Locking clip for a plug connector, and method for manufacturing a locking clip

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking clip (1) for a plug connector (2) for locking a pipe nozzle (3) which can be inserted into the plug connector (2), wherein the locking clip (1) has a substantially U-shaped profile which has a first limb (4) and a second limb (5) which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis (Q), wherein the limbs (4, 5) are connected by a connecting bracket (6) which comprises an apex (7) which, as viewed in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), is centrally positioned between the two limbs (4, 5), and which defines the locking clip (1) along a vertical axis (H) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Q), wherein the locking clip (1) comprises a weakened region which elastically deforms when the pipe nozzle (3) is inserted into the plug connector (2), wherein the weakened region comprises a first weakened portion (8) positioned between the apex (7) and the first limb (4), and a second weakened portion (9) positioned between the apex portion (7) and the second limb (5).

Description

[0001] Locking clip for a connector and method for producing a locking clip

[0002] The invention relates to a locking clamp for a plug-in connector for locking a pipe socket, in particular a standardized VDA pipe socket that can be inserted into the plug-in connector, wherein the locking clamp has a substantially U-shaped profile comprising a first leg and a second leg that are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis, wherein the legs are connected to a connecting bracket that comprises an apex that lies centrally between the two legs, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis, and that delimits the locking clamp along a vertical axis that is normal to the transverse axis, wherein the locking clamp comprises at least one defined weakened region that is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket is inserted into the plug-in connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a locking clamp and a plug-in connector.

[0003] A generic connector is known for detachably connecting a fluid-carrying component or fluid line, e.g., a hose or pipe, to a pipe socket, in particular to a standardized VDA pipe socket. If the fluid line is a hose, the connector can have, for example, a suitable hose connection at one end. At the opposite end, the connector includes a receiving space for accommodating an end section of the pipe socket.

[0004] Furthermore, the connector features a locking clip, which can be used to positively hold the pipe socket after insertion. A suitable recess, preferably in the form of a circumferential groove, is provided on the pipe socket for this purpose, into which the locking clip engages. A contact area is provided on each leg of the locking clip, upon which a force acts when the pipe socket is inserted, elastically deforming the locking clip, thus enabling engagement. To ensure the simplest possible assembly, the insertion force required to insert the pipe socket is desired to be as low as possible.

[0005] To achieve this, FR 2994719 A3, for example, provides a weakened area on the locking clip, located centrally between the two legs. This weakened area has a smaller cross-section than the rest of the locking clip. However, the disadvantage is that the central location of the weakened area leads to relatively high bending stress, which in turn leads to relatively rapid material fatigue and thus a relatively short service life.

[0006] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a locking clamp that, on the one hand, requires the lowest possible insertion force for the pipe socket and, on the other hand, has the longest possible service life. Furthermore, it was an object to provide a method for producing such a locking clamp.

[0007] This object is achieved by the locking clamp mentioned at the outset in that the at least one weakened region comprises at least a first weakened section, which is arranged between the apex and the first leg, and at least a second weakened section, which is arranged between the apex and the second leg. As a result, the legs can be pressed apart with less effort, so that a lower insertion force is required to insert the pipe socket, in particular the VDA socket. Because a separate weakened section is provided for each leg, the bending stress on the weakened region can be reduced compared to the known prior art. This reduces the risk of breakage and increases the service life.

[0008] Preferably, the locking clip is made of a spring steel wire with a substantially round cross-section, wherein the weakened sections each have a bending cross-section different from the round cross-section and / or wherein the weakened sections each comprise two opposing, flat and parallel outer surfaces. This allows the locking clip to be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0009] Preferably, the first leg has a first contact area, on which a force acts on the first leg when the pipe socket is inserted, by which force the locking clip is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the first weakened section, the second leg has a second contact area, on which a force acts on the second leg when the pipe socket is inserted, by which force the locking clip is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the second weakened section, and the weakened sections each have a bending cross-section with a smaller axial area moment of inertia based on a reference axis of the respective bending cross-section lying parallel to a longitudinal axis of the locking clip than the remaining sections of the locking clip between the first and second contact area. This ensures that the deformation actually takes place in the area of ​​the weakened sections.

