Plug connector for fluidically connecting two fluid-conducting components

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for connecting an opening (2) of a fluid-conducting first component (3) to a fluid-conducting second component (4), wherein the plug connector (1) comprises a connection sleeve (5) and a connection piece (6) which can be coupled to one another, wherein the connection sleeve (5) has a fastening portion (8) for fastening to the first component (3) and a first coupling portion (10) for coupling the connection piece (6), wherein the connection piece (6) has a second coupling portion (12) which can be coupled to the first coupling portion (10) and a connection portion (14) for connecting the second component (4), wherein the first coupling portion (10) of the connection sleeve (5) has a receiving space (15) for inserting the second coupling portion (12) of the connection piece (6), on the inner circumferential surface of which a plurality of retaining windows (16) are provided, which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, and wherein the second coupling portion (12) comprises a number of flexible retaining tabs (17) corresponding to the number of retaining windows (16), said retaining tabs being designed to elastically deform in the radial direction when the connection piece (6) is being inserted into the connection sleeve (5) in order to latch into the retaining windows (16).

Description

[0001] PLUG CONNECTOR FOR FLUIDLY CONNECTING TWO FLUID GUIDES

[0002] THE COMPONENTS

[0003] The invention relates to a connector for fluidically connecting an opening of a fluid-carrying first component, in particular a container, with a fluid-carrying second component, in particular a pipeline, wherein the connector comprises a connecting sleeve and a connecting piece which can be coupled together, wherein the connecting sleeve has at a first sleeve end a fastening section for attaching to the first component and at the opposite second sleeve end a first coupling section for coupling the connecting piece, wherein the connecting piece has at a first piece end a second coupling section which can be coupled to the first coupling section and at the opposite second piece end a connection section for connecting the second component.

[0004] Connectors of this type are used in a wide variety of industrial sectors to connect fluid-carrying components, preferably with a seal. This occurs, for example, during the assembly process of manufacturing a specific product. Depending on the application and the fluid used, the fluid-carrying components can be, for example, rigid pipes, flexible hoses, or similar items. A pipe can also be integrated into a component, for example, as an integral channel. Another example of a fluid-carrying component is a container, particularly one for holding liquids, such as a tank. For example, a connector of this type can be used to connect a pipe or hose to an opening in a container.

[0005] The fluids used can be gaseous or liquid. Gaseous media can include, for example, (compressed) air or certain process gases. Liquid media include, for example, water, lubricating oil, coolant, refrigerants, etc.

[0006] Depending on the application, however, there may be different requirements for a connector that cannot always be reliably met by a single design. For example, there may be a specific, advantageous connector design for certain fluids, and / or for certain state variables (e.g., pressure, temperature), or for certain industrial applications or standards, but this design may not be suitable, or only partially suitable, for a different fluid, a different industrial application, or different state variables. For example, different advantageous connection techniques may exist for a metallic pipe (as the fluid line to be connected) than for a flexible hose. To meet these different requirements, a suitable connector has essentially been used for each application.

[0007] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a connector that can be manufactured cost-effectively, that enables the simplest and most reliable handling possible, and that can be adapted as easily as possible to different requirements.

[0008] This problem is solved by the aforementioned connector in that the first coupling section of the connecting sleeve has a receiving space for inserting the second coupling section of the connecting piece, wherein several retaining windows are provided in the receiving space on an inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section, which are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and spaced axially from the second sleeve end, and that the second coupling section comprises a number of flexible retaining tabs corresponding to the number of retaining windows, which are designed to be elastically deformed in the radial direction when the connecting piece is inserted into the connecting sleeve in order to snap into the retaining windows.

