Coupling connector with automatically actuating retainer

Abstract

To provide a coupling connector with an automatically activated retainer.SOLUTION: A coupling connector 1 has a coupling body 2 and a plug lock 7. The plug lock 7 comprises a retainer 8 and a verifier 9. The plug lock 7 can be inserted into the coupling body 2 in a radial direction. The verifier 9 has two legs 11a, 11b and a back 12. The ends of the legs 11a, 11b facing away from the back 12 are allocated to a bottom 13 of the coupling body 2. If a coupling plug 3 is inserted into the coupling connector 1, the plug lock 7 is automatically transferred from a disengaged position into an engaged position. The coupling connector 1 is designed such that the bottom-side ends of the legs 11a, 11b retain their distance to each other while being deflected by the coupling plug 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the coupling connector described in the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] Such a coupling connector is known from US10,808,872B2. The verifier of the plug block is integrally retained as one part with the retainer and has a generally U-shaped configuration similar to the retainer. The U-shaped back of the verifier terminates in the same plane as the coupling body and transitions to the bottom of the U or the back of the retainer. Further, the verifier has two legs which are each connected to the back of the verifier and can be radially separated from each other by the peripheral collar of the coupling plug. Before insertion of the coupling plug in the unengaged position of the plug block, the ends of the verifier which are not spread and thus loose abut against respective projections of the coupling body. The two projections are arranged inside the coupling body and by pushing on the back guarantee that the plug block is not further inserted into the coupling body. As a result, the user is provided with a part of an automatic drawing-in function or an automatic operating function. This is because the defined unengaged position enables the automatic drawing-in of the plug block during insertion of the coupling plug.

[0003] While inserting the coupling plug into the coupling body according to US10,808,872B2, the coupling plug or its surrounding collar first elastically deforms its verifier legs axially inward until they abut inward against the coupling body. As the coupling plug continues to be inserted, the legs expand radially, and the U-shaped legs no longer abut against the projection. As a result, the reset energy accumulated in the legs is released, and the ends of the legs move to slide along the ramps of the coupling body. Because the two ramps are inclined obliquely to the cross-section and insertion direction of the plug lock, the plug lock is pulled further radially inward to reach the engagement position. This causes the retainer to engage with the rear of the surrounding collar of the coupling plug, securing the coupling plug so that it is not pulled out of the coupling body. As a result, the only task remaining for the user of this fluid coupling is to insert the coupling plug into the coupling connector, thereby further reducing the effort required for installation. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when installation space is limited and the installer cannot grasp the coupling connector by hand and push in the plug lock. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, one drawback is that, in various designs from various manufacturers, the plug lock can sometimes be pushed into the coupling body even without the coupling plug, resulting in the indication function no longer being provided after a certain period of time and in some cases. It has also been noted that, after a certain period of time and in some cases, the plug lock may not be retracted into the coupling body to an insufficient degree. Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a coupling connector that upgrades the functionality of the verifier or plug lock and thus provides a longer service life for the verifier or plug lock. Furthermore, a well-known practical example is a fluid coupling or coupling connector in which the plug lock is difficult to retract into the retracted position, for example, by using a screwdriver as a lever. Therefore, this disclosure is based on the desirable objective of providing a particularly user-friendly mechanism for releasing a fluid coupling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above objective is achieved by the quick coupling described in claim 1.

[0006] This disclosure is based, firstly, on the finding that the above-mentioned drawbacks stem from the instability of the verifier's legs, because the latter must be relatively thin, at least cross-sectionally, for its ability to spread. At the same time, the leg must rest precisely on the projection in the unengaged position, thus ensuring reliable indicating function. The above-mentioned drawbacks have been found to be caused by improper handling during assembly and maintenance, or by material degradation due to increased service life. Both adversely affect the spring elasticity of the U-shaped leg, resulting in premature insertion and / or the plug lock not being fully retracted into the coupling body.

[0007] This disclosure is further based on the finding that the verifier or retraction mechanism of a coupling connector can be decisively stabilized by ensuring that the legs maintain distance from each other and, in particular, do not spread apart while being axially deflected by the coupling plug. Such spreading results in legs that are inherently relatively mobile, and thus the spring-elastic pivot points, in principle the transition from the legs to the back, form weak points. The latter, even if they still have sufficient spring elasticity initially, tend to lose elasticity over time. This is particularly fatal when loads are placed on the spring-elastic bearing points during maintenance work, such as the separation and subsequent reassembly of the fluid coupling. By avoiding radial deflection or spreading of the legs, the coupling connector or plug lock is significantly improved, and as a result, the above objective is achieved.

[0008] The expression "partially automatic" preferably means that the plug lock or retainer automatically retracts from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the coupling plug is preferably fully and beneficially manually introduced into the coupling connector. The expression "removable" beneficially means that the connection is released in a reversible and therefore non-destructive manner.

[0009] A plug lock can be designed as a single unit such that the retainer and verifier can only be separated from each other by destructive means. A plug lock is beneficially a single unit and can be manufactured, in particular, by injection molding. A plug lock can also be a multi-part design, where the retainer and verifier are, preferably, separate parts manufactured by injection molding. According to one embodiment, the verifier and retainer can be assembled into a multi-part plug lock by positive locking. The retainer and verifier can be inserted into the coupling body from different directions. Preferably, the retainer and verifier can be inserted into the coupling body from the same direction.