[0010] It is advantageous if the length of the first weakened section is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of the length of a section of the connecting bracket that lies between the apex and the end of the first leg connected to the connecting bracket, and / or if the length of the second weakened section is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of the length of a section of the connecting bracket that lies between the apex and the end of the second leg connected to the connecting bracket. This ensures that the weakened section has a sufficiently large length for deformation.

[0011] Preferably, the legs each have a central section that is straight along their longitudinal extension and includes a contact area, or rather the contact area, in which a force acts on the respective leg when the pipe socket is inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the weakened sections can be straight. This provides a structurally simple locking clamp that is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0012] It may be advantageous if a central axis of the straight first weakened section and a central axis of the straight central section of the first leg are at a first interior angle to each other, which is between 60° and 12°, and a central axis of the straight second weakened section and a central axis of the straight central section of the second leg are at a second interior angle to each other, which is between 60° and 120°. Preferably, the first interior angle and the second interior angle are equal. A smaller interior angle ensures greater preload of the locking clamp.

[0013] Preferably, the center axes of the straight weakened sections and the center axes of the straight central sections lie in a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the transverse axis. This allows the locking clamp to be structurally simple and thus easy to manufacture cost-effectively. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the at least one first weakened section to comprise a single weakened section and / or for the at least one second weakened section to comprise a single weakened section. This allows the locking clamp to be structurally simple and thus easy to manufacture cost-effectively because fewer processing steps are required.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one first weakened section is arranged centrally between the apex and an end of the first leg connected to the connecting bracket, and / or the at least one second weakened section is arranged centrally between the apex and an end of the second leg connected to the connecting bracket. Alternatively, the at least one first weakened section could be closer to the apex than to an end of the first leg connected to the connecting bracket, or vice versa, and / or the at least one second weakened section could be closer to the apex than to an end of the second leg connected to the connecting bracket, or vice versa. This essentially allows a variable determination of the position of the pivot point around which the legs are bent.

[0015] The first leg can comprise a first holding section with a free end on a side facing away from the apex in the direction of the vertical axis and / or the second leg can comprise a second holding section with a free end on a side facing away from the apex in the direction of the vertical axis. This allows the locking clip to be held on a sleeve of a plug-in connector. Preferably, the first holding section and / or the second holding section comprises a straight section whose central axis intersects a plane spanned by the vertical axis and the transverse axis, wherein particularly preferably the straight sections comprise the free ends and the central axes are perpendicular to the plane. This provides a preferred embodiment that offers good hold on the sleeve.

[0016] The locking clamp is preferably used in a plug-in connector for connecting a fluid line to a pipe socket, wherein the pipe socket can be inserted into a receiving space of the plug-in connector and wherein the plug-in connector comprises a locking clamp for locking the pipe socket to the plug-in connector, which is designed according to the invention. The plug-in connector preferably comprises a sleeve which forms at least part of the receiving space, wherein a recess is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve, in which recess the locking clamp is received, wherein the sleeve comprises a first opening and a diametrically opposite second opening, which each connect the recess to the receiving space, wherein the first leg of the locking clamp extends through the first opening into the receiving space and the second leg of the locking clamp extends through the second opening into the receiving space.

[0017] On an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve, a first retaining projection and a second retaining projection spaced therefrom in the circumferential direction are preferably provided, wherein the first retaining portion of the first leg of the locking clip engages the first retaining projection and the second retaining portion of the second leg of the locking clip engages the second retaining projection.

[0018] The object is further achieved with the method mentioned at the outset by carrying out the following steps: Providing or producing a substantially U-shaped profile from a spring steel wire, wherein the U-shaped profile comprises a first leg and a second leg, which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis and connected by a connecting bracket, wherein the connecting bracket comprises an apex which, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis, lies centrally between the two legs and which delimits the connecting bracket in the direction of the vertical axis, Creating a defined weakened region which is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket is inserted into the plug-in connector, wherein the weakened region comprises at least one first weakened section which lies between the apex and the first leg and comprises at least one second weakened section,which lies between the apex section and the second leg. This results in the advantages mentioned above.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in the dependent claims, which again result in the advantages already mentioned.