[0009] The two-part design of the connector makes it modular and allows for universal and flexible use. In particular, a standardized connecting sleeve can be provided, which can be combined with various connection spigots. This allows the connector to be easily and flexibly adapted to specific requirements of the second component to be connected, especially the pipeline. Previously, it was always necessary to replace the entire connector, as each connector only had a specific connection section, e.g., according to the VDA or SAE standard. With the present invention, however, a very simple conversion to a different connection section is possible, e.g., from SAE to VDA or vice versa. The connecting sleeve remains the same; only the connection spigot needs to be replaced.The second coupling section is, of course, always compatible with the first coupling section of the connecting sleeve. The coupling can be designed to be detachable or designed to be non-detachable. "Designated to be detachable" in this context means that detachment is desired, for example, to replace the connector. "Designated to be non-detachable" in this context means that detachment after coupling is not desired, so that replacing the connector (without destroying the connector) is no longer possible.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining windows connect the inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section to an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling section. The retaining windows thus penetrate the wall of the first coupling section in a radial direction. This allows the retaining tabs to be accessed from the outside when coupled, enabling, for example, intended release by manually squeezing the retaining tabs together and subsequently pulling out the connecting piece. Alternatively, the retaining windows could extend radially only over a portion of the wall thickness of the first coupling section. In this case, the retaining tabs would be concealed by the wall of the connecting sleeve when coupled and would not be accessible from the outside. In this case, intended release would not be possible.

[0011] The retaining tabs preferably each have a first tab end that is integrally connected to the connecting sleeve and a free second tab end that is closer to the second end of the fitting than the first tab end. This creates an advantageous embodiment in which the retaining tabs are very easily pressed together during insertion. Because the second tab ends of the retaining tabs extend towards the second end of the fitting, the risk of damage during insertion is reduced.

[0012] The tab ends can each have a tab contact surface facing the second end of the fitting, which, when engaged, interacts with a window end face of the corresponding retaining window facing the first end of the sleeve. This allows the retaining tabs to be positively engaged in the retaining window in the axial direction, thus preventing the fitting from coming loose. If release is required, the retaining tabs can first be pressed together radially until the tab contact surface is separated from the window end face. The fitting can then be removed.Preferably, the second tab ends each have a contact projection that extends beyond the tab's contact surface in the axial direction and has a contact surface, preferably convex, on its outer circumferential surface. In the coupled state, this contact surface rests against a region of the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space that is axially adjacent to the retaining windows. This prevents the retaining tabs from potentially shearing out of the retaining windows in the radial direction when coupled. A smooth transition can thus be created, reducing the risk of injury. Furthermore, less dirt can accumulate.

[0013] The connecting sleeve preferably has a sealing surface, particularly a cylindrical one, on an inner circumferential surface, which lies axially between the retaining windows and the first end of the sleeve. The connecting piece preferably has an annular seal arranged axially between the retaining tabs and the first end of the piece, which interacts with the sealing surface when coupled. The connecting piece can, for example, include at least one circumferential groove, and the seal can include at least one O-ring arranged in the circumferential groove. This provides a seal between the connecting sleeve and the connecting piece. The seal is preferably pre-assembled on the connecting piece.

[0014] The fastening section of the connecting sleeve preferably has a flange designed to be metallurgically bonded to a wall of the first component surrounding the opening, preferably by brazing or welding. This creates a permanently fixed connection that ensures a high degree of tightness. In particular, no separate seal is required between the first component, e.g., the container, and the connecting sleeve. Preferably, the flange is designed for furnace brazing (laser or CMT welding). Alternatively, however, another type of fastening is also conceivable, for example, a screw flange or a suitable external or internal thread.

[0015] The connecting sleeve is preferably made of a metallic material and can, in particular, be designed as a sheet metal forming part. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting piece is preferably made of plastic and, in particular, is designed as an injection-molded part. This creates a simple and cost-effective embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting sleeve is a deep-drawn part made of aluminum, and the connecting piece is an injection-molded part made of a glass fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular polyamide filled with 30% glass fibers (PA 6.6 GF30).

[0016] The connecting sleeve can, for example, be made in one piece and / or the connecting piece can be made in one piece. This also creates a simple and cost-effective design.

