring and preferably a seal holder. The seal holder advantageously fixes the sealing ring in the connector body such that the sealing ring does not fall off axially outwardly from the connector body. For example, the seal holder may be designed annularly and advantageously may be latched to the connector body. The sealing surface of the coupling plug is preferably designed complementarily to the seal or sealing ring. The sealing ring, which interfaces with the sealing surface of the coupling plug, establishes a fluid-tight seal of the coupling structure by a frictional connection.

[0043] The object / objects are achieved by using a coupling connector according to the invention or a coupling structure according to the invention in a motor vehicle.

[0044] The object / objects are achieved by a method for connecting a coupling connector, in particular a coupling connector according to the invention, and a coupling plug insertable into the coupling connector. The coupling connector comprises a connector body having a coupling part and a connecting part. The coupling connector is designed to be reversibly detachably connected to the coupling plug. The connecting part is designed to be connectable or to be connected to a pipe or an assembly. The coupling part and the connecting part are fluidly connected to each other via an internal channel. The coupling connector comprises a retainer for locking the coupling plug to the connector body. The retainer is movably mounted on the connector body. The coupling connector comprises a verification device for indicating a connection state between the coupling plug and the coupling connector. The verification device is movably arranged on the connector body and indicates the connection state by its position relative to the connector body. The verification device is arranged outside the connector body. The coupling connector and the coupling plug are designed such that, upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body, an actuating element of the coupling plug abuts on an actuating part of the verification device, such that upon continued insertion of the coupling plug, the verification device is displaced axially inwards with respect to the connector body.

[0045] The invention will now be described with reference to the following exemplary embodiments, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling structure according to the present invention, showing a state in which a coupling connector and a coupling plug are completely connected. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coupling connector of FIG. 1 without the verification device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the coupling plug of FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the verification device in FIG. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the inner portion of the verification device of FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling structure of FIG. 1, showing the coupling plug unlatched to the coupling connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling structure of FIG. 5 in a latched state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the latched state of the coupling structure of FIG. 6, showing a third position in which the verification device is located further axially inward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a coupling structure 1, 5 according to the invention. The coupling structure comprises a coupling connector 1 and a coupling plug 5. In this and the following figures, the coupling plug 5 is only incompletely shown. In particular, the end of the coupling plug located further axially inside, which comprises a receptacle for a fluid pipe or tube, is not shown. For example, the receptacle may be designed in such a way that a fluid tube is inserted into the receptacle of the coupling plug and there connected with the coupling plug 5 via welding, in particular laser welding. Instead, FIGS. 1, 3 and 5-7 always show the coupling plug 5, which for the sake of simplicity is shown cut off at its axially inner, i.e. left, end.

[0048] According to the invention, a coupling connector 1 according to FIG. 1 comprises a connector body 2, a retainer 7 and a verification device 8. In this embodiment, the retainer 7 and the verification device 8 are designed as separate elements. The retainer 7 may be designed as a substantially U-shaped wire bracket. The coupling connector 1 is preferably designed as a VDA standard connector or the like, but the invention may also be in the form of an SAE standard (not shown). According to FIG. 1, the connector body 2 has a coupling part 3 and a connection part 4. The coupling part 3 is designed to be reversibly and detachably connected to a coupling plug 5. The connection part 4 is designed to be connected to a pipe or assembly (not shown).

[0049] The connection 4 may be formed as one piece or may be connected integrally with a pipe or an assembly. As a result, the connection 4 may be designed as a connection part that can only be destructively separated, the latter example not being shown. The coupling plug 5 may be connected to an assembly not shown and is injection molded together with at least a part of the assembly. Fields of application of the coupling structure 1, 5 according to the invention include, in particular, fluid transport systems in motor vehicles.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows the coupling connector 1 without the verification device 8. This allows the upper side of the connector body 2 to be seen. A closer 13 is preferably arranged in the closer receptacle 25 of the connector body 2. The closer 13 in this embodiment is made of metal and is preferably designed as a leaf spring. The leaf spring preferably comprises a part which is arranged in the closer receptacle 25 and a part which projects upwards at an angle relative to this. In a longitudinal section of the connector body 2, the angled leg of the closer 13 advantageously rises axially inwardly in an oblique upward direction.