[0020] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0021] They each show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of a connector with a locking clip according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 2 is a front view of the locking clamp;

[0023] Fig. 3 a top view of the locking clamp;

[0024] Fig. 4 a view from below of the locking clamp;

[0025] Fig. 5 is a first side view of the locking clamp;

[0026] Fig. 6 a second side view of the locking clamp;

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the locking clip;

[0028] Fig. 8 is a sectional view along section line AA in Fig.2, and

[0029] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of the manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0030] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these position information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a plug connector 2 with a locking clip 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The plug connector 2 is designed to connect a fluid line 17 to a pipe socket 3. The pipe socket 3 is preferably a standardized VDA socket. The pipe socket 3 preferably has a first cylindrical section 26 with a first outer diameter D1 and a second cylindrical section 27 with a second outer diameter D2, wherein the first outer diameter D1 is larger than the second outer diameter D2.

[0032] The first cylinder section 26 and the second cylinder section 27 are connected via an actuating section 28 that tapers, preferably conically, toward the second cylinder section 27. At least one locking recess 29 is provided on the first cylinder section 26. The locking recess 29 can comprise a circumferential groove that extends completely around the circumference. However, the locking recess 29 could alternatively, for example, also have two diametrically opposed circumferential grooves, each extending over only part of the circumference.

[0033] The plug connector 2 of the illustrated embodiment has a sleeve 19 which forms at least part of the receiving space 18. The pipe socket 3 can be inserted into the receiving space 18. At the end of the sleeve 19 opposite the receiving space 18, a connecting section 25 is provided, with which the fluid line 27 can be connected to the plug connector 2. In the illustrated example, the fluid line 17 is designed merely as a flexible hose, and the connecting section 25 is correspondingly designed as a hose connecting section. Of course, other structural designs of the connecting section 25 would also be conceivable. For example, the connecting section 25 could comprise a known external press connection, internal press connection, cutting ring connection, etc.

[0034] The sleeve 19 could be formed in one piece. However, the sleeve 19 can also be formed in multiple parts and, for example, have an inner sleeve 30 which forms at least part of the receiving space 18, and an outer sleeve 31 surrounding the inner sleeve 30. The connecting section 25 can be part of the inner sleeve 30. Preferably, however, the connecting section 25 is arranged on a separate connecting part which is connected in a suitable manner, either fixedly or detachably, to the sleeve 19, in particular the inner sleeve 30. As a result, the plug-in connector 2 has an advantageous modular design, so that, depending on the type of fluid line 17, a connecting part with a suitable connecting section 25 can be combined with the sleeve 19.

[0035] The inner sleeve 30 and the outer sleeve 31 can be made of different materials. For example, the inner sleeve 30 can be made of a metallic material and the outer sleeve 31 can be made of a suitable plastic.

[0036] In an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 19, here the outer sleeve 31, a recess 20 is provided in which the locking clip 1 is received or can be received. The recess 20 preferably comprises one or more circumferential grooves, as can be seen in Fig. 1. The sleeve 19 further comprises a first opening 21 and a diametrically opposite second opening 22, which each connect the recess 20 to the receiving space 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 21, 22 extend radially through both the inner sleeve 30 and the outer sleeve 31.

[0037] Furthermore, the connector 2 comprises a locking clip 1 for locking the pipe socket 3 to the connector 2. The locking clip 1 is designed to be received in the locking recess 29 of the pipe socket 3 in order to lock the pipe socket 3 to the connector 2 when the pipe socket 3 is fully inserted into the receiving space 18. The locking clip 1 can be plugged onto the connector 2 in a radial direction with respect to a central axis S of the connector 2, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

[0038] The locking clamp 1 has a substantially U-shaped profile comprising a first leg 4 and a second leg 5, which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis Q. The legs 4, 5 are connected by a connecting bracket 6, which comprises a vertex 7. The vertex 7 lies centrally between the two legs 4, 5, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis Q, and delimits the locking clamp 1 along a vertical axis H perpendicular to the transverse axis Q.

[0039] The first leg 4 comprises a first contact area 12, upon which a force F acts upon insertion of the pipe socket 3, causing the locking clamp 1 to be elastically deformed. Similarly, the second leg 5 comprises a second contact area 13, upon which a force F acts upon insertion of the pipe socket 3, causing the locking clamp 1 to be elastically deformed. When the locking clamp 1 is mounted on the sleeve 19, the first contact area 12 of the first leg 4 is located in the receiving space 18. Similarly, the second contact area 13 of the second leg 5 is located in the receiving space 18.