[0017] Preferably, the width of the retaining tabs and the width of the retaining windows are the same in the circumferential direction. This ensures a rotationally secure coupling. Alternatively, the width of the retaining tabs and the width of the retaining windows can also be defined in the circumferential direction such that the connecting piece, when coupled, can be rotated relative to the connecting sleeve at a defined angle. This can be advantageous, for example, if the connecting piece is curved or bent, because it allows the connection section to be aligned.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting sleeve has at least two, preferably at least three, and in particular at least four retaining windows. The connecting piece preferably has at least two, preferably at least three, and in particular at least four retaining tabs. A higher number of retaining tabs and retaining windows improves the hold. Furthermore, it makes disassembly (where possible) more difficult, as all retaining tabs must be pressed together simultaneously.

[0019] Preferably, the connecting sleeve has a centering recess on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving chamber, which extends from the second sleeve end over a portion of the length of the receiving chamber towards the first sleeve end, and the connecting piece has a centering projection on an outer circumferential surface which engages in the centering recess when coupled. This enables simple and reliable assembly, as correct alignment of the retaining surfaces and the retaining windows is ensured.

[0020] The second coupling section of the connecting piece is preferably bounded by a circumferential shoulder, which has a shoulder end face facing the first end of the piece. The centering projection is preferably connected to the shoulder end face and to the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling section. The circumferential shoulder provides a reliable stop for the connecting piece in the insertion direction, thus facilitating assembly and reducing the risk of damage. The centering projection gains improved mechanical stability from the two-sided connection (radial and axial).

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection section s of the connector is designed according to VDA standard or SAE standard. This allows the connector to be connected to pipes or hoses commonly used in the automotive industry.

[0022] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0023] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0024] Fig. 1 A perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the connector,

[0025] Fig. 2 A perspective view of the connector in the coupled state, and

[0026] Fig. 3 A longitudinal section through the connector in the coupled state.

[0027] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0028] FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference is made alternately to Figures 1 to 3, which show a connector 1 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1, the connector 1 is shown in a perspective exploded view, and in Figure 2, the connector 1 is shown in a perspective view in the coupled state. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the connector 1 in the coupled state. The connector 1 is designed for fluidically connecting an opening 2 of a fluid-carrying first component 3 with a fluid-carrying second component 4. For example, the first component 3 can be a container with a flat wall 28, and the second component 4 can be a pipe or hose, as indicated in Figure 3.

[0030] The connector 1 has a connecting sleeve 5 and a terminal 6 that can be coupled together. As described above, the coupling can be designed to be detachable or not detachable. Preferably, however, the coupling is designed to be not detachable. This means that it is not intended to be possible to detach the terminal 6 from the connecting sleeve 5 (without causing damage) after coupling.

[0031] The connecting sleeve 5 has a first sleeve end 7 and an opposing second sleeve end 9. The connecting sleeve 5 is hollow. This means that the first sleeve end 7 and the second sleeve end 9 are connected. A fastening section 8 is provided at the first sleeve end 7 for attaching the connecting sleeve 5 to the first component 3. At the opposing second sleeve end 9, the connecting sleeve 5 includes a first coupling section 10 for coupling the connecting piece 6.

[0032] In the example shown, the connecting sleeve 5 is straight and therefore has a longitudinal axis (shown as a dashed line). Of course, in an alternative design, the connecting sleeve 5 could also be curved or angled. However, the end sections in the area of ​​the fastening section 8 or the first coupling section 10 are preferably always straight.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the fastening section 8 of the connecting sleeve 5 has, by way of example, a flange 27 designed to be metallurgically connected to a wall 28 of the first component 3 surrounding the opening 2, preferably by brazing or welding. A weld seam is indicated by way of example in Fig. 3. The flange 27 is designed here for mounting on a flat wall 28. If the wall 28 of the first component 3 has a curved outer surface (not shown), then the flange 27 could have a complementary curve. Alternatively, however, another type of fastening would also be conceivable, for example, a screw flange or a suitable external or internal thread.

[0034] The connecting piece 6 has a first end 11 and an opposing second end 13. The connecting piece 6 is hollow, with the first end 11 and the second end 13 connected via a flow channel. A second coupling section 12, which can be coupled to the first coupling section 10, is provided at the first end 11. A suitable connection s from section 14 for connecting the second component 4 is provided at the opposing second end 13. Analogous to the connecting sleeve 5, the connecting piece 6 in the illustrated embodiment is also, by way of example, designed to be straight and has a longitudinal axis (shown with a dashed line). Of course, the connecting piece 6 could also be bent or angled. However, if the connecting piece 6 is bent or angled, the ends (at which the second coupling section 12 and the connection s from section 14 are located) are preferably straight again.