[0051] The connector body 2 preferably has at least two, preferably at least three, position elements 26, for example in the form of latch recesses. The position elements are expediently arranged axially, preferably on the outside of the connector body 2. For each of the position elements 26 in the connector body 2, additional, auxiliary position elements 26 may be arranged at the same axial height. In a top view of the connector body 2, some of the position elements 26 are advantageously arranged on one side of the closure 13 and other position elements 26 are located on the other side of the closure 13.

[0052] Advantageously, the connector body has at least one guide part 28 for guiding the verification device 8. The connector body 2 expediently comprises at least two guide parts 28, which are arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the coupling part 3 in a top view. For example, the at least one guide part 28 may be designed as a recess or a protrusion. Preferably, the axial extension of the guide part / guide parts corresponds at least to the distance of the axially most distant position elements 26 or to the axial movement path of the verification device 8.

[0053] The connector body 2 preferably comprises an actuation recess 18. The actuation recess 18 is preferably radially continuous, so that a connection between the inside and the outside of the connector body 2 is established. In the top view of the connector body 2, the actuation recess 18 may extend in the circumferential direction or may be designed as a window. The actuation recess 18 may also extend up to the axially outer end of the connector body 2 and thus up to the coupling opening 24, so that the actuation recess 18 is designed as a groove.

[0054] The embodiment of the coupling connector 1 in the form of a VDA quick connector preferably comprises two axially consecutive flanges in the region of the retainer 7. One of the flanges, preferably the axially outer one, may form a stop 39 for the verification device 8, as will be explained in more detail below. The retainer 7 in this embodiment has a handling part 21 and preferably two latching arms 22. The handling part 21 preferably corresponds to a U-shaped base part of the retainer 7. The two latching arms 22 advantageously constitute the U-legs of the U-shaped retainer 7. As is evident from FIG. 2, the ends of the latching arms 22 may extend in the axial direction.

[0055] The extension of the two flanges in the circumferential direction preferably corresponds substantially to the extension of the handling portion 21 in the circumferential direction. The handling portion 21 is expediently arranged at least partially in the axial direction between the two flanges. In a front view of the coupling connector 1 or the connector body 2, the handling portion 21 of the retainer 7 may have a radially elevated portion, preferably located in the middle of the U-shaped base portion. In particular, said elevated portion is used for actuation by hand or by a tool. The latching arm 22 is preferably located in a latching arm window 23 of the connector body 2 when the retainer 7 is in a fully inserted position inside the connector body 2. The connector body 2 may define only a partially inserted position of the retainer 7, for example via a corresponding latch receptacle or latch projection.

[0056] As can be seen by considering Figures 2 and 5 together, the coupling connector 1 preferably comprises seals 29, 30. The seals 29, 30 comprise a seal switch 29 which advantageously secures a sealing ring 30 to the connector body 2. The seal holder 29 is conveniently adjacent to the coupling part 3. In contrast, the connection part 4 is defined as the overlap between the connector body 2 and a pipe (not shown). The coupling part 3 and the connection part 4 are fluidly connected to each other via an internal channel 6 and comprise an axial intermediate part of the connector body 2. In particular, the intermediate part comprises the seal holder 29, the sealing ring 30 together with a shoulder 38 of the connector body 2 (see Figure 5).

[0057] The coupling plug 5 of Fig. 3 preferably comprises a plug opening 31. The outer part of the plug opening 31 preferably extends axially inwards in a rounded manner. The coupling plug 5 further preferably comprises a sealing surface 15, an expansion surface 32, a locking element 14 and / or at least one fixed part 20 axially inwards. In this embodiment, the coupling plug 5 comprises two fixed parts 20. The two fixed parts 20 are advantageously arranged circumferentially diametrically opposite one another.