[0040] When the pipe socket 3 is inserted into the receiving space 18, the forces F are transmitted via the actuating section 28 to the contact areas 12, 13. Due to the elastic deformation of the legs 4, 5, these can be displaced radially outwards through the openings 21, 22 out of the receiving space 18 when the pipe socket 3 is inserted. As soon as the locking recess 29 is located in the area of ​​the legs 4, 5 upon further insertion of the pipe socket 3, the legs 4, 5 are relieved of pressure and can engage in the locking recess 29. The first leg 4 of the locking clamp 1 can comprise a first holding section 15 with a free end on a side facing away from the apex 7 in the direction of the vertical axis H. In the same way, the second leg 5 can comprise a second holding section 16 with a free end on a side facing away from the apex 7 in the direction of the vertical axis H.The holding sections 15, 16 preferably each comprise a straight section whose central axis M intersects a plane E spanned by the vertical axis H and the transverse axis Q. The straight sections preferably comprise the free ends, and the central axes M are preferably perpendicular to the plane E.

[0041] On the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 19, here the outer sleeve 31, a first retaining projection 23 and a second retaining projection 24 spaced therefrom in the circumferential direction are provided. The locking clip 1 can be arranged on the sleeve 19 such that the first retaining section 15 of the first leg 4 engages the first retaining projection 23 and the second retaining section 16 of the second leg 5 of the locking clip 1 engages the second retaining projection 24. The locking clip 1 is thus secured to the sleeve 19 in the radial direction.

[0042] The locking clamp 1 is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 8. The locking clamp 1 is shown in Fig. 2 in a front view normal to the plane E, in Fig. 3 in a view from above, in Fig. 4 in a view from below, in Fig. 5 in a first side view, in Fig. 6 in a second side view, and in Fig. 7 in a perspective view. Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along section line AA in Fig. 2.

[0043] The locking clamp 1 has at least one defined weakened area, which is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket 3 is inserted into the receiving space 18 of the plug-in connector 2. According to the invention, the weakened area comprises at least a first weakened section 8, which is arranged on the connecting bracket 6 between the apex 7 and the first leg 4, and at least one second weakened section 9, which is arranged on the connecting bracket 6 between the apex section 7 and the second leg 5. As a result, a separate weakened section is provided for each leg 4, 5, whereby the bending stress on the weakened area is reduced compared to the known prior art.

[0044] In the example shown, the locking clamp 1 is made of a spring steel wire with a substantially round cross-section. The weakened sections 8, 9 have a bending cross-section 10 that differs from the round cross-section. In the example shown, the weakened sections 8, 9 each have two opposing, flat, and parallel outer surfaces 11, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 8. The outer surfaces 11 are connected by convex surfaces. This results in a substantially oval bending cross-section 10.

[0045] The weakened sections 8, 9 can, however, in principle also have a different shape. What is important for the invention, however, is that the bending cross-sections each have a bending cross-section 10 with a smaller axial area moment of inertia relative to a reference axis B of the respective bending cross-section 10 lying parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the locking clip 1 than the remaining sections of the locking clip 1 between the first and second contact areas 12, 13. This ensures that the locking clip is actually bent in the area of ​​the bending cross-sections 8, 9 and not at another point. The remaining sections between the first contact area 12 and the free end of the first leg 4 orHowever, between the second contact area 13 and the free end of the second leg 5 could in principle also have a smaller axial area moment of inertia than the bending cross-sections 10, since no bending stress occurs here.

[0046] The bending cross-section 10 is advantageously designed such that, despite the reduced bending stiffness about the reference axis B, a bending stiffness about an axis of the bending cross-section 10 lying parallel to the vertical axis H is the same size or possibly even slightly larger than the bending stiffness of the round cross-section of the spring steel wire.