[0010] The coupling body preferably comprises a first body end and a second body end. The first body end is preferably allocated to, or must be allocated to, a coupling plug. The plug portion of the coupling body is preferably bordered by the first body end. The tip of the coupling plug preferably defines the axial extension of the plug portion. The coupling body preferably comprises a connector for connecting pipes or assemblies. Examples of assemblies include pumps, tanks, nozzles, etc. The coupling body preferably comprises a fluid channel connecting the plug portion and the connector. The coupling body may have a transition portion, which is preferably located between the plug portion and the connector. The connector can be designed for reversible or irreversible connection to a pipe or assembly. In the case of a reversible connection to a pipe, the connector may have a circumferential groove for creating a press fit. The connector is preferably connected to or connectable to a pipe or assembly by welding, particularly laser welding. The connector may consist of a container for introducing a portion of the pipe or assembly. According to the embodiment, the coupling body or connecting portion can be incorporated into an assembly either as a single component or as an integral part.

[0011] The coupling body is preferably manufactured as a separate part, particularly as an injection-molded part. The coupling body can be designed as a single part or integrally. The coupling body can also have a multi-part design. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling body comprises two or more parts connected to each other by a latch connection. The coupling body can have a linear or bent design. In the case of a coupling body with a linear design, the intermediate axis of the plug portion is parallel, preferably concentric, with the intermediate axis of the connection portion. In the case of a coupling body with a bent design, the intermediate axis of the plug portion is bent with respect to the intermediate axis of the connection portion in the longitudinal cross-section of the coupling body. The intermediate axis of the plug portion defines the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the plug portion. The radial direction may have two directional components in the front view of the first body end or in the cross-sectional view of the coupling body. The insertion direction of the plug lock in the coupling body can be understood as the first directional or radial component. The direction or directional component called the transverse direction is perpendicular to the insertion direction and can be perpendicular to the axial direction of the plug portion. The intermediate shaft of the connection can be defined in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the connection.

[0012] The coupling body preferably includes a second body end. The second body end, beneficially, defines the end of a connection. The connection is beneficially defined by the overlap between the coupling body and the pipe or assembly. The fluid channel, beneficially, connects the first body end or plug portion to the second body end or connection portion. The expression "axially inward" preferably means that the axial direction of the plug portion extends further into the coupling body from the first body end. Also preferably, the expression "axially inward" means the axial direction that extends from the plug portion or transition portion toward the second body end, since the pipe or assembly defines the interior and is not part of the coupling body.

[0013] The coupling plug preferably includes a locking element that interacts with a retainer of the coupling connector to lock the coupling plug into the coupling connector. The coupling plug also preferably includes a coupling portion for insertion into the coupling connector. The coupling portion preferably corresponds to that part of the coupling plug that is located inside the coupling connector when the coupling plug is fully inserted into the coupling connector. The coupling portion preferably has a longitudinal axis, which is preferably aligned parallel, and particularly preferably concentrically, with the intermediate axis of the plug portion of the coupling body. The longitudinal axis of the coupling portion defines the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the coupling portion of the coupling plug.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling plug comprises a terminal portion that hooks onto a pipe or manifold. The terminal portion may have similar features to the connecting portion of the coupling body. In particular, the terminal portion may be designed to hook onto a pipe or manifold, or may already be hooked onto one. The coupling portion and the terminal portion of the coupling plug are preferably fluidly connected to each other via a fluid channel in the coupling plug. The coupling plug may be straight or curved in design. The expression “axially inward” with respect to the coupling plug means the direction from the coupling portion to the terminal portion of the coupling plug.

[0015] The coupling plug has a flange, which is preferably able to abut against a first body end of the coupling body when the coupling plug is fully inserted. The locking element preferably projects radially outward from the outer surface of the coupling portion. The locking element is preferably designed to be at least partially, and particularly preferably fully, like a circumferential collar. The locking element is beneficially located on the coupling portion of the coupling plug. According to the embodiment, the locking element can be designed to be at least partially, and preferably fully, like a circumferential groove. The locking element preferably divides the coupling portion of the coupling plug into an intermediate portion and a sealing portion. The intermediate portion is beneficially located between the locking element and the terminal portion. The sealing portion is located axially between the locking element and the connector-side end of the coupling plug.

[0016] The back of the plug lock is preferably positioned closer to the intermediate axis of the plug portion in the engaged position than in the disengaged position. The back of the plug lock can be assigned to the cover of the coupling body. The ends of the verifier legs facing away from the back are preferably assigned to the bottom of the coupling body, and can be specifically called the bottom ends of the legs. In the longitudinal section of the coupling connector, the verifier or legs are preferably at least partially movable axially within the coupling body in the disengaged position of the plug lock, and preferably not movable laterally. The bottom ends of the legs preferably maintain the same distance from each other throughout the entire period of deflection by the coupling plug.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling connector or coupling body or legs or verifier are designed such that the legs of the coupling body are not laterally deflected by the coupling plug in a cross-section in the unengaged position. In the embodiment, the coupling body or legs or verifier are designed to prevent the legs from being spread at least temporarily, preferably completely, during insertion of the coupling plug.