[0058] The expansion surface 32 is preferably expanded axially inwards, in particular conically, so that when the coupling plug 5 is introduced, the latching arms 22 of the retainer 7 are spread and a reset energy is stored in the retainer 7. When the coupling plug 5 is fully inserted, the latching arms 22 reach the groove-like locking element 14 and latch into it. The sealing surface 15 is preferably cylindrical and is dimensioned for a fluid-tight frictional connection with the sealing ring 30 of the coupling connector 1. The coupling plug 5 particularly preferably has an actuating element 16. In this embodiment, the actuating element 16 is designed as the front face of one of the two fixed parts 20. The fixed part 20 is preferably designed as a spring-like element and engages in a groove-like fixing element 19 of the connector body 2.

[0059] According to FIG. 4A, the verification device 8 in this embodiment preferably comprises an actuating part 17. The actuating part 17 particularly preferably interacts with an actuating element 16 of the coupling plug. This is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5-7. The verification device 8 advantageously comprises at least one position part 27, preferably two position parts 27. The verification device 8 expediently comprises at least one guide element 37, preferably at least two guide elements 37. The second guide element 37 is not visible in FIG. 4A due to the chosen perspective. The verification device 8 may comprise a stopper 33. The stopper 33 advantageously comprises at least one stopper hook 34, preferably two stopper hooks 34.

[0060] FIG. 4B shows the inner part of the verification device 8. The position parts 27 in this embodiment are designed as spring-resilient elements. At least one position part 27 preferably comprises a spring arm 36, which is expediently formed by a partially circumferentially extending, for example U-shaped, slit in the wall of the verification device 8. Each position part 27 may in this embodiment have a radially inwardly projecting projection 35, which engages with a respective position element 26 shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, FIG. 4B shows a second guide element 37. Both guide elements 37 advantageously project radially inwards and engage with complementary guide parts 28 of the connector body shown in FIG. 2. This defines the axial mobility of the verification device 8 on the connector body 2.

[0061] The verification device preferably comprises a chip 10, an antenna 11 and / or at least one switching contact 12. The elements 10, 11, 12 in this embodiment are components of a transmitter 9 together with a closure 13 of the connector body 2. The chip 10, the switching contact 12 and the closure 13 expediently form a switching circuit 10, 12, 13. It is very advantageous that the chip 10 is an RFID chip and the transmitter 9 is an RFID transmitter. The chip 10 is connected to an antenna 11, which responds in a known manner to an RFID reader. The chip 10 is very preferably electrically connected to two switching contacts 12 in the form of rectangular contact strips. The antenna 11 is arranged in the axially inner middle part of the verification device 8. The chip 10 may also be arranged in the axially inner middle part of the verification device 8. The chip 10 is very preferably designed to detect whether the two switching contacts 12 are electrically connected to each other or not. It is very particularly preferred that the chip 10 is designed to preserve the connection state between the two switching contacts 12 and to disclose it in communication with the reader.

[0062] 5-7 show the connection process of the coupling plug 5 and the coupling connector 1. FIG. 5 shows the point in the connection process when the actuating element 16 of the coupling plug 5 first comes into contact with the actuating part 17 of the verification device 8 inside the actuating recess 18. At this point, the sealing surface 15 has already reached the sealing ring 30, whereby a fluid-tight connection is formed between the coupling plug 5 and the coupling connector 1. However, in this embodiment, the locking element 14, which is located at the height of the actuating element 16, has not yet reached the retainer 7. This is especially evident in that the actuating element 16 has not yet reached the same axial height as the handling part 21. As a result, the coupling plug 5 is not yet locked in the coupling connector 1 in the state of the connection process shown in FIG. 5. This situation can also be seen from the fact that a large gap still exists between the shoulder 38 of the connector body 2 and the plug opening 31 of the coupling plug 5.

[0063] At the time of the connection process shown in Fig. 5, the closer 13 and the two switching contacts 12 are still electrically connected to each other. As a result, the reader obtains the "electrically connected" state at this point, from which it concludes that the coupling plug 5 is not yet locked into the coupling connector 1. In the state shown in Fig. 5, the verification device 8 is in its outermost axial position relative to the connector body 2. This is especially evident from the position of the stopper hook 34 relative to the stopper 39 on the flange located further axially outward.