[0047] A length X of the first weakened section 8 can, for example, be at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of a length of that section of the connecting bracket 6 that lies between the apex 7 and the end of the first leg 4 connected to the connecting bracket 6. Alternatively or additionally, in an analogous manner, a length Y of the second weakened section 9 can be at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of a length of that section of the connecting bracket 6 that lies between the apex 7 and the end of the second leg 5 connected to the connecting bracket 6. The length X of the first weakened section 8 is preferably the same as the length Y of the second weakened section from section 9. However, the lengths X, Y could also differ in principle.In the example shown, the legs 4, 5 each have a central section 14 that is straight with respect to their longitudinal extent and encompasses the contact area 12, 13. The weakened sections 8, 9 are also straight. A central axis M of the straight first weakened section 8 and a central axis M of the straight central section 14 of the first leg 4 are at an obtuse first interior angle α to one another, and a central axis M of the straight second weakened section 9 and a central axis M of the straight central section 14 of the second leg 5 are also at an obtuse second interior angle β to one another, as can be seen in Fig. 2. In addition, the central axes M of the straight weakened sections 8, 9 and the central axes M of the straight central sections 14 lie in the plane E spanned by the vertical axis H and the transverse axis Q, as can be seen in Fig.3 to Fig.6.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the first weakened section 8 comprises a single weakened section 8 and the second weakened section 9 comprises a single weakened section 9. However, it would be conceivable for the first weakened section 8 to comprise a plurality i of separate weakened sections 8i that are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the first weakened section 8 and / or for the second weakened section 9 to comprise a plurality i of separate weakened sections 9i that are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the first weakened section 9. The separate weakened sections 8i, 9i can be identical or different.

[0049] The first weakened section 8 is located centrally here between the apex 7 and an end of the first leg 4 connected to the connecting bracket 6. The second weakened section 9 is also located centrally between the apex 7 and an end of the second leg 5 connected to the connecting bracket 6. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the first weakened section 8 to be closer to the apex 7 than to an end of the first leg 4 connected to the connecting bracket 6, or vice versa. In the same way, it would be conceivable for the second weakened section 9 to be closer to the apex 7 than to an end of the second leg 5 connected to the connecting bracket 6, or vice versa. This can influence the bending characteristics of the locking clamp 1.

[0050] A method according to the invention for producing the locking clip 1 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 9. In a first step S 1, a blank 32 of the locking clip 1 is prepared from a spring steel wire with a desired cross-section and a specified length. The cross-section can be round or square, for example, as indicated in Fig. 9.

[0051] In a further step S2, the blank 32 is bent using a suitable bending tool (not shown) into a U-shaped profile comprising a first leg 4 and a second leg 5, which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis Q and connected by a connecting bracket 6. The connecting bracket 6 comprises an apex 7, which, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis Q, lies centrally between the two legs 4, 5 and which delimits the connecting bracket 6 in the direction of the vertical axis H. The bending is preferably carried out automatically.

[0052] Alternatively, the two steps S1 and S2 can be omitted and a finished U-shaped profile can be provided in step S3.

[0053] In a further step S4, a defined weakened area is created on the U-shaped profile, which is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket 3 is inserted into the connector 2. The weakened area comprises at least a first weakened section 8, which lies between the apex 7 and the first leg 4, and at least a second weakened section 9, which lies between the apex section 7 and the second leg 5 (see Fig. 2).

[0054] For example, a spring steel wire with a substantially round cross-section can be used, wherein the weakened sections 8, 9 are created by compressing the round cross-section using a suitable pressing tool 33, so that a bending cross-section 10 is created that differs from the round cross-section. The pressing tool WP is preferably designed such that two opposite, flat and parallel outer surfaces 11 are created on the weakened sections 8, 9. The pressing tool 33 can, for example, comprise two opposite pressing parts 34, 35, between which the spring steel wire is compressed with a specific pressing force FP in order to create the respective weakened section 8, 9. The two pressing parts 34, 35 can be moved towards one another, or one of the pressing parts 34, 35 can be stationary and the other pressing part 34, 35 can be movable and pressed in the direction of the stationary pressing part 34, 35.In general, the bending cross sections 10 of the first and second weakening sections from section 8, 9 are preferably each designed such that they have a smaller axial area moment of inertia relative to a reference axis B of the respective bending cross section 10 lying parallel to a longitudinal axis L (see Fig.7) of the locking clamp 1 than the remaining sections of the locking clamp 1 between a first contact area 12 located on the first leg 4 and designed for contact by the pipe socket 3 and a second contact area 13 located on the second leg 5 and designed for contact by the pipe socket 3 (see Fig.2 and Fig.3).

[0055] The U-profile can be provided (step S3) or produced (step S2) such that the legs 5, 4 each have a central section 14 which is straight with respect to their longitudinal extent and which comprises the contact area 12, 13 for contacting by the pipe socket 3. Alternatively or additionally, the weakened sections 8, 9 can be formed straight. Preferably, a central axis M of the straight first weakened section 8 and a central axis M of the straight central section 14 of the first leg 4 are arranged at an obtuse first interior angle α to one another and / or a central axis M of the straight first weakened section 9 and a central axis M of the straight central section 14 of the second leg 5 are arranged at an obtuse second interior angle β to one another (see Fig. 2). The first interior angle α and the second interior angle β are preferably the same size. As mentioned at the beginning, the interior angles can range from 60° to 120°.