[0018] It is particularly beneficial for the verifier to have a connecting web, which is positioned opposite the back of the plug portion to the intermediate axis between the unengaged and / or engaged positions, and connects the legs to each other. This results in a particularly compact or robust structure for the verifier, while at the same time not being too large and therefore not easily deformed. As a result, the objective of ensuring strong automatic retraction of the plug lock is achieved, while at the same time requiring relatively little force to be applied to the coupling plug during insertion into the coupling connector. This results in a latching device that functions in a particularly strong and reliable manner over long periods of time. The back and legs of the plug lock or verifier are preferably positioned to form a plug opening, through which the coupling plug protrudes axially when fully inserted. The connecting web, together with the legs and back, preferably forms a full circumferential edge of the plug opening.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling connector is designed so that when the bottom side of the verifier is actuated axially, preferably axially inward, the plug lock moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position. This makes it particularly easy to actuate the plug lock to release the latter, thus achieving the above objective of providing an easy-to-use mechanism for releasing the fluid coupling. Preferably, the coupling connector is designed so that the coupling plug is pushed from the fully inserted position to the partially inserted position while the plug lock moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position. This makes it clear to the user that the locking process is complete.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bottom end of the plug lock or verifier comprises at least one actuation element, preferably two, for moving the plug lock from an engaged position to an unengaged position. Preferably, each actuation element forms one end of the legs of two verifiers. The at least one actuation element is very preferably rough or fluted for better handling purposes. The coupling connector is designed in such a way that the engaged position of the plug lock is accessible by hand, or it is particularly preferred that at least one actuation element is positioned to act preferably axially, and more preferably axially inward.

[0021] The legs of the verifier are, very preferably, inclined axially outward along the insertion direction of the plug lock in a side view, and are preferably bent. This provides a particularly strong retraction mechanism and, beneficially, a relatively compact axial design of the plug lock in a side view.

[0022] The coupling body has, beneficially, at least one projection extending axially inward, preferably two projections extending axially inward, the at least one projection preferably protruding axially at least partially through the verifier or through one of the legs or the bottom end of the verifier in a side view at the engagement position of the plug lock. The projection preferably defines the engagement position of the plug lock together with the verifier's container. The at least one projection is preferably located on the front wall of the first body end. The at least one projection is beneficially located in the bottom region of the coupling body. The projections of the coupling body are beneficially assigned to each of the two legs. In a side view, the at least one projection particularly preferably fully protrudes axially through the verifier or through at least one of the legs in the engagement position of the plug lock. In a side view, the at least one projection is beneficially tapered axially inward. The projection beneficially includes a latch shoulder for latching with the verifier or one of the two legs.

[0023] The plug lock or verifier very preferably comprises at least one vessel, preferably two, when viewed from the front, and at least one vessel is beneficially designed to be latched by an element of the coupling body, preferably at least one projection. The at least one vessel is beneficially assigned to one of the two legs. The at least one vessel is beneficially located in the bottom half or bottom third of the verifier. The verifier preferably comprises at least one terminal element, preferably two terminal elements. The bottom end of at least one vessel is beneficially formed by a terminal element, thereby preventing the plug lock from being inadvertently pulled out of the coupling body. The terminal element is beneficially tapered axially outward in a side view. Since the projection is tapered axially inward and the terminal element is tapered axially outward, the axial deflection of the verifier or leg can be converted into a radial retraction direction. At least one projection particularly preferably has a retraction ramp radially outward in a side view. The retractable ramp is preferably designed such that the verifier or leg or terminal element slides along the retractable ramp in a side view, so that the axial tension of the verifier is converted into radially inward or outward motion.

[0024] The bottom of the coupling body is particularly preferably having at least one bottom opening, preferably two bottom openings. The coupling connector or coupling body or verifier is beneficially designed so that, during the transition from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the legs slide at least partially through at least one bottom opening in a side view. The at least one bottom opening is preferably defined by a dashed line drawn axially inward from the axially inward tip of at least one projection in a side view. The at least one bottom opening is preferably positioned axially inward from at least one projection in a side view. The verifier preferably protrudes through the bottom opening only temporarily during the transition from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The bottom opening allows the user to actuate the verifier or actuating element to move the plug lock from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0025] Preferably, in the unengaged position, a portion of the verifier or leg is radially positioned between the bottom or at least one projection and the retainer or retainer's holding portion in a side view or longitudinal section view. This results in a compact structure for the coupling connector. Preferably, the retainer or holding portion and the bottom end of the verifier or leg or terminal element overlap each other in the axial direction. Very preferably, at least one rear portion of the verifier or leg is positioned axially inward relative to the retainer or holding portion in a longitudinal section view. Particularly preferably, in a longitudinal section view or side view, a receiving space for receiving the locking element of the coupling plug is provided between the retainer and the verifier in the rear portion of the plug lock.

[0026] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the verifier has a contact surface for contacting the coupling plug directly or indirectly, preferably directly. The coupling connector or plug block or verifier is preferably designed such that the contact surface is arranged opposite the back of the verifier while the plug block is in a non-engaged position relative to the intermediate axis of the plug portion. As a result, the axial deflection by the locking element of the coupling plug exerts a force on the plug block in the direction of the bottom, thereby causing a transition from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, especially at the transition point.

[0027] The transition point in the transition operation of the plug block from the non-engaged position to the engaged position is preferably defined by the axial inner end of at least one protrusion contacting the bottom side of the verifier or the axial outer end of at least one terminal element. For example, the contact surface can be formed by one, two or several contact lamps of the verifier. The coupling connector is preferably designed such that during insertion into the coupling connector, the coupling plug contacts the contact surface of the verifier or at least one contact lamp having its locking element, preferably at least partially surrounded by a collar. The contact surface is advantageously designed such that during insertion of the coupling plug into the coupling connector, the verifier first deflects axially inward and exerts a force on the plug block towards the bottom of the coupling body at the end of the axial deflection at the transition point.