[0035] The first coupling section 10 of the connecting sleeve 5 has a receiving space 15 for inserting the second coupling section 12 of the connecting stub 6. In the coupled state, the second coupling section 12 of the connecting stub 6 is thus surrounded by the first coupling section 10 of the connecting sleeve 5.

[0036] Several retaining windows 16 are provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section 10 in the area of ​​the receiving space 15. The retaining windows 16 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from one another and are axially spaced from the second sleeve end 9. The retaining windows 16 are preferably evenly distributed around the circumference. The second coupling section 12 of the connecting piece 6 has a number of flexible retaining tabs 17 corresponding to the number of retaining windows 16. These tabs are designed to be elastically deformed radially when the connecting piece 6 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 5, in order to engage in the retaining windows 16.

[0037] In the illustrated example, three retaining windows 16 and three retaining tabs 17 are provided, each offset from the others by 120°. Of course, more than two retaining windows 16 and retaining tabs 17 could also be provided, but at least two retaining windows 16 and two retaining tabs 17. The retaining windows 16 are designed here as through-openings and each connects an inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section 10 with an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling section 10. In the coupled state, the retaining tabs 17 are thus accessible from the outside, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 2. As described at the beginning, the retaining windows 16 could also be designed as non-through-openings.

[0038] The retaining tabs 17 each have a first tab end 18, which is integrally connected to the connecting sleeve 5, and a free second tab end 19. The second tab end 19 is closer to the second spigot end 13 than the first tab end 18. The retaining tabs 17 are flexible and inclined outwards at an angle of, for example, approximately 30° to the longitudinal axis. For coupling, the connecting spigot 6 can be inserted into the receiving space 15 of the connecting sleeve 5. During this process, the retaining tabs 17 are elastically deformed inwards in a radial direction, whereby the free second tab ends 19 move relative to the first tab ends 18. As soon as the second tab ends 19 are in the area of ​​the corresponding retaining windows 16, they snap into place in the retaining windows 16 due to their elasticity, thus completing the coupling.

[0039] The second tab ends 19 each have a tab tuning surface 20 facing the second spigot end 13, which, in the locked state, interacts with a window end face 21 of the corresponding retaining window 16 facing the first sleeve end 7. This creates a positive locking in the axial direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0040] Furthermore, in the example shown, the second tab ends 19 each have a contact projection 22 that extends axially beyond the tab contact surface 20. A contact surface 23 is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the contact projection 22. In the coupled state, this contact surface rests against the inner circumferential surface of the receiving chamber 15 in a region that axially borders the retaining windows 16. The contact surface 23 is preferably convex and, in particular, has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the receiving chamber 15. This prevents the retaining tabs 17 from pushing outwards after being engaged in the retaining windows 16. In particular, this allows for the formation of a substantially stepless circumferential surface on which little or no dirt can accumulate.

[0041] The connecting sleeve 5 has a sealing surface 24, in particular cylindrical, on an inner circumferential surface, which lies axially between the retaining windows 16 and the first sleeve end 7. The connecting piece 6 has an annular seal 25, which is arranged axially between the retaining tabs 17 and the first piece end 11. In the coupled state, the seal 25 interacts with the sealing surface 24 to form a seal between the connecting sleeve 5 and the connecting piece 6.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential groove 26 is provided on the connecting piece 6, and the seal 25 comprises an O-ring arranged in the circumferential groove 26. The O-ring is preferably pre-assembled. However, contrary to the illustration, other types of sealing are also conceivable. For example, two or more circumferential grooves could be provided, arranged axially spaced apart from one another. A sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, could be arranged in each circumferential groove.

[0043] The connecting sleeve 5 is preferably made of a metallic material, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In particular, the connecting sleeve 5 can be designed as a sheet metal forming part, especially a deep-drawn part. The connecting nozzle 6 can be made of a suitable plastic and can, in particular, be designed as an injection-molded part. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic is a polyamide filled with 30% glass fibers (known as PA 6.6 GF30). This results in a comparatively high strength.