[0056] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the U-profile is provided (step S3) or produced (step S2) in such a way that central axes M of the straight weakened sections 8, 9 and central axes M of the straight central sections 14 lie in a plane E spanned by the vertical axis H and the transverse axis Q.

[0057] In step S4, a single first weakened section 8 and / or a single second weakened section 9 can be created. Alternatively, a plurality i of first weakened sections 8i could also be created on the first weakened section 8 and / or a plurality i of second weakened sections 9i could also be created on the second weakened section 9. For this purpose, a correspondingly shorter pressing tool 33 can be used, for example, whose pressing parts 34, 35 have a smaller width (in Fig. 9, step 4 normal to the plane of the drawing). The pressing tool 33 can be pressed sequentially several times in order to obtain the plurality i of first weakened sections 8i or the plurality i of second weakened sections 9i. However, a suitable pressing tool 33 could also be used, the pressing surface of which is shaped according to the desired plurality i of first or second weakened sections 8i, 9i.

[0058] The first weakened section 8 can be arranged centrally between the apex 7 and an end of the first leg 4 connected to the connecting bracket 6. Alternatively or additionally, the second weakened section 9 can be arranged centrally between the apex 7 and an end of the second leg 5 connected to the connecting bracket 6. This is shown in Fig. 2.

[0059] The first weakened section 8, however, could also be created closer to the apex 7 than to an end of the first leg 4 connected to the connecting bracket 6, or vice versa. Similarly, the second weakened section 9 could also be created closer to the apex 7 than to an end of the second leg 5 connected to the connecting bracket 6, or vice versa (not shown).

[0060] Finally, in a further step S5, a first holding section 15 with a free end can be created on the first leg 4 on a side facing away from the apex 7 in the direction of the vertical axis H. Alternatively or additionally, a second holding section 16 with a free end can be created on the second leg 5 on a side facing away from the apex 7 in the direction of the vertical axis H. This can be done by bending the spring beam wire accordingly, preferably automatically using a suitable bending tool. Step S5 is optional and is therefore indicated by dashed lines.

[0061] In this case, a straight section can preferably be provided on the first holding section 15, the central axis M of which intersects a plane E spanned by the vertical axis H and the transverse axis Q, and / or a straight section can be provided on the second holding section 16, the central axis M of which intersects the plane E. The straight sections preferably comprise the free ends, and the central axes M are preferably perpendicular to the plane E, as can be seen in Fig. 5 + 6 and in Fig. 9, step S5.

[0062] Optionally, the production of the holding sections 15, 16 could of course also already be carried out in

[0063] Step S2 can take place during the bending of the U-shaped profile or in step S3 a U-shaped profile could be provided which already comprises the holding sections 15, 16.

[0064] According to an alternative process sequence (indicated by the dashed path in Fig. 9), the weakened sections 8, 9 (step S4) could also be created at the designated positions on the blank 32 (step S1). The blank 32 with the weakened sections 8, 9 arranged thereon could only subsequently be bent into a U-shaped profile in step S2, where the holding sections 15, 16 are also created if necessary (step S5).

[0065] It is therefore clear that steps S1-S5 do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order shown, but that the person skilled in the art can vary the order of steps S1-S5.

[0066] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0067] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0068] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10. For the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that in order to improve understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0069] Reference symbol list