[0028] The coupling connector is advantageously designed such that at least one impact surface of the plug block, preferably two impact surfaces, abuts against at least one stop surface or each stop surface of the coupling body in the non-engaged position, preferably such that at least one impact surface and at least one stop surface define or assist in defining the non-engaged position of the plug block. The at least one impact surface is preferably formed by the bottom side surface of at least one terminal element. The at least one stop surface is advantageously formed by the cover side surface of at least one protrusion.

[0029] The retainer preferably comprises two arms. It is beneficial for the retainer to have a holding part. The holding part is preferably formed by the cover-side portion of the retainer. The retainer is advantageously arranged at least axially outward with respect to the verifier in a side view.

[0030] At least one of the plug block or the retainer or the two arms preferably comprises a latching element for latching to the coupling body. At least one latching element preferably interacts with a complementary latching part of the coupling body, and the plug block is held or latched to the coupling body in the unengaged position. At least one latching element and at least one latching part preferably prevent the radial movement of the plug block in the direction of the cover of the coupling body.

[0031] The coupling connector is advantageously designed such that the unengaged position and / or the engaged position of the plug block can be confirmed by the naked eye and / or by machine-readable symbols and / or by an electronic transmitter. The plug block advantageously comprises a notch for visually confirming the engaged position of the plug block. The coupling body preferably comprises a wall opening for visually confirming the engaged position of the plug block. The wall opening of the coupling body and the notch of the plug block particularly preferably correspond, and the wall opening corresponds more firmly to the notch in the engaged position compared to the unengaged position. The flange or the flange of the coupling plug preferably abuts against the first body end of the coupling body or against the coupling body when the coupling plug is fully inserted into the coupling connector. In particular, the machine-readable symbol can be a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). An example of the electronic transmitter is an RFID transmitter, which confirms the change in the position of the verifier or the plug block. The change in position can consist of the movement of the plug block from the unengaged position to the engaged position and / or the movement from the engaged position to the unengaged position.

[0032] The above objective is preferably achieved by a partially automatic fluid coupling comprising a coupling connector, in particular the coupling connector according to this disclosure, and a coupling plug, the coupling plug having a locking element for locking the coupling connector.

[0033] The above objectives are beneficially achieved by using coupling connectors or fluid couplings in land vehicles, particularly road vehicles. In the case of road vehicles, passenger cars or trucks are preferably included. Coupling connectors are particularly preferably used in passenger cars, especially electric vehicles. Coupling connectors are even more preferably components of cooling circuits for batteries in electric vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid coupling according to the present disclosure, the fluid coupling comprising a coupling connector and a coupling plug according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a first perspective view of the plug lock of the coupling connector shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a second perspective view of the plug lock of the coupling connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is the first longitudinal section passing through the fluid coupling in Figure 1. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a second longitudinal section passing through the fluid coupling in Figure 1 with the plug lock in the engaged position. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a longitudinal section of Figure 3B, where the plug lock is in the disengaged position. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a first cross-sectional view through the fluid coupling of Figure 1 with the plug lock in the engaged position. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a second cross-sectional view through the fluid coupling of Figure 1 with the plug lock in the engaged position. [Figure 4C]Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4B with the plug lock in the disengaged position as shown in Figure 3C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to several schematic diagrams based on exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1 shows fluid couplings 1, 3 comprising a coupling connector 1 and a coupling plug 3. The coupling plug 3 may have a terminal portion 28 designed to hook onto a pipe or other component. For example, other components may be a pump, nozzle, tank, etc. In the case of other components, it is preferable that the terminal portion 28 of the coupling plug 3 is integrally or substantially connected to the other component. When hooking onto a pipe, the terminal portion 28 may have ribs arranged around it, for example according to Figure 1, for insertion into the pipe. In other exemplary embodiments not shown herein, the terminal portion 28 may be designed as a pipe receiver so that a pipe can be inserted and connected to the coupling plug 3, for example by welding, particularly laser welding. The coupling plug 3 includes a flange 29, which abuts against the coupling connector 1 when the coupling plug 3 is fully inserted into the coupling connector 1.

[0037] Figure 3A shows a longitudinal section of the coupling plug 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling plug 3 is shown to be fully rotationally symmetric except for the flange 29. The coupling plug 3 includes a locking element 21, which may be designed as a perimeter collar. However, in exemplary embodiments not shown here, the locking element may also be designed as a perimeter groove. The flange 29 and the locking element 21 together can define the middle section of the coupling plug 3. The coupling plug 3 preferably includes a coupling portion 30 that can be inserted into the coupling body 2. The locking process between the coupling plug 3 and the coupling connector 1 will be described in more detail below. The terminal portion 28 and the coupling portion 30 of the coupling plug 3 are preferably fluidically connected to each other via a flow path 36 of the coupling plug 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the coupling connector 1 comprises a coupling body 2, which in this exemplary embodiment is preferably designed as a single unit by injection molding. The coupling body 2 extends from a first body end 4 toward a second body end 5, the first body end 4 being allocated to a coupling plug 3. The coupling body 2 preferably includes a plug portion 14 for receiving the coupling plug 3. The coupling body 2 may also have a connecting portion 31 which is usefully connectable to, for example, another pipe not shown herein, or connectable to, for example, another assembly not shown herein. In the case of the coupling connector 1, an assembly that can be connected to or connected to the coupling connector 1 is a pump, nozzle, tank, etc. The connecting portion 31 can be reversibly connected to the assembly, for example by press-fitting, or irreversibly connected, for example by welding or injection molding.