[0064] 6 shows the connected state of the coupling plug 5 and the coupling connector 1. In this state, the coupling plug 5 is locked in the connector body 2. This is evident from the fact that the actuating element 16 and the locking element 14, which are located at the same axial height as the retainer 7. Furthermore, the distance between the plug opening 31 and the shoulder 38 is clearly reduced, with only a small amount of play remaining between the plug opening 31 and the shoulder 38. As a result, the actuating element 16 displaces the actuating part 17 axially inwards relative to the connector body 2 inside the actuating recess 18.

[0065] In this embodiment, the two protrusions 35 of the position piece 27 of the verification device 8 are located in the respective intermediate position elements 26 of the connector body 2 in the state shown in FIG. 6. This movement displaces the chip 10, the antenna 11, and in particular the two switching contacts 12 axially inwards relative to the closure 13. The switching contacts 12 and the closure 13 are thus no longer in electrical contact with each other. As a result, the switching circuits 10, 12, 13 are opened and the chip 10 preferably records and stores this electrically changed state. The reader determines that the coupling plug 5 remains locked in the coupling connector 1 while reading the chip 10.

[0066] Furthermore, the verification device 8 of this embodiment can optically indicate the connection state. The stopper hook 34 of the stopper 33 of the verification device 8 shown in Fig. 5 is closed at the axially outer end of the coupling connector 1, approximately flush with the connector body 2. However, this is no longer the case in the situation in Fig. 6. Instead, the axially inner end of the verification device 8 in Fig. 6 is closed approximately flush with the step 40 of the connector body 2.

[0067] 7 shows a third state of the verification device 8, whereby the projection 35 of the verification device 8 is located in the axially innermost position element 26 of the connector body 2. This position is achieved by manual operation of the verification device 8, and not via the still firmly locked coupling plug 5. This results in a gap between the actuating element 16 of the coupling plug 5 and the actuating part 17 of the verification device inside the actuating recess 18. In this embodiment, the actuating part 17 abuts against the front face of the actuating recess 18.

[0068] Furthermore, in the state shown in Fig. 7, the distance between the closure 13 and the two switching contacts 12 becomes even larger and the stopper hook 34 abuts against the stopper 39 or stops 39, thereby marking the position of the axially innermost verification device 8. This state is also shown in Fig. 1. As can be further seen from Fig. 7, the axially inner end of the verification device 8 projects axially inwardly with respect to a step 40 of the connector body 2.

[0069] The purpose of the third position element 26, which is located most axially inward, is to provide a tactile indication of the connection state. This is because, while it is tactilely perceptible since the verification device 8 can be manually moved from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. 6, this does not apply during the continuous transition from the position in FIG. 6 to the position in FIG. 5. By displacing the verification device 8, the user notices that it is possible to switch back and forth between the positions of the verification device 8 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 6, which is not the case in the state in FIG. 5. The user is therefore unable to displace the verification device 8 axially outward to the point where the stopper hook 34 reaches the axially outer end and thus the coupling opening 24 of the connector body 2. Based on this difference, the user is sure that the force for displacing the verification device 8 was not too small. Instead, based on the manual displacement between the positions in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it can be recognized that in fact a sufficient force is applied and that the position of the verification device in FIG. 5 can no longer be reached intentionally and very obviously, since the coupling plug 5 is locked. As a result, the coupling structure 1,5 provides optical, tactile and electronic indication of the connection between the coupling plug 5 and the coupling connector 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1: Coupling connector 2: Connector body 3: Coupling section 4: Connection part 5: Coupling plug 6: Internal channel 7: Retainer 8: Verification device 9: Transmitter 10: Tip 11: Antenna 12: Switching contact 13: Closer 14:5 rock elements 15:5 sealing surface 16:5 working elements 17:8 moving parts 18:2 working recess 19:2 fixed elements 20:5 fixed part 21:7 handling section 22:7 latching arm 23:2 latching arm window 24:2 coupling aperture 25: Closer Receptor 26:2 positional elements 27:8 Positioning Parts 2 Guide Section for 28:8 29:1 Seal Holder 30:1 sealing ring 31:5 plug opening 32:5 extended aspect 33:8 Stopper 34:8 stopper hook 35:27 protrusion 36:27 spring arm 37:8 Guide Elements 38:2 shoulder 2 stoppers for 39:33 40:2 steps 10, 12, 13: Switching circuit