[0070] Locking clamp 32 blank

[0071] Connector 33 pressing tool

[0072] Pipe socket 34 First press part

[0073] First leg 35 Second pressing part

[0074] Second leg F force

[0075] Connecting bracket E level

[0076] Vertex M Central axis of the locking clamp

[0077] First weakening section L longitudinal axis

[0078] Second weakening section H vertical axis

[0079] Bending cross-section Q transverse axis

[0080] Outer surface X length of the first weakening section

[0081] First contact area cut

[0082] Second contact area Y Length of the second weakening section

[0083] Central section section

[0084] First holding section S Center axis of the connector

[0085] Second holding section a First interior angle

[0086] Fluid line ß Second interior angle

[0087] recording room

[0088] sleeve

[0089] recess

[0090] First opening

[0091] Second opening

[0092] First holding projection

[0093] Second holding projection

[0094] connecting section

[0095] First cylinder section

[0096] Second cylinder section

[0097] Actuating section locking recess inner sleeve

[0098] Outer sleeve

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Locking clamp (1) for a plug-in connector (2) for locking a pipe socket (3) which can be inserted into the plug-in connector (2), wherein the locking clamp (1) has a substantially U-shaped profile which comprises a first leg (4) and a second leg (5) which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis (Q), wherein the legs (4, 5) are connected to a connecting bracket (6) which comprises an apex (7) which, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), lies centrally between the two legs (4, 5) and which delimits the locking clamp (1) along a vertical axis (H) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Q), wherein the locking clamp (1) comprises at least one defined weakened region which is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket (3) is inserted into the plug-in connector (2), characterized in that the at least one weakened region has at least a first weakened section (8),which is arranged between the apex (7) and the first leg (4) and comprises at least one second weakened section (9) which is arranged between the apex section (7) and the second leg (5).

2. Locking clamp (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking clamp (1) is made of a spring steel wire with a substantially round cross-section, wherein the weakened sections (8, 9) have a bending cross-section (10) different from the round cross-section and / or that the weakened sections (8, 9) each comprise two opposite flat and parallel outer surfaces (11).

3. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first leg (4) has a first contact area (12) on which a force (F) acts on the first leg (4) when the pipe socket (3) is inserted, by which force the locking clamp (1) is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the first weakened section (8), the second leg (5) has a second contact area (13) on which a force (F) acts on the second leg (5) when the pipe socket (3) is inserted, by which force the locking clamp (1) is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the second weakened section (9), and that the weakened sections (8, 9) each have a bending cross-section (10) with a smaller axial area moment of inertia relative to a reference axis (B) of the respective bending cross-section (10) than the remaining sections of the locking clamp (1) between the first and second contact areas (12, 13).

4. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a length (X) of the first weakened section (8) is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of a length of a section of the connecting bracket (6) which lies between the apex (7) and the end of the first leg (4) connected to the connecting bracket (6) and / or that a length (Y) of the second weakened section (9) is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 50% of a length of a section of the connecting bracket (6) which lies between the apex (7) and the end of the second leg (5) connected to the connecting bracket (6).

5. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the legs (4, 5) each have a central section (14) which is straight with respect to their longitudinal extension and which comprises a contact area (12, 13) in which a force (F) acts on the respective leg (4, 5) when the pipe socket (3) is inserted and / or that the weakened sections (8, 9) are straight.

6. Locking clamp (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that central axes (M) of the straight weakened sections (8, 9) and central axes (M) of the straight central sections (14) lie in a plane (E) spanned by the vertical axis (H) and the transverse axis (Q).

7. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one first weakened section (8) comprises a single weakened section (8) and / or that the at least one second weakened section (9) comprises a single weakened section (9).

8. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one first weakened section (8) is arranged centrally between the apex (7) and an end of the first Leg (4) is arranged and / or the at least one second weakened section (9) is arranged centrally between the apex (7) and an end of the second leg (5) connected to the connecting bracket (6) or that the at least one first weakened section (8) is closer to the apex (7) than to an end of the first leg (4) connected to the connecting bracket (6) or vice versa and / or the at least one second weakened section (9) is closer to the apex (7) than to an end of the second leg (5) connected to the connecting bracket (6) or vice versa.

9. Locking clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first leg (4) comprises a first holding section (15) with a free end on a side facing away from the apex (7) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and / or that the second leg (5) comprises a second holding section (16) with a free end on a side facing away from the apex (7) in the direction of the vertical axis (H), wherein preferably the first holding section (15) and / or the second holding section (16) comprises a straight section whose central axis (M) intersects a plane (E) spanned by the vertical axis (H) and the transverse axis (Q), wherein particularly preferably the straight sections comprise the free ends and the central axes (M) are normal to the plane (E).