[0039] The connection portion 31 preferably includes a function for connecting to an additional pipe (not shown). The connection portion 31 may be designed for insertion into or insertion into an additional pipe, similar to the coupling plug 3. In this exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the connection portion 31 of the coupling connector 1 is provided with a surrounding outer rib, which ensures a secure mating of the connection portion 31 with an additional pipe (not shown).

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling connector 1 may have a transition section 32 between the connecting section 31 and the plug section 14. As shown in Figure 1, the coupling connector 1 may be bent by design. As a result, the connecting section 31 and the plug section 14 are bent at 90° relative to each other. The transition section 32 can be part of or a bend in the coupling connector 1. In another embodiment not shown herein, the coupling connector 1 is not bent, so that there is no angle between the plug section 14 and the connecting section 31 and the transition section may be omitted.

[0041] As is clear from Figure 3A, the fluid channel 6 extends from the first body end 4 to the second body end 5. Due to the cylindrical surface of the coupling portion 30 of the coupling plug 3, the plug portion 14 of the coupling connector 1 has a corresponding hollow cylindrical inner wall. The hollow cylindrical inner wall of the plug portion 14 defines the intermediate axis M, and therefore defines the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the plug portion 14 of the coupling connector 1. Since the coupling connector 1 is bent, the intermediate axis M is not the same as the longitudinal axis of the connecting portion 31. The following directional indications related to each axis preferably always relate to the corresponding portion of the coupling connector 1.

[0042] The coupling connector shown in Figure 1 comprises a plug lock 7 in addition to the coupling body 2. The plug lock 7 and the coupling connector 1 are preferably designed such that the plug lock 7 in Figure 1 can be inserted into the coupling connector 1 from above in a side view, and therefore radially or in the insertion direction. The plug lock 7 can preferably take an engaged position inside the coupling connector 1, as is evident in Figure 1. The plug lock 7 can particularly preferably take an unengaged position inside the coupling connector 1, with reference to Figures 3C and 4C. The plug lock 7 can preferably be moved by manual pressure from a position completely outside the coupling body 2 to an unengaged position. In the unengaged position, the plug lock 7 is beneficially latched into the coupling connector 1 or takes a position defined therein. According to this disclosure, the coupling connector 1 and the plug lock 7 are designed such that when the coupling plug 3 is fully inserted into the coupling connector 1, the plug lock 7 automatically moves from the unengaged position shown in Figures 3C and 4C to the engaged position shown in Figures 1, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B.

[0043] According to this disclosure, the plug lock 7 in Figure 1 includes a back portion 12, which allows the plug lock 7 to be brought into the disengaged position from outside the coupling connector 1, preferably by manual pressure. In the engaged state, the back portion 12 is preferably aligned with the cover 40 of the coupling body 2. The back portion 12 of the plug lock 7 is beneficially designed to align with the surface of the coupling body 2, at least cross-sectionally. This allows for a first visual inspection to confirm a complete coupling between the coupling connector 1 and the coupling plug 3. A second visual inspection is permitted in this exemplary embodiment by a flange 29 that indicates full insertion when the coupling plug 3 abuts against the coupling connector 1. The coupling body 2 preferably includes at least one wall opening 26, preferably two wall openings 26. The wall openings 26 allow for a third visual inspection to confirm the complete insertion of the coupling plug 3 or the plug lock 7.

[0044] As is evident from Figure 2A, the plug lock 7 has a verifier 9 as well as a retainer 8, and the plug lock 7 is preferably manufactured as a single piece by injection molding, and particularly preferably integrally. The retainer 8 preferably has a holding portion 10, which in this exemplary embodiment engages after the lock element 21 of the coupling plug 3 when it is fully inserted into the coupling connector 1, thereby securing the coupling plug 3 to the coupling connector 1. The retainer 8 in this exemplary embodiment comprises two arms 33a, 33b, and each latch element 22a or 22b of the coupling body 2 is assigned to each of the two arms 33a, 33b. In this exemplary embodiment, the latch elements 22a, 22b latch with the corresponding latch parts 23a or 23b of the coupling body 2 (see Figure 4C), thereby securing the plug lock 7 in the disengaged position of the coupling connector 1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2A, the verifier 9 comprises two legs 11a, 11b, which extend downward, radially, or in an insertion direction from the back portion 12. The legs 11a, 11b are preferably positioned further inward in the axial direction in the portion closer to the back portion compared to the arms 33a, 33b (see Figure 3A). The legs 11a, 11b are beneficial in the axial direction, forming a gap between themselves and their respective accompanying arms 33a or 33b. This gap allows for the acceptance of the locking element 21 of the coupling plug 3 when fully inserted into the coupling connector 1. In the engaged state of the plug lock 7, the ends of the legs 11a, 11b facing away from the back portion 12 are positioned at the bottom portion 13 of the coupling connector 1 (see Figure 1). The bottom-side ends of the legs 11a, 11b preferably have impact surfaces 16a or 16b. Each of the two legs 11a, 11b is, for the benefit of the most useful, provided with a contact lamp 20a or 20b for contacting the locking element 21 of the coupling plug 3.