Claims

1. A coupling connector for automatically acquiring a coupling state, A connector body having a coupling portion and a connecting portion, The coupling part is designed to be reversibly and detachably connected to a complementary coupling plug; The connection is designed to be connected to a pipe or assembly, the coupling portion and the connecting portion are fluidly connected to each other via an internal channel; The coupling connector includes a retainer for locking the coupling plug in the connector body, the retainer being disposed in the connector body; the coupling connector has a verification device for indicating a connection state between the coupling connector and the coupling plug, the verification device being movably disposed on the connector body and indicating a connection state via a position relative to the connector body; The coupling connector has a transmitter for transmitting a transmission signal, the transmitter is designed to send a connection state by the transmission signal, the transmitter includes a chip, an antenna and a switch; The switch has at least one switching contact and a closure; the tip, the at least one switching contact and the closer are components of a switching circuit; the switching circuit being open or closed depending on the position of the closer relative to the at least one switching contact; the coupling connector is designed such that a state of the switching circuit is changed upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body; The transmitter is designed such that the changed state is stored in the chip and retrieved by a reader via the transmitted signal; 13. A coupling connector, characterized in that the chip and / or the antenna and / or the at least one switching contact are arranged on the verification device and / or on the retainer.

2. 2. The coupling connector of claim 1, wherein the retainer and the verification device are separately designed parts and move in different directions upon displacement in the connector body.

3. 3. The coupling connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closer has a spring-elastic moveable design.

4. 3. The coupling connector according to claim 1, wherein the verification device is disposed on the connector body so as to be axially movable in a connected state in which the coupling connector is not connected to the coupling plug.

5. 3. A coupling connector as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one switching contact and / or the chip and / or the antenna are arranged or fastened to the side of the verification device or the retainer facing the connector body.

6. 3. The coupling connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification device is located mostly outside the connector body.

7. 3. The coupling connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification device is disposed in at least two defined positions relative to the connector body.

8. The verification device includes an actuator, 3. The coupling connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling connector or the verification device is designed such that the coupling plug contacts the actuation portion when inserted into the connector body.

9. 3. The coupling connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector body has an actuation recess formed of a groove or window portion that radially penetrates a wall portion of the connector body so that an actuation portion protrudes through the wall portion of the connector body.

10. 3. The coupling connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling plug is designed to transition the verification device from an axially outer position to an axially inner position upon insertion into the connector body.

11. 3. A coupling connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector body (10) comprises at least one fixing element (14) for fixing the coupling plug (12) against twisting in the connector body (10).

12. 3. The coupling connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the retainer has a substantially U-shaped design and is radially insertable into the connector body.

13. 3. The coupling connector according to claim 1, wherein the switch has the two switching contacts.

14. 3. The coupling connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification device at least partially or completely covers the closure in at least one axial position or in all axial positions.

15. A method for connecting a coupling connector, in particular a coupling connector according to claim 1 or 2, with a coupling plug insertable into said coupling connector, comprising the steps of: The coupling connector includes a connector body having a coupling portion and a connecting portion, The coupling connector is designed to be reversibly and detachably connected to the coupling plug; The connection is designed to be connectable or to be connected to a pipe or assembly, the coupling portion and the connecting portion are fluidly connected to each other via an internal channel; The coupling connector includes a retainer for locking the coupling plug to the connector body, The retainer is movably attached to the connector body, the coupling connector has a verification device for indicating a connection status between the coupling plug and the coupling connector; the verification device is movably disposed on the connector body and indicates a connection state based on a position of the verification device relative to the connector body; the verification device is disposed outside the connector body; the coupling connector and the coupling plug are designed such that, upon insertion of the coupling plug into the connector body, an actuating element of the coupling plug abuts an actuating portion of the verification device, such that the verification device is displaced axially inward relative to the connector body upon continued insertion of the coupling plug.

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