10. Plug-in connector (2) for connecting a fluid line (17) to a pipe socket (3), wherein the pipe socket (3) can be inserted into a receiving space (18) of the plug-in connector (2) and wherein the plug-in connector (2) comprises a locking clamp (1) for locking the pipe socket (3) to the plug-in connector (2), characterized in that the locking clamp (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Plug connector (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the plug connector (2) comprises a sleeve (19) which forms at least part of the receiving space (18) and in that a recess (20) is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve (19), in which the locking clip (1) is received, wherein the sleeve (19) comprises a first opening (21) and a diametrically opposite second opening (22), which each connect the recess (20) to the receiving space (18), wherein the first leg (4) of the locking clip (1) extends through the first opening (21) into the Receiving space (18) and the second leg (5) of the locking clamp (1) extends through the second opening (22) into the receiving space (18).

12. Plug connector (2) according to claim 11, wherein the locking clip (1) is designed according to claim 9, characterized in that on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve (19) two circumferentially spaced-apart first retaining projections (23) and a circumferentially spaced-apart second retaining projection (24) are provided, wherein the first retaining portion (15) of the first leg (4) of the locking clip (1) engages the first retaining projection (23) and the second retaining portion (16) of the second leg (5) of the locking clip (1) engages the second retaining projection (24).

13. Method for producing a locking clamp (1) for a connector (2) for locking a pipe socket (3) which can be inserted into the connector (2), wherein the following steps are carried out: - Providing or producing a substantially U-shaped profile from a spring steel wire, wherein the U-shaped profile comprises a first leg (4) and a second leg (5) which are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis (Q) and are connected by a connecting bracket (6), wherein the connecting bracket (6) comprises an apex (7) which, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), lies centrally between the two legs (4, 5) and which delimits the connecting bracket (6) in the direction of the vertical axis (H), - Creating a defined weakened region which is designed to be elastically deformed when the pipe socket (3) is inserted into the plug-in connector (2), wherein the weakened region comprises at least a first weakened section (8) which lies between the apex (7) and the first leg (4) and at least a second weakened section (9) which lies between the apex section (7) and the second leg (5).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a spring steel wire with a substantially round cross-section is used, wherein the weakened sections (8, 9) are produced by compressing the round cross-section by means of a pressing tool, so that a bending cross-section (10) different from the round cross-section is produced, wherein the pressing tool is preferably designed such that Two opposite flat and parallel outer surfaces (11) are produced in each of the weakened sections (8, 9).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that bending cross-sections (10) of the first and second weakened section (9) are each designed such that they have a smaller axial area moment of inertia with respect to a reference axis (B) of the respective bending cross-section (10) lying parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the locking clamp (1) than the remaining sections of the locking clamp (1) between a first contact region (12) located on the first leg (4) and designed for contact by the pipe socket (3) and a second contact region (13) located on the second leg (5) and designed for contact by the pipe socket (3).

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the U-profile is provided or produced in such a way that the legs (5, 4) each have a central section (14) which is straight with respect to their longitudinal extent and which comprises a contact area (12, 13) for contacting by the pipe socket (3) and / or that the weakened sections (8, 9) are formed straight.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the U-profile is provided or produced in such a way that central axes (M) of the straight weakened sections (8, 9) and central axes (M) of the straight central sections (14) lie in a plane (E) spanned by the vertical axis (H) and the transverse axis (Q) and / or that a single first weakened section (8) and / or a single second weakened section (9) is produced.

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the at least one first weakened section (8) is arranged centrally between the apex (7) and an end of the first leg (4) connected to the connecting bracket (6) and / or that the at least one second weakened section (9) is arranged centrally between the apex (7) and an end of the second leg (5) connected to the connecting bracket (6) or that the at least one first weakened section (8) is produced closer to the apex (7) than to an end connected to the connecting bracket (6) of the first leg (4) or vice versa and / or the at least one second weakened section (9) is produced closer to the apex (7) than at an end of the second leg (5) connected to the connecting bracket (6) or vice versa.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that a first holding section (15) with a free end is provided on the first leg (4) on a side facing away from the apex (7) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and / or that a second holding section (16) with a free end is provided on the second leg (5) on a side facing away from the apex (7) in the direction of the vertical axis (H), wherein preferably a straight section is provided on the first holding section (15), the central axis (M) of which intersects a plane (E) spanned by the vertical axis (H) and the transverse axis (Q), and / or a straight section is provided on the second holding section (16), the central axis (M) of which intersects a plane (E) spanned by the vertical axis (H) and the transverse axis (Q), wherein particularly preferably the straight sections comprise the free ends and the central axes (M) are normal to the plane (E).

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