[0046] The two legs 11a and 11b are connected to each other, particularly preferably via a connecting web 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting web 15 is, beneficially, positioned between the two contact ramps 20a or 20b. As a result of the connecting web 15 of the verifier 9, the two legs 11a and 11b are designed to be rigid relative to each other and, in particular, cannot spread apart. In contrast, the retainer 8 is, in particular, preferably designed to spread apart to ensure a latching function by the latch elements 22a, 22b. The plug lock 7 or retainer 8, beneficially, has a gap 34 for this purpose.

[0047] As is evident from Figure 2B, the legs 11a, 11b preferably define the connecting web 15 and impact surfaces 16a, 16b and the container 19a, 19b. The plug lock 7 preferably includes a notch 27. In this exemplary embodiment, the notch 27 corresponds to the wall opening 26 in Figure 1. The verifier 9 preferably consists of a plug opening 38 for receiving the coupling plug 3, which, in the front view, preferably has an insertion direction longer than the direction perpendicular thereto. The gap 34 preferably connects the plug opening 38 and the diameter 27 to ensure smooth blocking of the arms 33a, 33b. Each of the legs 11a, 11b preferably has terminal elements 37a, 37b at its bottom end. The bottom ends of the terminal elements 37a, 37b may, fortunately, have actuation elements 39a, 39b, respectively. The operating elements 39a and 39b are preferably provided with a rough or fluted structure, respectively, for the purpose of manual operation.

[0048] Figure 3A shows the fluid couplings 1 and 3 of Figure 1 in a longitudinal section through the intermediate axis M, where the plug lock 7 is engaged while the coupling plug 3 is fully inserted into the coupling connector 1. This can be seen, in particular, from the fact that the upper part of the lock element 21 of the coupling plug 3 is positioned between the retainer 8 and the verifier 9. With this position defined, the coupling portion 30 of the coupling plug 3 preferably corresponds to the seal 35 of the coupling connector 1. In this initial embodiment, the seal 35 comprises a seal ring.

[0049] The coupling body 2 comprises a web 25. The web 25 is conveniently located at the bottom 13 of the plug portion 14 of the coupling body 2. As is clear from Figure 3A, the connecting web 15 of the verifier 9 conveniently abuts against the web 25 when the plug lock 7 is engaged. The retainer 8 and / or verifier 9 preferably abut against the back portion of the coupling plug 3 when the plug lock 7 is engaged. The longitudinal extension of the web 25 is preferably mainly axial. The web 25 conveniently abuts against or subdivides the bottom openings 24a, 24b.

[0050] In Figure 3B, the longitudinal section is selected to pass through the leg portion 11b parallel to that of Figure 3A. The wall opening 26 of the coupling body 2 is beneficially corresponding to the notch 27 of the plug lock 7 when the plug lock 7 is in the engaged position. This allows for a (third) visual inspection of the engaged state of the plug lock 7 or the complete introduction of the coupling plug 3. The coupling connector 1 is particularly preferably provided with at least one, particularly preferably two projections 18a, 18b. The longitudinal section in Figure 3B passes through the projection 18b and also through the connecting web 15 and the impact surface 16b. At least one, preferably both, of the two legs 11a, 11b have particularly preferably containers 19a, 19b. The projection 18b of the coupling body 2 preferably engages with the container 19b in the engaged state and preferably defines the engaged state of the plug lock 7.

[0051] The bottom 13 of the coupling body 2 preferably comprises at least one, preferably two, bottom openings 24a, 24b. The bottom openings 24b are preferably assigned to projections 18b or legs 11b. At least one bottom opening 24a, 24b, or bottom openings 24a and 24b, allow the plug lock 7 to transition from an unengaged state to an engaged state. The impact surface 16b of the plug lock 7 advantageously abuts against the surface of projection 18b facing the back 12 in the unengaged state, but projection 18b of the coupling body is positioned in the container 19b of leg 11b after the plug lock 7 has transitioned to the engaged position. The coupling connector preferably comprises an electronic transmitter, particularly an RFID transmitter, which is not shown here. The electronic transmitter preferably obtains a transition from an engaged position to an unengaged position, and advantageously the reverse is also preferred, and the transition thus obtained is preferably detectable by a reader.

[0052] In Figure 3C, the plug lock 7 is still in the disengaged state, and the coupling plug 3 is already partially inserted. Particularly noticeable is that the locking element 21 of the coupling plug 3 has not yet reached the intermediate space between the retainer 8 and the verifier 9. Similarly, the coupling portion 30 of the coupling plug 3 has not yet reached the seal 35. As a result, in the state of fluid couplings 1 and 3 shown in Figure 3C, there is neither mechanical protection nor a fluid seal. It is preferable that the plug lock 7 abuts against or strikes against at least one terminal element 37a, 37b or at least one impact surface 16a, 16b with respect to at least one projection 18a, 18b or at least one stop surface 17a, 17b. As a result, the plug lock 7 will not be accidentally moved to the engaged position while remaining in the disengaged position by manually pushing the back portion 12.