[0044] To enable cost-effective manufacturing of the connector 1, it is advantageous for the connecting sleeve 5 to be formed in one piece. Similarly, it is advantageous for the connecting piece 6 to be formed in one piece. This eliminates the need to assemble multiple individual parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the retaining tabs 17 and the width of the retaining windows 16 are the same in the circumferential direction. This creates a positive fit in the circumferential direction, so that the connecting piece 6 cannot be rotated relative to the connecting sleeve 5 after coupling. The outer surfaces of the retaining tabs 17, facing away from each other in the circumferential direction, thus rest against the inner surfaces of the retaining windows 16, which face each other in the circumferential direction.

[0045] In the example shown, the connecting sleeve 5 has a centering recess 29 on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving chamber 15, which extends from the second sleeve end 9 over a portion of the length of the receiving chamber 15 towards the first sleeve end 7. The centering recess 29 is located on a protrusion on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve 5.

[0046] The connecting piece 6 has a centering projection 30 on an outer circumferential surface of the second coupling section 12, which engages in the centering recess 29 when coupled, as can be seen in Fig. 2. This simplifies assembly, since coupling is only possible in one relative position (viewed in the circumferential direction). However, it would also be conceivable to have several centering projections 30 arranged on the connecting piece 6, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. This would allow for multiple coupling positions. This is advantageous, for example, for bent or angled connecting pieces.

[0047] In the example shown, the second coupling section 12 of the connecting piece 6 is bounded by a circumferential shoulder 31. The circumferential shoulder 31 has a shoulder end face 32 facing the first end 11 of the piece. The centering projection 30 is connected here on one side to the shoulder end face 32 (in the axial direction) and on the other side to the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling section 12 (in the radial direction). The shoulder end face 32 can, for example, form a stop for the connecting piece 6 in the insertion direction. The sections of the wall of the connecting sleeve 5 located between the retaining windows 16 and the second sleeve end 9 can thus be received and fixed between the tab rebates 20 of the retaining tabs 17 and the shoulder rebate 32 in the coupled state. The connection section 14 of the connecting piece 6 is designed in accordance with the VDA standard in the example shown.According to a preferred alternative embodiment, the connecting section 14 can be designed according to the SAE standard.

[0048] The VDA standard features a first cylinder section 33 with a first diameter and a second cylinder section 34 with a relatively smaller second diameter. The second cylinder section 34 is located closer to the second nozzle end 13. A transition section 35, tapering towards the second cylinder section 34, is provided between the first cylinder section 33 and the second cylinder section 34. A circumferential groove 36 is provided on the first cylinder section 33, which serves to receive a locking device (not shown), e.g., a retaining clip, with which a pipe or hose can be locked to the connection section 14. The pipe or hose can, for example, include a suitable coupling that incorporates the locking device.

[0049] Optionally, the connecting section 14 can also include an anti-rotation device according to the VDA standard. As illustrated by way of example in the figures, the anti-rotation device can comprise one or more, here two, anti-rotation projections 37, which are arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical section. The anti-rotation projections 37 can interact with corresponding recesses in the pipeline or hose to be coupled, in particular the coupling, to create an anti-rotation connection.

[0050] Unlike the VDA standard, the SAE standard (not shown) does not have a circumferential groove for locking, but rather a circumferential ridge. The SAE and VDA standards are well-known, therefore no further description is provided here.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0052] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0053] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0054] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0055] Reference numeral list

[0056] Connector 32 Shoulder contact surface Opening 33 First cylinder section first component 34 Second cylinder section second component 35 Transition section Connecting sleeve 36 Circumferential groove Connection stub 37 Anti-rotation projection first sleeve end fastening section second sleeve end first coupling section first stub end second coupling section second stub end connecting section receiving space retaining window

[0057] Retaining tab, first tab end, second tab end, tab contact surface, window front surface, mounting projection, mounting surface, sealing surface, gasket, circumferential groove, flange

[0058] Wall, centering recess, centering projection, circumferential shoulder

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Connector (1) for fluidically connecting an opening (2) of a fluid-carrying first component (3), in particular a container, with a fluid-carrying second component (4), in particular a pipeline, wherein the connector (1) comprises a connecting sleeve (5) and a connecting piece (6) that can be coupled to each other, wherein the connecting sleeve (5) has at a first sleeve end (7) a fastening section (8) for fastening to the first component (3) and at the opposite second sleeve end (9) a first coupling section (10) for coupling the connecting piece (6), wherein the connecting piece (6) has at a first piece end (11) a second coupling section (12) that can be coupled to the first coupling section (10) and at the opposite second piece end (13) a connection section (14) for connecting the second component (4), characterized in thatthat the first coupling section (10) of the connecting sleeve (5) has a receiving space (15) for inserting the second coupling section (12) of the connecting piece (6), wherein several retaining windows (16) are provided in the receiving space (15) on an inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section (10), which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and axially spaced from the second sleeve end (9), and that the second coupling section (12) comprises a number of flexible retaining tabs (17) corresponding to the number of retaining windows (16), which are designed to be elastically deformed in the radial direction when the connecting piece (6) is inserted into the connecting sleeve (5) in order to snap into the retaining windows (16).

2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining windows (16) each connect the inner circumferential surface of the first coupling section (10) with an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling section (10).

3. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining tabs (17) each have a first tab end (18) which is integrally connected to the connecting sleeve (5) and have a free second tab end (19) which is closer to the second spigot end (13) than the first tab end (18).

4. Connector (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second tab ends (19) each have a facing towards the second socket end (13). have a tab tuning surface (20) which, in the locked state, interacts with a window end surface (21) of the corresponding retaining window (16) facing the first sleeve end (7).

5. Connector (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second tab ends (19) each have a contact projection (22) which extends beyond the tab end face (20) in the axial direction and which has a contact surface (23) on its outer circumferential surface, preferably convex, which in the coupled state rests in a region of the inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (15) which is adjacent to the retaining windows (16) in the axial direction.

6. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (5) has a sealing surface (24), in particular a cylindrical one, on an inner circumferential surface, which lies in the axial direction between the retaining windows (16) and the first sleeve end (7), and that the connecting stub (6) has an annular seal (25) which is arranged in the axial direction between the retaining tabs (17) and the first stub end (11) and which interacts with the sealing surface (24) in the coupled state, wherein the connecting stub (6) preferably comprises at least one circumferential groove (26) and the seal (25) preferably comprises at least one O-ring which is arranged in the circumferential groove (26).

7. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening section (8) of the connecting sleeve (5) has a flange (27) which is designed to be joined to a wall (28) surrounding the opening (2) of the first component (3) by means of a material bond, preferably by soldering or welding.

8. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (5) is made of a metallic material and is preferably designed as a sheet metal forming part and / or that the connecting stub (6) is made of plastic and is preferably designed as an injection molded part.

9. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (5) is one piece and / or that the connecting stub (6) is one piece.

10. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the width of the retaining tabs (17) and the width of the retaining windows (16) are the same in the circumferential direction or that the width of the retaining tabs (17) and the width of the retaining windows (16) are defined in the circumferential direction such that the connecting stub (6) can be rotated in the coupled state relative to the connecting sleeve (5) in a defined angle of rotation.

11. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (5) has at least three retaining windows (16) and the connecting stub (6) has at least three retaining tabs (17).

12. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (5) has a centering recess (29) on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving space (15), which extends from the second sleeve end (9) over a part of a length of the receiving space (15) in the direction of the first sleeve end (7) and that the connecting stub (6) has a centering projection (30) on an outer circumferential surface, which engages in the centering recess (29) in the coupled state.

13. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second coupling section (12) of the connecting stub (6) is limited by a circumferential shoulder (31) which has a shoulder contact surface (32) facing the first stub end (11), wherein the centering projection (30) is preferably connected to the shoulder end surface (32) and to the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling section (12).

14. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connection section (14) of the connector (6) is designed according to VDA standard or according to SAE standard.

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