[0053] To transition the plug lock 7 from the disengaged position shown in Figure 3C to the engaged position shown in Figure 3B, the coupling plug 3 preferably needs to be fully introduced into the coupling connector 1. During the introduction of the coupling plug 3, the lock element 21 preferably contacts at least one contact ramp 20a, 20b, and as a result, the legs 11a, 11b are elastically deflected axially inward. This deflection accumulates elastic and mechanical stress in the plug lock 7 or verifier 9 until the terminal elements 37a, 37b reach the bottom openings 24a, 24b. As soon as sufficient axial deflection of the legs 11a, 11b is achieved, the axially outward tip of the terminal element 37b and the axially inward tip of the projection 18b no longer contact each other. This moment or point in time may be called the transition moment or transition point. At the moment of transition to the preferred full insertion of the coupling plug 3, the spring elastic energy stored in the verifier 9 or legs 11a, 11b is released, causing the plug lock 7 to automatically and abruptly retract from the disengaged position to the engaged position, reaching the state shown in Figure 3B. After this abrupt latching action is completed, the plug lock 7 is in the engaged position as shown in Figure 3B, with projections 18a, 18b positioned in their respective containers 19a, 19b of the verifier 9.

[0054] The engaged position of the plug lock 7 shown in Figure 3B can preferably be moved to the disengaged position by manual operation. For this purpose, the user preferably presses the two terminal elements 37a, 37b or the actuating elements 39a, 39b, which have a rough / fluted structure, axially inward so that mechanical elastic stress is constructed. As soon as the terminal elements 37a, 37b reach the bottom openings 24a, 24b, the mechanical stress is released by a reset force, causing the plug lock 7 to jump into the disengaged position according to Figures 3C, 4C. As a result, the coupling plug 3 preferably moves from a fully inserted position (not shown in relation to the disengaged position of the plug lock 7) to a nearly fully inserted position (also not shown) and only needs to be withdrawn from the coupling connector 1.

[0055] Figure 4A shows the cross-section shown by the dashed line in Figure 3B. Conversely, the longitudinal sections in Figures 3A and 3B are represented by dashed lines in Figure 4A.

[0056] In particular, the cross-section in Figure 4A passes through the two arms 33a, 33b of the retainer 8, and therefore also through the middle portion 36 of the coupling plug 3, and further, through the plug portion 14 of the coupling body 2. At the position of the cross-section in Figure 4A, the projections 18a, 18b have a fairly large radial expansion in the insertion direction of the plug lock 7. Conversely, the radial expansion of the terminal elements 37a, 37b is relatively small, as can be seen in Figure 3B. As is clear from Figure 4A, the contact ramps 20a, 20b are preferably chamfered to achieve better force transmission from the lock element 21 to their respective contact ramps 20a, 20b. This is because the bottom region of the lock element 21 shown in Figure 4A abuts against the two contact ramps 20a, 20b during insertion of the coupling plug 3, thereby initiating the deflection of the verifier 9 or legs 11a, 11b.

[0057] Figure 4B shows a cross-section corresponding to the dashed line in Figure 3B. The verifier's connecting web 15 preferably actively surrounds the projections 18a, 18b of the coupling body 2, together with the terminal elements 37a, 37b. The containers 19a, 19b of the verifier 9 preferably rest on the projections 18a, 18b, thereby ensuring a favorable and secure mating of the plug lock 7 in the coupling body 2.

[0058] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the unengaged position of the plug lock 7. In the unengaged position, the arms 33a, 33b of the plug lock 7 or retainer 8 are preferably latched by the shoulder-shaped latch components 23a, 23b and latch elements 22a, 22b of the coupling body 2, and the plug lock 7 is firmly held in the coupling body 2. The terminal elements 37a, 37b or their impact surfaces 16a, 16b preferably abut simultaneously against the stop surfaces 17a, 17b of the projections 18a, 18b of the coupling body 2. The latching and abutting beneficially ensure that the plug lock 7 cannot move in the insertion direction in the unengaged position until the lock element 21 of the coupling plug 3 reaches the verifier 9. This results in a high-quality effect for the coupling connector 1.

[0059] Overall, the arrangement of the bottom portion of the coupling body 2 and the bottom end of the verifier 9 provides a highly stable and durable latching device that automatically retracts the plug lock 7 when the coupling plug 3 is fully inserted into the coupling body 2. As a result, this mechanism is more robust than prior art mechanisms already known for detecting the fully inserted state of the coupling plug, and for automatically retracting the plug lock 7.

[0060] Furthermore, the plug lock 7 is returned from the engaged position to the disengaged position by axial inward pressure, which is preferably manually applied to the rough / fluted working elements 39a, 39b. This also makes the release of the fluid couplings 1, 3 very easy for the user. As a result, a completely novel coupling connector 1 or fluid coupling 1, 3 is obtained with excellent robustness and ease of use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 Coupling Connector 2 Coupling body 3 Coupling plug 4. First end of the coupling body 5. Second end of the coupling body 6. Fluid channels in the coupling body 7 Plug Lock 8 Retainers 9. Verifier 10 Retainer holding part 11a, 11b Verifier legs 12 Plug lock, verifier back 13 Bottom of the coupling body 14 Plug portion of the coupling body 15 Verifier Connect Web 16a, 16b Pluglock, Verifier impact surface 17a, 17b Stopping surface of coupling body 18a, 18b Protruding parts of the coupling body 19a, 19b Plug lock for protrusion, verifier receiving part 20a, 20b Verifier Contact Lamp 21 Locking element of coupling plug 22a, 22b Plug lock latch element 23a, 23b Latch portion of coupling body for latch element 24a, 24b Bottom opening of coupling body for verifier legs 25 Web of the bottom opening 26 Wall opening of the coupling body for the notch 27. Notch for plug lock 28 End portion of coupling plug 29. Flange portion of coupling plug 30 Coupling part of coupling plug Intermediate shaft of the M plug section 31 Connection part of the coupling body 32 Transition section of the coupling body 33a, 33b Legs of the retainer 34. Gap in the plug lock 35 Seal part 36 Fluid channels of coupling plugs 37a, 37b Terminal elements 38. Verifier plug opening 39a, 39b Actuating elements 40 Cover

Claims

1. A coupling connector (1) for a partially automatic fluid coupling, comprising: The coupling connector (1) has a coupling body (2), the coupling connector (1) is designed to enter into a detachable latching connection with a coupling plug (3) insertable into the coupling connector (1), the coupling connector (1) is provided with a plug lock (7), the plug lock (7) has a retainer (8) and a verifier (9), and a holding portion (10) of the retainer (8) is designed to lock the coupling plug (3) to the coupling body (2), the plug lock (7) is disposed in a plug portion (14) of the coupling body (2), the plug portion (14) having an intermediate shaft (M), the plug lock (7) is insertable into the coupling body (2) in a radial direction in a side view, the coupling connector (1) is designed so that the plug lock (7) can be placed in a radially disengaged position and a radially engaged position with respect to the coupling body (2), and the coupling connector (1) is designed so that the coupling plug (3) is fixed in the axial direction to the coupling body (2) by the retainer (8) when the plug lock (7) is in the engaged position, the verifier (9) has two legs (11 a, 11 b) and a spine (12), a bottom (13) of the coupling body (2) is assigned to the ends of the legs (11 a, 11 b) facing away from the spine (12), the verifier (9) is designed to react to direct or indirect contact of a coupling plug (3) during insertion of the coupling plug (3), so that the plug lock (7) automatically transitions from the disengaged position to the engaged position by deflection of the verifier (9), and the coupling connector (1) is designed such that the insertion movement of the coupling plug (3) deflects the verifier (9) or the legs (11 a, 11 b) in the axial direction; The coupling connector (1) is characterized in that the bottom ends of the legs (11a, 11b) are designed to maintain a distance from each other while being deflected by the coupling plug (3).

2. 2. The coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the verifier comprises a connecting web (15), which is arranged on the opposite side of the spine (12) with respect to the intermediate axis M during the disengaged position and / or the engaged position, and which connects the legs (11a, 11b) to each other.

3. 3. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling connector (1) is designed so that the plug lock (7) can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the bottom part of the verifier (9) is actuated axially, preferably axially inward.

4. 4. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom end of the plug lock (7) or the verifier (9) is provided with at least one actuating element (39a, 39b), preferably two actuating elements (39a, 39b), for moving the plug lock (7) from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

5. 5. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the legs (11a, 11b) of the verifier (9) are angled or bent axially outward along the insertion direction of the plug lock (7) in a side view.

6. 6. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body (2) has at least one protrusion (18a, 18b) extending axially inward, the at least one protrusion (18a, 18b) preferably protruding axially at least partially through the verifier (9) or through one of the legs (11a, 11b) in a side view when the plug lock (7) is in the engaged position.

7. 7. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug lock (7) or the verifier (9) comprises, in front view, at least one receptacle (19a, 19b), which is advantageously designed to be latched by an element of the coupling body (2).

8. 8. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom (13) of the coupling body (2) has at least one bottom opening (24a, 24b), and the coupling connector (1) is preferably designed such that the legs (11a, 11b) slide at least partially through the at least one bottom opening (24a, 24b) in a side view during the transition from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

9. 9. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the verifier (9) or the leg portion (11a, 11b) is located radially between the bottom portion (13) and the retainer (8) or the holding portion (10) in a side view in the disengaged position.

10. 10. A coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the verifier (9) has a contact surface for direct or indirect contact with the coupling plug (3), and the coupling connector (1) or the plug lock (7) or the verifier (9) is preferably designed so that the contact surface is located opposite the back (12) of the verifier (9) while the plug lock (7) is in the engaged position relative to the intermediate axis M of the plug part.

11. 11. The coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling connector (1) is designed such that at least one impact surface (16a, 16b) of the plug lock (7) abuts against at least one stop surface (17a, 17b) of the coupling body (2) in the disengaged position, so that preferably the at least one impact surface (16a, 16b) and the at least one stop surface (17a, 17b) define the disengaged position of the plug lock (7).

12. 12. The coupling connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug lock (7) or the retainer (8) comprises at least one latch element (22a, 22b) for latching to the coupling body (2), the at least one latch element (22a, 22b) preferably interacting with a complementary latch portion (23a, 23b) of the coupling body (2), so that the plug lock (7) is retained or latched within the coupling body (2) in the disengaged position.

13. 13. A coupling connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coupling connector (1) is designed so that the disengaged position and / or the engaged position of the plug lock (7) can be confirmed by the naked eye and / or by a machine-readable symbol and / or an electronic transmitter.

14. A partially automatic fluid coupling (1, 3) comprising a coupling connector (1), in particular a coupling connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and a coupling plug (3), the coupling plug (3) having a locking element (21) for locking to the coupling connector (1).

15. Use of a coupling connector (1) or a fluid coupling (1, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and 14 in a land vehicle, in particular a road vehicle.

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